Why Should I Get IT Certifications?

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Many MIS graduates find themselves asking a similar question when finished their college degrees, should I get IT certifications? The answer to this question is somewhat complicated, as many IT jobs and the IT field as a whole are all relatively new. Things are constantly changing in regards to technology and the jobs related to them, so information from a few years ago may not be relevant today. Receiving professional certification can potentially lead to increases in annual salary ranging from $5,000 - $20,000. The cost of these degrees often ranges from $500 to $2000, meaning that the long term benefits certainly outweigh the initial costs. (Everblue) These certifications can increase your value to an employer as it shows you have knowledge …show more content…

"But it's rare that a certification will trump relevant work experience -- especially in a tight market for skilled IT professionals. Certifications can still boost salaries, sometimes as much as 10%. While they may serve to differentiate candidates, they're almost never the sole reason a person gets hired.” (InformationWeek) Robert Half Technology is a premier IT job recruitment agency that has locations across the country. I called them myself and talked to one of the lead technical recruiters, Sean Pigden. During the interview I asked Sean about the importance of certifications when applying for a job in IT. According to Sean, certificates are a great way to get your foot in the door, and will most definitely increase your chases of receiving an interview with entry level jobs. However it still largely depends on the employer. Sean said that large IT corporations are more likely to value certifications, but it will still largely come down to experience. Experience is the most important factor in any IT related job, but when experience is lacking, certifications can make

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