Created: 01 March 2021

Last Updated: 03 March 2023

5 Ways a Technical Certification Will Help You Find an Engineering Job

When looking to get into engineering, having a technical certification is helpful. Read more about the benefits of a certification and why you should get one.

Many people weigh going to school or getting certified in order to gain a higher-paying job. Making the decision to go to school is already a big deal due to the time and expenses you put in.

Still, even after graduating as an engineer, there is still something you can do to better your current position and that's getting a technical certification. You might wonder what advantages getting certified does for you.

After all, you already went to school. Keep reading to learn the benefits of being certified in tech as a software engineer.

1. Increases Your Employability

Sometimes it may seem as if getting an education is not enough. When you are ready to find work, it can be tough to locate openings or worse -- get hired. While there are plenty of positions you may notice it's difficult to get a response.

This is especially the case if you are a new graduate with no experience or technical skills. You will soon learn that looking for work can be complex and competitive.

In today's competitive job market, it's essential to stand out from the crowd and increase your employability. Here are some tips that can help you do just that:

1. Continuously develop your skills: Keep your skills up to date by attending training courses, workshops, and seminars. Acquire new certifications or degrees that are relevant to your career.
2. Gain work experience: Whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, gaining relevant work experience can demonstrate to employers that you have practical skills and knowledge.
3. Build a professional network: Networking is an essential aspect of career development. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and join professional associations to build relationships and expand your professional network.
4. Show initiative and a willingness to learn: Demonstrate a proactive attitude and a willingness to take on new challenges. Show that you're open to learning and are willing to put in the effort to acquire new skills.
5. Have a positive attitude: A positive attitude can make a significant difference in your work environment. Be optimistic and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset.
6. Develop strong communication skills: Effective communication is crucial in any job. Develop strong written and verbal communication skills to convey your ideas effectively and build strong relationships with colleagues.
7. Be adaptable: In today's rapidly changing work environment, it's important to be adaptable and flexible. Show that you can adapt to changing circumstances and can work effectively in different environments.

By focusing on these areas, you can increase your employability and position yourself as a strong candidate in today's competitive job market.

2. Higher Level of Proficiency

There are a variety of branches in engineering which provides a large opportunity for growth. While you may be proficient in one area, you may have none in another. Sometimes, you may feel your level of proficiency is not enough despite learning it in school.

This is where technical certification, such as SAFe, comes into play which boosts your wisdom. You will be more than capable of developing software and feel more certain of yourself.

The additional reading and training you get as you take a certification course will help instill tasks you need to know and implement in your line of work. You can complete certifications at any time on a year-round basis.

Having a higher level of proficiency in multiple branches of engineering can lead to more diverse job opportunities and the ability to take on more complex projects.

3. Skills Remains Current

Nothing remains the same as time goes on. Things change. This is why continuing education is vital.

Knowing how to do something well, if it's outdated, will not help you much. You want to be able to perform a task in engineering that is current. If you already have a job, many companies are willing to educate their workers on changes.

Others may expect you to learn a skill on your own, more so if you're just a prospective worker. Opting for technical certification, especially those that are accredited, allows you to keep building your knowledge.

You can learn what things change or how to complete a skill in a more efficient way. You can also couple taking certifications with webinars, other teaching courses, conferences.

You are more likely to forget the skills you need in engineering if you were not working in the field for a few months or years. Technical certification can also work as an excellent refresher course. You will be more independent in completing your work and have fewer questions

4. Larger Paychecks

Getting certified is great for your wallet as much as it is for your brain. You can earn more money than what you're already making. If you notice you are not making more money, you may want to ask your employer and see if you can get a raise.

The best way to ensure you can reap the rewards of getting a technical certification is to look for jobs that are hiring and desire certification. Software training isn't something a lot of employers enjoy doing. They prefer to hire someone who is already competent.

Many are willing to pay more for it too. Before you accept any job, be sure to probe and see if there is a difference in pay. A few more bucks an hour can translate as an extra few thousand dollars for the year.

5. Provides Career Flexibility

Choosing to take the time to get a certification is not easy. Like school, you still need to dedicate time to prepare and complete the course. However, the time and money you spend will be worth it because you will gain more career flexibility.

For one, a technical certification tells employers that you have a strong interest in the specialty you seek in engineering. You let employers know you are invested in what you're doing. It shows a sense of professional development.

IT software engineers are exclusive in the sense that the experience and knowledge you gain can help you with networking. When you are ready to take on better employment opportunities and projects you have a higher chance of succeeding when you have a certification.

When you show that you have one or more certificates in IT, you can reach out to other clients. This level of networking is most helpful for engineers who are self-employed.

The same goes for when you want to switch gears and do something else. Certifications not only sharpen existing skills but also serve as a way to diversify them.

Getting a Technical Certification Will Help You as an Engineer

Going to school to become an engineer is a great choice. You're able to market yourself a lot better when you decide to get a technical certification. This will help increase your chances of working at jobs you apply to and be more confident with your skills.

Certifications are more than just a paper you can add to your resume. You can also earn more money too. If you enjoy engineering and want to continue working in the field as a career choice, the certification can also provide greater flexibility.

If you would like to take your skills to the next level and get certified, contact us for help in applying for the right courses. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a technical certification?
   A technical certification is a formal recognition that a person has acquired a specific set of skills and knowledge in a particular technical field.
2. How can a technical certification help me find an engineering job?
   A technical certification can help you stand out from other candidates in a competitive job market by demonstrating that you have specialized skills and knowledge in a particular area of engineering.
3. What are some popular technical certifications for engineers?
   Some popular technical certifications for engineers include Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
4. Are technical certifications worth the investment?
   Yes, technical certifications can be a worthwhile investment as they can increase your earning potential, open up new job opportunities, and enhance your professional credibility.
5. How do I prepare for a technical certification exam?
   To prepare for a technical certification exam, you can take review courses, study materials provided by the certification body, practice sample exams, and gain practical experience in your field of expertise.