Many careers indeed require professionals to be certified. You’ve got to complete schooling, pass tests, and apply for licensing to find any reputable work as a doctor, nurse, massage therapist, or even a nail technician. It takes time and lots of paperwork, and it can be pretty pricey to keep your certification active.

So if you’re lucky enough to be in a field that doesn’t require certification or a degree, why bother? Sure, you’re not certified, but you’ve found something you’re good at, and you’re in a stable job; why rock the boat when a storm’s not on the horizon?

Well, lots of reasons. Sure, some careers require professional certification or licensure to practice. That’s just unavoidable. But in careers where certification is optional, such as welding, there are still many benefits to becoming certified and/or credentialed.

Below, we’ll unpack a few of the top reasons to get certified, and consider a few fields this might apply to.

1. New in town

You never know what the future will hold, and word-of-mouth recommendations only reach so far. Sure, your job is great now, but who’s to say you won’t move to a new place one day and need a bit more than your reputation to go on?

Certification can help bolster your resume when you’re building a new community or starting in a new geographical location. Of course, you can still list your old boss as a recommendation, but a piece of paper like certification (or more likely, a digital stamp of approval these days) endorses your work on a whole other level.

2. Boost credibility

Speaking of endorsing your work, certification can do more than that. Just as a school being accredited by a governing body is an official stamp of approval, completing a certification in your profession boosts your credibility more than any previous employer could in a recommendation.

Certification isn’t personal; it’s usually based on metrics, data, and other elements that are quantifiable, so it’s hard to argue with. If you’re certified, you know what you’re doing, and that’s that.

3. Higher earning potential

Beyond building your legitimacy, certifications lead directly to higher earning potential in nearly every field. Because your certification acts as this stamp of approval, employers know they’re making a good bet on hiring you, which means they’re often willing to pay you to entice you to stay.

Plus, if you’re certified, employers know they won’t have to spend as much time training you, another reason you’re a good investment for their company. Skills needed in a profession like medical billing and coding, for example, can certainly be learned on the job (and many companies build training into their hiring practices), but being trained and certified before applying is always an advantage.

Get certified in your profession at Goodwin University

4. Build a wider network

School isn’t just great for the piece of paper you earn at the end; you’re also there to build connections along the way. Working toward certification in your profession means you’ll spend time alongside other folks coming up with you. People you’ll get to know, work on projects with, and maybe even recommend each other for positions later on. You never know where school connections will lead; alumni networks can build pretty interesting bridges over the course of a long career.

5. Learn new skills

Of course, there’s always the obvious reason to go back to school: learn new skills! Just because you’re already working a job doesn’t mean you know all there is to know in your profession. Certification courses open up possibilities in unexpected ways; a course you’d never considered could be a key element in unlocking your next career move.

Maybe you’re already working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), for example, but taking a Patient Care Associate (PCA) certification course broadens your skills in phlebotomy or EKG technology, making you eligible for more positions and promotions at your current clinic or hospital.

6. Meet a mentor

Another likely outcome of a certification course? Meeting a life-changing mentor. Employers don’t always have time to invest in your career, but professors? That’s their biggest passion!

Enrolling in a certification course connects you with mid- and late-career professionals who are committed to giving back and training the next generation. Professors and faculty are some of the most valuable connections available when navigating your professional career. They’ll have unbiased advice and lots of experience to help point you in the right direction. Plus, they’ll know your work and be ready to recommend you once you complete their courses.

Get certified in your profession at Goodwin University

Whether you’re curious about exploring a new profession, looking to boost credibility through a certification course, or add skills to your resume, Goodwin University supports learning and career growth no matter what your goals are.

To that end, Goodwin offers career-focused certification courses, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate programs for professionals across a wide range of fields. Whether you’re looking to make in-roads in healthcare or explore the ins-and-outs of modern manufacturing, we’re ready to support your growth.

Learn more about certificate programs at Goodwin University to see if we can support your career growth.