Ever watch the screen credits roll by and wonder what all of those letters are after the names of contributing talent? Even though you don’t know what they mean, you are impressed. Wow, you think, they must really be the crème of the crop. In today’s competitive job market, the more letters after your name (that pertain to your job), the better your chances of not only staying with the company, but of being promoted.
Choose the Right Letters
Knowing which certification carry the most weight is essential. Familiarize yourself with industry standards and accrediting bodies. Subscribe to journals in your field. Keep your skills up. Most companies pay for membership in bodies that hand out important “letters” like PMP or CISSP.
Be Prepared
That motto is not just for the Boy Scouts. If you want those certifications, you must be well prepared to qualify for them. Prepare for required tests by studying on your own or by participating in one of many options for training. Certification test prep can be costly; ask if your company provides in-service preparation or if they are willing to reimburse you for the costs. They have a vested interest in your continuing education. If you have good self-discipline, look into books and manuals that are specifically designed to help you prepare.
Document Your Experiences
Most accrediting bodies not only require book learning and knowledge, they also require experience using that knowledge. It is important to keep a journal or other form of documentation that can be used to prove you have gained the needed experience. Keep contact information current so that you can request a letter of recommendation or statement of work that may be required to document your experience.
Take the time and invest in yourself by adding a few letters after your name. You just might be in line for a bigger, better job title.