Are Certifications Necessary to Climb the Tech Ladder?
As a Latina salary negotiation strategist and coach, I hear this question all the time: Do I really need certifications to move up? My recent LinkedIn poll had some interesting results: 13% said "Absolutely," another 13% said "Experience matters more," and a whopping 75% said "It depends on the role."
So, let’s break this down because the answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no, especially for Latinas trying to navigate this industry.
Myth #1: Certifications Guarantee Tech Career Success
Some folks think stacking up certifications is the fast track to landing a high-paying tech job. And while they can help, they are not the only or even the best way to level up. Hiring managers are usually more interested in how you solve problems, how you think, and whether you fit into their team,certifications alone won’t get you there.
And let’s be real, certifications aren’t cheap. For many Latinas in tech, dropping hundreds (or thousands) on a piece of paper isn’t always feasible. Not to mention, we already deal with pay gaps that make those investments even tougher. So, if anyone tells you that you have to get a cert to succeed? Take that advice with a grain of salt.
Myth #2: Experience Alone Will Carry You to the Top
On the flip side, some people argue that experience is all that matters. That’s easy to say if you’ve had access to insider networks, mentorship, or just the benefit of being given the chance to prove yourself. But for Latinas in tech, we often have to work twice as hard to be seen as equally qualified. A certification can be useful in shutting down any doubts about your skills,especially when you’re dealing with biased hiring managers.
The Real Answer: It Depends on the Role … and the System
A solid 75% of my poll respondents said it depends on the role. And they’re right! In fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and project management, certifications can carry more weight. But in software engineering, UX design, or product roles? Portfolios and hands-on experience usually carry more weight.
The shitty reality is that it shouldn’t just depend on the role,it should depend on fair and equitable hiring practices. When companies make certifications a must-have, they unintentionally exclude talented people who learned their skills through bootcamps, self-study, or community programs. And guess who gets left out most? Us. We do! Women, people of color, and those from non-traditional backgrounds.
How Latinas in Tech Should Approach Certifications
You don’t need every certification out there. You need a strategy.
Check the Job Listings, If certifications are preferred and not required, your experience might be enough. Don’t assume you have to get one just because it’s mentioned.
Find Free or Low-Cost Learning Options, There are scholarships, employer-sponsored programs, and even free resources out there. Take advantage of them before paying out of pocket.
Network Like It’s Your Job, The right relationships can get you into rooms that certifications can’t. Join tech communities, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Use Certifications as a Power Move, Not a Crutch, If a certification will help you negotiate a higher salary or stand out in a competitive field, go for it. But don’t think it’s the only way to level up.
FAQs About Certifications and Tech Careers
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Not always. Certifications help in some fields but aren’t a guarantee for landing high-paying roles.
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When it’s required for a specific role you want or when it gives you negotiation power in your industry.
Don’t Let Certifications Define Your Worth
At the end of the day, certifications are just one tool in your career toolkit. They can open doors, but they’re not a magic pass to success. And more importantly, we need to push for hiring practices that recognize talent in all its forms,not just in the form of expensive credentials.
So next time someone asks if certifications are necessary to climb the tech ladder, tell them: It depends,but let’s make sure talent, not just a piece of paper, determines who gets a seat at the table.