Why Your Story Matters
Prospective students have questions. Lots of them. Can I fit this certificate around my job or my family responsibilities? Will it help my current career or to possibly change directions to a new career? Will I make connections to my classmates and instructor in an online course? These are the same questions you might have had before you started.
Here’s the thing: those questions can have an amazing impact when a real person (and student!) answers them. Your story can help future students picture themselves in your shoes.
Your honest words will help prospective students feel confident about a decision that could change their path.
Where We Share Student Stories
We feature these student stories and testimonials across various UVM outreach channels; including: certificate or course website pages, in social media posts, and in emails to prospective students. Your experience could be the nudge that helps someone finally hit “enroll” and take the next step in their education or career.
How to Submit a Written Testimonial
A written testimonial is the quickest way to share your experience in a UVM course. It takes just a few minutes, and you can do it from your phone or laptop. Here’s how it works.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Locate the submission form embedded on this page, button link is below
- Fill in your details and choose the course or certificate you took.
- Write your response—a few sentences to a short paragraph is perfect. There’s no need to overthink it.
- Submit. That’s it. Our team takes it from there.
Follow the button-link below to share a written testimonial:
A Couple of Quick Notes
- We may lightly edit your submission for clarity or length before featuring it, but we’ll always keep your voice and meaning intact.
- If you’re open to a short, friendly video chat, you’ll see an opt-in box on the form. Checking that box and saying “Yes” lets us follow up. No pressure—only if you’d like to.
How to Submit a Video Testimonial
Prefer to speak instead of write? A video testimonial adds a personal touch that many prospective students connect with. Seeing a real, relatable face and hearing a real voice builds instant trust to the UVM experience.
Follow the button-link below to record a short video from either your smartphone or computer:
The Process
- Keep it short. Aim for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. A quick, genuine video clip beats a long, polished one.
- Click into our submission portal where you can easily record a video using your smartphone or computer. No special equipment needed.
- Or record a video on your smartphone and upload it through the submission portal.
Simple Filming Tips
You don’t need to be a videographer. Just follow these basics:
- Find good lighting. Face a window or sit in a well-lit room so your face is clear.
- Choose a quiet space. Background noise can be distracting, so pick a calm spot.
- Speak clearly and naturally. Talk like you’re catching up with a friend.
Tips for a Standout Testimonial
Whether you choose written testimonial or video, a few small things make your story more helpful. The best testimonials feel specific and honest, not scripted.
General Tips
- Be specific. Mention the course, certificate program, instructor, or a standout benefit like flexible scheduling or affordable tuition.
- Focus on outcomes. Share the credential you gained, a new skill you picked up, the credits you earned, or how the coursework fit into a busy schedule.
- Keep it real. A conversational, genuine tone resonates far more than formal language. Speak from your own experience.
Sample Questions to Ask Yourself
Not sure what to say? You can use the sample questions below, pick whichever fits you best.
Pro Tip: Specific, authentic details make your story memorable and useful. Select a few questions from the below lists that feel easiest to answer from your experience, and capture a few versions of your answers in the same video. This allows our team to have a few options to work with to best showcase your testimonial.
If You’re Currently Taking Courses
- What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned so far?
- What’s one key takeaway or skill you’ve already used—or are most excited to apply?
- Was there a moment when you knew this course or certificate was the right choice?
- What would you say to someone on the fence about enrolling?
- What made you choose this program?
- How would you describe the program?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
- How do you think this program will help you get there?
If You’ve Completed Your Coursework
- What were you looking for, and did UVM deliver on it?
- What’s one thing you wish you’d known before enrolling?
- Who would you recommend this program to?
- What would you say to someone hesitating to take this program?
- Have you made friends or professional connections here?
- How would you describe the people and the environment?
- What surprised you most about the experience?
- Which specific module or instructor advice was most valuable?
- What does this education mean for your future?
- How has this program impacted your daily work or career path?
- How important do you think continued learning is today?
You don’t need to answer all of them—just pick one or two that spark a genuine response.
Take a few minutes today and pay it forward and help the next student say yes to their goals.
One Important Detail
Because we may use your video in UVM marketing materials, we’ll ask you to complete a quick consent and release form. This simply confirms you’re okay with us sharing your story. It’s fast and straightforward. We’ll follow up with you after your submission to request the content release form.