With all the uncertainty swirling around the economy, folks are looking for ways to stabilize their households and brace for impact. Tightening up the budget can only go so far in the face of already high prices and the threat of rising costs. Perhaps you, like some, have discovered that this moment calls for career advancement. But what options do you have that won’t cost you your current career or income?
Certification programs might be the answer for you. Why? Career certification programs demonstrate to employers or potential employers that you possess the skills needed to succeed on the job. So whether you’re pursuing a career change or looking to snag that promotion, a certification can distinguish you from all other candidates at a quick glance.
When you decide to pursue professional certifications, you’ll find they more easily fit into your current work life. You can continue working at your current position without sacrificing attention and dedication in your program. And once you complete a certification, you’ll discover that you’re more employable and unlock the higher earning potential you’re after. Ready to learn how to get started?
What Are Career Certification Programs?
The term “certification” is used with frequency but without much accuracy. Confusingly, many colleges and universities offer certificates. Certificates are awarded to students who complete specified coursework pertaining to an industry.
Certifications, meanwhile, are awarded by organizations or companies and indicate that the certification holder possesses the necessary skills and abilities to do that job. Certifications awarded by organizations are professional certifications, while those awarded by companies are known as product certifications.
At Orange Technical College we offer the best of both worlds. We provide career certification programs in in-demand fields that also lead to certificates. When you enroll and complete one of our programs, you’re prepared to take the certifications assessments organizations and companies require to award those certifications.
Job Certification Advantages
If you’re looking to get ahead in your career, get started on one, or are considering changing careers altogether, why consider career certification programs? First, they require a lower investment of your time and money. Second, they instantly set you apart from competitors. Finally, they boost your earning potential.
Professional Certifications Meet You Where You Are
When people are looking to jump start their career or advance, they might think of getting a degree or getting an advanced degree in their field. While those may be required for some fields, it’s certainly not the case for all. Additionally, degree programs often take longer, have fuller courseloads, and cost more money.
Career certification programs, on the other hand, can be completed in roughly a year at a fraction of the cost. Plus, the programs at Orange Technical offer classes in flexible schedules to allow you to continue working while you pursue your certification. Instead of sacrificing earnings and taking out loans for a degree, you can continue earning while spending less on a coveted certification.
Certifications Stand Out on Resumes
When hiring managers are comparing candidates and deciding who to interview or deciding who to hire after an interview, there’s a chance multiple candidates are neck-and-neck. Those hiring managers are wondering who will best be able to fulfill the company’s needs. What might make the difference is a professional certification.
Having a certification on your resume removes doubt from a hiring manager’s mind and puts you at the front of the line for career advancement. This is true at every stage in your career. If you’re young and just getting started, consider this: 16 to 24 year olds with a certification have an 81.7% employment rate compared to 48.7% for those without one. While men with certifications are 1.4 times more likely to be employed, women are 1.7 times more likely to be employed when they have a certificate.
Professional Certifications Help You Earn More
Earning a professional certification on your schedule doesn’t just increase your likelihood of getting hired, it can also boost your earning potential once hired. Completing career certification programs shows companies you take your career seriously and are committed to serving in that field. In turn, companies recognize your skill and high employability, and work to compensate you accordingly.
These aren’t minor pay bumps either. When you step into a field with a professional certification, you can start making tens of thousands of dollars more than those without certifications. Perhaps you went to college, but never completed a degree. You might find it hard to keep up with student loan payments and locked out of higher paying jobs that require degrees.
Obtaining a professional certification as part of a career change could provide you with the breathing room your budget needs. The median wage for a worker with some college but no degree is $1,001 per week. For a worker with the same educational background but with a professional certification, the median weekly wage is $1,250 per week.
At first, another $250 per week might not sound like much, but it equates to over $12,500 in additional earnings over the course of the year. Regardless of education, workers with professional certifications have a median annual wage that’s over $22,000 higher than workers without them.
Pursue Certification Programs For Success At Orange Technical
If you’ve been looking for a sign to take that next step in your career, this is it. Kickstart a new career through one of Orange Technical’s career certification programs. We offer over 15 product certifications using industry-leading tools from Microsoft, Autodesk, Adobe, and Cisco. We’re also proud to prepare students in 40 different professional certification programs from recognized organizations. With certifications in programs from architecture and construction to Information Technology, you can enroll knowing there are opportunities ready and waiting for you.