This advanced upskilling program is designed for non-technical professionals who want to keep up with the rapidly evolving workplace
Future-proof your career with practical skills in AI, leadership, and digital product strategy.
The workplace is evolving at lightning speed. AI-driven tools, digital workflows, and shifting customer expectations are reshaping every industry. For many professionals, it feels overwhelming.
To stay competitive, you need the confidence to spot opportunities, solve problems creatively, and guide teams through change.
The Building Blocks of Digital Media microcredential combines four industry-designed courses in digital product development and strategy, AI, and leadership, capped with a hands-on project you can showcase to employers.
You may qualify for a grant that covers the cost of these courses. Funding is limited—secure your spot today. Apply for your grant.
Why Take this Microcredential
- Career acceleration: Build confidence, the skillset, and leadership credentials—all in one industry-curated experience.
- Practical application: Every course is tied to real challenges and ends with skills you can use immediately in your work.
- Credibility that matters: Earn a certificate by the Centre for Digital Media, Simon Fraser University, and DigiBC.
- Designed for professionals: Flexible online delivery that fits into your work and life.
Who Is This For?
This program is built for non-technical professionals who:
- Feel stuck in their current role and want to pivot into something new.
- See how fast technology is evolving and don’t want to fall behind.
- Want to understand how AI and digital product strategy can solve real business problems.
- Are ready to build practical skills that translate into immediate workplace impact.
Industry Recognized Certificate
You will receive a Certificate of Completion from Centre for Digital Media, Simon Fraser University, and DigiBC upon completion of all courses and one of the electives, which is recognized by association members.
Courses
A Building Blocks of Digital Media Certificate of Completion will be awarded after completing all courses and one of the electives. However, courses can be taken individually.
Course Delivery: Online, asynchronous learning with weekly synchronous virtual sessions.
9 weeks per course (excluding Applications of Digital Media), with 4 hours of self-study and 1-hour synchronous virtual session weekly.
Weekly Time Commitment: 5 hours/week
Duration: 45 hours
9 weeks | 4 hours of self-study and 1 hour synchronous virtual per week
Learn how to use storytelling, generative AI, and strategic foresight to solve real workplace challenges—and leave with a Development Brief you can put into action right away.
Duration: 45 hours
9 weeks | 4 hours of self-study and 1 hour synchronous virtual per week
Digital media products—from the software in airports to apps on our phones—are omnipresent, but how do they work? This course provides a clear understanding of the essential components of digital media development. Designed for non-technical professionals, it equips you with the knowledge to work effectively with technical teams without needing to be a developer.
What You’ll Learn
- Identify the technical components of modern digital products.
- Understand the phases and roles in the software development process.
- Plan for the maintenance and evolution of digital products post-launch.
- Understand the trade-offs of different development approaches.
- Contribute meaningfully to technical discussions.
Duration: 45 hours
9 weeks | 4 hours of self-study and 1 hour synchronous virtual per week
Choose from one of the two electives.
Demystifying AI: A Guide for Business Professionals shows you how to confidently apply AI tools, shape strategic roadmaps, and speak AI fluently with developers and stakeholders—no coding required.
Leadership and Management in Digital Media Production equips you with confidence, project management skills, and AI-enhanced workflow tools to lead hybrid teams and deliver complex digital projects.
Courses
90 hours
12 weeks / Online (90mins)
1.5hrs weekly Zoom session for the first 5 weeks
Apply what you've learned from the previous courses by planning and executing a digital media project. In the first half, learn the essentials of project planning. In the second half, develop your own project under mentorship, turning theoretical knowledge into a practical solution for your workplace.
Meet one of our Subject Matter Experts
Nick Wilkinson
With a BASc and MASc in engineering from UBC, Nick has worked with interdisciplinary teams at NASA, the Canadian government, MoMA, Unity Technologies, and more to deliver digital experiences across web, mobile, AR, VR, and machine learning platforms. Over 20 years, he has led hundreds of app development projects, grown teams, and mentored leaders in client services agencies. Nick is now Managing Director at Steamclock Software, a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a certified facilitator.
What You'll Learn
Understand Digital Media in the Workplace
Grasp how digital media solutions apply to your specific work environment.
Plan Digital Media Projects
Learn the process of developing digital projects, estimating their scope, and setting realistic timelines and budgets.
Leverage Generative AI
Use generative AI to streamline workflows and enhance project development without needing deep technical expertise.
Evaluate and Execute Projects
Map out the production process for digital media projects, assessing whether to build solutions in-house or partner with external teams.
Build Prototypes
Develop a digital media product relevant to your work context.
“Digital media is evolving fast, and professionals risk falling behind if they don't adapt. This program bridges that gap, equipping you with the essential skills to master digital tools, generative AI, and boost your impact at work. VCC has been a Centre for Digital Media project client and I have seen firsthand the power of using digital tools to innovate in the workplace.”
-Brett Griffiths
Dean, School of Trades, Technology, and Design
Vancouver Community College
Take the First Step Toward Leading Digital Projects
Ready to enhance your skills and lead digital media projects with confidence? Enroll in the Building Blocks of Digital Media program today and unlock your potential to create digital solutions and use generative AI in your career!
