Climbing the Ladder

What Certificate Programs Increase Your Value to Potential Employers?

Certificate programs are a series of courses designed to give students a relatively quick (they generally require about 30 credits compared to around 120 for undergrad degrees), yet extensive professional training in a specific field. Programs focus on a variety of areas—from financial planning to legal executive assistant training--and are used to bolster existing careers or help jump-start a career change. The following are some certificate programs that could help you get an edge up on the competition.

Information technology security

Prior to the Internet revolution, important files were only accessible through physically entering a workplace to retrieve a paper file or download information from a computer.  But with the advent of network access and telecommuting, important information is out there in cyberspace for hackers to gain access to.

Knowing how to not only protect information, but retrieve lost data is a very valuable skill and there are many certificate programs that specialize in this area.

Graphic and Web design

The Internet is a brave new world for almost every industry. There are not many companies that don’t have some form of a Web page and even fewer not looking to increase their presence on the Web. Knowledge of HTML and programs like Dreamweaver, even just at a rudimentary level, can be a big advantage in the marketplace.

Computer programs

Many institutions offer certificate programs for computer programs like Oracle and Cisco. Knowledge of complex programs that businesses rely on can increase one’s value to a potential employer immensely. 

Executive coaching

Executive coaches can garner more than $1,000 a day to coach top dogs on how to get the most out of a company. This may be the ideal certificate for executive assistants, as they already have extensive experience with top executives, as well as everyday access. Could a new position – administrative assistant/executive coach – be waiting to be created? 

If none of these certificate programs appeal to you, there are plenty more out there. Click here for a glossary of certificate programs.

Have you gotten a certificate to help your resume? What has it done for your career?