Will training fatten your paycheck?

Questions that come up repeatedly are "What is the value of technical training?" "Should I expect an immediate salary increase when I complete my (blank) certification or (blank) degree?"

We ultimately get paid for what we do. I am a big proponent of getting education and training (there is a difference). But the purpose of both is to give us tools to accomplish an end. If we don't use the knowledge we gain in the classroom as a tool to do more, do faster, or do better, then we don't deserve more money.

I haven't encountered many companies that will grant an immediate salary increase based on a degree or accreditation. And the person with experience who hopes that a degree or certification will enable them to get a new job at higher pay often finds that the starting salary is actually based more on past performance than recent education.

One exception is the relatively high starting salaries offered to college students who graduate with degrees in fields such as computer science or engineering. There is such a demand for people who can be productive in these disciplines that companies are willing to gamble on someone who may or may not deserve a high starting salary. But after these graduates have been in the workforce for a while, their salaries will quickly start reflecting their worth.

I invite readers to comment on this issue. Do you agree? What has been your experience? Does your employer immediate pay for completed training?

Tom Whitley and the staff of Management Recruiters of Kannapolis, specialize in recruiting information systems, telecommunications, and networking professionals at both the technical and managerial levels. If you are interested in discussing career opportunities, if you need assistance with your recruiting efforts, or if you have comments about the Career Advisor contact Tom at tomwhitley@ctc.net.

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