Case Study: Boston University gives PhD students skills language with Lightcast

How Boston University is applying the language of skills to its PhD program

Boston University, a leading research institution, sought to provide its PhD students with a common vocabulary to articulate the skills they were building, ensuring their education was understood both within academia and by future employers. The challenge was to integrate this skills-based approach into their "PhD Progression" program without detracting from students' demanding core studies.

The vendor Lightcast provided the underlying skills taxonomy that powered the university's solution, which centered on a system of over 160 digital badges. Using the Lightcast Open Skills Taxonomy and later the Career Coach platform, BU created an ecosystem where students could earn badges for core competencies and receive personalized learning pathways to bridge skill gaps. This solution enrolled 600 students and awarded 1,600 badges, successfully giving PhDs the language to communicate their value to employers.

Boston University

Sasha Goldman

Director