Why Degree programs are better than short-term certifications?
Intuitively, people feel that the more options they have, the greater their chances are of picking the choice that will perfectly match their needs. But, eventually, this assumption turns out to be an illusion. This means, the more options we have, the less likely we are to decide at all.
The same goes for career indecision! People often jump in and out of several career options before they finally settle on a specific one.
Surprisingly, a healthy dose of indecision is okay. After all, your career dictates your lifestyle, how much money you’ll make, and so on.
If you wish to further your career by expanding your skill set, the best option would be a degree program. Though the number of short-term certifications and diploma courses is on the rise, there is a lot a degree program can help you with. Short-term certifications may sound like a feasible option, but they aren’t for everyone!
To understand this better, we’ve given a breakdown of the two so you can decide which one is apt for you.
Why Degree Programmes?
In an age marked by accelerating change, degree programs are becoming a smarter option.
A degree program not only ensures your knowledge is up to par for your chosen industry but also keeps you grounded in practical skills.
Given the practical nature of jobs available these days, many of them require hands-on expertise. A degree program puts a great deal of focus on real-world applications. For example, many undergraduate programs require students to complete projects in their last year of the semester. Thus, certified professional degrees get students extensive training even before they board the job.
Secondly, why degree programs allow students to connect with experienced academics is because they hold a unique value in the modern business world.
No other course is as equipped as a University degree when it comes to providing an academic delivery. Being part of academia means you have the potential to stay abreast of what is being taught, read, and discovered as a result.
Lifelong learning is one of the many advantages of earning a degree program from a prestigious university.
On the flip side, certifications limit you to that particular stream/field for which it has been obtained.
Degree programs are viewed as a stepping stone to better things
With the pace at which modern technology moves, short-term certifications become outdated almost overnight. If you want to keep pace, update your educational credentials via a degree program. A university degree rewards you with structured learning. Your desire to learn new and meaningful insights for your subject area comes from exploration. And a degree program may be just the starting point for a natural career boost.
On the contrary, short-term courses don’t yield expected results since they are not recognized globally and might appeal only to a few selected brands. The value proposition attached to a traditional university degree is second to none.
Adding a certificate may make your resume outstanding, however, fails to hold a strong value. Thus, an ideal way is to complete a degree first and then use a certificate to add to your skill base.
University Degree Programmes Offer Increased Access to Government Jobs
To benefit from a degree program, you don’t need to seek new work. Perhaps, you’ll love your role with the company. While there are plenty of corporate jobs available for University graduates, opting for a government job gives job security in an uncertain market. Additionally, government jobs offer competitive compensation as compared to private jobs. Since a graduate program covers a broad spectrum of skills, government jobs are and will always remain at the forefront to help students use existing and acquire new skills. Which is why degree programs have an upper hand over short-term certifications.
Degree programs allow you to advance in your field of expertise
A university degree gives you an option to further your education. For example, A bachelor’s degree earns you a solid entry-level position whereas an advanced master’s degree in your preferred field could help you qualify for a career boost. The job opportunities after pursuing a Ph.D. or postgraduate degree are immense. You can take up any research position or pursue other avenues based on your interests/skillset.
On the other side, certification courses never expose you to a pathway of advancement. An advanced master’s program trains you to think analytically and molds you into a professional individual. It opens up unexpected opportunities that aren’t for those who never engaged in a degree program.
Simply earning a short-term certification isn’t just enough to cater to the needs of modern-day employers. Employers these days are dropping the requirement for certification courses. They are now more inclusive of relevant skills. This means they are hiring graduates with the skills they so desperately need.
No matter, what you decide, understanding how your decisions now can affect your future is the first step towards the road to success.
Think about your skill level, your current goals, and also your future goals before going any further.
