What Industry Certifications are Worth It?

aries78 asks: "I've recently obtained my CCNP certification, and am contemplating on going for the oh-so-scary CCIE certification. In the meantime, I have been considering other potential certifications to supplement my resume while I'm working toward my bachelor's degree. I am curious, though, as to what kind of professional certifications Slashdotters have, and how, if at all, they have been of help."

Comments

Depends on the job you're after

[imrdkl]

I guess I'll throw my hat in the ring too. I've been working in the industry 12 years, and have yet to be asked about this. Otoh, I've only had about 5 jobs, total. If I had to make an interview tomorrow, perhaps I might mention certification, especially if they asked.

In your current position (assuming you dont work fulltime yet), I suppose it is worth noting on your CV, and it may help you to avoid being caught with your thumbs completely green the first day on the job. But, most jobs are really about learning the environment, and the people, and the existing methods. As an interviewer, I am more impressed by someone who has made some free software that is usable, than I am with a certificate. Thats the honest truth, especially for a junior position, but even for more experienced slots, provided the applicant can demonstrate a good working knowledge of what the position requires, in addition.

Anyways, there have been lots and lots of extremely useful insight into this matter stored, for your viewing and learning pleasure, in the past.

Good luck. Just the fact that you asked here says something about your prospects...

does Masters or PHD help?

[monkeyserver.com]

sort of on the same vein, what do ppl think about post graduate degrees. My parents pushed me a little bit to go for a graduate degree, I chose instead to take an offer at a startup, citing work experience as being possibly more valuable than a degree might make me (I am primarily interested in the internet arena, not research).

I understand it can make a difference what area you are going into, but for the most part (read as most programming jobs) do ppl think there degree gets them much more than perhaps higher pay?

Re:does Masters or PHD help?

[Anonymous Coward]

This comment (about needing a higher degree to escape the ceiling) is utter crap, likely spit out by someone who needs to justify their own advanced degree. Look at the comment: How many Fortune 500 CxOs are run by someone with a bachelor's? Uh, this assumes that the only way to be a 'success' is to follow in these footsteps. If you want to be a monkey and listen to others, then stick with your bachelor's? Please!! Most MBA candidates these days are monkeys who get these things because they think they need them. Uh, how about being a specialist: a consultant, an entrepeneur, a freelancer? That's what I do, and I work 4 days a week and will clear $130k this year. You have to have balls, brains, the ability to stay up all night getting the job done, confidence, and some charisma helps, but please, am I a monkey because I didn't get a higher degree? PhDs are some of the hardest to place unless a company is looking for a 'thought leader' and even then, it all depends on their area of expertise.

Three keys to "certifiable sucess"...

[NOT-2-QUICK]

In the realm of industry certification, I believe there are three primary metrics that one must measure to determine which (if any) certifications are appropriate. In no particular order they are career path, geographical location, and current level of education.

I believe these all to be critical factors in the following ways:

Career Path - In the broad expanse that is today?s field of information technology, there are a vast number of specialties, niches and areas of work that one can engage in. If you find that you are particularly fond of a specific area, then it only stands to reason to pursue certifications that will not only bolster your existing knowledge of relevant material, but that are also widely recognized as credible by the industry. Of course, there are also generic certification such as network+, A+, I-net+, etc?however, I find these to be very common and less impressive to prospective employers?

Geographical Location - This is a biggie!!! The area in which you live will largely dictate the type and number of I/T jobs that are available to you. As such, it is important note trends and to tailor your certifications to meet the needs of the companies in your area. This will lead to a greater number of offers and more lucrative compensation.

Current Level of Education - This is arguably one of the most determinant factors in whether or not certification is appropriate for your situation at all. While I hate to speak in generalities, I believe that will be best to illustrate this point. Generally, an individual with a high-level, relevant college education is in need of additional certifications far less that one who may have only an associate?s degree or simply a high school diploma. The reasoning is actually quite simple in that the certification lend credibility to the knowledge and ability of the otherwise scholastically unproven individual, where the a person with a masters in computer science is far less likely to be questioned on their intellectual aptitude. However, as I stated, this is a generality?

Ultimately, I believe that attaining industry recognized certification can be highly beneficial in the short term with the ultimate challenge being to maintain and upgrade the certifications appropriately.

As for myself, I was a shameful college dropout with but two years of college to my credit. However, I almost view this as having been a head start on the computer revolution and have done quite well for myself with the aid of some certifications. I currently hold a MCSE+I (NT4.0), MCSE (Win2K), CCNA, MCDBA, CCA (Citrix), and a MCSD. Thanks to these certs, my years of experience, and a good line of BS I am now working at a fortune 500 company pulling in six figures!!!