CEHC Grad is First to Achieve eSports Micro-Credential

Andy Xu’s entire University at Albany experience has included many aspects of eSports and gaming: first with the student video game club beginning in Fall 2018 and then in Fall 2019 as part UAlbany eSports, the University’s official team. For the senior Informatics major, completing the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity’s (CEHC) eSports micro-credential provided the perfect closure as he neared graduation.

“This micro-credential helps a lot with careers that use streaming services to broadcast live professional footage to an audience, recording professional videos, and knowing how to manage an eSports program,” Xu said. “With this credential, I hope that I can jumpstart a career in starting/continuing an eSports program for a school as this credential gives credibility that I have experience in the field.”

A micro-credential consists of courses and/or trainings that collectively demonstrate a professional skillset which can provide a competitive edge in the job market. Upon completion, you earn a digital badge to display on your LinkedIn profile, resume, email signature, etc., to highlight this competency.

The Brooklyn-New York native was the first student to complete the eSports micro-credential and said that the experience allowed him to meet many new people. He credits Professor Michael Leczinsky and others for instilling confidence in him to pursue his goals while learning new skills.

“Earners of the eSports micro-credential gain an understanding of eSports and the digital gaming ecosystem and a unique perspective of this emerging industry,” said CEHC Professor of Practice and UAlbany eSports Director and Head Coach, Michael Leczinsky. “Participants engage in hands-on experience by working as interns for a national championship winning collegiate eSports team while building their communication, critical thinking, resourcefulness and adaptability skills, which can be used to further their careers.”

Xu fondly recalls that during the program, the League of Legends team collectively achieved first place in its conference with a roster that was assembled in just one semester. They were on their way to California to compete with other first-place schools in the conference, but it was cut short due to COVID-19. They achieved third place the following year and reached playoffs this year.

While he jokes that the micro-credential may not have improved his gaming skills, it helped his role behind-the-scenes managing over 140 students with the other student assistants and Professor Leczinsky.

“You get to learn the process of going through students, putting them on a team, managing their game schedules/conflicts, and you learn the general idea of all the games that are available,” Xu said. “I would recommend pursuing this micro-credential because I believe it’s important to pursue success in other eSports programs.”

As part of the University’s micro-credentials offerings, CEHC currently has three appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals, in the eSports, library sciences and information technology sectors.