Professional Certifications Push Careers Forward
By
Theodore “The Wisdom Man” Henderson
Best Selling Author, Certified Career & Business Adviser
During the good times you can get away with a so-so work search or career strategy. However times are rarely so good that so-so is a consistent winner.
What’s your job strategy? What is your job search strategy? What is your career management strategy? One tactic would be to switch industries. You could end up working harder and making less income as the “new kid” on the block. Or you could take a good look at yourself and say “I’m in a business that is part of the future and not the past” and make the most of where you currently work.
The best way to be positioned for “the future” is to target it by working or networking with, people who have moving forward thinking. Simultaneously you should be earning the proper education to stay in the forefront of things and take advantage of new opportunities. College credentials can get you in the door but the proper professional certifications for your industry can both jumpstart your career and power it forward when others who opted against the extra effort are getting left behind. In some instances your certification may put you in a position to become an independent consultant or start your own firm.
For example, lets examine IT (Information Technology) and networking technology for a moment. It isn’t a secret that almost every company in every sector of the economy needs an online strategy, better communications capability, more efficient mobile-centric work processes, and high quality business intelligence (BI). More plainly said even though the job market might be tight the expertise required to maintain and upgrade these infrastructures keeps demand up and salaries competitive or escalating. However only those with the experience and the certifications can command top dollar and in some cases even get in the game.
As a former corporate professional who transitioned into a small business consultant and certified career coach I advise everyone who can, while still in college, or as soon as possible after graduation, to pursue a relevant professional certification.
The salary figures below are based upon professionals in those positions who responded to the ZDNet Tech Republic survey. I’ve listed the certifications starting with the highest first. In addition, I have also listed training resources so you can gather more information about how to acquire each of the highest paying certifications. This list can be used as a reference to begin your research if you are not familiar with some of the certifications or the organizations conferring them. Visit the ZDNet for more detailed information.
1. PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)
Average annual salary of $101,695, the PMP certification comes from the Project Management Institute (PMI) organization.
2. PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from PMI – Project Management Institute. The average annual salary is $101,103.
3. ITIL v2 – Foundations
ITIL stands for the IT Infrastructure Library. Average annual salary is $95,415. The certification is designed to show expertise in ITIL service support and service delivery.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CISSP certification from (ISC)2. The average annual salary is $94,018.
5. Cisco CCIE Routing and Switching
The Cisco CCIE Routing and Switching certification has an average annual salary of $93,500 per year average annual salary
6. Cisco CCVP – Certified Voice Professional
The Cisco CCVP or Cisco Certified Voice Professional. The average annual salary is $88,824.
7. ITIL v3 – ITIL Master
The ITIL v3 certification or known as the ITIL Master has an average annual salary of $86,600.
8. MCSD – Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
The MCSD or Microsoft Certified Solution Developer certification has an average annual salary of $84,522.
9. Cisco CCNP – Cisco Certified Network Professional
The Cisco Certified Network professional or CCNP certification has an average annual salary of $84,161.
10. Red Hat Certified Engineer
The Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) has an average annual salary of $83,692.
11. MCITP – Microsoft Certified IT Professional (Enterprise)
The MCIPT certification (Enterprise), or Microsoft Certified IT Professional – Enterprise Support has an average salary of $82,941.
12. Cisco CCSP – Cisco Certified Security Professional
The Cisco CCSP or Cisco Certified Security Professional. The average annual salary reported by CCSP holders is $80,000.
13. MCAD – Microsoft Certified Applications Developer
The MCAD certification, or Microsoft Certified Application Developer certification has an average annual salary of $79,444.
14. MCITP – Microsoft Certified IT Professional (Database)
The MCIPT certification (Database), or Microsoft Certified IT Professional – Database has an average annual salary of $77,000.
15. MCDBA – Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, or MCDBA has an average annual salary of $76,960.
As you can see acquiring the right certifications can be lucrative. Do some industry research and decide how you will best distinguish your self and your expertise in your company and chosen industry.
**For information regarding Theodore speaking at your event or to your group please use Contact Us via www.TheodoreHenderson.com and put “Theodore Speaking” in the subject line.
About the Author
During a career that spans more than 20 years, Theodore Henderson has excelled as an articulate, organized and successful sales professional, business manager and consultant. He has demonstrated a proven ability to build and maintain profitable, long-term relationships with a sophisticated client base.
A lifelong New Yorker, Theodore is a best selling author, certified career and business adviser, Distinguished Toastmaster, professional speaker, and he holds an MBA degree with a concentration in Finance and Information Systems.
Theodore is passionate about several key success skills such as, career strategies, communication, entrepreneurship, leadership, public speaking, small business, and social media branding. As a best selling author of “The Wisdom Compass Series”, the creator of job search and career management tools series “The Intelligent Career Manager“, and a professional speaker he works with both individuals and businesses to apply these tools to become more successful in their respective professions.
**For information regarding Theodore speaking at your event or to your group please use Contact Us via www.TheodoreHenderson.com and put “Theodore Speaking” in the subject line.
© 2012 Theodore Henderson – THJ & Associates All rights reserved. www.TheodoreHenderson.com