Career

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Top Certifications to Enhance Your Career

Targeted Training and Good Salaries in Less Than Two Years
by Amelia Gray, FindtheRightSchool.com


Looking for a career change, but not sure you're ready to spend years in school? No matter what you're looking for in your job future, certifications can bring big changes. These certifications are concentrated career-advancers that can give you the targeted training you need to prove your knowledge to hiring managers. Become indispensable in your field with a shorter degree commitment than either a bachelor's or associate's degree.

Cisco Certified Network Associate
This essential IT certification proves your skill with the industry's most ubiquitous networking products. CCNA training prepares IT professionals to mitigate security threats and work with wireless networking technology. CCNA training is a must for anyone interested in network administration, information systems, and management. Network and computer systems administrators saw mean annual earnings of $67,850 in 2007, the BLS reports.

Dental Assisting
When dentists want to expand their business, assistants are often the first hires. Excellent job prospects are expected, with 82,000 new dental assistant jobs projected to enter the field through 2016. What's more, this growing, interesting career can be had with a short certificate program. Dental assistants earned mean annual wages of $32,280 in 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.

CompTIA Project+
Gretchen Koch, director of skills development programs at CompTIA, reported to Computerworld that as of late July, The Computing Technology Industry Association awarded 20 percent more Project+ certifications than in the previous year. According to CompTIA, the certification "allows employers to validate the basic project management skills of any employee." In plain English, that means you get a little more control over your climb up the ladder.

Court Reporting
This specialized career combines elements of transcription, reporting, and skilled labor. Career prospects for court reporters are expected to be excellent for those with certification, the BLS reports. Salaries are also looking up: In 2007, court reporters saw mean annual earnings of $48,380. This criminal justice career requires only a short certificate program, making training to become a court reporter a solid option.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional
In the IT world, certification is a way to stay current and distinguish your skills in a swiftly changing job environment. IT infrastructure is the focus of this certification, which gives students focused training in an essential element of the industry. Windows system administrators benefit the most from this certification. According to the BLS, computer support specialists and system administrators saw mean annual earnings of $67,850 in 2007.

Paralegal
Working behind-the-scenes in a law firm could be one certification away. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you might feel like you're stuck in one industry for the rest of your working life. Fortunately, certification programs open up your options. Earning a certificate in paralegal studies could have you earning mean annual wages of $47,600, as reported by the BLS. If you don't have a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree in the field is all you need for most positions.

Accounting Clerks
While fully licensed accountants require years of school, the clerks who work with them need only a certificate, which stands in for valuable work experience in the field. Salaries for the career are another perk of gaining the knowledge that will have you doing your own taxes every year. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earned mean annual wages of $32,780 in 2007, the BLS reports.

Fire & Emergency
Hiring managers for fire department and EMT personnel are looking for the kind of worker that is trained, professional, and able to go to work in stressful situations. Certification in fire and emergency services gives you a background in policy and safety guidelines that will prepare you to work in this important field. In 2007, fire fighters earned mean annual wages of $44,130, according to the BLS.

Graduate Certifications
Add to your existing bachelor's or master's degree with a certification that can take your career to the next level. The business, IT, and vocational certifications at the graduate level offer a range of advanced training opportunities. Graduate certifications are available in information systems, Six Sigma, quality assurance and other fields.

While no certification program can guarantee career advancement, a new job, or a particular salary, they're one way to advance your skills without spending years in school. Whether you're in a career with a swiftly changing job description or trying to leave your current dead-end job for greener pastures, certificates offer an alternative to a traditional associate's or bachelor's degree.

Amelia Gray is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas.


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