School is right around the corner and, unless you’re a tired teacher, you’re probably excited about it! With the little ones going back to school, you might even be considering going back yourself. For many educated spouses, it seems like every PCS demands more education for the next opportunity. Before you decide to obtain another degree, consider getting a certificate, instead.
With nearly 50 million people in the US having a college degree, how do you stand out as the more qualified candidate? Graduate degrees will give you that edge and give you a specialization. Degrees give you great theory in your area of expertise, but certifications give you practical and real-world applications.
Earning a professional certification is much more affordable than a degree, and takes less time. Granted, they can still come with a hefty price tag, with most costing hundreds of dollars for just the test. There are great programs that will help military students with these costs and courses.
The time, dedication, money, and thousands of hours logged for these certifications can show employers that you are dedicated to your career in this field. Your certification also shows that you can follow a standard set by industry leaders and that employers can count on you to adhere to the industry integrity in your work. Certifications need to be maintained, so employers will also know that you are current with industry changes and practices. With the level of dedication and proven knowledge, a professional certification increases your earning potential against other candidates with experience and education that lack that certification.
Our sister organization, CASY, offers free training to veterans and spouses for new career paths in Cybersecurity and Transportation and Logistics.
With nearly 50 million people in the US having a college degree, how do you stand out as the more qualified candidate? Graduate degrees will give you that edge and give you a specialization. Degrees give you great theory in your area of expertise, but certifications give you practical and real-world applications.
Earning a professional certification is much more affordable than a degree, and takes less time. Granted, they can still come with a hefty price tag, with most costing hundreds of dollars for just the test. There are great programs that will help military students with these costs and courses.
The time, dedication, money, and thousands of hours logged for these certifications can show employers that you are dedicated to your career in this field. Your certification also shows that you can follow a standard set by industry leaders and that employers can count on you to adhere to the industry integrity in your work. Certifications need to be maintained, so employers will also know that you are current with industry changes and practices. With the level of dedication and proven knowledge, a professional certification increases your earning potential against other candidates with experience and education that lack that certification.
Our sister organization, CASY, offers free training to veterans and spouses for new career paths in Cybersecurity and Transportation and Logistics.
 T2TL is a SWIFT program with CASY that gives candidates industry training and job placement. |  IBM has partnered with CASY to offer free industry training on their cybersecurity systems, QRadar and i2 Notebook. |
For professional certifications in HR, Project Management and Information Technology, check out Onward to Opportunity.
Onward to Opportunity, formerly known as the Veterans Career Transition Program, is a free, comprehensive career skills program that provides civilian career training, professional certifications and job placement support to transitioning service members, members of the selected reserves, veterans, and military spouses. O2O partners with private sector companies committed to training and hiring military talent and their spouses earlier in the transition process. If you are not located near one of our on-base installations, we offer distance-learning opportunities through the online-only portion of the program.
Are you ready to go back for your professional certification? Our Employment Specialists can direct you toward the best option to pursue based on your experience and where you want to be. If you already know which certification is the best fit for you, make sure you check out this great resource for veterans and spouses!
Written by: Becky Ganley, Onward to Opportunity Program Coordinator, Camp Lejeune,
and Zaneta, MSCCN Marketing Content Coordinator
Written by: Becky Ganley, Onward to Opportunity Program Coordinator, Camp Lejeune,
and Zaneta, MSCCN Marketing Content Coordinator
RSS Feed