I’ve been in the industry for 10 years. Is it worth it for me to go back and get certified now? I’m looking at the ROI of skills vs certifications for reaching a Director level. Will another certification actually help, or should I focus on leadership skills?
3 answers
At the mid-to-senior level in the US, the skills vs certifications balance shifts significantly toward "soft skills" and strategic thinking. However, a high-level certification like a PgMP or a specialized Agile leadership cert can act as a catalyst for a promotion. In the US, moving into a Director role often requires you to oversee teams that are certified, so having those credentials yourself ensures you speak their language and understand their workflows. The ROI isn't just about the salary bump; it's about the "leadership authority" you gain. That said, if you have to choose, the skill of managing people and P&L will always outweigh a technical certificate at that stage.
For someone at your level, is it possible that the skills vs certifications choice could be solved by taking a specialized executive education course instead?
I went for the certification after 12 years and it helped me negotiate a $20k raise. For me, the skills vs certifications ROI was very clear.
Victor, that's encouraging! It proves that even for veterans in the US market, a fresh certification can signal that you are still keeping up with modern industry standards.
Steven, that's a brilliant alternative. In the US, an executive program from a top university often carries the weight of both a skill and a certification, providing the networking opportunities that a standard exam-based certificate simply cannot offer.