Staying ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of IT is essential for career growth and success. There is a high value placed on VMware certifications in the industry, as they show potential employers and clients that you have expertise in the field. A VMware certification can enhance your skills and help you advance your career as an IT professional.
The rewards of passing certification exams are well worth the challenge. VMware certifications can help you stand out and increase your salary on the job market. Technological advancements keep companies on their toes, so they must ensure their dollars are used efficiently and effectively. The focus remains on new IT initiatives and the staff who will help them succeed. A certification can assist you in obtaining a better and more rewarding position. In a recent survey by Pearson Vue, 59% of candidates said they sought certification to advance their careers and get promotions.
The time is right for certification planning
Balancing training and work can be challenging in today’s fast-paced, time-constrained world. Starting the planning process right before the new year and holidays has advantages. Make a case for training initiatives that fit your career goals with a skills and training analysis. Here is how to make a solid plan to achieve your training goals in the next year:
Set clear certification goals
To achieve your certification goals, it is essential to define your objectives clearly, consider your preferred career trajectory in the next 2-3 years, and decide which VMware certifications are relevant to your goals.
Are you looking to expand your skillset or explore your topic deeper? Do you want to become a VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA), or do you want to increase your skills to become a double VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or a VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)? With our certification program, you can choose from a variety of skill sets and career paths.
Define your objectives
When setting your certification goals, it is important to consider your current role and roles and responsibilities in the IT field. How would you describe your strengths and areas of expertise? In terms of your career, what are your long-term goals? It is also an excellent time to consider whether the path you are currently on is the right one for you.
If you are considering moving into the cloud, you might like to consider our new BETA exam or additional VMware cloud certifications. Identifying the VMware certifications that will help you achieve your goals requires understanding your current position and aspirations.
Identify any training gaps and cross-training opportunities
According to Robert Half, 90 percent of executives say it’s challenging to find skilled technology workers. In an age of digital transformation and modernization, IT professionals will also benefit from being able to help organizations move towards cloud or multi-cloud initiatives.
Are you looking to make a move to the cloud? VMware’s Cloud Management and Automation was just named one of Robert Half’s most valuable certifications to earn in 2024! Also, check out our limited-time promotion on our newest VMware Cloud Administrator BETA exam, available only through December 31, 2023!
By identifying your key areas for upskilling, you can leverage your learning opportunities to overcome any future career challenges. Need additional help with navigating the types of certifications we offer? We have an excellent certification website to help you and your team stay on top of your IT game.
Develop a plan of action
Once you have defined your goals, objectives, and cross-training opportunities, it is time to develop a plan to achieve them. This plan should include the specific steps you need to take and the resources you will need.
For example, suppose your goal is to get certified as a VMware Certified Professional- Data Center Virtualization. In that case, your plan might include taking the appropriate VMware courses, reading exam prep articles, and attending exam prep workshops. You might also need to budget for the cost of the certification exam.
Include key measurements
It is important to understand that key performance measurements are important to current and future employers when investing time and effort into your career. Are there any ways you can help them achieve better results on a strategic, financial, or operational level?
In the eyes of employers, training must be able to impact business results. Metrics are crucial to success. You should ask yourself: “What kind of return on investment can I expect?” Having an idea of the numbers can help justify the investment. Your career can be boosted if you receive training that supports business goals, such as increased performance, reliability, risk management, and cost reduction.
There is growing data showing the shift in perception from management and recognizing the need for ongoing IT skills development and programs. According to a recent Exit Certified report, 23.8% of IT leaders stated that lack of skilled staff is the dominant factor hindering digital transformation.
If your organization supports your efforts financially, creating a business case about how the certifications will impact your organization would be ideal. Include the impact on customer experience and how certifications and training can generate competitive advantages. Help management understand how the solution helps you fill gaps that you are currently facing by listening to their objections and concerns. Not sure what to say to your manager? Our blog has three simple steps for asking your manager to pay for training.
Training is a process, not a destination. Salary is often determined by how well you perform for your company. Throughout this process, you must reevaluate based on your business goals and adjust the plan as needed.
Let us help you plan
We offer multiple ways to connect the dots on your charted journey through our VMware Learning Paths and our VMware certification tracks. Once you are ready to dive deep into a certification, please visit our Certification page to get all the details on your specific interest.
