Benefits of Certifications and Training

A series that focuses on the positives of pain points could skip the tasks with a noticeable ROI.  Nevertheless, we will dive into the less apparent benefits of certifications and training.  These are not the results.  Instead, they are benefits we get from making the journey. Growing Our Skillset The idea of becoming a better developer often comes back to our overall skillset.  While we get the highly visible benefits of certifications in the form of a certificate, or recognition, there is more to it.  We expand our knowledge and add to our toolset.  These additions assist us in problem-solving and comparing solutions.  These are essential skills for us, as we have discussed in the past.  The more we expand our "comfort zone," the more options we have for tackling a problem.  This flexibility can be the difference between success and failure. Every Challenge Is An Opportunity For Success Experience is something that can not be imitated or replaced.  There is the idea of "been there, done that" that shows up in a broad range of specialties.  Technology is no different.  When we survive (or thrive) after a challenge, we add that to our list of things we have accomplished.  This list becomes the equivalent of things we can do because we did them before.  While no technology problem is going to be exactly like the last one you faced, the similarities can help your confidence and speed in delivery. Technology DNA One thing that is hard to learn, until you have a lot of experience are the traits of technology companies.  There is a mindset almost to the level of groupthink that can settle into an organization.  When you spend the time studying for certifications or are exposed to a lot of training on a vendor, you start to see their way of thinking.  This mindset has strengths and weaknesses, just as any technology does.  Therefore, you can develop a sense of what vendors are best for families of problems.  This knowledge can dramatically reduce your time in selecting a vendor for a specific project. Episode Challenge: When did you last put a certification on your career road map?  How are you progressing on it? Read more about advancing your career.