Each year, a couple of tens of .msg Romania colleagues either obtain or commence the process of obtaining a certification. For some of them, it represents the validation of an already possessed level of knowledge, for others it signifies the acceptance of the challenge posed by learning something altogether new. For all of them, it is a step forward in their careers, it being known that the tech world is involved in a rapid evolution where the most prepared have the best chance of success.
The article below may aid you in deciding whether it is worthwhile for you to undertake this effort.
Why are certifications important?
In some IT domains, such as cybersecurity or cloud computing, certifications may carry more weight than academic diplomas. Unlike the latter, a certification showcases hands-on abilities and directly applicable knowledge, validating specific expertise.
Given the expeditious evolution of the IT industry, certifications are a means of synchronising with the best practices, standards and emerging trends within the whole industry. Some certifications, such as AWS or PMP are granted by high-ranking IT organisations or professional associations, thus offering the certifications a level of globally relevant authority. It is important to take into account the fact that top-tier certifications are continuously involved in a periodical reconfirmation process, but this is with the scope of keeping you up to speed with required aptitudes.
There are domains in which being certified is essential for your role as a team member. A concrete example comes directly from Tudor Moțaș, Business Consultant with .msg Romania: “Since the recently imposed regulations by the UNECE, automobile manufacturers will no longer be able to sell cars unless they make use of a CSMS (Cybersecurity Management System) system. This is understandable, especially given the rise of automobile digitalisation and implicitly, the growing number of attacks hackers perform on automobiles. For every person who is working with an Automotive client, the Cybersecurity Engineer specialisation is of the utmost importance, as it aids in attaining a level of familiarity with current standards and it teaches you the mechanics behind performing a risk analysis, plus spotting vulnerabilities in the automobile’s architecture.”
How do you correctly pick a certification?
Picking the right certification greatly depends on your career interests and objectives. Begin by evaluating your current skills and identifying the domains in which you wish to grow, from the perspective of their current alignment to the projects you are already working on.
As an example, for .msg Romania, Cloud certifications are highly sought-after especially for AWS, given the partnership between Amazon and the .msg group. Likewise, project manager certifications, such as Information Technology Infrastructure Library or Scrum Alliance, are in demand, project management being a company sector which will grow considerably in the upcoming period.
Moreover, analyse the preliminary requirements and learning curves associated with each certification, in order to ensure that they match your level of expertise and professional aspirations. Read forum discussions and engage with your mentors or other colleagues who have been through this process. Also, put things in perspective – the certification is meant to prepare you for the next step.
“Even though my day-to-day workload represents at the moment just a small part of identifying the need for security, the fact that choosing to pursue a CSMS certification has helped me understand much better the big picture of what Automotive Cybersecurity means.”, as explained by Adrian Bereschi, Associate Business Consultant. “While training, we discussed concrete solutions and this helped me better understand the concepts discussed during the theoretical courses.”
Depending on the exam, your starting level of knowledge and the time you’re willing to invest, you may obtain a certification in a matter of weeks or months. Some would rather take time off and cram for 2 to 3 weeks, while others prefer allocating a couple of hours per week, which on average requires 6 to 7 months to become certified.
Some prefer to go all in for 2-3 weeks, while others allocate a few hours a week over 6-7 months to reach the end.
How does the company help?
For .msg Romania, examination costs are covered by the company. Furthermore, study group sessions are organised, both at a local and company level, not just based on certification types, but also on the domain (such as Automotive or Insurance) because the same type of certifications may have different applicability. Hours spent during study groups are considered to be work hours.
Conditions differ from company to company, but altogether it is worth it. Consider obtaining a certification as an investment in you and in your future, and relive through the emotions of an exam that might just help you reinvent yourself. Best of luck!