* Three reasons why certifications count
Several years ago, I wrote a career advice column for the now-defunct publication “LAN Times.” I often wrote about the value of technical certification programs. Even though the magazine has been gone for at least five years, my articles live on through the Internet. At least once a week, I get a note from someone asking me if it’s still worthwhile to pursue certification. Despite the fact that the job market has changed quite a bit in the past five years, my answer is a resounding “yes!” – technical certifications are still quite valuable. If you have the time and the means to get certified, you should do it. Here’s why.
* Reason No. 1: Employability
It’s a tough job market out there right now. Employers have their pick of candidates for a job. Certifications help employers match job requirements with a candidate’s qualifications. Quite simply, the certifications you hold can be the difference between you and a lesser-qualified candidate.
The fact that you hold a certification also tells the employer quite a bit about your personality and your work ethic. It demonstrates that you honor commitment and follow-through, two traits that employers tend to love. It shows that you have the determination and skills to complete a challenging program, revealing your highly prized traits of self-discipline and problem solving. What’s more, completing a certification program shows you are “teachable.” You can acquire new knowledge and skills quickly and easily, enabling you to rapidly get up to speed when new technologies come along.
Then there’s the productivity factor. Studies have shown that certified professionals are more productive in their work. Because of their technical knowledge and skills, access to special resources, and problem-solving abilities, certified employees are able to implement a solution more quickly and with fewer problems than their non-certified counterparts. This is every employer’s dream come true.
If your employer happens to be a reseller of computing solutions, your certifications have extra value to the employer. Companies that sell solutions from manufacturers such as Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, IBM or HP are often compensated in a higher fashion because they have specifically trained and certified individuals on staff. In some cases, a reseller cannot even sell a manufacturer’s product without benefit of a certified professional on hand to help design and implement that vendor’s solution. Your certification can make the difference between a good profit margin and scraping by on low-value sales.
* Reason No. 2: Professional Development
No one likes to stagnate in his job. We all want the stimulation of learning new concepts and acquiring new skills. A good certification program can provide this for you. Many programs offer multiple levels of certification, allowing you to move up the mastery ladder, much like educational degrees do.
Think of certifications as continuing education. The IT world changes so quickly that many professionals need the discipline and focus of a certification program to help them learn the essential new skills and technologies. Just as doctors continually learn about new treatments and techniques, IT professionals must do the same.
Employers also like certification programs for the professional development they offer technical people. Such programs are a way to show that “techies” are moving along a career path, just as managers become directors and then vice presidents.
Perhaps the best aspect of certification programs is that they allow you, the individual, to control your own career. Whether your current employer supports you or not, you can develop yourself and take control of what you do for a living by attaining new certifications. Having this additional education under your belt gives you “portability” – you can go where you want.
* Reason No. 3: Compensation
Ah, yes, money – the reason why most of us work in the first place. Surveys done by “Certification Magazine” show that certified professionals, in general, are paid more than their non-certified counterparts. Moreover, the more certifications a personal holds, the more highly he is compensated.
There you have it. Aside from the fuzzy, feel-good reasons to get certified, it all comes down to cold, hard cash. Certification: learn more to earn more. To many, there’s no higher value than that.
Linda Musthaler is vice president of Currid & Company. You can write to her at mailto:Linda.Musthaler@currid.com
