Keeping Skills Current Through Professional Certifications

by Chuck Fried

So you're thinking about making a move to another company for a position that would offer you more opportunity for advancement and better utilize your skill sets, but you realize you're likely to run into stiff competition. Is there anything you can do to stand out in the crowd, especially on short notice?

Mainframe technical certifications may be one option to consider when trying to distinguish yourself from others who may be vying for the same position. While not all subsystems have IBM approved or recognized certifications, many do, and often times, these exams can be taken for free at certain IBM technical conferences, or inexpensively online or at regional Sylvan Prometric centers.

While not the most controversial topic of the day, it does at times seem that as many articles have been written about the value of technical certifications, as those taking the opposite position. As a recruiter and employer, I can say unequivocally that certifications do play a role in an initial screen of candidate resumes for a particular position, especially where a large number of resumes are received. Yet it is also true that a certification itself will do little to elevate an otherwise underwhelming candidate.

Of particular interest to employers is a candidate with certifications and a corresponding history of related independent outside study. This includes regular review of technical trade journals and publications, attendance at conferences, and vendor sponsored seminars and webinars, all combined to paint a picture of a candidate who takes seriously the need to remain current and well versed in modern technologies related to his or her job.

While the intention of this article isn't to lay this discussion to rest and take a formal position regarding the value of certifications, it is worth reviewing the reasoning behind some of the stances employers take on the subject of certification.

As a means of objective 'proof' of an individual's skill sets, it's hard to argue with a piece of paper that says 'at this point in time, and on this date, this candidate knew this information'. Yet employers are savvy, and realize candidates have the opportunity to attempt multiple tries at certifications or the ability to take specialized training geared specifically towards passing certifications (TxMQ offers many such preparatory courses). Therefore, employers know that a certification may not be a true measure of a candidate's skill or knowledge. Thus my recommendation to IT professionals interested in keeping themselves marketable is to combine certifications with a regular regimen of outside training, and above all, log all classes and continuation education courses taken.

In addition, even your current employer would appreciate being made aware of your efforts to stay at the top of your game, so make sure you communicate your educational activities to your employer.

However, there are instances where pertinent certifications aren't available, or might not make much sense in your area. For example, if you have specialized knowledge in a particular area, and know this will be in demand, a certification will do little to improve your already significant marketability.

Generally speaking, from an employer's point of view, get those certifications as a means to provide "objective data" about your skills. But don't neglect going to conferences and taking advantage of webinars in order to show your interest in current technology, as well as keep those skills fresh and well tuned!

Chuck Fried is the President of TxMQ. Born and raised in suburban Buffalo, NY Chuck and his wife were married in 1986, and moved immediately to Philadelphia to begin their family, and professional careers.

Chuck began his IT career in the late 1980s, when he computerized a small non profit agency in Philadelphia run and managed by his wife, Michele. He was a Sysop on CompuServe in the pre internet days (user ID 71601,3243 pre email), and went on to found a national mail order computer manufacturer in the early 1990's. He returned to the Buffalo area with his family in 1994, and founded a company that went on to raise several million dollars of venture capital as an Application Service Provider, only to have to pull the plug as the market collapsed in 2000, prior to being able to launch an IPO. He joined TxMQ in 2001, and became a partner within a few years, ultimately, buying out the original founders. He is an avid long distance runner, and is usually up by 5 am to log his daily 12 miles. He sits on the board of Adoption STAR (http://www.adoptionstar.com), a national non profit, adoption agency founded by his wife, who is also frequently found running along side him on his daily runs.