One of the things most professionals and independent consultants hate when they are seeking for new opportunities and businesses is when they are asked for professional certifications on jobs interviews and business meetings. It feels frustrating, especially when you have ten, fifteen or twenty years of experience in different industries, work environments and a BS, MS, or even a PhD in the field where you’re applying or prospecting.
Sometimes you do not understand why a few companies and clients place more weight on certification credentials than on years of experience and college degrees. But the fact is that some certifications are a must-have because they prove that you are “following” the best practices, industry standards, and keep yourself up-to-day with new technologies and methodologies.
Likewise, some other certifications credentials are just a nice thing to have, just to say that you have that one. These do not necessarily prove something to someone, just to the organizations, companies or manufacturers who sell and administer them. Commonly, these types of certifications are a very lucrative way to make money, pure business. But, in sad reality, if you have X, Y or Z certification logo in your email signature or marking material, it supposedly proves that you are an “expert” or a “guru” on the field. Even, it will give you prestige and respect. So, even the certification credentials that do not mean anything to you, or that will not affect you if you don’t have it, will in fact affect you.
Certifications will cost you time, money, and sacrifice, but in this competitive working environment, they will add value to you and your enterprise, and will provide some advantages over others who do not have them. Remember,
Likewise, some other certifications credentials are just a nice thing to have, just to say that you have that one. These do not necessarily prove something to someone, just to the organizations, companies or manufacturers who sell and administer them. Commonly, these types of certifications are a very lucrative way to make money, pure business. But, in sad reality, if you have X, Y or Z certification logo in your email signature or marking material, it supposedly proves that you are an “expert” or a “guru” on the field. Even, it will give you prestige and respect. So, even the certification credentials that do not mean anything to you, or that will not affect you if you don’t have it, will in fact affect you.
Certifications will cost you time, money, and sacrifice, but in this competitive working environment, they will add value to you and your enterprise, and will provide some advantages over others who do not have them. Remember,
The suit does not make the clergyman, but distinguishes him.
Author: Gilberto Crespo, MSCE, CDIA+, CIP, ITILv3
Computer Engineer & Entrepreneur
Computer Engineer & Entrepreneur
