Hey there! Whether a degree or certification can provide a faster kick to your career is an issue, which is not unique to you. I had friends that took years to pursue a degree and friends that launched directly into certifications and the outcomes? Well… it depends. I would like to simplify it down today so that you can make a clever decision about your future.
What is the difference between a Degree and Certification?
We should first clear up before we start, a degree is not a certification and vice versa, although they both can assist your career.
Degree: It is typically a college or university degree. These are a Bachelor in Computer Science, Business Administration, or Engineering. Degrees normally require 2 to 4 years.
Certification: Faster courses given by professional bodies or on-line. Examples are Certified Digital Marketing Professional, AWS Cloud Practitioner or PMP (Project Management Professional). Certifications may require a matter of weeks or months.
Simply put, a degree is general whereas a certification is specific.
Impact on Speed to Career: Certifications Wins
One of the things I observed among my friends and colleagues is that certifications are occasionally more effective in your career than your degree, particularly in tech or a specialized area.
One instance is that my friend Raj was interested in becoming a cloud engineer. He did not wait four years to get a degree in computer science. Instead, he fulfilled an AWS certification in three months only. After half a year, he got a well-compensated workplace in a technology start-up.
Why? Certifications demonstrate to employers the ability to perform a certain something at a particular time. Degrees demonstrate to the world that you possess knowledge, but certifications demonstrate that you can put into practice what you learned.
When a Degree Still Mattered
With that said, there is a time and place of a degree. Consider part of medicine, law, engineering or teaching. One can not simply acquire a certification and start practicing.
Degrees also give a wider education, critical thinking abilities and a good network. I recall one of my friends whom I know, Priya, who had taken a course in business administration. She not only acquired a management position due to her student education but also due to the contacts she had made at college.
In most countries degrees also provide credibility. A certification may not even be mentioned in the case of certain industries.
Cost and Time factored
The fact is this: degrees are not cheap and time-consuming. Thousands of dollars and 3-4 years can be spent on a bachelor’s degree. Certifications are less expensive and quicker to get- some are as cheap as under $500 with their completion taking a few weeks.
A certification can be an improved starting point, as long as your objective is a rapid rise in your career. And you can even do certifications later on top of a degree to maximize your value.
Flexibility and Style of Learning
Another thing I have realized is that learning style is an issue.
Degrees: More regimented, rigid schedules, excessive exams, and committal in the long term. Big if you like a pattern and a general cognizance.
Certifications: Self-paced, flexible and frequently online. Very ideal with busy people or professionals.
As an example, I completed a brief online digital marketing certification course during my full-time employment. It did not disrupt my work and it directly assisted in securing superior projects at work.
Reading Industry Know Your Industry
There are industries that prefer the use of certifications; there are those that prefer degrees.
- Tech & IT: Entry level positions may not require a degree, but instead certifications such as AWS, Cisco, or Google cloud.
- Healthcare & Education: Degrees are needed. Without proper degrees you cannot teach or treat patients.
- Business & Marketing: A combination is good. A degree will open the doors, however, certifications will provide a competitive advantage in certain skills.
But the point is that you should researched your subject before making a decision.
Combining Both: The Power Duo
This is a little secret but you do not have to select only one. A large number of professionals who are successful in their careers mix degrees and certifications.
Take my colleague, Anil. He received a computer science degree and thereafter pursued several certifications on cloud computing and cybersecurity. His resume was outstanding and he was able to get promoted at a faster rate than his colleagues who had merely degrees.
A combination of the two demonstrates to the employer:
- You possess good basic skills (degree).
- You possess certain, current skills (certifications).
Personal Experience: What Worked to My Benefit
I have tried both of the paths myself. I earned my degree first, but added digital marketing and project management certifications. The certifications were paradigm changers. They provided me with hands-on skills that were not taught at degree level and also I could change careers quicker than I anticipated.
I got to know one valuable lesson, it is not always about the title, but about the value you bring to your employer. The help of certifications can make you prove that value in a short time.
Key Takeaways
- In case you are also not certain, here is a brief overview:
- Need a career quickly? Faster results can be achieved through certifications.
- requires credibility or entering regulated industries? Degrees are essential.
- Want maximum advantage? Combine both.
- Look at trends in your field and industry. Degrees and certifications do not work equally on all jobs.
- Think about cost and time. Certifications are less costly and quicker; degrees are costly, yet long-term investments.
Final Thoughts
It is not one size fits all at the end of the day. Regardless of which course you pursue be it a degree, certification or both, the most important thing is never to stop learning and put your skills into practical use.
And in case you found yourself reading this and asking yourself where to begin, my pro tip would be to start with a certification in the field you are interested in while getting wet, and then think about a degree to suit your long-term objectives.
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