Engineering and technology students at East Texas A&M University have a new way to demonstrate their academic achievements and career-ready skills to potential employers.

The Department of Engineering and Technology has introduced a series of digital badges through Suitable, a platform that allows students to document and share academic and co-curricular accomplishments. Digital badges complement traditional degrees by highlighting specific competencies students have demonstrated.

ETAMU currently offers badges for students in construction engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering and technology management. An AI Management Proficiency badge is also available to graduate students across the university. Two additional badges are planned for the new mechanical engineering program.

Earning one requires more than completing a class. Students must earn an A in each designated course associated with the badge and participate in an approved discipline-related activity, such as research, a conference, seminar or workshop.

Each badge represents a collection of specific skills. For example, the Applied Machine Learning Excellence badge recognizes competencies including data visualization, regression, classification, clustering, Python coding and algorithm development. Students can share earned badges through LinkedIn and other professional platforms or include them on resumes, portfolios and applications.

“The badges recognize students who demonstrate both academic excellence and professional engagement,” said Dr. Burchan Aydin, head of the Department of Engineering and Technology. “Students must earn A's in all designated courses, but strong grades alone are not enough. They must also actively participate in discipline- or department-related activities.”

The Department of Engineering and Technology combines classroom instruction with research and real-world experiences. Its programs include construction, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering, along with undergraduate and graduate technology management degrees.

Through Suitable, students can build a digital learning record that gives employers and graduate schools a more detailed look at what they have accomplished—and what they can do.