So, I wanted to open up conversation this week with respect to the age-old argument regarding the value of certification.
Now, by virtue of all of us being out here on the CIN, we all value certification. We build our lives around certifying for ourselves as well as teaching others. We continuously step up to the challenge whenever a new certification comes out, we allocate hours of personal study and research so that we can add back credential to our ever-growing list. For many of us, it's a way of life and has served us well as our careers have progressed.
But, how do we deal with the problem of apathy among those who come to us saying that they want the nice job, being an IT, but they are just unwilling to put in the necessary time to get certification work done? Yes, it is a real commitment. But I just got done looking at a couple of resumes this morning from students that came out of college and I see one who had a nice assortment of certifications, but for some reason he's not employed yet. Meanwhile I see another student who graduated without a single certification, working jobs like throwing pizza and managing inventory in a music shop.
Because, I hear the excuses from the people that do not have certifications. And if I was to be totally brass tacks about it, the underlying factor is just general laziness. Yes the certifications are challenging, and there is a cost component involved with them but I see that as more of the exception than the rule. Truth be told, there are ways to overcome both of these, if a person wants the bad enough.
So, I put this question to the Network: how do all of you as teachers, instructors, program developers, and the like deal with this ongoing apathy that comes from students who simply are unwilling to put in the time and effort to actually certify? Perhaps, it's just something internal like personal excellence which is not something that is easily taught. Is there something that we have overlooked? Are there techniques and ways to motivate apathetic students and professionals?
Yes, I recognize that this is a YUGE question with so many potential threads and opinions. But, I think it is a question that we, here on the CIN, have to continuously talk about. Time always change. Certifications and technologies change constantly. But I don't think the challenge ever does. So, I'm very interested in hearing the various opinions about this.
@Stephen Schneiter - I would like to propose that we do some sort of CIN meetup - if we can swing it, as sort of a think tank, forum discussion - some way we can talk about this, because I think if we can find strategies that work...really work, we only stand to help ourselves as educators.
Okay, CIN crew...you're up.
/r