Microcredentialing and upskilling are buzzing in the professional world right now. Pursuing industry credentials can be a strategic way to enhance your expertise and increase your value to employers. In this blog post, I offer seven strategies to help you navigate this decision-making process of what your next industry credential should be.

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Skills Audit

Before diving into the world of industry credentials, take the time to conduct a thorough assessment of your current skills, knowledge, and experience. If you’ve never done this before, check out my recent article Doing Self-Assessment With ChatGPT To Make Informed Decisions About Your Job Search and Career Development to help you get started.

The goal of this step is to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. If you are looking for a more formal, structured approach, consider using tools such as competency frameworks, self-assessment questionnaires, or skills gap analysis templates to identify areas where you could benefit from additional training or certification.

You can also simply sit with your thoughts, reflect, meditate, free write, or even just talking to a friend or family member can get the creative thoughts flowing! However you do your reflection, the value of gaining clarity on your skillset can better help you align your credentialing efforts with your career objectives.

2. Explore Industry Trends and Emerging Technologies

No matter what industry you are in, staying up to date on industry trends and advancements in technology that are shaping the future of your field is important as a career professional. Research reports, industry publications like eBooks, and thought leadership content can provide valuable insights into emerging skill requirements and areas of specialization.

For example, if you're in the IT sector like I am, you might explore credentials related to adjacent areas of study like cybersecurity, cloud computing, or data analytics, which are in high demand due to the increasing digitalization of businesses. Simply look around your industry and see what is trending right now and be open to trying something new.

3. Leverage Online Tools and Resources

If you have access to the internet, you have access to knowledge; and that’s what you need to stay ahead of the game in professional work. If you don’t have a preferred online platform or resources designed to help professionals explore and compare different industry credentials, time to get one. Websites like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy offer a wide range of courses and certifications across various industries, allowing you to explore different options from the comfort of your home.

And don’t forget that professional associations and company specific certification bodies often provide informational webinars, whitepapers, and career development resources to help individuals make informed decisions about credentialing. Check out my Google Career Certificate series if you want to learn more.

4. Seek Guidance from Mentors and Peers

Seems simple enough, right? Because it is! Just reach out to mentors, colleagues, and industry peers who have pursued industry credentials relevant to your career path and ask to schedule informational interviews or coffee chats to learn about their experiences, challenges, and successes. Ask for recommendations on which credentials have been most valuable in their careers and how they have benefited from obtaining them. Their insights and advice can provide invaluable guidance as you navigate your own credentialing journey.

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5. Consider Employer Preferences and Job Requirements

I tell my clients this all the time- the answers are in the job descriptions! Reading job descriptions is the number one most proactive simple thing you can do for your career. Researching job postings for roles you aspire to and analyzing the common requirements or preferred qualifications listed by employers, help you understand where your career path should be going next.

Pay attention to the credentials and certifications that are frequently mentioned, as well as any specific skill sets or knowledge areas that are in high demand. Tailor your credentialing efforts to align with the needs and expectations of potential employers, increasing your marketability and competitiveness in the job market! This is how you future-proof your career to survive any shifts or changes in the market.

6. Evaluate Return on Investment (ROI) and Career Trajectory

I’d be a fool to not talk about money in this post. Listen, you paid a lot of money to go to college or get industry recognized credentials to do what you do. Spending some money on continuous learning is ok but you need to get critical with the activities you invest in. Before you start a credential, assess the potential return on investment in terms of financial gains and career advancement opportunities.

Consider factors such as the cost of obtaining the credential, the time commitment required for preparation and examination, and the potential increase in earning potential or job prospects upon certification. Additionally, evaluate how obtaining the credential aligns with your long-term career trajectory and professional goals, ensuring that it will add value and relevance to your skillset.

7. Stay Flexible and Adapt to Changing Needs

Keep in mind that the landscape of industry credentials is constantly evolving, with new certifications emerging and existing ones being updated to reflect changing industry standards and practices so be flexible and open to something new! Be sure you are continuously monitoring industry trends, revisiting your career goals, and reassessing your credentialing strategy to ensure that it remains aligned with your evolving needs and aspirations.

Final Thoughts…

Determining your next industry credential requires a strategic and holistic approach that encompasses self-assessment, market research, peer guidance, and careful consideration of your career objectives. If you are a lifelong learner like myself, you might just pick up credentials simply because they interest you- and that’s ok too! Whatever your motivation for learning, making informed decisions on what you are doing, why you are doing it, and what you want to get out of it is always important to consider when starting a new learning journey. Have fun and enjoy what you are studying, otherwise, it’ll just feel like more work- and who wants that?!

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Meet The Writer!

Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com

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7 Ways To Figure Out What Your Next Industry Credential Should Be