Career Goals & Tech Certifications: Mapping out Success

Achieving career goals in fast paced job markets and even faster evolving industries can feel like an overwhelming and never ending process. Those who take on the work it takes to achieve personal and professional career goals are those who will see doors open for them that once were locked shut. While there are plenty of routes to take in regard to achieving career goals, the role of certifications in validating skills and expertise cannot be underestimated.

This blog post serves as a quick guide on how someone might go about effectively choosing a tech certification based on various career goals. We will go through mapping out career goals, researching our options, assessing relevance and credibility of the many certifications that are out there, and consider the factors involved in the commitment to earning a certification. Let’s get into it!

Mapping Your Career Goals

Take a moment to reflect on where you envision yourself professionally in the next few years. What roles do you see yourself in? What skills do you want to develop or master? What kind of career do you want to lead? These questions can help clarify your career goals and set you on the right path. By having clear and definable goals, your aspirations can be aligned to opportunities in the journey of career development and advancement. 

Choosing the right certification(s) is crucial for some professional aspirations to come to life. For example, those who want to break into the world of data science, might want to pursue certifications in data analysis, machine learning, and programming languages. Those who want to up their marketing game for their business, might want to earn a certification in digital marketing and/or Search Engine Optimization. Those who are interested in being industry managers and leaders might find it useful to pursue a certification in business administration or project management. Not only do certifications validate expertise, they equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in desired roles. 

Before pursuing any certification, ask yourself: Will this help me achieve my career goals? Does it align with the skills and roles I aspire to have? Can I advance my career by and/or business by learning these skills and knowledge? Taking the time to consider these questions can make a significant difference in your career journey.

Researching & Assessing Career Goal Relevance

When choosing certifications, prioritize relevance to your career goals by considering the specific skills and knowledge required for desired roles. Certain certifications hold more weight in particular industries or job functions, so it is important to take the time to explore job listings for roles you aspire to have. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are excellent resources for finding job postings tailored to career interests. Analyze common themes among job descriptions to identify the possible certifications that align with your desired career path.

By investigating what hiring managers are looking for through researching relevant job postings, the technologies that are gaining prominence in your industry can illuminate what certifications are most relevant to your career longevity. In addition to keeping track of what is common among desired job roles, staying updated on the latest trends and advancement can provide valuable insights into the skills in demand and which certifications might help in achieving those skills. Online forums, such as Reddit’s r/careeradvice or LinkedIn Career groups can help you engage with professionals going through similar decision making processes and pursuing their own career goals. They are also spaces where you can network with other professionals in your respective industry, providing moral support and guidance in finding the right next step in your career journey.

Sometimes, earning a certification can even advance you to the next level in a current role. Advancing a current role can feel just as challenging as breaking into a new role, especially if you are in an industry that is over saturated by talent. By aligning your certifications with industry trends and market demand, you ensure that your skill set remains relevant and in-demand, setting yourself up for success in chosen career paths and goals. Staying true to the career goals that you mapped out will help you gravitate towards the most relevant certifications. 

Evaluating Certification Credibility

Now that career goals have been mapped out and you have a relative understanding of what you need in order to achieve various career goals, it is essential to consider the reputation and reliability of the certifications that have started to catch your attention. There are a wide range of certification programs out there and who is providing it is important to evaluate. The University of Washington Tacoma provides a solid foundation for evaluating the credibility of certification programs in their 4 Ways to Evaluate a Professional Development Certificate article. We summarized those ways and added in a few of our own below…

• What kind of certification are you looking for? 
• How will you be learning? Online or in-person? Self-paced or through live instruction? 
• Who will you be learning from? Are they industry experts? Can you read about them somewhere via the certification program’s website? 
• How was the certification program created? Who created it? When was it created? Does the provider regularly update their certifications? 
• Can you view alumni testimonials and reviews?

When evaluating certification credibility, it’s essential to consider the reputation and reliability of the certification providers. Look for certifications offered by recognized professional associations known for their rigorous standards and quality assurance processes. Certifications from reputable providers are more likely to be respected by employers and carry greater weight in the job market.

Considering the Commitment

Most of the time, the biggest obstacle in many professional’s lives in achieving career goals is the time commitment it takes to do so. People are busy, whether with taking care of their families, working multiple jobs to pay the bills, and other commitments that hold high priority. When considering earning a certification to leverage professional success, it is incredibly important to take into account the time commitment, financial cost, and level of involvement. Evaluate whether the investment in terms of both time and money align with career goals and your personal situation. Do you have the time in your schedule to attend classes and/or get work in on time? How many hours will you dedicate to studying and learning the new skills? Assessing your learning style, preferences, and environment is crucial for success. Do you have the financial means to invest in a certification? Even though they are often cheaper than a college degree, it is still important to consider how you will financially support yourself through earning a certification. Here are a few valuable resources to check out while in the consideration stage:

• Online Learning: Setting Yourself Up for Success
• Certificate Programs vs. College Degrees
• Certifications Drive Career Development

While certifications require a significant investment, the potential benefits such as career advancement or salary increases may just outweigh the costs in the long run; it’s all about mapping out your own road to career success.

Ultimately, the journey towards selecting the ideal tech certification for your career goals is an investment in your future. It requires careful planning, consideration, and strategic decision-making. As we’ve explored, understanding your career goals is the first and most important step towards the right certification. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the time to research to carefully consider your options, you set yourself on a path towards realizing your most relevant career aspirations. The choices made today can significantly impact your career trajectory tomorrow.

As you continue to map out career goals, we invite you to explore the range of certification options that we have as a vocational online tech school as well as the various alumni testimonials we have. Our range of certifications is designed to meet the evolving needs of various tech industries, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Read the success stories of our alumni who have transformed their careers because of our programs and gain valuable insight and inspiration for your own career path. When you’re ready, we are here to help you achieve your career goals!