One thing that often bothers fresh grads is knowing what certifications to take. Take the IT field for example, there are tons of certifications it’s a head-scratcher deciding which is best for you; or teaching English, to roles like medicine and environmental management and safety.
Certifications are an essential part of career development in today’s fast-paced, competitive job market. Whether you’re just starting your career, transitioning into a new field, or seeking advancement in your current role, the right certifications can boost your qualifications, increase your earning potential, and help you stand out to employers. Knowing which to take may save you the time, effort and money while reaching your career goals.
This article will provide a small guide on how to know what certifications to take for your chosen career path.
1. Define Your Career Goals
Clear-cut, well-defined career goals is but the first step to knowing what certifications to take. Without this you risk spending time and money on certifications that don’t directly benefit you or move you toward your professional aspirations.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What industry or field do I want to work in?
- What position or job role am I aiming for?
- What skills do I need to get there?
- Are there any specific areas of expertise I want to develop?
For example, if you’re pursuing a career in project management, certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) are highly recognized and can be essential for climbing the ranks in the field. On the other hand, if you’re in IT and want to specialize in cybersecurity, certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CompTIA Security+ are more relevant.
2. Research Industry-Specific Certifications
Once you’ve outlined your career goals, the next step is to research industry-specific certifications that are recognized and valued in your field. Certain industries are certification-heavy, meaning employers expect professionals to have certifications as proof of their expertise.
IT, healthcare, finance, and engineering are industries where certifications play a significant role in career progression. Some certifications are globally recognized and open doors to international opportunities, while others may be more region-specific.
A great way to start your research is by looking at job postings in your desired field. Pay attention to the “required qualifications” or “preferred qualifications” sections, which often list the certifications that employers are looking for. This can give you a good indication of which certifications are in demand.
Additionally, join professional networks, online forums, or LinkedIn groups in your industry. Many professionals share insights about certifications they’ve taken and their impact on their careers.
3. Consult with Industry Professionals and Mentors (or do a Reddit search)
One of the best ways to gain clarity on which certifications to pursue is to consult with industry professionals and mentors who are already established in your desired career path. They can offer you insider knowledge on which certifications are respected, which ones are unnecessary, and how certain certifications have helped them advance in their roles.
If you don’t have a mentor, consider reaching out to people in your network who are in positions you aspire to hold one day. You can also connect with professionals through LinkedIn and ask for an informational interview where you inquire about their career journey and the certifications that helped them along the way.
One other way to do this if you don’t have a mentor is to do a Reddit search. One time I was at a cross road of a certification to take, all I have to do was Google the certification and add ‘Reddit’ to the end of the search. For example, “What cybersecurity certifications should I take Reddit”, and you’ll see a lot of comments to sieve through to better inform your decision.
When you have a mentor at work or in your close circle, by all means make use of the opportunity. For example, if you want to become a data analyst, speaking with a seasoned professional in the field can help you decide whether certifications like Google Data Analytics, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate, or SAS Certified Data Scientist are the most beneficial for your specific career path.
4. Evaluate the Certification’s Value in the Job Market
Not all certifications hold the same value in the job market. Some certifications are universally recognized and can dramatically improve your job prospects, while others may have less weight and not make a significant difference to employers.
It’s important to evaluate the reputation and recognition of a certification before committing to it. Here are a few factors to consider when assessing a certification’s value:
- Relevance to your field: Is the certification relevant to the current and future needs of the industry? A certification in a dying technology or outdated methodology may not offer much value.
- Industry recognition: How widely recognized is the certification within your industry? Check job postings to see how frequently the certification appears in the required qualifications.
- Return on investment (ROI): Consider the cost of obtaining the certification (exam fees, preparation materials, and courses) versus the potential salary increase or job opportunities it can lead to. Some certifications, especially those from prestigious institutions, can be expensive, so it’s important to ensure that the ROI is worth it.
5. Assess Your Current Skill Level and Gaps
Another important step in choosing the right certifications is to assess your current skill level and identify gaps that may hinder your career progress. This self-assessment will help you understand what skills you need to develop or enhance in order to reach your career goals.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have the foundational knowledge needed to excel in this certification?
- Will this certification fill a skill gap that is critical for my career growth?
- Do I need any prerequisite knowledge before pursuing this certification?
If you’re aiming to become a cloud architect but lack hands-on experience with cloud platforms, pursuing certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Google Cloud Certified: Professional Cloud Architect might be ideal, but ensure you have the foundational skills to understand and excel in these courses.
Taking practice tests or engaging in online skill assessments can help you identify areas where you need improvement and guide your decision on which certifications will help you advance.
6. Explore Certification Options and Learning Paths
Take some time to explore the various learning paths available to you. Many certifications offer flexible learning options, such as online courses, in-person workshops, or self-paced study materials.
Look for certification programs that offer official study materials and practice exams, are affiliated with reputable organizations or institutions and provide a timeline that fits your current schedule and commitments.
A common pitfall for certification takers is getting certified through shady or dubious organizations claiming to be authorized for such certifications. Be careful and do a proper background check on any organization you want to register with for your certification.
7. Consider the Future of Your Career Path
Consider how your career path may change in the future, and select certifications that will keep you relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
Industries like technology, healthcare, and finance are seeing a growing demand for professionals with knowledge in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and data analytics. If you’re in one of these industries, you may want to consider certifications in these areas to future-proof your career.
Final Thoughts
Certifications are great and can get your foot through the door for most opportunities. However, demonstrating the knowledge and delivering value are much more important. Some IT workers have excelled at their workplaces for years without some of the most popular certificates based only on their knowledge and the value they add to their team.
For a fresher or one looking to get to another level in a career, a certification may just be what you need to give you that extra boost. Knowing which to take for your career path requires a combination of research, self-assessment, and forward-thinking. By defining your career goals, consulting with industry professionals, evaluating the market value of certifications, and considering your long-term aspirations, you can make informed decisions that will set you on the path to success.
Remember, certifications are tools to enhance your career, but they’re most effective when combined with practical experience and continuous learning. Stay adaptable, invest in your development, and you’ll be well-positioned for career growth.