IT Career Guide

Taking Control of Your Career: Using IT Certifications to Increase Your Market Value

Taking Control of Your Career: Using IT Certifications to Increase Your Market Value

Global Knowledge reported that qualified IT workers earn at least 12% more than their non-certified colleagues. CompTIA reports that 96% of HR managers consider IT certifications when screening or hiring candidates. The data speaks for itself – having a professional qualification pays off significantly.

In a workplace where stagnant skills quickly become obsolete, committing to a lifelong learning mindset is no longer optional, but imperative. With the booming demand for knowledgeable IT employees, earning the right certifications can directly impact your market value and career trajectory.

Get a competitive edge with certifications – they can open doors to new opportunities. Stop letting your job define you – flip the script and let your income soar.

Assessing Career Goals and Identifying Skills Gap

The IT skills gap is a serious concern in today’s fast-changing technology landscape. According to the Skillsoft 2022 IT Skills and Salary Report, 72% of firms prioritize formal training to close the skills gap. The lack of qualified candidates (44%) and issues with staff retention (33%) are to blame for this gap. To address this challenge and ensure long-term success, you must assess your career goals and identify areas where you can improve.

Here are some tips to help you effectively evaluate your skills:

  • Self-assessment of strengths and weaknesses: Take a critical look at your current abilities and identify areas where you excel and need improvement. Consider both technical and soft skills relevant to your field.
  • Seek feedback from colleagues and mentors: Ask around – colleagues and mentors can offer valuable feedback to strengthen your approach. Turn to people you respect for an honest assessment of your skills – they might spot hidden strengths or areas you could improve on.
  • Stay updated with industry trends: Be in the know – regularly check in on what’s new and next in your field to stay ahead of the curve. Think of this as a reality check for your skills and knowledge – it’ll point out areas that need some extra help.
  • Take advantage of self-assessment tools: Many online platforms and resources offer self-assessment tools to help you objectively evaluate your skills.

Understanding the Relevance of IT Certifications

Certifications offer targeted programs designed to bridge skill gaps and address industry-specific needs. By being certified in high-demand fields like cloud computing, analytics, big data, data science, and cybersecurity, IT professionals can acquire the necessary skills to meet industry requirements and fill critical skill gaps. Certifications allow professionals to enhance their skills, demonstrate their expertise, and differentiate themselves in the job market.

With certifications, IT professionals can 

  • acquire specialized knowledge through in-depth training in specific areas, enabling them to develop expertise in high-demand skills;
  • close skill gaps through targeted certification programs to enhance their ability to meet job requirements effectively;
  • showcase a commitment to professional growth and development, making them more attractive candidates for promotions and higher-level positions;
  • broaden their job prospects by demonstrating their competence in specific areas;
  • improve employability, especially since 96% of HR managers use IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment;
  • and earn more than their non-certified counterparts–professionals with cybersecurity certifications, for instance, earn around 12% more than those with no cybersecurity certifications. 

Researching Certification Options

Exploring various certification programs from different organizations helps you find the best fit for you. Consider reputable certification providers recognized in the industry and valued by employers. 

To maximize the benefits of certification, consider industry-specific certifications like cloud certifications, cybersecurity certifications, and others tailored to particular sectors or technology domains. The following are the top five highest-paying IT certifications worth looking into, according to Global Knowledge’s 2022 IT Skills and Salary Report: 

  • CRISC — Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
  • AWS Certified Developer
  • CISM — Certified Information Security Manager
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Professional
  • Google Cloud — Professional Cloud Architect

Additionally, look into general career-enhancing certifications, like in project management, to get foundational knowledge applicable to various IT roles.

Developing a Strategy

Developing a certification strategy is crucial for efficiently and effectively pursuing certifications that align with your career goals. Here are the key steps to creating a well-structured roadmap and prioritizing certifications:

Set clear career goals:

Identify your long-term career aspirations and the specific roles or domains where you want to excel. This will help you determine the certifications that align with your goals.

Research certification requirements:

Explore the prerequisites and requirements for each certification you’re considering. Some certifications may have experience or educational requirements that you must fulfill beforehand.

Prioritize certifications:

Assess the relevance and demand of certifications in your industry. Prioritize certifications that employers highly value and want. Consider the market trends and the skills in demand to guide your decision-making.

Create a timeline:

Establish a timeline for achieving your certifications. Consider the time required for studying and preparing for each certification exam. Be realistic about your commitments and allocate sufficient time for learning and exam preparation.

Seek study resources:

Look for reputable study materials, practice exams, online courses, or training programs to help you prepare for the certification exams. Utilize a combination of self-study and structured learning approaches based on your learning style and preferences.

Gain practical experience:

While certifications provide theoretical knowledge, gaining practical experience is equally important. Look for opportunities to apply your skills through projects, internships, or volunteer work. Practical experience will enhance your expertise and reinforce the concepts you learn through certification training.

Network with professionals:

Engage with professionals in your industry who hold the certifications you are pursuing. Join industry events, online communities, and forums to connect with experienced individuals who can offer guidance and insights. Networking can provide valuable advice and even open doors to career opportunities.

Maintain and renew certifications:

Remember that certifications often have expiration dates and require renewal to stay valid. Stay informed about continuing education or renewal requirements to ensure you maintain the value of your certifications over time.

Showcase your certifications:

Once you earn certifications, include them prominently on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional platforms. Highlight how your certifications align with your skills and career goals. This will help you stand out to potential employers and recruiters.

Continuously update your skills:

The IT industry constantly evolves, and new technologies emerge regularly. Stay updated with your field’s latest trends, advancements, and changes. Consider pursuing additional certifications or specialized training to keep your skills relevant and competitive.

Your Path to Success!

As the work transforms, professionals are noticing the power of certifications bring to their resumes. Steer your professional journey toward excellence, where opportunities knock and personal fulfillment follows. The certification credential: it’s a badge of excellence that sets the skilled apart from the average, resonating loudly with employers who seek candidates with vetted expertise.

Career growth begins with a clear strategy – intentionally pursuing certifications that bridge the gap between personal goals and industry needs. Regularly updating your skill set by getting certified can bring a lifetime of benefits. You’ll stand out in a crowded job market, see a significant bump in pay, and enjoy a sense of pride and confidence in your abilities.

Want to supercharge your job prospects? Certifications can get you there faster. Let Yellow Tail Tech help you. Book a 10-minute intro call with an Enrollment Advisor now to embark on this journey today!

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Silvana Zapanta

Sil brings a wealth of experience to her writing and editing projects. After nearly a decade guiding college students in research and communication, she shifted her focus to freelance writing and editing. Her passion for education continues through volunteer work, where she empowers others by teaching research and writing skills.

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