Why Should I Get Certified?

Why Should I Get Certified?

Date: 3/7/19    Author: Bob Conner/NterOne


There are many reasons for getting certified.  In this blog post, we will discuss several reasons why you should add certifications to your toolbelt.


Make sure you subscribe to NterOne’s blog, so you can be one of the 1st to be notified of our new blog posts by Clicking Here.

The benefits to getting certified include:

  • Gives You Credibility

 Whether you are new to your field or a seasoned veteran, certifications give you credibility.  For newbies, it demonstrates that you have a foundation of knowledge required to do the job.  This is critical, as you have no experience to demonstrate your abilities since you are new to the field.  For veterans, it is also important because it demonstrates that you have kept current with the rapidly changing technology.

Whether you are new to your field or a veteran, certifications provide independent proof that you have the skills needed to succeed in your job.

  • Increases Your Marketability

We have all heard stories, or maybe you were one of those stories, where one day someone comes into work and they are told they are no longer employed.  While this is bad, it is worse if the entire department is no longer employed because now you are competing with your peers for that next job. Certifications are a nice way to distinguish you from the crowd.

Another issue regarding your marketability is that many applications are prescreened electronically or by someone in HR, who may have no clue what skill set the hiring manager is looking for.  This makes certifications a black and white measure of deciding who the hiring manager will see and who gets put in the round file.

  • Helps with Promotability and Advancement

Getting certified shows your boss that you are in a career and not just a job.  This is because you have shown them that you have taken the initiative to do more than what is required.  Thus, when promotions come around, the person who has shown themselves to go above and beyond will be in a better position to move up the corporate ladder.

  • Increases Professional Development and Job Satisfaction

By getting certified, you are opening yourself up to new opportunities vs. doing the same thing day after day after day.  For example, if a new project comes up and you have a certification that correlates to that project, you now have an opportunity to do something different and break out of that routine.

Also, if you are stuck in a position that has no chance for you to grow, certifications can help you move to another company or department so that you can develop your skills and increase your job satisfaction.

  • Increases Earnings

As we discussed above, having more certifications can lead to career advancement and better marketability.  In most instances, this leads to higher salaries and better compensation packages.

  • Helps Keep You Up-To-Date

With technology changing so quickly, studying for and obtaining certifications allows you to learn the latest and greatest advancements in our industry.  We have all seen many examples of people who did not keep current in their skill set.  These people tend to get passed over for promotions, causing them to stay in routine and boring jobs, or worse, get let go.

  • Allows You to Strike Out on Your Own

Maybe you are looking for something different than the day-to-day routine of working for someone else.  Or maybe you want more variety or want to add some flexibility into your life. Becoming an independent consultant may be the ticket for you.  Granted, consulting is not all a bed of roses, but if you are close to retirement, retired or looking for a change and want to have more control of your time, consulting may be the path for you.

If going out on your own is your destiny, then certifications are critical to letting the world know that you have the skillset to do the job they need done.

  • Creates Confidence

Being certified is not only a confidence builder for you, but also for your boss, peers and customers.  This is because it shows you have the knowledge you need to do the job.

  • Increases Networking Opportunities

Once you are certified, you now have something in common with other people that have the same certification.  This opens the door to networking with these people when it comes to problem solving or exploring new career opportunities.

  •  Keeps You Ahead of the Competition

Competition not only applies if you are in the consulting world.  Even if you work for a company, you are in competition with your peers for raises, projects and promotions.  Getting certified allows you to compete with your competition and even stay ahead of it regardless of whether you work for yourself or someone else.

  • Helps Build Your Reputation

Being certified is a reputation builder because it sets you apart from the rest of the field.  This is because it tells the world you have the skills needed to get the job done.

  •  Boosts Your Productivity

Being certified gives you the knowledge to be more productive.  This makes you more valuable to your company and/or your customers.

  • Certifications Lead to More Certification Opportunities

Many certifications have prerequisites, which could be lower level certifications.  Thus getting one certification may qualify you to obtain a certification at the next level.

In summary, getting certified provides you with the following benefits:

  • Gives You Credibility
  • Increases Your Marketability
  • Helps with Promotability and Advancement
  • Increases Professional Development and Job Satisfaction
  • Increases Earnings
  • Helps Keep You Up-To-Date
  • Allows You to Strike Out on Your Own
  • Creates Confidence
  • Increases Networking Opportunities
  • Keeps You Ahead of the Competition
  • Helps Build Your Reputation
  • Boosts Your Productivity
  • Certifications Led to More Certification Opportunities

 

Nterone is a Cisco, VMware, ITIL and Amazon authorized training partner.  Receiving training from an authorized training partner means that you will receive training from a certified and vendor approved trainer using authorized training materials and labs.

For more information on how to get Cisco, VMware, ITIL or Amazon certified, contact your Cisco Sales Rep or send an email to Sales@NterOne.com.