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So I usually am not in this forum as I am only a college student but since I'm graduating soon I have done a lot of research on job postings for entry-level workers in my prospective field. My prospective field requires a lot of credentials even for entry-level candidates (usually around 3, really depends on the position, the field is broad). All of the credentials that are required are offered through one association in this field. The association offers an "in-training" option for all credentials and certifications to those who meet the education requirements but not the work experience. What happens is if you take the exam and pass, you get the "in-training" credential, then they give you three years to make the required two years of work experience, and then they give you the full credential.
What is your opinion on this? I can't find jobs that are "true" entry-level since they require these credentials that require two years and they usually list at least one year experience required. I thought going after these credentials would make me more marketable and technically I would be certified, just lack the work experience. But the credentials are expensive (for non-members it would be $400+ for each credential, rates are a little different depending on which credential) so I don't want to waste money attaining these if they won't make me marketable. I could also join the membership, which would significantly reduce the costs for the credentials by about half each, and yearly membership does not seem expensive for students at $15/year but I will be graduating soon and it will increase to $95/year. Joining the association seems like the cost-effective option (especially since there are many other benefits besides reduced costs on credentials, so I might do it anyway), but then again I don't want to waste money if these credentials are not going to help me land my first "real" job.
People could anser you more effectively if they knew exactly what you werev trying to do. What is your degree in and what type of job are you trying to get?
Your post is extremely vague so it is hard to offer any concrete advice. But if the credentials are required for entry-level jobs in your field it would seem clear that you need to get them in order to be employable.
Your post is extremely vague so it is hard to offer any concrete advice. But if the credentials are required for entry-level jobs in your field it would seem clear that you need to get them in order to be employable.
Yes it just seems to cost a lot....
My degree will be in Public Health, and I'm trying to work in the environmental health field. The association is the NEHA if that is any more helpful. I haven't narrowed myself down to an exact job within this field specifically since I want to keep my options as wide as possible. If you do look at the website, it is credentials, not certifications, the certifications are all for food safety I believe and I wouldn't need those.
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