In my previous role, I helped define certification prep for Kubernetes/Linux certifications and sell it to multiple market segments - from individuals to enterprise teams. In this post, I take a different direction and summarize the value of certifications with respect to entry-level/mid-senior-level roles for job seekers.
1) Certifications are 101
You have one means you are serious about the role you apply to. Having certifications does not mean you are a master but it "signals" your intent to master certain skills. Some certifications are prerequisites for certain types of jobs.
2) They make for reasonable talking points
Especially when you have fewer stories to tell during interviews. When you are changing job roles or have less number of working years, your journey toward certain certifications makes for a good interview discussion topic.
3) They help you get the "feel" of a role
In many scrum-related certifications, you have the chance to actually take part in mock scrum meetings. Many certifications such as PMP / CISSP will ask you questions that mock up real-world scenarios.
4) They are great career pivot opportunities
Certs can be used as instruments to turn your career in different directions. For example - if you are a developer who has always worked with asp dot net 2.0; and you want to have your next role in cloud technology, it helps to get a couple of Azure certs to familiarize yourself with the new playing ground.
5) One can get certified fairly quickly
Formal education takes time. Building a portfolio takes even longer. Certification prep and exams on the other hand are relatively quick to accomplish.
What Certifications are NOT:
1) Not Inherently valuable
You should also be able to explain the value of your certification. Any certification will only carry as much value as you can attribute to it in your growth story.
2) Not Substitutes for real-world experience
Anyone who claims otherwise to you while selling you certification prep is lying.
3) Not a Guarantee of proficiency
You will not be able to execute your skills with the exact same results in a real-world setting.
4) Not One and done
A certification should be a part of a larger learning strategy. Typically you will need multiple certifications in a single topic to explore it in depth. You will also need multiple combinations of various certifications.
5) Not Cheap
All certifications cost time. Many well-known certifications cost significant money.
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