Beyond the Degree: Why Students Should Consider Professional Certifications

Do you also think of going beyond degrees? Do you feel that there is a need for professional certifications? If yes, this article is something which you will relate to. These days, students have become reliant on courses that can enhance their chances of employability. Professional courses always have an edge over a Degree. The demand and need for specific skill sets also increase with new trends and advancements. Due to this, the students these days have become more skill-oriented than ever before. With just a degree, your education is incomplete. Moreover, there is always an ardent need to acquire skills and practical knowledge of specific domains to master the art. Having a professional certification can help you work at a company where you can advance in your career from more entry-level roles to more senior positions.

Introduction

This is the era of a rapidly evolving job market and job trends where holding a degree doesn’t make any impact. If you want to grow as a professional then acquiring skills will pave the way for success. Nevertheless, academic accolades will always be the first preference as they introduce the students to broad and theoretical knowledge. However, this may not fully align with the specialized skills required in specific industries. These days companies increasingly demand and look out for candidates who possess both academic knowledge and industry exposure. This is only because the pursuit of professional certifications has become an attractive option for students.

You can always look for certifications such as the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant). If you are not aware then these are gradually becoming popular because of the skills you get to learn at the completion. These credentials provide in-depth knowledge in subjects such as accounting, business strategy, and financial management. Moreover, there will be topics that are frequently disregarded in more general university programs. There are multiple learning centers such as Plutus Education.

Professional certifications can be the key to opening up new doors, improving employability, and establishing in-demand abilities that complement academic credentials for students hoping to stand out in the competitive job market.

The Limitations of Academic Degrees Alone 

There is absolutely no doubt that Academic degrees will always have that solid base of information but they sometimes don’t give experiential learning & training.  Moreover, numerous degree programs have a very strong emphasis on different and unique theoretical ideas. This can give the students a much better and more detailed understanding of the subject matter but sometimes not the practical skills or specialized knowledge that companies look for. A degree in business or finance, for example, might cover management, economics, and marketing, but it might not go into great detail into the technical areas of cost management, regulatory compliance, or financial analysis.

In 2023, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conducted a poll and found that just 53% of college graduates thought their education had sufficiently prepared them for the workforce. Furthermore, a McKinsey study found that 40% of graduates globally had trouble finding employment that made full use of their degrees. This led to a difficulty of mismatching between their skill set and the specific needs of companies. 

This disparity draws attention to a developing trend in the labor market: employers are seeking applicants who can demonstrate both a broad understanding of academic subjects and specific, transferable talents that are essential to the success of their businesses. In domains such as finance, accounting, and technology, where demands are always changing, individuals with professional credentials are more highly valued for their capacity to utilize specialized knowledge in practical situations. 

Advantages of Professional Certifications 

There are multiple Professional certifications such as ACCA and CMA are designed to address the limitations of traditional academic degrees by providing a deeper, more specialized focus on specific industries.

For instance, there are courses such as ACCA, CFO, and CMA which help the students in gaining extensive knowledge on topics such as international financial reporting, auditing, and tax planning. It prepares individuals for a career in accounting and finance on a global scale, with a curriculum that emphasizes ethical business practices, regulatory compliance, and advanced financial analysis. Comparably, the CMA certification gives students a competitive edge in corporate management and finance professions by emphasizing cost management, financial decision-making, and strategic planning.

These certifications offer multiple advantages as compared to finance degrees. While a degree provides an overall understanding of business functions, ACCA and CMA go much deeper into areas such as financial forecasting, performance management, and investment analysis, preparing candidates for specialized roles such as financial controller, auditor, and cost management accountant.

The global recognition of ACCA and CMA further enhances their value. Both certifications are highly regarded by employers worldwide, opening up international career opportunities. A 2022 survey by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) found that 79% of CMAs experienced faster career advancement, and ACCA certification holders reported higher earning potential in regions like Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

How to Combine Certifications with Higher Education?

Students interested in pursuing professional certifications alongside their degrees should take a strategic approach to balance their educational journey. Fortunately, many universities now offer joint programs where students can earn both a degree and a professional certification in tandem. For example, some business schools integrate ACCA or CMA coursework into their curricula, allowing students to work toward certification while completing their degree.

It is possible for students whose colleges do not offer these programs to pursue certifications on their own. This approach requires careful preparation and time management because certification exams can be challenging and time-consuming. By planning realistic study schedules, utilizing online courses and study groups, and seeking out expert advice from certified persons, students can effectively manage their workload.

Although these kinds of fast-paced certification studies and academic courses can be difficult, the rewards are well worth the effort. Employers place a high value on students who effectively incorporate certificates into their curriculum because they show a commitment to lifelong learning in addition to developing specialized abilities.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive job market, relying solely on a degree may no longer be sufficient to secure top-tier career opportunities. Professional certificates such as ACCA and CMA provide students with specific and useful skills that enhance their education, giving them an advantage over other students. Whether the students pick integrated programs or independent study courses, the courses will always add up to their educational journey. In addition to the degrees they are flexible, well-rounded individuals with the abilities needed to thrive in their chosen industries.

By looking beyond standard academic courses and appreciating the relevance of professional certifications, students can significantly boost their employability, earning potential, and global work chances.

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