Certs Are LITERAL Life Savers For IT

So, I don’t know if anyone has realized this, but certifications are essentially a gift from above to people who want to explore different career paths.

For example, let’s say you earn a Bachelors in IT from a reasonably accredited college and graduate with a high GPA. It’s a legitimate IT degree, not a liberal arts degree or something unrelated. Then, you decide to work in business for five years instead of directly pursuing an IT career.

Some might see that as a waste of time, but hear me out.

The reason I say certifications are valuable is that someone very smart realized they could serve as a bridge, allowing career risk-takers to re-enter the job market. What do companies actually care about?

They don’t really care about your IT degree itself, per se. What matters to them is that you went through college, which signals that you can sit in a room, focus, and be disciplined in your field. Certifications, on the other hand, prove that you have the latest specific skills required for a job.

Now, let’s say it’s 2027, and you want to transition back into IT. The best approach would be to identify the most relevant certifications for your desired role. You could analyze 100 IT job postings on Indeed, note which certifications employers are looking for, and then obtain those credentials.

Doing this practically guarantees that you can return to the job market, even after taking a career detour.

I understand that many people dislike certifications, especially because of their cost. However, the price reflects the value they provide to those willing to take risks in their careers. And you will always have your IT degree to give you that edge.

Do you agree?