UC500.com

As some of you who frequent the site may know I am a CCSI, Certified Cisco Systems Instructor. I contract with Global Knowledge and teach most of the Cisco Voice curriculum. One thing I notice from teaching is that many of my students never go on and get certified.  It saddens me. 

1. Validates your Knowledge - Having a Cisco Certification validates your knowledge in a tangible way. For example a  CCNA shows you know something about networking. 
2. Helps with the boss.  IT can be a competitive field these days.  Having a piece of paper hanging on the wall reminds the boss and coworkers of your expertise every time they come into your cube/office.  Can't hurt during compensation review time.
3. Helps you land the next job - In this digital jobs search era, what good is loading your resume to a job site if it does not have any of the keywords headhunters and employers are looking for?  You may have tons of on the job experience but if you don't have the term CCNA or CCNP/CCVP (insert Cisco cert here) in your resume, it will never even get looked at.
4. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession. Obtaining your certification shows your commitment to your chosen career and your ability to perform to set standards. Since university degrees can no longer represent the full measure of professional knowledge and competence in today's evolving job market, certification sets you apart as a leader in your field.
5. Certification improves skills and knowledge.   By studying for Certification you increase your knowledge and abilities.
6. Certification builds self-esteem. You'll begin to define yourself beyond your job description or academic degree. You'll see yourself as a certified professional who can control his or her own professional destiny and find a deep sense of personal satisfaction.  You will have more confidence on the job and off.
7. Ability to build better professional networks.  Be recognized and accepted when you contact and network with top-performing professionals in your field, around the world
8. Increased customer confidence.  Many customer are more trusting with a certified individual. Certified individuals can help close deals.
9. Resellers need Certified Individuals. For a reseller to be able to resell Cisco specialty products such as voice they need to have X amount of Certified Individuals.  The more they have the deeper discounts they get on gear from Cisco.  Being Certified just puts Cisco resellers on your Job radar.  They need Certified people!
10. Bragging rights.  nuff said.

What do you think?