With so many certifications available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. Here are a few options to help get your IT career started.
There’s no doubt that in the 21st century the job market is more competitive than it has ever been before. Employers are now looking for far more than ticking off the basic requirements, instead they’re looking for something extra, oftentimes looking to invest their time, effort, and job vacancy in a person, instead of just a qualification.
However, with a sector as flooded and competitive as IT, even individuals with the basic qualifications, with a winning demeanor are often unsuccessful.
Employers look for professionals who are constantly looking to learn and grow within their field of expertise, and a great way to show this, as well as potentially increase your salary, is by gaining extra certifications.
In this article we’ll be looking at some of the most sought-after certifications for newly qualified IT and technology professionals looking to progress quickly within their career pathway.
Think Cisco
One of the most widely suggested series of courses for novice professionals are the Cisco certifications. Set at a lower level, making them accessible to those with basic training, and split into three different courses, these certifications cover the basics in networks, diagnostics, and handling of routers, cabling, and interfacing.
The combination of the three which are; Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), Cisco Certified Technician (CCT), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching is sure to consolidate and increase your skills previously gained from your initial training option.
Be prepared though, as these courses can seem expensive at first. However, when you consider that these certifications help to open doors to a whole host of career opportunities, and may help you get your first step on the ladder towards a high salary career, the initial financial outlay really becomes an investment into your future.
CISSP For Security
An essential certification for anyone serious about a career in cyber security, the CISSP certification is a globally recognized qualification which stands as testimony for an individual’s technical and cyber security skills.
Standing for Certified Information Systems Security Professional, CISSP is also one of the five compulsory certifications to achieve before being accepted for any work for, or, involving the DoD (Department of Defense), a top career goal for many in the security profession.
CISSP is also a great certification to have for anyone looking to administrate, manage networks, or sensitive information for a business, as to employers it shows you know how to keep their data safe and protected.
As we sadly live in an age of data leaks and headline news, having a qualification that proves you to be the consummate professional will surely put you at the top of many employers’ lists.
If you want to take your security certification even further then you could also qualify in MCSE: Core Infrastructure, too.
Certifications from Microsoft
Becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), is ideal for those already confident in their skills, or with some hands-on experience under their belt.
A certification for those intermediate or above, MCSE focuses on developing your problem-solving skills across multiple different technologies and interfaces.
Naturally, this type of qualification is ideal for those looking for a career in tech-support, administration, or network managing.
There are many different MCSE courses available with some focusing on the skills needed by specific career pathways, such as helping towards becoming a SharePoint 2016 administrator.
Microsoft also has a whole range of more specialized and more advanced qualifications for those who get the professional development bug.
Courses available include multiple options involving Microsoft 365, such as the aforementioned SharePoint certifications, as well as Office, Exchange, and administration courses specific to the platform.
The fact that these certifications are all accredited by Microsoft is also a boon to hopeful employees facing tough job competition.
Microsoft is regarded by many as one of the gold standards when it comes to all things technological, and achieving a qualification created by the company is sure to attest further to your skill level.
Continuing Your Professional Development (CPD)
If you’ve taken some of these courses, and are starting to receive job offers, then let me first offer my congratulations! However, even once landing a job it’s important not to rest on your laurels.
As we all know the technology industry is constantly changing, and for maximum job efficiency, it’s important to stay ahead of the game.
Luckily, Certification Camps has you covered for all your CPD needs, whether you’re just starting out on your IT journey, or are on old dog looking to learn some new tricks, you’ll surely find the right course for your next career move.
With regularly scheduled courses, and the option of on-site or off-site learning, as well as comprehensive packages, including flights, accommodation, and exams, not to mention highly qualified course leaders, you can relax and focus on your personal development, knowing that everything else has been taken care of.