Planning on landing your dream job in IT? Getting certified is one of the best ways to launch your career and end up on the right side of the fence. Before you embark on your search for the right job, however, keep in mind that there’s more to getting certified than just earning impressive new credentials.
Determine the IT Certification that’s Right for You
Determining which IT certification to take doesn’t necessarily have to depend on which is the most popular one at the time. Popularity isn’t necessarily an indicator of what will be useful to you, after all. So, instead of jumping on the bandwagon, focus on your strengths and what you specialize in.
Go for a certification that’s close to your line of work, what you specialize in as a Programmer or a Web Designer, for instance. If you want to set yourself apart from the competition, then you might want to consider getting the right combination of certifications.
Certification and Competency aren’t the Same Thing
Gaining certification isn’t as easy as it sounds. Comptia Security says the right preparation, such as taking a practice test, is one of the best ways to get a real feel of the exam. Taking and passing the test are just the first steps, though.
If you make the cut, treat it like a bonus. You’ll also need the right skills and to show you are able to perform well even when unassisted. Prove your worth by broadening your IT skills and learning new concepts that could come in handy for the job.
Getting Certified isn’t just a One-Time Process
Perhaps it may be easy to lose heart when you aren’t getting the job offers you expected after gaining your first certification. If you want to make the most out of your career, however, additional certifications are definitely a plus.
Aim for getting one closely related to your previous certification. While it isn’t a numbers game, getting more certifications means specialization in a specific area and staying up-to-date with advances in the industry.
Learning all that you can about IT certifications is a must before you even consider taking the exam. If you want to end up successful in your career, then it’s essential that you start off on the right foot.