Re: Certification??

[DAsmussen <DAsmussen@xxxxxxx>]

Regan,

In a message dated 98-04-02 09:01:39 EST, you write:

> I'm new to the list and just wondered how IBM certification is viewed in 
>  your company.   Is it valued?  Is it expected of all programmers?  Does 
>  anyone even notice?  Does it impact salary?  Do you find it personally 
>  helpful?
<<snip>>

I'm afraid that my own company would hold IBM certification in higher regard
than would most of its clients.  The reasons are really threefold.  First, the
advent of IBM certification is a relatively recent occurrance (in career
terms) and many are unaware of its existence.  Next, early IBM certification
programs focused on systems operation and administration rather than
programming -- of little import per the salaries paid for these jobs in most
organizations.  Finally, large organizations have multiple platforms and would
prefer you be versed in all instead of focusing on a single vendor.

While certification can be personally enlightening (an end unto itself), it
rarely even shows a "blip on the radar screen" of most employers.  It _should_
impact salary, but more often than not doesn't.  I've _NEVER_ seen it required
of all programmers by _any_ employer.  I'm afraid that most employers aren't
aware of the depth of the certification process.  The latter are too used to
sending employees off to the usual IBM classes and having them come back with
a certificate -- even if they slept through everything but the "donuts and
sandwiches" portions.  Employers generally don't understand that an actual
test is involved with IBM certification, IMO.  Hopefully, the program will
gain more stature as it becomes more robust...

JMHO,

Dean Asmussen
Enterprise Systems Consulting, Inc.
Fuquay-Varina, NC  USA
E-Mail:  DAsmussen@aol.com

"It's a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn't want to hear." -- Dick
Cavett
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