The Information Technology field is undeniably unique as a form of study. The reasons for this are myriad, but the one that’s probably the most troubling for up and coming students of technology is the speed with which new developments come down the pipe. Information that is gained by even the most dedicated students in the course of a typical undergraduate career is usually outdated by the time they graduate, with the possible exception of logical mathematics courses, such as discrete math.
In today’s job market, staying competitive means diversifying your demonstrable skill set, and the best way to do that is by seeking out extracurricular certification courses from Microsoft. Whether you’re fresh out of college, or you’ve been working with computer for 20 years, keeping your skills and knowledge about today’s technology updated and current will always be a time investment that pays off.
Even if you’ve already completed a degree in a technology-related field, the level of nuance and specialization that exists within the industry can prevent even extremely savvy employers from being able to figure out just how good a match you are for a particular role. Microsoft offers nearly two certification courses that are both diverse and challenging, and the curriculum material is known and recognized internationally. Carrying a Microsoft certification in, say, network administration tells human resource personnel and other management staff that might not be as well-versed in technology exactly what types of skills a potential hire will have to offer an organization.
This marked advantage gives anyone with the initiative to pursue certifications through Microsoft a significant advantage over potential competitors. At a time when IT is becoming increasingly over-saturated with experienced job seekers, that couldn’t be more important. This is especially the case with people that are younger, and less able to lean on the experience of having fulfilled a variety of roles in the past.
Compared to traditional avenues of post-secondary education, supplementary certifications are relatively inexpensive. Since the courses tend to be very specialized, and will require intensive study in preparation for the final testing. However, when the cost and benefits are compared to actual college courses, there is much less at risk from a monetary standpoint. The tests and study guides together may only cost a few hundred dollars to attempt, and there is no limit on how many times a test can be attempted. If you’re looking to make a possible career shift, trying for a few of Microsoft’s highly accredited certification courses is one of the best ways to put a sharp edge on your resume.
