Flexible Credentialing for Nontraditional Learners: Using Coursera Career Academy Certificates as Experiential Learning Alternatives

Traditional internships often exclude nontraditional learners, including international students, career-switchers, student parents, and working adults who cannot meet time, travel, or labor requirements. This study examines Coursera Career Academy certificates as flexible, skills-based alternatives to internships for nontraditional learners enrolled in a U.S.-accredited business program in the South Pacific. Drawing on reflections from 25 undergraduate learners, the study highlights benefits such as workforce-aligned training, schedule flexibility, and accessibility for students with full-time jobs, international student status, or caregiving responsibilities. Students also noted limitations in interactivity, real-time feedback, and opportunities for networking. Findings suggest that professionally developed certifications can serve as viable experiential learning alternatives in continuing higher education when they are formally designated as internship substitutes and paired with intentional curriculum design, structured reflection, and soft skills development. The study contributes to ongoing discussions about expanding access to experiential learning for adult and nontraditional learners and illustrates how digital credentialing can support equity, flexibility, and workforce readiness in continuing education settings.