9 Qualifications You Can Earn In a Year Or Less

When you're looking for a job, you're applying left, right, and centre for jobs in your field, and every time you submit a new application you wonder to yourself, “Is my CV strong enough?"

Unfortunately in the competitive markets college graduates enter, their high marks and extracurricular activities may not be enough to set them above the rest.

So, is the solution a higher degree? No, that would take too long, besides you've done your time.

Instead I suggest seeking out technical certificates that can add value to your résumé in a year's time or less. Technical certificates can range from a variety of different skill sets, all of which would be considered valuable to employers.

Due to this variety, it isn't always easy knowing what technical certificates to consider. To help you get started I have compiled a list of ten you should consider.

1. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Unlike many certifications you don't have to be a tech-minded person to pursue this one. It's valuable to anyone that plans on working in the corporate setting because most companies use Microsoft Office programs and finding certified people with a command for the software are few and far between.

2. Sales Training and Certification

You may think sales has nothing to do with your career. Think harder. Companies put a lot of money into sales training to ensure that their employees can handle the most fundamental aspect of business. Being certified lets your employer know that you have what it takes to close deals.

3. Audio Production/Video Editing Certification

These two certifications although separate work best when paired together. The ability for a company to have someone in house who can capture, edit, and produce high quality sound and visuals for their new marketing campaign is useful. Having a certification in these skills lets the company know that you can make them look great.

4. Project Management Professional

Too often teams have poor leaders causing everyone to set on their hands until deadlines have passed and deals get missed. If you can manage projects and lead teams efficiently for a company they will snatch you up in a heartbeat.

5. Certified Financial Planner

A financial planner is someone who specializes in tax planning, asset allocation, and risk management in order to help companies reach their financial goals.

This certification requires ongoing training. A financial planner is something every company needs to succeed yet very few people are willing to put in the work to be qualified to do this lucrative and highly demanded job.  

6. Coding Languages

Companies hire teams of individuals to code their apps and websites. Even if you aren't a good enough coder to be on that team of app developers being certified in a coding language means you'll be better able to understand  that teams work and communicate it with others in the company.

7. Web Design

If you already have some coding experience it would be wise to get certified as a web designer.

Having a command of basic coding skills is impactful. It means that when the company looking to hire you decides to revamp their website or start a new one for their new product you may be selected among other employees to work directly with top company members to oversee the project.

8. Big Data Analytics

Data analysts comb through data collected by a company in order to recognize trends and correlations within so the company can utilize these findings for research and development to improve the products or services they provide. And because everyone collects data everyone needs data analysts.

9. Certified Ethical Hacker

Now I know you can't just become a certified ethical hacker without specified knowledge. However if you are already doing work in the IT security industry this is a certification you'll definitely want to consider.

If you can provide non threatening hacks to your company to show them where their weak points are and consult with them in order to protect  their information, your company might just consider you indispensable.

One Impressive Résumé

Any of the certifications above are sure to make your résumé stand out, and they are all well worth pursuing.

And of course, let's not forget the courses on offer from The Learning Station, which allows you to study courses from home. Their selection of qualifications range from business administration to health and social care. 

What qualification are you thinking of earning this year? Let us know in the comments section below!

Author: Billy Stidham, Lead Content Marketer at Wordify.