Find your degree
Did you know that your first post-college job can set your entire career’s trajectory? About 52% of recent college graduates are underemployed a year after their graduation. Then, a decade after their graduation, 45% of them are still underemployed. Being underemployed means holding a job that doesn’t need a bachelor’s degree.
Then there are the 79% of graduates whose first jobs were college-level jobs and who continued with these jobs five years after graduation. Of these graduates, in turn, 86% still have college-level jobs a decade later.
The bottom line: You must carefully choose your first post-college job. But in a competitive job market, beggars can’t be choosers.
What, then, can you do to stand out from the competition? Earn the best industry certifications for your first job.
Why is this so? Industry certifications convey specialized knowledge and practical skills for the job. Prospective employers prefer applicants who will bring greater value to their organizations.
Indeed, if you’re an entry-level job seeker, earn at least one industry certification before applying for jobs. It can mean the difference between college-level employment and underemployment.
Related:
- Certifications in Education for Future Teachers
- Engineering Certifications for Undergraduate Students
- Finance and Accounting Certifications for Undergraduates
- Industry-Recognized Certifications for Career Switchers
Why Certifications Matter in Today’s Job Market
Here are three main reasons industry certifications for first job matter:
Industry certifications enhance the value of your bachelor’s degree.
Think of your bachelor’s degree as the knock that will open the door to entry-level positions. But even when it opens, you may not get a foot in the door either. You have plenty of tough competition among thousands of college graduates.
With an industry certification, you have a competitive advantage. You not only have the fundamental knowledge of the job but you also have the practical skills for it.
There is a strong demand for verified skills.
Think of your bachelor’s degree as evidence of your generic knowledge and skills, too. Then, there are industry certifications that are evidence of verified expertise in specific areas. Employers, particularly in the IT sector, prefer verified skills over generic knowledge.
Certifications build professional credibility, competence, and confidence.
The more you know, the more confident you are about your abilities. The more confident you are, the better your work productivity can be. The better your job performance, the more credible and reliable you become.
Benefits of Earning an Industry Certification Before Landing a First Job
Earning the top certifications for job seekers isn’t easy. You have to make significant investments in time, effort, and money. The CAPM certification involves payment of $158-$210 in exam fees, depending on membership. Add the training cost of $450 on average, among other costs, and it adds up.
The direct relationship between certification and degree advantage, nonetheless, makes these investments worthwhile. You’ll enjoy these benefits that far offset the costs.
Improve your job readiness.
Earning industry certification provides hands-on training, resulting in specialized knowledge and practical skills. You’re more capable than your non-certified peers to deal with workplace challenges.
Enhance your resume.
If you have limited work experience, your industry certifications will make up for it. Employers recognize them as a demonstration of your commitment to continuing education.
Expand your network.
Industry certification programs feature diverse student populations. You can create new connections with your peers, instructors, and established professionals. Studies have shown that networking boosts your job prospects through referrals and mentorship.
Increase your earning potential.
Prospective employers are more likely to offer competitive salaries to certified applicants. It is a way to recruit and retain skilled people. The increased income potential ranges from 5% to 20%.
Top 5 Industry Certifications to Help Land a First Job
Here are five of the best certifications for beginners that you can consider. Keep in mind that your choice should align with your bachelor’s degree, interests, and goals.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Issued by: Project Management Institute (PMI)
Exam Cost: $158 for members; $210 for non-members
Eligibility requirements:
- At least a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- At least 23 hours of project management education OR PMI on-demand CAPM Exam Prep Course OR Instructor-Led CAPM® course
- Pass the certification exam
Ideal for:
- Aspiring project managers in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, construction, and information technology
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Issued by: Google via Coursera
Exam Cost: Free trial followed by monthly fee between $39 and $49 until courses are completed; 3-6 months completion time, 10 hours per week
Eligibility requirements: None, meaning it’s among the most accessible entry-level job certifications
Ideal for:
- Individuals who want to enter the tech industry or looking for entry-level jobs like help desk technicians. The certificate provides students with foundational skills for diverse IT roles, including tech support. Plus, it’s from a well-recognized brand.
CompTIA A+ Certification
Issued by: CompTIA
Exam Cost: $253
Eligibility requirements: None, but it’s recommended to gain 9-12 months of relevant hands-on experience.
Ideal for:
- Individuals seeking entry-level IT tech support positions. The certification focuses on foundational IT skills, including hardware, software, and networking. It is among the most popular job market certifications because the IT industry recognizes it.
Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)
Issued by: Adobe via Certiport
Exam Cost: $95 and $150 per exam
Eligibility requirements: No formal requisites to take the certification exam. However, candidates are expected to complete at least 150 hours of instruction and hands-on training before taking the exam. Familiarity with CC tools, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, is strongly recommended.
Ideal for:
- Creative professionals who want to work in industries where Adobe-related skills are valuable. This is among the best value certifications to boost a resume because of Adobe’s extensive popularity. Job roles include video editors, graphic designers, and multimedia professionals.
Certified Digital Marketing Associate – Facebook Blueprint
Issued by: Meta Blueprint
Exam Cost: About $99 (varies)
Eligibility requirements: No formal requisites, meaning it’s among the best career-start certifications for recent graduates
Ideal for:
- Individuals who want to enter the digital marketing industry in entry-level roles.
How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Career Path
- Determine your career goals.
- Make initial choices based on your career goals and the relevant skills to meet them. For example, a CAPM credential is best if you’re an aspiring project manager.
- Consider the demand for the specific industry certifications you’re interested in. Review job descriptions, ask about jobs in your network, and read articles.
- Factor in the cost and accessibility of certifications. Free and affordable options are available. Financial aid is also available in some cases. Opt for online programs or those with local testing centers for easy access.
- Consider the program duration and its study requirements. Most entry-level certifications take 3-12 months to complete. Study time varies, usually between 10 and 20 hours per week. Choose self-paced learning if you’re juggling other responsibilities.
The Role of Certifications in the Hiring Process
The significant certification impact on jobs and your chances of landing your dream first job cannot be overemphasized. Here are four ways certifications impact your chances during the hiring process.
- Set you apart from your peers without industry certifications. You’re demonstrating your commitment to skills development.
- Enables you to meet, even exceed, the job requirements. You’ll find it most useful in the IT industry and other specialized fields where certifications are either required or preferred.
Jobs that require or prefer certifications include IT support specialists, digital marketers, and graphic designers.
Tips for Successfully Earning an Industry Certification
- Read and understand the eligibility requirements first.
- Meet the eligibility requirements, if any.
- Apply for and complete the certification program.
- Pass the certification exam. Prepare for it, too, by using practice exams and joining study groups.
- Comply with other certification requirements.
- Adopt effective time management habits to balance your responsibilities and studies.
- Expand your network while earning your certifications.
Using Certifications to Boost Your First Job Search
Here are useful tips on how to land your first job with certification earned before or soon after your college graduation.
- Highlight your certifications on your resume. Create a dedicated section for them, such as a “Certifications.” Then, list down your certifications by name, issuing organization, and date obtained.
- Shine the spotlight on your specialized skills from industry certifications in the “Skills” section. Here, you can emphasize the value you’ll bring to the organization.
- Mention your certifications during the interviews. Again, you can give examples of your practical skills that can be applied to the job you’re applying for.
- Emphasize that you’re committed to continuing education, not just a one-time certification journey.
Conclusion
Industry certifications boost the value of a bachelor’s degree. These convey specialized competencies that bring more value to the workplace. In short, you become more attractive as a future employee to prospective employers.
So, before you apply for your first post-college job, earn one or two relevant certifications. You can earn them while you’re still in college, too. This way, you’re also highlighting your proactive approach toward your career – and that’s an excellent trait.
