What to Do if You Are Looking for Specialist Certification
Whether you have just started out in your career or you have been operating in the same career for a long time, there may come a point when you must obtain another qualification if you want to go further and get promoted. However, it can be difficult to hunt down the right certification for you or to be accepted onto the relevant programs. If this is the case, here is what you need to do if you are looking for specialist certification in 2023.
- Research Accredited Programs Online
The top step you should take when looking for a specialist certification is to conduct research online. This can allow you to find niche courses that are filled with jargon and have specific aims within your industry rather than broader ones for a more general target market. You might consider looking at the courses offered by councils and societies, not larger universities. For instance, if you want to gain expertise in the oil and gas industry and already work in it, you might consider signing up for an accredited petroleum accountant program from COPAS. This will allow you to network with professionals, gain knowledge of key areas such as law and operations, and hone your leadership skills. However, to head onto this course, you will need to have five years of experience in oil and gas or a four-year degree in accounting and one year of experience.
- Speak to Your Employer
Often, the person that will know best is your employer. Not only do they interact with other professionals frequently, but they may also be able to guide you toward a course that will give you the skills and knowledge that you need for your specific job or career goals. Not only this, but some employers are happy to fund your education if you will return to the business with useful skills that are beneficial to it. You might also need to speak to your employer about taking time off or reducing your hours to complete this course. Your employer might also help you to refine your goals and to create a plan that will allow you to reach your aims, such as getting a promotion.
- Contact a Career Coach
If you think your career is stagnating and you are struggling to find a certification to help you out of your rut, you should consider contacting a career coach. It is likely that they will have a lot of details about the courses that are available and which one might be right for you. In addition to this, they may be able to give you secondhand feedback on what each course is like and what alumni have gone on to do. They can also help you with your applications for these courses, including your personal statement and interview. With a career coach by your side, this means that you may be more likely to get onto the specialist course of your dreams. You always want to make a great first impression, and they can help you do this.
