Advance your career with

Operations+

Gain skills and a Google Certificate in 12 weeks without quitting your day job. Pay $0 upfront.

  • 12 weeks
  • 18 hours/week
A woman looks at her computer
Amanda     Operations Analyst
Why Operations?

Why Operations?

Considering a career change? Operations is the backbone of every business — and one of the most accessible career paths for organized, detail-oriented problem-solvers. With AI transforming how businesses run, demand for skilled operations talent has never been higher.

Competitive CompensationOperations professionals are in demand across every industry, with median entry-level salaries at $60,000 — and strong growth as experience builds.
AI-Powered Career EdgeOperations+ uniquely combines ASCM supply chain fundamentals with the Google AI Professional Certificate — two industry credentials that give you a cutting-edge advantage.
Versatile Career Paths Build transferable skills that open doors to roles in logistics, procurement, manufacturing, and beyond. Our alumni secure roles such as:
Operations Analyst
Operations Coordinator
Product Operations Specialist
Supply Chain Analyst
Procurement Specialist
Logistics Coordinator
Merit America alumni collaborating on operations and supply chain projects
Salary Trajectory · U.S. Median
Entry
$60K
Mid
$95K
Senior
$144K
Source: Lightcast, 2025
The Career Track

Coursework plus a coach who gets you hired

A Career Track is a guided pathway that pairs industry-recognized coursework with real human coaching — together, they turn a certificate into an actual career change.

The coursework

Industry-recognized coursework in supply chain operations (ASCM curriculum) plus the Google AI Professional Certificate — two credentials in one program, no experience required.

The coach

Merit America career coaching — workshops, peer support, and 1:1 guidance that keep you on track and help you get hired.

The Path — Start to Hired
1

Get connected

We meet learners where they are and connect their prior experience to where they want to go — no degree required.

2

Learn with tech & “touch”

Complete Operations coursework (ASCM + Google AI) through Coursera while receiving Merit America coaching, peer support, and 1:1 guidance.

3

Get hired

We help learners identify tailored opportunities across a network of 500+ employers hiring for entry-level operations roles.

4

Keep growing

Lifetime Coursera access, ongoing alumni support, and continuing education — long after you complete the program.

Your 12-Week Roadmap to an Operations Career

Our accelerated program integrates core supply chain management with AI technical literacy. We combine flexible online learning with high-touch coaching — designed to fit your life while giving you the rigorous skills employers expect.

Getting Oriented

Starting a new career is a big step, and we’re here to make it as smooth as possible. In your first 4 weeks, you’ll dive into operations management fundamentals, begin the Google AI Professional Certificate, and start building momentum.

This period helps you experience the pace and expectations of the program. You’ll have through the end of Week 5 to explore and receive a full refund if you decide not to continue.

18+ Hours / WeekExpected Commitment

Operations Skills

Operations ManagementIntroduction to planning, forecasting, and demand management from the ASCM curriculum.
Distribution & LogisticsExplore warehouse management, transportation operations, and logistics strategy.
AI FundamentalsBegin the Google AI Professional Certificate — AI basics, brainstorming, planning, and research applications.

Professional Skills

Orientation & CommunityAttend Orientation, connect with peers on the same journey, and master key learning platforms.
Career Pathways in OperationsExplore operations career tracks, identify your transferable skills, and map your goals with your coach.
Resume BrainstormingBegin translating your experience into operations-focused professional materials with AI-powered tools.

Deep Operational Training

This is where you build job-ready skills and confidence. Weeks 5–12 combine rigorous supply chain coursework with AI applications and intensive career preparation.

You’ll master inventory management, procurement, lean production, and quality control — all while learning to apply AI for data analysis, content creation, and even app building. The program culminates in a Capstone Project where you optimize simulated processes using AI-driven strategies.

Peak IntensityCapstone + Job Applications
Outcomes:ASCM + Google AI Certificate

Operations Curriculum

Inventory & ProcurementMaster inventory replenishment, sourcing strategies, and purchase order management.
Manufacturing & LeanLearn lean production principles, process improvement, TQM, and statistical quality control.
AI ApplicationsApply AI for writing, data analysis, content creation, and app building through the Google AI Certificate.
Final CapstoneOptimize simulated operational processes and eliminate bottlenecks using AI-driven strategies.

Career Preparation

Resume & LinkedInDraft, refine, and finalize your resume and LinkedIn profile with 1:1 coaching support.
Interview MasteryPractice behavioral and technical interviews using STAR methodology and AI-powered simulators.
Strategic Job SearchRegister on Huntr, learn to interact with recruiters, avoid scams, and actively apply for roles.
Professional NetworkingBuild outreach plans, write cover letters, and prepare questions for interviewers and reference lists.

Job Search Your Way

Once you complete the program, you’re in control of how you engage in your job search, with no single required path. Some learners choose a more structured, focused job search through our Alumni Career Accelerator program, while others take advantage of on-demand tools and resources.

Regardless of your path, you’ll retain full access to our Perspectives Wellness Program, lifetime Coursera access, continuing education opportunities, and ongoing alumni support.

Goal: Hired

Option A: Alumni Career Accelerator

A structured job-search sprint with weekly 1:1 coaching, strict accountability targets, and select employer partner opportunities.

Option B: Flex Support

On-demand access to our Career Services team for mock interviews, resume refinement, career coaching, and job boards.

How It Works

How Merit America fits around your real life

$0 upfront

Build a career based on your potential, not your bank account. You won’t pay anything until at least three months after you complete or exit your program.

Learn about the costs
And if it doesn’t work out — you don’t pay. If you don’t earn at least $40k within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you don’t have to pay. Learn how it works.
A Merit America learner receiving one-on-one career coaching
  1. 1 Learn in-demand skills
  2. 2 Land a great job
  3. 3 Pay only after the program
  4. 4 Support future learners

Learn on your time, from anywhere, while keeping your day job

Our programs are built for people with busy lives. Your coursework and meetings are online, and live meetings are only 3–5 hours per week. You can complete the certificate coursework through industry-recognized partners like Google in-between shifts, on weekends — whatever works for your life.

Explore career options
A woman sits on the floor, working her remote job in tech

Work with a coach who gets you hired

Your coach is in your corner from day one — helping you build the job search skills, confidence, and strategy to land a role you actually want. Sessions are 1:1, scheduled around your life, and the support continues after you complete the program.

Meet our coaches

Hear what our alumni have to say

“Merit America changed my life. I now have a clear plan for the next 5–10 years, all thanks to this program.”

Justine|Merit America Alumna
Justine, Merit America alumna

“Merit America changed my career for the better. My life has transformed in the best way possible.”

Mac|Merit America Alum
Mac, Merit America alum

“Merit America offered me a fresh start with 0% interest funding. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Jessica|Merit America Alumna
Jessica, Merit America alumna

“Going through the courses and having access to coaching and support helped me figure out a real career path.”

Chris|Merit America Alum
Chris, Merit America alum

“With Merit America, I didn’t just learn new skills — I gained the confidence and tools to stand out in the job market.”

Walter|Merit America Alum
Walter, Merit America alum
Partners & employers in the Merit America network
Google
Amazon
JPMorgan Chase
Accenture
Infosys
Lyft
DoorDash
Intact Technology
CareerCircle
Instacart
OneTen
Opportunity@Work

How does Merit America compare?

If you’re considering a career change into Operations, here’s an honest, side-by-side look at how we stack up against online certificate programs and community college options.

CompareMerit America Operations+Online CertificateCommunity College
Course Length12 weeksSelf-paced (3–12 mo)50–100 weeks
In-Person or RemoteRemoteRemoteIn-person / Remote
Part-Time?18+ hoursSelf-pacedVaries
Program Cost$5,700$300–$2,000$5,000–$10,000
Certificate EarnedASCM + Google AI CertificateOne certificateDegree or cert
Organization TypeNon-profitFor-profit / Non-profitPublic / Non-profit
Coaching & Job Search Support1:1 coach + workshopsNoVaries
Downside ProtectionMerit America GuaranteeNoNo

The Merit America Guarantee

We’re so confident in our program that we promise that if you don’t earn at least $40k within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you don’t have to pay.

Learn how it works
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Operations+ program and how Merit America works.

When does the program start? Are there fixed cohort dates?

Merit America uses dynamic enrollment, which means new cohorts begin every two weeks — you don’t have to wait months for a single fixed start date. Once admitted, you’ll choose the cohort that fits your life, and if the timing isn’t right, you can defer to a later one.

Here’s how it works:

  • Apply when you’re ready. No application deadlines.
  • Once admitted, claim a spot in an upcoming cohort. Spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis — completing your onboarding steps early gives you the most flexibility.
  • Or defer to a later cohort if the timing isn’t right.
  • Complete onboarding steps like coach selection and device setup.
  • Begin your program when your cohort opens.

This structure ensures every learner starts when they’re ready — supported from day one.

Is the training in-person, online or both?

Merit America provides a blended online learning environment where you will participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online from industry-recognized partners, like Google.

We leverage learning tools such as the widely used digital workplace platforms and software, including: Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and our customized Merit America Learner Portal.

What are the admission requirements?

To be eligible for any of Merit America’s programs, the following must be true:

  • You have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree holders are welcome.
  • You are a resident of the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S.
  • DACA and Temporary Residents must have a status/visa that does not expire within six months of the Immersion start date.
  • Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for our program.
  • You are 18 years of age or older.
  • You will be seeking full-time employment upon completion of the program.
What does a typical week look like at Merit America?

Merit America’s Operations+ program is designed to fit into your busy schedule with a commitment of 18+ hours per week — a mix of self-paced online coursework and live, topic-based workshops focused on career coaching and skills practice. Advisors are available to help talk through coursework questions as needed.

Live workshops typically take place outside of standard business hours, and while you can complete coursework on your own time, there are required assignments and deadlines that must be met to move forward in the program.

What kind of support will I receive during the course?

When you join Merit America, there’s a team dedicated to your success.

Your coach helps you build the professional and job search skills you need to succeed in today’s market — from refining your resume and preparing for interviews to networking effectively and navigating job offers. They’ll also work with you to chart a clear career path aligned with your goals, and the support continues after you complete the program.

You’ll also join live, topic-based workshops alongside other learners on the same journey. You can pick the sessions that fit your schedule and the skills you want to focus on, like interviewing, resumes, or LinkedIn.

Your advisor is available to direct you to appropriate resources if you’re struggling with your ASCM operations or Google AI Professional Certificate coursework.

And our Career Services team provides on-demand support, with optional structured programs like the Alumni Career Accelerator if you want a focused job-search sprint.

Can you guarantee me a job?

We can’t guarantee job placement or salaries, but we do provide you with a structured training curriculum, professional career development, and dedicated job-placement support. Because of this, the majority of job-seeking alumni are placed in new jobs within three months of completion.

But under the Merit America Guarantee, if you qualify by fulfilling the requirements, and don’t earn at least $40k a year within two years of the Immersion end date of your program, you may be eligible for a full refund.

What does the Operations+ program cover?

Operations+ is a 12-week program that combines two industry-recognized credentials: training in supply chain operations using the ASCM curriculum, paired with the Google AI Professional Certificate.

You’ll cover operations management, forecasting and demand planning, distribution and logistics, inventory and procurement, manufacturing and lean production, total quality management, and project management. Alongside this, you’ll build AI literacy across writing, research, data analysis, content creation, and even app building.

The program culminates in a Capstone Project where you optimize simulated operational processes and eliminate bottlenecks using AI-driven strategies.

In addition to the coursework, you’ll hone your professional skills and chart your career roadmap with the help of a dedicated coach. Upon completing the program, you’ll be prepared for roles like Operations Analyst, Operations Coordinator, Product Operations Specialist, Supply Chain Analyst, Procurement Specialist, or Logistics Coordinator.

A Merit America learner ready to start their operations career
Take the next step

Your success is our mission. Get started.

Apply today and you’ll pair with a coach of your choosing. New cohorts open every two weeks — claim a spot in the next one or defer to a later cohort that fits your life.

20,000+Learners since 2018
75%Alumni success rate
$21KAvg wage increase
Application takes ~10 minutes · Dynamic enrollment