The bottom line is that certification, as any other qualification, does not entitle the holder to anything. Certification is a material verification that the person named on the certificate has had the dedication and commitment to learn and understand principles of a certain product or technology. It is not an IOU from the IT industry or a passport to fame and riches. It is a starting point. Try to think of a certification in the same way as a driving license. When you learn to drive, you take the lessons, prove your abilities, get a licence, and take to the open road. The reality is only on that first day of solo driving do you really start to learn how to drive. Everything up to that point has been done in a controlled environment.
Degrees
Choosing an appropriate degree program is easier in some respects than choosing a certification and harder in others. The easy aspect is that you only have to decide a general direction, such as computer science or mathematics. The hard part is that you often have a choice of where to pursue your degree, and this factor can have a major influence on both your studies and your personal life.
Choosing a venue for your studies is especially important because the length of time that you spend at the institution will be huge. People studying for a certificiation only have to grin and bear a few months somewhere where they are not comfortable. In fact, these people can move to another training facility. For those enrolled in a four year university course, such flexibility is not available.
Getting the right training at the right institution makes a huge difference to the effectiveness of your studies. Here are some things you should consider when choosing a qualification and training institution:
- As degree programs are lengthy, consider where the market will be when your course is completed. Try to ensure that the skills you learn will be in demand when you have completed your course.
- As mentioned previously, those taking degree programs can often participate in intern or co-op programs.This experience can be invaluable, therefore, be sure to look into what opportunities the institution you choose offers. Consider what co-op or internships are available.
Though it may not be possible to attend a high profile, world renowned university, you do need to consider the reputation of the institution you are attending.This need not be a mammoth task; it simply requires some research.
The length of study means that degree programs can often include a wide variety of subjects, some of which may be elective. In addition, titles of qualification courses are not always explicit. To be sure that you are going to learn the material you need for you chosen field, investigate what exactly is included and match it up to your targets. If your chosen course does have electives, choose them wisely.
- If you need to study away from home, consider the effects this will have on your personal life. Although it is quite natural for recent high school graduates to attend a college away from home, those who are considering a career change later on in life may find the proposition unsavory.