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Do employers take certificates seriously?
I am thinking about taking a certificate program at Parsons for graphic design. #graphic-design #career Would an employer look at a certificate program and still hire me without a college degree?
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Harshinder’s Answer
Hi! Certifications show that you are technically sound in your field. Thus, Yes! i think certifications helps employers as it gives them the confidence that you can handle work. However, certifications must be used as an add on to a college degree and not a substitute. They are a way to give you an edge over other candidates.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Updated
D.R.’s Answer
Hi Nicolette,
The "short answer" is yes, we DO take a certificate seriously because it shows that you had the diligence and made the effort needed to receive one.
Now with that said, if you are applying for a job opening, and the certificate is the only relative course that you have in that particular area of study, and other candidates have a 2 or 4 year degree in that same field of study, they would of course be placed on the top of the list. But PLEASE don't let this discourage you, because your portfolio will carry a tremendous amount of weight. Even if a degreed candidate has the edge over you, but you have the better portfolio, you would then be placed very high on the list of candidates. Your SKILL is what is most important here, along with any relevant work history you may have, even if it is part time, or a non-paying intern.
If you can not attend full time college, go for the certificate or even better, attend night school, for an Associate's Degree program.
The "short answer" is yes, we DO take a certificate seriously because it shows that you had the diligence and made the effort needed to receive one.
Now with that said, if you are applying for a job opening, and the certificate is the only relative course that you have in that particular area of study, and other candidates have a 2 or 4 year degree in that same field of study, they would of course be placed on the top of the list. But PLEASE don't let this discourage you, because your portfolio will carry a tremendous amount of weight. Even if a degreed candidate has the edge over you, but you have the better portfolio, you would then be placed very high on the list of candidates. Your SKILL is what is most important here, along with any relevant work history you may have, even if it is part time, or a non-paying intern.
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Thanks you so much for your excellent answer! It is very helpful to know that your work history, as well as portfolio will be taken into account -- not just the school you went to. Thank you again!
Nicolette
You are very welcome, and you appear to be a person that is willing to put in the work, in order to achieve your goals. I had the honor of being chosen to the jury for one of Parson's student competitions, with the "prize" being an intern position for the summer, at Reebok, who I worked for at the time.
Good luck with your future, and NEVER give up doing what you love to do!
D.R. LaVoie
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Yes... But...
Certificates are defiantly taken seriously, but you need to understand that they are also limiting as to the opportunities of promotion in currents workplaces and in pursuit of new opportunities.
If you have vast experience and you can produce good references from previous employers, it could get you into a new position.
If I am looking for a new employee with not much experience, I would take a candidate with a certificate only, but if I was looking to fill a position that required deep knowledge and with a long term possibility of promotion, I would go for the college degree.
Not everyone has the time, ability or capability to go to college, in which case I would say that starting with a certificate would be a good kick start and then perhaps at a later stage, take more courses to enrich yourself, your knowledge, your abilities and your CV.
Good luck :)
Certificates are defiantly taken seriously, but you need to understand that they are also limiting as to the opportunities of promotion in currents workplaces and in pursuit of new opportunities.
If you have vast experience and you can produce good references from previous employers, it could get you into a new position.
If I am looking for a new employee with not much experience, I would take a candidate with a certificate only, but if I was looking to fill a position that required deep knowledge and with a long term possibility of promotion, I would go for the college degree.
Not everyone has the time, ability or capability to go to college, in which case I would say that starting with a certificate would be a good kick start and then perhaps at a later stage, take more courses to enrich yourself, your knowledge, your abilities and your CV.
Good luck :)