Recent comments by an insightful reader on my last blog post led me to think about other ways someone that had plateaued in a career could grow.
Roy A. Ackerman (my reader), suggested that you go back to the point in time when you first landed the job or promotion. He continues, “Think back to how excited you were, how much you were going to do, and how much you were going to accomplish. Try to get that excitement back and finish what you started. If there’s an impediment- rethink that obstacle.”
A coaching client of mine in this situation was not ready for a complete career change because she was planning to have a second child. The timing wasn’t right. So we brainstormed and came up with some new goals for her that didn’t require a complete change in direction, but yet would get her out of the doldrums.
So what did we come up with?
We looked at the requirements for gaining a certification in her career field.
What is a certification and why do you need it?
Certifications, also called designations, are recognized in different industries, and can increase credibility for an individual. Typically certifications indicate a certain proficiency or competency in a career or an area of expertise. In additions, certifications take significantly less time to attain than a Master’s or other degree.
Certifications can be issued by a manufacturer (software, industry, or technical), as is the case with MicroSoft, Cisco, Novell, and ESRI. Others are vendor-neutral, such as CompTIA certifications, which are recognized in the technology industry. CompTIA certifications are designed to show that an individual possesses certain skills, knowledge, expertise, and overall competency in a certain segment of the IT field (eg. technical training, or system administration), rather than with a certain brand of software.
So what is the benefit?
Certifications hold people to a higher standard. Businesses who have certified employees gain an edge against other businesses when competing for bids and government contracts. Individuals with one of the certifications listed above can command more money by either looking for a higher paying job or asking for a raise in a current job.
Some certifications can be combined, and thus have more value, such as CompTIA and MicroSoft. Certain combinations of certifications are rare and will make your resume stand out against any other resume an employer receives. A PMP is a Project Management Professional. According to PMI (Project Management Institute), there are 460,000 PMPs, but there are even fewer PMPs who also have their GISP (GIS Professional). The GISP is a fairly new certification for professionals who have a certain level of experience in the field of GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Other valuable combinations that come to mind are: PMP with a CSM (Certified ScrumMaster), and CPA with a CFP (Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner).
Today there are many new certifications that did not exist even 10 years ago. I have met a Certified Window Treatment Specialist (for interior design); and as a coach, I help people identify new certifications to help them along their career path. As the workplace changes, it pays to stay informed and keep up on current trends, because you never know how something may benefit you.
Now I ask you:
What certifications do you have?
How have they helped you in your career?
Would you recommend them to others?
I have never been a collector of certifications, but I do agree with you about holding professionals to a higher standard….most of the time anyway.
Phenomenal suggestion! Some things to remember (and to put a positive spin on if you are serious about going back for a professional certification)
1.) Research the certification and find out which ones are most valued in your industry and Geographical location. Seriously, the value of a certification can differ depending on where you live! be knowlegeable.
2.) Research the certifications code of ethics. Almost every certifying body has them and makes their professionals adhere to them. Know what they are and be certain you are comfortable with them.
3.) Continuing education units (CEU’s) or Continuing education courses (CEC’s) are required to keep certifications current. While these represent an ongoing cost, they also mean you are always learning, always growing and always keeping ahead of the curve minimizing the chance of becoming outdated in your field.
Excellent points Tonja! Thank you for reading!
If you are already employed in the field, then a certification is, indeed, worthy. However, if you are moving laterally or to a new endeavor, certifications are not highly considered by employers. They desire the experience. Experience AND certification- that’s a sweet spot.
Great advice, Karen.
Roy thanks for the inspiration and for the follow-up comments!
I have two certifications and my degree and I’m not sure if they’ve really been all that helpful…
My daughter is stuck in the place you wrote about. I am going to send her your blog and maybe she can think of some things to learn until they find more work for her to do. Thanks for the great ideas.
Thank you Ann! I appreciate your passing this along.
Karen