Degrees vs. Certifications
By fencer07
@fencer07 (98)
September 12, 2012 9:02pm CST
Although I am looking into going to graduate school to obtain a master's degree, I have also researched continuing education/professional certification programs at local colleges. From an employer's perspective, if one is trying to gain experience in a field, do you think that an employer would prefer the certification to no relevant formal education or do you think these certification programs are a waste of money because they do not show a longer-term commitment to a field, as a degree would.
Since I am interested in public relations, I found a certification program in sales, marketing, and customer relations. It would require attendance at 4 core classes and 2 electives. However, each class is only one three-hour session. I do not expect to master a field by getting such a certification, but I do expect to gain new ideas and to expand my knowledge of marketing/public relations. However, do you think it is worth it?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@Metatronik (6199)
• Pasay, Philippines
13 Sep 12
There is actually an advantage of certification, it focuses on the field that you want to study while in degree you still have to study the minor subjects which is not relevant to your course. I could see the differences when you are in degree and certification. At times it came to my mind that I would rather want to have certificate rather than the degree although in other sense it is also advantage if you have degree. Because in certification that I've studied the professors are more respectful to their students then they will really focus on your needs. While the professors tends to be a tormentor who wants to be more personal by making the grades as their weapon. Though that is not always the case there are really professors who are considerate with their students. In my case I still want to study more certification that specializes in 3d animation.
@fencer07 (98)
•
13 Sep 12
Thank you for your perspective. I find your response very enlightening. I also like that a certification program is more geared toward an application of the material where as a degree is often a presentation of material that does not directly connect it to its use in the field.
Do you have a degree in 3D animation or just certification?
1 person likes this
@Metatronik (6199)
• Pasay, Philippines
17 Sep 12
I graduated my degree in Multimedia Arts in which that includes multiple kinds of arts such as graphic design, web design, 2d and 3d animation. I just realized that the only thing I want is 3d animation. Though my knowledge there was just lack I still need to study it so I decided to take the certification in 3d. I would like to enroll again for that because I need concentration and focus.
@diezmara22 (818)
• Indonesia
14 Sep 12
I think both are the same as the decisive factor is our skills in a job. But now, companies prefer people who have as their Degrees Degrees menggangap that has a more scholarly in comparison just get a certificate.
@pals101 (2010)
• Philippines
13 Sep 12
I think its worth it.. Certifications is an advantage for you. Employee today are looking for skill workers you can do their task well. Although having a master is a plus, but still i believe experience is far more better than theory. Don't be afraid to take risk, i know you can do it. 
@sq2108 (95)
• China
13 Sep 12
In my country, i think most employer pay more attention on degree than certification. When hunting a job, i find many companies take a bachelor or master degree as a basic requirement. However, it's not meaning that certification is helpless, just imagine this case: when there are two employees apply for one job, and they both have master degree in one major, i think employer would prefer the one who has certification in a field rather than the other one without any certification.
So my opinion is that certification can make you more competitive in a field, and it's worth spending time and money.
@mikyung (2232)
• Philippines
13 Sep 12
I think, nowadays, working experience has more weight or impact in getting a job. If you prefer to get a job in no time, get the degree. But if you are rushing things, and you are not getting any younger, get the certification. It all depends on you. Talk to the a dean, a former classmate or a friend with similar preferences. Good luck to your choices. 
@monkmano (585)
• Canada
13 Sep 12
Hi fencer,
I think a specific certification that applies to your field of work is great to have in the mean time before you complete your graduate studies. It shows commitment to wanting to work in the field and a beginning expertise is a good start.
I think you would just weigh it over your own time and financial resources, but I do think any relevant courses look great on a resume.
good luck in your studies!
@gpldeguzman (168)
• Qatar
13 Sep 12
Being a successful really depends on one ability(or sometimes luck!).
