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Certification Vs Experience

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George Lewis Program/Project Manager| DXC Technology Company Heredia, Costa Rica
Certify and then get a Job to earn experiience or acquire expirience and then obrain a certification?

After I saw someone post an answer to another question, I decided to post this tricky question...
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Ricky Acred Project Manager| Printpack Acworth, Ga, United States
Most of the more valuable certifications actually require experience.
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1 reply by George Lewis
Apr 05, 2016 12:53 PM
George Lewis
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I like your answer Ricky, straight to the point... Humm, this is becoming very interesting to me.

If I may ask Ricky, if you were to want to change carrier path, in which you have no experience, how do you convince them to hire you so you can gain some experience, obviously once experienced you are more than able to certify that experience. But how do you make that jump if you need experience to be hired with a nice salary in a new and different position.

Assumning I know what your answer will be, I guess someone would just have to obtain the experince however he/she can, to move on. This could be costly, but at the end a valid path.

Thanks Rick, you made me think further.
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George Lewis Program/Project Manager| DXC Technology Company Heredia, Costa Rica
Apr 05, 2016 12:46 PM
Replying to Ricky Acred
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Most of the more valuable certifications actually require experience.
I like your answer Ricky, straight to the point... Humm, this is becoming very interesting to me.

If I may ask Ricky, if you were to want to change carrier path, in which you have no experience, how do you convince them to hire you so you can gain some experience, obviously once experienced you are more than able to certify that experience. But how do you make that jump if you need experience to be hired with a nice salary in a new and different position.

Assumning I know what your answer will be, I guess someone would just have to obtain the experince however he/she can, to move on. This could be costly, but at the end a valid path.

Thanks Rick, you made me think further.
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1 reply by Ricky Acred
Apr 05, 2016 12:58 PM
Ricky Acred
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It is the age old question, how to get a job without experience, how to get experience without a job. It is difficult. The best way is to some how get involved in whatever it is you are interested in. Take on related projects, join applicable groups, meet representative colleagues, etc. I wish there was a great answer to this question, but I bet if you asked 100 people how they achieved this, you will likely get 100 different answers.
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Ricky Acred Project Manager| Printpack Acworth, Ga, United States
Apr 05, 2016 12:53 PM
Replying to George Lewis
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I like your answer Ricky, straight to the point... Humm, this is becoming very interesting to me.

If I may ask Ricky, if you were to want to change carrier path, in which you have no experience, how do you convince them to hire you so you can gain some experience, obviously once experienced you are more than able to certify that experience. But how do you make that jump if you need experience to be hired with a nice salary in a new and different position.

Assumning I know what your answer will be, I guess someone would just have to obtain the experince however he/she can, to move on. This could be costly, but at the end a valid path.

Thanks Rick, you made me think further.
It is the age old question, how to get a job without experience, how to get experience without a job. It is difficult. The best way is to some how get involved in whatever it is you are interested in. Take on related projects, join applicable groups, meet representative colleagues, etc. I wish there was a great answer to this question, but I bet if you asked 100 people how they achieved this, you will likely get 100 different answers.
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2 replies by George Lewis and mide sowunmi
Apr 05, 2016 1:09 PM
George Lewis
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I agree Ricky, I'm in the position of advising the new practicioners and youth. So I'm trying to give the best possible suggestions...

But I did liked your input, very professional answer.

Thanks
Dec 06, 2016 2:18 AM
mide sowunmi
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perhaps you can get experience by volunteering.. when you do quality work for free you gain experience and make contacts. from personal experience in the software development field that's what worked for me
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George Lewis Program/Project Manager| DXC Technology Company Heredia, Costa Rica
After seen some answers, I'm thinking that experience does not necessarily means an expert.

So in this sense he/she would need to demonstrate enough knowledge in practicing the specific area, then get certified and with enough skills become an expert with vast experience.

I looked up the term and got Experience as a practical contact with and observation of facts or events.

Hope my reasoning is not wrong, that's why these forums are for... :)
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George Lewis Program/Project Manager| DXC Technology Company Heredia, Costa Rica
Apr 05, 2016 12:58 PM
Replying to Ricky Acred
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It is the age old question, how to get a job without experience, how to get experience without a job. It is difficult. The best way is to some how get involved in whatever it is you are interested in. Take on related projects, join applicable groups, meet representative colleagues, etc. I wish there was a great answer to this question, but I bet if you asked 100 people how they achieved this, you will likely get 100 different answers.
I agree Ricky, I'm in the position of advising the new practicioners and youth. So I'm trying to give the best possible suggestions...

But I did liked your input, very professional answer.

Thanks
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George Lewis Program/Project Manager| DXC Technology Company Heredia, Costa Rica
http://www.projectmanagement.com/polls/325...get-a-good-Job-
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Steven Wong Training Advisor/Project Lead| National Bank of Canada Toronto, Ontario, Canada
IMO, one would have to obtain experience first before certification. For me, it was through gaining experience that I was able to obtain my certification, and the concepts and theories were a lot easier to understand and relate to as I had experienced those items first. Great question!
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Julia Cunningham Manager Project Management| Battelle Richland, Wa, United States
As some have said, it depends on the certification. I am a degreed engineer. Many engineering programs require students to sit for the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) AKA the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam prior to graduation. My program did not. I was lucky to start my career with both a number of experienced engineers (read Mentors) as well as a bunch of recent graduates (peers) with whom to learn and grow. A group of us banded together to study for the EIT exam, and even attracted a couple people who had been out of college ~5 years. I learned a lot in those Saturday morning training sessions, and all of us went on to pass the exam (most in one try, some in two). In order to sit for a Profession Engineering license exam, one has to have passed the EIT/FE, gained experience working alongside Professional Engineers, and obtain references from same. I believe that 5 years is still the minimum requirement.
As a Project Manager, I began working in the field as an outgrowth of my engineering work, and gained experience before learning of the PMP certification. My company (at that time) sponsored some training, and a group of us worked together to prepare for and sit for the exam. When I took it, it was a proctored exam, offered only 4 times a year. Good times.
I have continued to gain experience, and sought further education, and appreciate the opportunity to share my journey, perspective, and learn from others in this community.
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Julia Cunningham Manager Project Management| Battelle Richland, Wa, United States
Also, encourage your students to look for internship and co-op experiences!
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1 reply by George Lewis
Apr 08, 2016 8:14 PM
George Lewis
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Totally agreed Julia...

I also would recommend to obtain experience in different areas in early stage of your professional life. Later on with responsibilities it could be difficult do these internships.
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George Lewis Program/Project Manager| DXC Technology Company Heredia, Costa Rica
Apr 08, 2016 4:20 PM
Replying to Julia Cunningham
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Also, encourage your students to look for internship and co-op experiences!
Totally agreed Julia...

I also would recommend to obtain experience in different areas in early stage of your professional life. Later on with responsibilities it could be difficult do these internships.
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