Are certificates the new advanced degrees?

[mrbigstuff]

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.

[M A V I C]

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.

[mrbigstuff]

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.

[robfilms]

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

[mikebw]

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.

[M A V I C]

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.

[mrbigstuff]

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.

[TheTominator]

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

I've got mine.


Hire me!

[cbelt3]

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

[ztirffritz]

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.