This article aims at giving you 10 reasons why you need a professional certificate.
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, where competition is intense and industries are constantly evolving, professional certification has become more than just a credential—it’s a necessity, hence you need it. As technology advances and industries become increasingly specialized, employers seek candidates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and industry-recognized certifications.
In this article, we will explore why professional certification is crucial for career advancement, skill validation, and staying competitive in the modern workforce.
What is Professional Certificate?
A Professional Certificate is an evidence to show that an individual possesses certain competencies and is qualified to perform certain tasks. There are three different types of certification:
1. Corporate or internal certifications: This type of certification is usually issued within an organization to her employees after taking some certain course. For instance, a bank can organize a two-day course for some of their marketing personnel and they are issued certificates upon completion. It could be limited to just that organization.
2. Product-specific certifications: Here personnel are certified on a particular product across all organizations. Google marketing certification is the same for anyone that takes the course irrespective of location. The IT industry and international organization make use of this type of certification. The World Health Organization can decide to provide a certification course for health personnel across the world. Those in the tech space can also get certified on a particular version of a software or hardware or application
3. Profession Wide certification: This rather the most popular type of certification and it is based on the speciality of an individual. For instance, an accountant would need to be certified and chartered by taking some examinations. Medical personnel must also be certified before they are licenced to practise.
There are few of the popular professional certifications . Accounting, Robotics, Data Analysis, Contract Management, Customer Relationship Management, Facility Management, Financial Planning, Graphic Design, Business Analysis, Data Science, Human Resources, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Store Management etc.
The aforementioned are just a tip of the iceberg. There are countless professional certifications in almost all career fields. Apart from the universities, there are also authorized organizations that provide certification courses. Some are virtual while others require a physical class. Some of such organizations include New Horizon, Microsoft, edx, Coursera, Institute of Organizational Development, NTL Institute, Linkage, Tata Institute of Social Sciences etc.
Having said these, it is important we look at some of the benefits of having a professional certificate.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
1. Gain a Competitive Advantage
After completion of a university degree in a course like Business Administration, for instance, some organization would still ask if you are certified or have a certification in any area in business in today’s competitive market. Your potential employer would most likely pick the candidate with any business certification. In other words, training and professional certification can distinguish you from other professionals in your field because it simply indicates that you have a demonstrated commitment to understanding and excelling in your profession.
2. Increase Your Earning
Another important reason you need a professional certification is to increase your earning potential. Some of the certifications can be very expensive but the end result is always worth it. When your company is considering who to promote, you would most likely be on the list because you have proven to be a forward thinker and are willing to grow. Your income increases, you also build more social and professional networks as well as promotion at work. A study showed that online certifications increased salaries by 20 to 40%.
3. Expand Knowledge and Skills
This is actually one of the most important reasons why you should go for a certification. Gaining a certificate requires you to study the latest technologies and cutting-edge research in your professional field. You expand your skill sets and competencies. You are kept abreast with new and updated industry information and techniques which would eventually boost your confidence and work habits since you are going to try something new.
4. Build Professional Credibility
Apart from your organization where you work as a full-time staff, by virtue of your certification, other companies, non-profits, and government organizations can make a demand for your skill as a consultant. The fact that you are certified shows that you are committed to superior professionalism, willing to uphold industry standards and interested in learning more. These merits alone can help boost your professional credibility within your own social and professional network, current and prospective clients, and even while pursuing a new business endeavour.
5. Boost Your Efficiency
While taking some professional courses, you are assigned a mentor or consultant which would have a lasting impression on your career. These training and guidance from mentors would provide you with necessary skills, information, technical tools and strategies that would help you perform optimally in your field.
6. Become an Independent Consultant
After spending a few years serving in an organization, it is possible to resign and be established as an independent consultant for big corporations and government agencies in your areas of expertise. You can only thrive in this journey, if you have proven skills backed up with professional certification. By this you are viewed as an expert who knows his onions. Make sure that your credential is from an organization that is credible and well-respected in your field.
7. Networking Opportunities
Whether virtual or physical classes, obtaining certifications involves some form of classes, study groups or seminars with other professionals in your field. This gives you the opportunity to network and share new ideas with other professionals from other corporations. There are few stories of partnerships between companies and new organizations established as a result of this kind of networks. This is another reason you need a professional certification.
8. Greater Customer Trust
Customers would rather patronize an organization with competent and well-skilled employees rather than a company with maybe degrees acquired a long time ago. In fact, the service delivery of both companies would be totally different. The former would be more professional and appealing. The increase in use of digital work management has led to continuous inventions of new technologies and rapid progress.
9. Improves the Company’s Reputation
Your company’s reputation is secured when you acquire a professional certificate. The more certification and competencies employees of an organization possess, the better for the image and brand of your company. The market places in high esteem employees that are highly trained especially from relevant and trustworthy sources. That is why universities take pride in the number of PhD holders or their Nobel laureate alumni. It has a way of boosting the reputation of the school.
10. Attract the Best Talent
Still for the company’s benefit, when companies make certification of hiring priority, they are most likely to employ individuals who possesses relevant skills and are abreast with latest work ethics, techniques and strategies that are important for the companies productivity.
CONCLUSION
Professional certification is no longer just an optional credential but a vital tool for career success in today’s competitive job market. It provides you with tangible benefits such as enhanced credibility, increased earning potential, and opportunities for career advancement. By obtaining relevant certifications, you can demonstrate commitment to continuous learning, validate your skills and expertise, and position yourself as valuable assets to employers. Investing in professional certification is not just an investment in your career, it’s a strategic decision that opens doors to new opportunities and helps you stay ahead in your chosen field.
