Lake Michigan College will soon have a new program centered on the gig economy.
The LMC Board of Trustees approved its creation this week. Vice President of Academic Affairs Ken Flowers tells us the new offering will be part of the business program.
“The Gig Economy is a certificate as part of our Associate of Applied Business program,” Flowers said. “So we’re seeing a lot of people come in with, they’ll get a job and they’ll work in selling something? Selling something online…so it’s taking all these different experiences they have and helping them build a business with it.”
The Gig Economy Program will offer coursework in business management, marketing, customer service, sales, and professionalism. Flowers says it’s all about responding to current economic trends.
“Get some short-term skills that they can learn how to do sales better, do marketing better, or just kind of build confidence in their ability to grow their own selves. It’s almost like an entrepreneurial type degree.”
36% of U.S. workers participate in gig work, and that’s expected to hit 51% in 2027.
The new certificate is aimed at students interested in freelance or contract roles, working adults making a transition, current gig workers looking for a formal education, and students in other fields planning to do independent work. The program will begin in the fall.
Also this week, the LMC Board of Trustees approved new academic programs in cardiac sonography and studio art.
