Sign upSign InSign upSign InWalid LARABIFollowLevel Up Coding--ListenShareDive into the magnetic world of Technical Certifications and discover when and how they can revolutionize your career and enhance your professional growth.You’ve already heard before: “Certifications are useless, they don’t prove your skills”, “Just work on small projects instead.”, “Certifications won’t land you a job.”… While there might be some truth to these statements, it’s time to explore the numerous benefits certifications can provide.Let’s ask Chatgpt for a definition of Technical certifications, and let’s see if the definition it gives is accurate:“Technical certifications are formal recognitions awarded by professional organizations or technology vendors to validate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and expertise in a specific domain. Cloud certifications, such as those provided by AWS and GCP, and networking certifications provided by CISCO, among others, are all examples of technical certifications. These certifications typically involve completing a structured learning program and passing an examination, ensuring that the certified individual has demonstrated a strong understanding of the concepts, tools, and best practices related to their area of expertise. Technical certifications can serve as a valuable asset for professionals seeking to enhance their career opportunities, showcase their expertise, and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their respective fields” — Chatgpt 4I couldn’t say better.Please note that the focus of my article is on industry-recognized certifications, such as those offered by AWS, Cisco, and other reputable organizations. The insights shared do not apply to certifications that can be obtained with minimal effort or after just an hour of reading.Now, it is important to understand when and how technical certifications can be advantageous, you’ll be better equipped to harness their full potential.In my opinion:Technical certifications are most valuable when applied within the right professional context and utilized regularly to maintain skills.Picture this: you’ve spent countless hours studying, preparing, and finally passing certification after certification. You’re now a walking encyclopedia of technical knowledge! But you don’t have any professional need or context for these shiny new certifications. It’s like amassing a collection of fancy kitchen gadgets without ever cooking a meal.Without a professional context, those hard-earned certifications might look great on paper, but their true value remains untapped. So, always remember to pursue certifications with a purpose — whether it’s landing a job, enhancing your skills, or staying competitive in your industry. Otherwise, you’ll be like a master chef with an amazing kitchen, but no food to cook!For me, the following are some valid reasons to learn and pass certifications:Certifications offer a starting point and a clear path to follow. They can facilitate a smooth entry or transition into the new target field, providing a solid foundation for building expertise in the technologies you’re learning.Certifications can help put you on the shortlist during the hiring process. They equip you with the theoretical knowledge needed to excel in your role and demonstrate your motivation for the position. Remember also that many job openings prefer or even require certified candidates.Pursuing cloud certifications can help you become a subject matter expert, enabling you to assist peers in navigating the technology with confidence. By doing so, you can earn recognition as an expert within your team and organization. Your knowledge can also be used to challenge your team or teams that you depend on, driving innovation and improvement. Imagine scenarios like company-wide migrations to Kubernetes or a specific cloud provider (e.g., GCP), your expertise can support your organization and enhance your visibility within the company. Moreover, as a freelancer or customer-facing technical person, certifications can significantly enhance your credibility in the eyes of your clients.Embarking on a new technology journey? Certifications offer a clear and well-structured curriculum designed by industry experts. You’ll avoid the pitfalls of learning from scattered sources or incomplete courses.The process of integrating game-like elements into non-game contexts has emerged as a powerful approach to enhancing learning experiences, especially when mastering new technologies. When you engage in quizzes and exams, you’re taking part in a gamified learning experience that offers several advantages over simply watching a course or reading a paper.As an engineer, I need a solid “done” definition for any task. With certifications, you get that precise boundary that signals when you’ve learned enough to tackle real-world projects.As you progress through a certification program, you are exposed to a wide range of concepts, best practices, and real-world scenarios, enabling you to make better, informed decisions. You’ll have countless “aha” moments when you are facing a problem, as you recall the perfect solution you learned during your certification journey.During your certification journey, you might join study groups or online communities focused on your chosen domain, fostering connections with others who share similar goals and interests. Also, many certifications are affiliated with or endorsed by reputable professional organizations, granting you access to exclusive networking events, workshops, and conferences. Showcasing your certifications on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or industry-specific forums can attract the attention of other professionals within your field, further expanding your network.In today’s fast-paced and competitive landscape, technical certifications can serve as your secret weapon to stand out, validate your skills, and conquer the world. By investing in certifications, you send a clear message to employers and clients that you’re serious about your profession and committed to continuous improvement. Actions speak louder than words, and earning certifications is a tangible accomplishment that demonstrates your dedication.Moreover, completing a certification program can significantly boost your confidence level. By validating your knowledge and skills, you can approach professional challenges with greater self-assurance and poise.Once you’ve acquired that theoretical foundation, hands-on practice is essential to cement your learning. Connecting the dots becomes a breeze when you’ve got the knowledge and confidence from your certification journey.The certification journey is undeniably valuable due to the immense learning opportunities it provides. And, the final badge or certification itself also plays a crucial role in your career advancement, as it serves as a symbol of your expertise and dedication.Finally, it’s crucial to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for those pursuing these credentials. And let’s celebrate and encourage one another’s growth and development, as each person’s journey contributes to a stronger and more skilled community.----Level Up CodingAWS ☁️ | Kubernetes ☸ - The World Is YoursWalid LARABIinAWS in Plain English--2Victor TimiinLevel Up Coding--27Senthil EinLevel Up Coding--8Walid LARABIinAWS in Plain English--2Daniel Park--Srivatsan SridharaninSrivatsan Sridharan--6Isuru Sasanga Kolambage--Alex Miguel MeyerinBetter Humans--26Jonathan FultoninJonathan’s Musings--7Prabuddha ChakrabortyinLicious Technology--1HelpStatusWritersBlogCareersPrivacyTermsAboutText to speechTeams