In today’s rapidly changing job market, staying ahead of the tech curve is more important than ever. One of the best ways to do this is to get certified in your field. Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge to do the job, and they can also help you stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies.
With so many technologists facing hectic schedules, how could studying for an advanced certification fit your lifestyle, and where would you find the time?
Signing up for a learning course is the hardest first step. By getting trained on key skills in demand by top organizations and obtaining a certification, you can demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers. In addition to displaying a commitment to learning, certification can help you stand out from the competition. In addition, a certification can help you be recognized for your accomplishments.
1. Improved career advancement
Career advancement is one of the most obvious benefits of earning a certification. A certification can help you advance at your current employer or give you the edge needed to break into a new company. You can proudly display your certification on your email signature or resume, showing others that you’re committed to learning and gaining the skills you need to be a better technologist. Investing in yourself and advancing your career through certifications can also boost your morale in your current position.
Taking the time to develop professionally may also result in a raise from your employer. In 2022, VMware Certified Professional in Data Center Virtualization was ranked among the top ten highest-paying certifications at $138,349.17, according to Skillsoft. When companies have IT skills gaps, they stand to lose a great deal of money. Skills gaps and undertrained staff are frequently responsible for downtime, delayed deployment, and missed revenue opportunities. As a result, raises are an excellent means of motivating employees to close these gaps or rewarding those who take the initiative.
2. Improved Leadership and Effectiveness
Did you know that IT professionals with at least one certification enjoy improved perceived leadership skills versus their uncertified colleagues? A certification validates knowledge of current technologies and allows you to stay ahead of the curve. In addition to influencing what projects you are assigned to work on, this knowledge may also determine your company’s initiatives. When you have the professional clout to dictate your workload and follow the avenues you’re passionate about, your work is much more enjoyable and satisfying.
Did you know that IT professionals with at least one certification have almost 2.5 times the professional influence of their non-certified colleagues? Because of this power, you may be able to influence which projects you receive to work on or which initiatives your organization pursues. Your work becomes much more enjoyable and satisfying when you have the professional clout to determine your workload and follow the career paths you are passionate about.
For the VCDX project and defense, candidates are tested on more than just tactical knowledge regarding the subject matter. The skills of presentation, public speaking, and articulation are all essential qualities of a leader who inspires and instructs others. These skills help leaders effectively communicate their vision and motivate their team. They also help to provide a clear roadmap for the team to achieve its goals. Finally, these skills ensure that the leader is seen as an expert in their field and can provide guidance and direction.
3. Improved innovation
Learners are challenged to think outside the box when taking advanced certification coursework. To earn a VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) certification, candidates must architect a design, create supporting documentation, and then defend it in front of a panel of experts. In 45 minutes, VCDX candidates must identify risks and constraints and collect requirements. To succeed in this final assignment, you must demonstrate creativity, excellent presentation skills, and a unique approach to impress the judges.
Technology is constantly changing, and it is important to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies in your field. Certifications can help you do this by requiring you to pass exams that cover the latest technologies and best practices.
An important part of any technology job is the ability to solve problems and think quickly. Certifications give learners the knowledge they need to succeed and stay ahead of the tech curve. The more you understand the principles, the more brain space you have to manipulate them to solve complex problems. Because of this, it is important to learn through experience and practice rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge. The best way to learn the material and develop the skills necessary for a career in technology is through practice.
4. Improved Communication Skills
When you have the certification to back up your knowledge, you may take more calculated professional risks and push yourself further than you have before. For instance, the confidence you built while studying and passing your exam may give you the extra push you need to volunteer for a huge work project, present at a conference, or finally feel comfortable leading and teaching other team members. This confidence can help you forge a new professional path and mentor others on the latest best practices in the industry. It is also an opportunity to establish a network of like-minded individuals to help you achieve new heights with innovative projects outside your organization.
The first things employers see are the resume and cover letter you send with your job application. On your resume, certifications indicate that you have taken the time to develop your skills and knowledge and that you are serious about your career. As a result, you will open new opportunities for deeper conversations with potential employers and have them see you as a strategic asset.
You can also distinguish yourself from other candidates with similar qualifications by obtaining a certification. For example, if you are applying for a position as a systems administrator and possess the VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization certification, you can communicate those skills and knowledge effectively to advance your application.
It’s time to pursue your dream job. Take advantage of it by obtaining a certification!
VMware Learning offers certifications in the following six areas:
- Data center virtualization
- Network virtualization
- Cloud management and automation
- End-user computer
- Security
- Application modernization
Plus, learners have the option of four different certification levels, from the entry-level VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA) to the prestigious VCDX. No matter where you are in your professional technology journey, there’s a level that works with your current skills and will challenge you to become even more knowledgeable.
Once you’re ready to embark on your advanced certification journey, VMware Learning is there to give you the study resources, community support, and outstanding course material you need to succeed on your exam and in your technology career now and in the future.
Visit the VMware Certification homepage to learn how to get started today!
