Why earning industry certifications makes you more employable

Women studying industry certification

In competitive job markets, your education and experience are essential, but industry certifications can make your resume stand out.

Industry certifications are a brilliant way to show that you are committed to continuous learning and developing specialised skills which, in turn, can make you more attractive to employers.

Explore how earning industry certifications improves your employability, enhances your career prospects, and opens you up to new opportunities.

The value of industry certifications in today's job market

Industry certifications play a vital role when you need to show that you are committed to professional growth and have the right expertise.

When you gain industry certifications, you are able to set yourself apart from other job candidates. These certifications are there to validate your skill level and show that you commit to staying relevant in your current field.

Industry certifications are more than just something to put on your resume; they can help you improve your career prospects, lead to higher earnings, and provide you with better job satisfaction.

All career levels can see benefits from gaining industry certifications, from young professionals to seasoned experts. You can use these certifications to bridge skill gaps and accelerate career progression – let’s see how.

Validating expertise

Industry certifications provide you with a recognised standard of competence in your field. They are a powerful tool to validate your expertise and show potential employers they can be confident in your skills and knowledge.

For example, in finance, you have expertise in auditing, economics, information systems, and tax law. When you hold a certification like this, it provides employers with the proof they need to trust you have the right abilities for the job.

Moreover, think about any extra certifications you can gain. For instance, the Master of Professional Accounting course gives you the opportunity to become SAP-certified and Xero-certified.

Becoming Xero-certified will provide you with valuable skills that allow you to offer Xero services to clients since you’ll be educated on the Xero platform. This will not only make you appealing to clients but also to firms.

Being SAP-certified means you’ll understand how to handle finance software and use it effectively. This certification can enhance your prospects and open doors to a variety of career paths, such as project management or financial analysis.

With this course, you can develop the skills you need to gain these certifications while you study.

Increasing credibility with employers

Certifications attest to your competence as a professional, which means you can attract more attention from potential employers. For example, completing the Master of Business Analytics course will allow you to gain certifications to become a Tableau Desktop Specialist and certified in SAS software and machine learning techniques, as well as Microsoft's Azure services. This lets employers know that you’re ready to help their business make the most of their data without dropping the ball on important regulations such as SOC 2 compliance.

Clients, employers, and peers are all more likely to trust and respect employees who have industry certifications; this can lead to increased opportunities for networking, career advancement, and potential collaborations.

Increasing job market competitiveness

Industry certifications can help you stand out in an extremely competitive job market. These certifications highlight your specialised skills and are often used as a way to differentiate between candidates who have similar career and educational backgrounds.

You will find that some job roles have specific industry certifications as part of the advertised job profile. When you hold relevant industry certifications, you can increase your chances of securing an interview and landing the job you want.

For example, a job in project management may require you to have a professional certification in that area. If you have a degree in project management that’s endorsed by a trusted body like the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), you’re sure to have a competitive edge over other applicants.

Enjoying more career opportunities

Many industry certifications are gateways to high-paying jobs in more specialised roles.

These certifications can lead you to opportunities to take on a wider range of responsibilities in upper management, or progressing to a higher role within your current field.

Achieving higher earning potential

When you have gained the relevant industry certification, you are able to negotiate higher salaries compared to the candidates who don't. This can help prove that you have gained expertise and are committed to growth.

If you are staying with your current employer and studying while you work, your new qualification and associated industry certifications may assist you in earning a pay rise.

Networking opportunities through certification programs

When you attend a course to earn your industry certifications, you will be provided with many opportunities to network with other people in the industry. These may be people like you who are obtaining the same qualifications, or even leaders in the industry.

Whether the classes are in person or online, you’ll be able to connect with other people who are interested in gaining the same industry knowledge as you. This can be beneficial while you are taking the course as well as after you have gained the certification.

Gaining access to exclusive resources

When you build a professional network through industry certifications, you have the chance to access forums, webinars, conferences, and more. All of these can significantly improve your knowledge base and keep you up to date with the latest industry trends.

This is great when it comes to building your professional toolkit and will, ultimately, help you to dazzle your future interviewers as you keenly show off your knowledge of more niche topics, whether it’s being an expert at conducting cybersecurity compliance audits or the latest breakthrough in AI research.

Industry certifications can have a huge impact on your employability, boosting your career prospects and opening new doors for professional growth. A professional accreditation shows that you’re qualified to work in the field, and it proves to employers that you have the essential knowledge to perform your job well.

A certification helps you stand out in competitive job markets, demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning, and ensures you stay up to date with industry trends.

Industry certifications are certainly something you should consider if you are looking to take your career to the next level.

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