Certifications, some thoughts

It is understandable a lot of us want to go and get certs.

My 2 cents: Don't work just to pass the exam and put the fancy credentials on your resume and LinkedIn. Make sure you actually understand how the different sections of said technology work.

I treat certs like college. Grab the exam topics, choose a section then explore each tool by reading about it, watching videos, practice on your home lab or at work over and over and over, understand the why, what, how, where, when of everything. Why this connects with that, what happens if..., when to do it, etc. Don't leave until you just get it to a point where you can have a conversation about it.

If you are going to use it to get a job, make sure you have a solid understanding of the credentials you earn.

Treat yourself like a business, do things that add value to increase revenue.