A long time ago, in a place far, far away, a brand-new father found himself in what could have been a very unforgiving position: he was changing careers. And he wasn’t considering just any career, but a career in IT. Computers were always a hobby for that young professional, but now they were going to be his job. That gentleman faced a decision that many aspiring IT professionals face to this day: do I go to college, or do I pursue a certification program? The answer to that question? Well, it depends.
Technology Moves Fast, Your Credentials Should Too
The reality is that technology changes, and it changes FAST. As recently as 50 years ago, personal computers were barely a thing. Now, it is not uncommon for people to carry (or even wear) computers that allow them access to an ever-growing mountain of data. Artificial intelligence has exploded onto the scene, and there are more technologies on the horizon.
Given the speed at which technology evolves, it is natural that a professional needs a way to demonstrate mastery of that technology that is flexible and can be attained efficiently. That is where certifications come into play. Certifications are a way to be able to demonstrate practical skill quickly, something valued by many employers.
Another disadvantage for college degrees is cost, a metric that can be applied equally to both money and time. The aforementioned father (the author of this post, if you haven’t guessed) now has two children pursuing college degrees. The total cost of each of those degrees will end up exceeding $75,000, and each degree will take four years to complete. Those investments will hopefully be well worth it; however, there is risk. Some students will invest that time and money only to struggle to find work.
Why IT Certification Programs Make Sense
On the other hand, IT certification programs cost far less in both time and money. There is also the possibility that a person can land a position with an entry-level certification and earn more certifications as a part of that position. With a little bit of work, the certification literally pays for itself while serving as a springboard towards the next step in your career journey!
Certification vendors also often tailor their certifications around specific technologies. Once you have figured out which area you want to pursue, you can focus on that specific area. Colleges require general education classes that can have little to do with a chosen career field. This specificity makes certification an attractive option for many people.
Additionally, many employers require knowledge in specific areas for IT positions. Certifications from vendors like Microsoft, Cisco, and others meet that need in a very tangible way that cannot be matched by a degree. Another related point is that sometimes a person will enter the IT workforce, only to discover that the path they chose is not a great fit. If that happens with a college degree, there may be little that can be done to shift paths without investing even more time and money.
A certification-based path makes this a much easier pill to swallow, both in terms of time and money.
Certifications Open Doors
None of this is intended as an attack on college degrees. College does have its place, especially when it comes to upward mobility once you have broken into the career field. That said, in the ever-changing world of information technology, IT certification programs offer a time-efficient, low-cost way to demonstrate skills to prospective employers. Those factors make certification programs a great pathway into an exciting and financially rewarding career!
