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As 2021 opens its door for us, it is our time to try and get the most of it. The pandemic last year changed many aspects of our lives including the way we study, work, or try to get a job. At the same time, the needs of the market have changed for many industries, which has created the need for some of us to shift our skills and professions to something else.
The IT industry still holds its ground and the need for specialized software engineers is only increasing. However, with increasing demand, we must also think about supply. Catching the eye of a recruiter can be a tough thing during these times where there is not that much “face-to-face” contact anymore.
Although there are many things that can help you stand out in the IT industry, and today I want to focus on certifications. An ICT (information and communications technology) or simply IT (information technology) certification can open many doors for a newbie as well as mid-career professionals who are searching for the next best opportunity.
Most resumes tend to look the same, so it’s all about what you can do to stand out. IT certifications can do just that because they represent an easy way for recruiters to know what is a person’s mastery of a particular technology or practice and if their knowledge is up-to-date.
Here is a shortlist of some of the most notable ICT certifications you can acquire in 2021.
Cato Networks SASE Expert Certification
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a new enterprise networking technology category that was introduced in 2019. This new architecture converges the functions of network and security point solutions into a unified, global cloud-native service.
Basically, instead of buying, deploying, and running multiple different products from different providers, a SASE architecture delivers a full set of networking and capabilities through a converged cloud-native architecture The purpose of this is to bring simplicity and efficiency.
New technologies require new skills. Therefore, the world’s first SASE platform, Cato Networks, has started offering a SASE certification so people can get familiar with this new tech. This networking certificate may be best suited for more advanced professionals with a solid background in terms of networking and cloud computing.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification
If you find yourself at the precipice of an IT career, CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is the certificate for you. This certificate is best suited for those who want to see if a career in IT is right for them. You can also go for this certificate if you want to develop a broader understanding of what IT means and have a better idea of this industry.
This course covers essential IT skills and knowledge such as basic infrastructure knowledge with common peripheral devices, software development with a better overall understanding of that a programming language is a security, and database fundamentals. By the end, you should have a better understanding of all aspects and components of this field and understand its purpose and your role.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification
Another skill validation certificate that you can acquire is the MTA, offered by Microsoft. This certificate addresses a wide range of critical technology concepts with the purpose to validate core technical concepts in three primary areas: developer, database, and IT professional.
Instead of a single composite course, Microsoft offers a selection of entry-level certifications where each topic is a different MTA. Some notable IT-related certifications are:
- IT infrastructure: this MTA certification is for those who want to build a career in desktop/server infrastructure or private cloud computing. You can master setting up complex machines such as Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop.
- Database: for those interested in skills for a database administrator. This will help you to master skills for becoming MySQL admin or Microsoft Access Online Database administrator.
- Developer: This certification is for anyone who wants to code and start their journey as a software developer. You can find an MTA for most programming languages.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification
Cisco is a big player in IT, networking, and cybersecurity solutions. They also offer IT certificates which are very popular for networks. In the past, they offered several individual certifications, but recently all those certifications were brought together in one single CCNA certification.
This course covers a broad range of fundamentals in terms of networking including concepts as:
- network fundamentals & access
- IP connectivity & services
- security fundamentals
- automation and programmability.
Project Management Institute (PMI) Certificates
The IT industry is not just software and hardware; it’s also the people behind the engineers who lead and make the teams and get everything moving. They act as glue and their role is crucial for maintaining planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution of the final product.
For this role, certification can be a key stepping stone to managerial positions.
PMI (Project Management Institute) is a well-known American non-profit professional organization for project management that offers multiple certifications for management. Some of these are:
- Project Management Professional (PMP): one of the most popular certificates for this domain
- Certified Associate in Project Management: an entry-level certification.
You don’t necessarily have to be a project manager to get an entry-level certification for management. Nowadays, several IT jobs require project management skills.
Wrap up
The IT industry is extremely vast with a need for professionals in all areas. An ICT certification can help you stand out from the others and potentially show recruiters how you stand out with your new skills, as well as help you get promoted at your workplace.
In the end, it’s all about the knowledge and skills you have. You can either acquire them through self-learning and experimenting by yourself or with a little help through a course and certification.