Do Qualifications Really Matter for Career Progression?

I have a friend who seems to be collecting certifications as if completing a sticker book. It made me reflect on whether qualifications genuinely hold much weight when it comes to career opportunities.

Reflecting on my own career journey, I can’t say I’ve done too badly. That said, my initial career choice when I was younger wasn’t IT. I fell into the industry when my original plan didn’t work out. I enjoyed the work, although not necessarily the lifestyle — but that’s a story for another day.

Throughout my career, it has been my experience that has sold me to employers, not the number of qualifications I hold (which isn’t many). This isn’t a criticism of those who pursue certifications; I believe it ultimately comes down to personal ambition and drive.

Personally, I’ve never been particularly keen on taking tests. I’m very much a hands-on learner, with a style that relies heavily on practical experience rather than formal study. I have always loved tinkering with technology to see how it works under the bonnet. Even as a child, I would often take things apart just to understand them — and, thankfully, usually put them back together again.
For those who grew up in the UK between 1977 and 1995, you might remember The Krypton Factor — I would probably have made a good contestant! Unfortunately, I was only 15 when it ended, so never had the chance.

There are, of course, arguments on both sides. Some believe qualifications are essential; others argue they are not. I believe it depends largely on where you work and who you work for.
For instance, in the US job market, it’s common to see employers demanding a long list of certifications even for entry-level roles. In Europe, I’ve found it to be a more mixed approach, but again, it often comes down to individual employers.

My current employer hired me based on the strength of my CV and my experience, offering me the top end of the salary range for the role. As of writing this post, I’m still with that employer and have no plans to leave. I have been approached regarding other opportunities through various channels, but personally, I believe in the old saying: better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.

In the UK, most of the employers I have interviewed with have not placed much — if any — emphasis on qualifications. Instead, interviews have been primarily focused on my experience and the achievements throughout my career.

So, do qualifications make a difference?
First and foremost, it depends on where you are located and the employment practices of that region — this can vary significantly from country to country.

Beyond that, it really comes down to you and your prospective employer.
For those looking to break into IT — or even those already within the industry — I would advise having a clear idea of where you want your career to go. Whether it’s a one-, two-, three-, four-, or five-year plan, setting career goals is crucial. Personally, I work to a two- to three-year plan, creating a personal roadmap outlining what I want to achieve in my current role. Once I’ve met those objectives, I begin to explore the next opportunity.
As I grow older, I do recognise that changing roles within IT may become more challenging — but that’s a topic for another day.

My approach has always been to work and learn simultaneously. I focus on learning what is necessary for the role at hand, and my career progression has been built on applying the knowledge gained from each position to the next.
I’ll admit, it might be the longer route, but personally, I have no problem with that.
For those who are keen to progress quickly, you will need to carve your own path.

From an employer’s perspective, it’s quite straightforward: they are looking for someone who can do the job, and ideally, someone who will fit their company culture. I have encountered situations where a job appeared promising during the interview stage, but once inside the company, it was a very different experience.

In summary:

Whatever path you choose, have a plan and make sure you fully understand the potential requirements — including what an employer is actually looking for: