Some time ago, I had the opportunity to write an article titled “To be a certified professional or not to be”. It was about why some companies place more weight on certification’s credentials, than on years of experience and college degrees. I briefly explained that it was because some certifications are a must-have, since they “prove” that you are “following” the best practices, industry standards, and keep yourself up-to-date with new technologies and methodologies. This is true, but there are some other credentials that are just as nice to have, just to say that you have it (merely decorative). As the saying goes: “The suit does not make the clergyman, but distinguishes him”
But wait, what do I pretend telling you all of this? Am I against professional certifications? Of course not! I have many IT and coaching certification’s credentials and they gave me great professional opportunities and advantages over other colleagues. The dilemma with certifications versus college degrees comes when you realize that, to maintain the majority of those credentials, you first need to be a member of certain professional organization, and pay an annual membership (sometime very expensive). Second, you need to take a test and prove that you meet the certification requirements (more money to expend). Third, after some period of time, you should get certain amount of professional credit units (the infamous PDU’s) in order to maintain the credentials, which is not a bad thing, since it will help you keep-up-to date with your niche or industry. However, the majority of time, it will cost you even more money. Fourth, and this is the one that brought the idea to write this article, you will lose your certification’s credentials if you do not satisfy the three previous points. What a business!
On the other hand, if you get a college degree like a BS, MS or PhD, it will be with you your whole life. Nobody is going to remove it from you, unless you have committed fraud or did something illegitimate to the institution that awarded you with the academic degree. Yes, before you get the degree, you need to pay the price. It will cost you time and years of studies and sacrifices. Money, unless you have been blessed with a scholarship, college grant, sport exception, or some kind of subsidy. But in return, you will be proud with your achievements. You will meet the minimum college requirements for the vast majority of jobs. And if you have the opportunity to go further on and obtain a graduate degree (MS or PhD), you will not only have advantages and recognition over others, but you will also earn more money (it will not necessarily be the case, but in a fair competition, it should be). So, I urge you to get your college degree first, and then, do your research and see which professional certification’s credential will add more value to your profession or profile.
Author: Gilberto Crespo, MSCE, CDIA+, CIP, ITILv3
Computer Engineer & Entrepreneur
On the other hand, if you get a college degree like a BS, MS or PhD, it will be with you your whole life. Nobody is going to remove it from you, unless you have committed fraud or did something illegitimate to the institution that awarded you with the academic degree. Yes, before you get the degree, you need to pay the price. It will cost you time and years of studies and sacrifices. Money, unless you have been blessed with a scholarship, college grant, sport exception, or some kind of subsidy. But in return, you will be proud with your achievements. You will meet the minimum college requirements for the vast majority of jobs. And if you have the opportunity to go further on and obtain a graduate degree (MS or PhD), you will not only have advantages and recognition over others, but you will also earn more money (it will not necessarily be the case, but in a fair competition, it should be). So, I urge you to get your college degree first, and then, do your research and see which professional certification’s credential will add more value to your profession or profile.
Author: Gilberto Crespo, MSCE, CDIA+, CIP, ITILv3
Computer Engineer & Entrepreneur
