Where do Certifications Fit in Your IT Career Path?

If you are an IT professional, you know how fast this field can change, and how quickly the required technical skills evolve. Staying ahead of the curve in order to advance your career can seem like a daunting challenge.

There has always been heated debate in the tech community about the value of certifications, especially as they apply to finding employment. We can say from experience, however, that certifications can help you advance, as long as you select and deploy them in the right way. If you feel like you are treading water in your IT career, use these tips to effectively add certifications to your credentials.

Work Closely with Your Employer
If you want to move up with your current employer, ask a trusted superior how they feel about certifications. Find out which ones they like, which ones they don’t, and what it would mean for your career if you became certified. Do not be afraid to ask specific questions about pay raises and promotion opportunities.

Don’t Sacrifice Everything to Gain Certifications
Certifications can broaden your skill set and prove your expertise, but so can other things. Make sure you don’t sacrifice your broader professional development in pursuit of certifications. Take the time to learn skills outside of IT, enhance your management credentials, participate in new experiences, and pursue personal interests. This kind of omnivorous approach will prepare you to move up more than any single certification can.

Closely Follow Industry News
There are dozens, if not hundreds of certifications that you can apply to your IT career. But not all of them will offer you equal benefits. If you follow industry news, you can better predict tomorrow’s trends and prepare yourself accordingly. Try to determine which technologies and software will be important in five years and pursue certification in those.

Highlight Your Certifications in the Right Way
Certifications are just one piece of the puzzle. As you are going through the recruitment process, don’t focus exclusively, or even primarily, on your certifications. Work them into a broader narrative about your experiences, achievements, and personal character. Whenever possible, link your certifications to something you accomplished on the job.

Gaining certifications takes a significant investment of time and money. Adding one to your resume is not a decision to be made lightly. But with planning and preparation, you can turn that certification into a raise, a promotion, or a job offer. The professional Baltimore recruiters at The Squires Group can use their extensive resources to help you achieve the IT career of your dreams.


2 thoughts on “Where do Certifications Fit in Your IT Career Path?

  1. Thanks Apurva. I know this is a topic that often comes up as people explore their career growth options.

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