A certificate program offers students a way to build more confidence and ability in a particular subject area. We’ll look at what it can do for your career and whether it’s right for you.
What Is a Certificate?
A certificate is a program that typically lasts anywhere from five months to a year. The idea is to tackle one particular topic. This differs from a certification in that a certificate is given by an academic institution while a certification is given by a third-party organization within your chosen industry.
Who Enrolls in a Certificate Program?
Students enroll in a certificate program because they either want to enhance their careers or potentially change career paths. Certificates send a message to employers: you’re going the extra mile because you’re passionate about a particular field in your industry. For instance, let’s say that you have five years of experience as an administrative assistant, but you’re interested in being an HR coordinator. A certificate is a way to set yourself apart and garner recognition for your efforts.
Can a Certificate Enhance My Earning Potential?
A certificate could have a significant impact on your lifelong earnings. Senior manager of Career Counseling Programs and Operations for University of Phoenix, Steven Starks, says that certificates keep you relevant and give you the skills you need to be more efficient and productive on the job. Students in a certificate program are adding to their knowledge base while perfecting new skills and sharpening existing skills at the same time.
A Cost-Effective Decision
At University of Phoenix, we see professionals in all stages of their journey. Some people are just starting out while others have built up decades of experience. But if a student is interested in doing something new, they’re not always coming to us with a firm decision in mind.
Starks says with full confidence that certificates can serve as a middle ground in this case. For example, a help desk technician may want to understand more about cybersecurity. Instead of signing up for a bachelor’s degree program and committing to four years of study straight away, they take a multiple-month certificate program to dip their feet in. Even if they choose not to pursue cybersecurity as a career path, they pick up new skills and make themselves more valuable in their existing job.
Doing the Work
There is no way to magically set yourself on a new career path. You have to be willing to dig deep, make relationships and commit to new skills. A certificate program can be a stepping stone to a very different career path. University of Phoenix wants everyone to have the opportunity to pursue their passions. We recommend certificates to students who are committed to learning something new and ready to start exploring.
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