What’s more important to get a job: IT certifications, experience or a college degree?
Despite the slowdown of the Brazilian economy, the market for IT professionals continues to expand. The development of new technologies and the modernization of enterprises open a range of options for the performance of this kind of professional. Many young people who enter the field are faced with market requirements, such as IT certification, previous work experience or college degree. These are distinct requirements that the professional can acquire, but which often give rise to doubts. After all, which one is best to get a job?
In today’s post you will get to know some characteristics of each of these terms and know which one is best for you. Keep reading and check out:
University degree
As much as many do not like to think about tests, jobs and internships, studying is a benefit that aggrandizes the intellect and offers unique experiences for students. The diploma is proof of knowledge of a particular area and can mean the opening of the first gate toward the dreamed career success. Most senior positions in the most prestigious companies require a college degree because it will provide the knowledge that is the basis of any market. In addition, universities focus on internship opportunities that help in the students’ professional growth, teaching about the real careers demands and putting the student in contact with practical matters.
However, as the competition for good jobs is increasing, a diploma has become an almost basic requirement and is no longer a differential; therefore, one must go beyond college. Many professionals feel that college was not enough to perform in the area and seek postgraduate and other specialized courses. This proves that it is necessary to constantly upgrade and not fail to keep up with trends.
Among the benefits of going to college for an information technology course is the networking with peers and teachers, which has the potential to generate jobs by means of recommendations or via entrepreneurship.
Certifications
To keep up with innovations that arise in the IT field every day, it is necessary to specialize; however, it is very difficult to be an expert in everything, right? Thus, the professional who opts for a certification has to choose a more specific action niche. Having good specialization does open doors in companies operating in the same area, but limits the entrance in companies working with other types of technology.
Despite being more restrictive, a certification has a different weight for job seekers because they demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to learning. In other words, a certificate proves that the professional is interested in that subject and has good chances of developing a good job. A certification, undoubtedly, does not replace a graduation, through which the student gets a general knowledge of their professional field; however, having a certification can be a good way to get started in the market with more self-assurance and determination.
To learn more about the key certifications required in the labor market checkout our article on the subject.
Market experience
The young newcomer in the market still goes through the same dilemma: Most jobs require proven experience. The difficulty in finding the first job is a harsh reality in the lives of all recent graduates, not only in the IT field. Therefore, looking for an internship and continuing to study are two important attitudes for those who are recently leaving college. The work experience is the time during which all the skills acquired by professionals are put into practice, including those which are not learned in the classroom. Working is a way to improve the techniques and practices of the IT jobs.
When choosing a path to follow in the IT market, it is always good to remember that knowledge is the key word for prospering. Learning more and more is the recipe for those who want to enter into the job market and for those looking to grow professionally. Remember that he who treads the path of education also has great chances to enter the labor market on a firmer basis to meet the employers’ expectations!
On the question of the title of this post, therefore, the trick is to try to unite all three possibilities to become a full professional. If it is not possible, consider which of the choices serves more your expectations according to your professional goals and good luck!
