The world is moving at lightning speed. Technologies unheard of just a few decades ago are today powering businesses across the world. Professions that didn’t exist are today the highest-paid, most in-demand professions. All this, in a matter of a few years. Education too has had to move at hyper-speed to catch up to these major changes. However, it’s still not enough. Competition is so high that students and professionals are now reliant on additional certifications in their field to get good jobs and careers. But this just might be a blessing in disguise.
Certification in your field can give you many advantages like additional knowledge and skills. In return, you’ll have to make a strong commitment of time, effort, and capital. But the benefits far outweigh the cost. Here are some benefits of having a certification in your field:
Be More Marketable
This is probably the biggest reason and benefit for getting a certification in your field. Recruiters now don’t just look for candidates with specific qualifications, they are also looking for specific certifications. Picture this, a recruiter shortlists ten resumes – all with similar qualifications and experiences, but only one of them has a certification in their field of expertise. Yes, this is the candidate that is getting the job. Certifications give you a marked advantage over your competition. The recruiter knows that you have taken the time and effort to gain more knowledge and skills in your field and you are serious about pursuing a strong career. You’d be the candidate selected over others most of the time when you get a certification. Just make sure you are getting the best possible certification.
Reskilling & Upskilling
There have been major advancements across businesses and professions all over the world. Things are smarter, more efficient. There’s also been a conscious effort to have a lower impact on the environment. Countries have committed to reducing their carbon footprint. All these major changes have created a huge skills gap. Professionals are mow expected to be updated on the latest technologies in their profession and industry. They are expected to deliver more in a shorter amount of time and consume fewer resources. Getting certifications is the best way to reskill and upskill in your field of expertise. They can help you catch up. For example, if you are educated and work in the field of marketing, and you get additional certifications in digital marketing, this is going to help you become a better professional and close the skill gap in modern marketing needs.
Pursue Knowledge
The best leaders and professionals in the world never stop learning. They constantly pursue knowledge to better themselves. Certifications bring you more knowledge. As mentioned before, there are constant advancements across all industries and professions, so rather than being forced to adapt to these advancements, isn’t it better to stay ahead of the curve by pursuing knowledge. Know all that you can, do all that you can. Develop a reputation of being a continuous learner. With time, your employers and clients will to you for advice trusting in the fact that you probably know the subject they need help with. Knowledge is true power in the professional world and certification is one of the ways to tap into this power.
Increased Credibility
Industry standards are tightening around the world. Today, other professionals and customers refuse to work with people without proper certifications. Therefore, when you get certified in your field, you show that you are a thorough professional who is ready to abide by the rules and adhere to industry standards. It also shows that your knowledge and the solutions and services you offer are up-to-date, increasing your credibility. In today’s competitive world, credibility matters more than anything else. You’ll get better job and business offers, and there’s an automatic trust factor that comes into play when you have all the right certifications in your field.
Expanded Network
When you go for certifications, you become a part of a two-pronged network – one network of people who already have the certification, and the other of people who are trying for the certification. You will be taking classes, seminars, and workshops together, so you are bound to develop some camaraderie with them. The other network you will get to know once you have your certification. These networks can be of great help in your professional career. Network members help each other get jobs and connections with the right people. They also help each other get additional certifications for further advancements. Networking is a huge asset in the professional world, and certifications can help you take advantage of this asset.
Higher Income Opportunities
This is a direct benefit of certification. Once you are certified, you become eligible for a pay rise. You get access to better jobs and business opportunities. A certification is a proof that you have more skills and knowledge in your field, making you an expert. Therefore, you will be able to command a higher price as your salary or fees for the services and solutions you offer. Money is always a great motivating factor and is one of the biggest reasons why people go for certifications in their field. For example, if a chartered accountant gets certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), they’ll have more value as a chartered accountant, and this value will reflect in money they make.
Getting certified in your field is a smart move for the above reasons but there could be many other personal and professional motives as well. But whatever the reason, getting certified is the way to go especially in the current competitive environment.
