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Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - Printable Version

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Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - mrbigstuff - 11-02-2009

I receive more than a few mailings urging me to get a certificate in ABC or XYZ (not for the alphabetically challenged). Once upon a time, I made fun of these certificates, but given the family life and bills (real life) these once-humorous fliers are now somewhat tempting.


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - M A V I C - 11-02-2009

Advanced degrees? No. But technology changes so fast and some companies require certs for employment.

I'm working on my Google Analytics certification. It's good for my own knowledge and good when marketing my skills.


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - mrbigstuff - 11-02-2009

MAVIC, I am referring not so much to the technical certs but the more academic (I'll throw in business here for lack of a better hole) certifications for which I am receiving solicitations.

Again, this is not referring to a certificate within a degree program.


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - robfilms - 11-02-2009

mbs-

i have also thought along similar lines.

i have a ba and two advanced degrees but recently saw a 1yr certificate program from a local university which would perhaps offer an additional spin on my professional services.

i'd be interested to read what others are doing.

thank u for raising the issue.

ymmv

be well

rob


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - mikebw - 11-02-2009

As far as "knowledge is power" then yes they are good but they are not suitable replacements for real degree programs. My previous employer would not even interview someone without a 4-year degree, and that was for the "desk assistant" phone answering position.


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - M A V I C - 11-02-2009

mrbigstuff wrote:
MAVIC, I am referring not so much to the technical certs but the more academic (I'll throw in business here for lack of a better hole) certifications for which I am receiving solicitations.

Again, this is not referring to a certificate within a degree program.

Well, most of my thoughts still stand. For example, I know one person who cannot take a higher position or get paid more in her current company unless she gets her project management certification.


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - mrbigstuff - 11-02-2009

But technology changes so fast and some companies require certs for employment.

I guess I construed the above sentence that you thought of certifications as an offering only of technological merit.


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - TheTominator - 11-02-2009

M A V I C wrote:
But technology changes so fast and some companies require certs for employment.

I've got mine.


Hire me!


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - cbelt3 - 11-02-2009

People tell me I'm certifiable. Does that count ?:confused:


Re: Are certificates the new advanced degrees? - ztirffritz - 11-02-2009

I have 0 (zero) qualifications for my job, yet my boss who is MCSE, CCNA, and who-knows-what-else certified always comes to me for help. The cert gets you in the door though. If I were applying for my job today they would look at my resume and say "don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out". I also have a BS and an Assoc degree in Engineering Technology though. I think that the degree teaches you how to think, more than it fills your head with knowledge.