As the cost of a college education continues to rise, some students forgo four-year degrees to pursue quicker and cheaper certifications, such as IT or Web design certifications. Information technology has been a very popular and lucrative career field since the 1990s – and after the field recovered from the dot-com crash and subsequent economic downturn, these careers are now hot again.Web design certification is one great way to break into the information technology field. Schools such as the Computer Career Center in Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX, provide a comprehensive Web design education that prepares students for certification in this field. The CCC Web design education also offers students an opportunity to learn graphic design skills, including photo manipulation and desktop publishing skills. Web design certification – or a graphic design education – enables students to seek entry-level jobs in desktop publishing, Web design and editing, or graphic design pre-press.For an entry-level computer network or repair career, there are a number of technology certifications to be had. Some schools offer a network administrator course of study, which prepares students to seek several of the top IT certifications in the technology field today. One of the most popular information technology certifications on the market is the CompTIA A+ certification. The network administration education CCC provides at its Las Cruces and El Paso schools enables students to seek this certification, as well as the Microsoft MCSE, the CCNA, and other certifications.Many IT professionals report that professional network certifications made the difference between career-ladder ascension and career stagnation. And, certifications are not just for individuals with no previous education or work experience. They can be valuable assets for mid-career adults who want to change fields, or who want to add network certifications to their education credentials.Students with a network certification are equipped to enter one of several technology fields. Some begin in computer repair, where they use their knowledge of computer hardware and systems to repair and upgrade computer hardware. Other students with a network certification take entry-level tech support jobs. They may either receive tech support calls to resolve computer issues over the phone, or they may be employed at a company on-site as a technical consultant.Technology fields offer great opportunities for growth. Students who begin in entry-level Web design positions may progress to the level of Web master or lead Web designer at a technology company. Similarly, students in entry-level computer repair and tech-support jobs can eventually get careers in consulting, or work in IT at the managerial level. Some students even switch to sales. For example, a person with a Web certification might also be able sell Web advertisements, while a person with an IT certification can more easily switch to selling computer systems and software. An education in the desired technology field, as well as field experience showing progressive responsibility are two great assets in an information technology or Web design career.Many educational institutions trumpet the advantages of getting a masters degree in a technology field, especially for bachelors-degree holders who want to change careers. However, masters degrees can be expensive, and the increase in pay might not be as significant as the money spent on the degree. Certifications in Web design, network administration, and other tech areas are cheaper and faster than completing a masters degree. Education providers like Computer Career Center help mid-career professionals grow or change their careers with ease.Students interested in educational or professional advancement can benefit – in some cases, finding great success – by investing in a Web design or IT certification.

For many the job marketing and the economy is the number one issue facing America today. This is evident in many of the political polls shown on television. In addition there is a significant increase in people from around the world entering the United states each day. The average work needs to develop more knowledge and skills to become more than average to potential employers. Adding knowledge and skills to one’s resume does not have to be time intensive or costly. There are many occupations that require a professional certification rather than a college degree. Certifications can be achieved much quicker and less expensive than a college degree.Grant writers, like many other occupations (auto repair, computer repair, and tax preparer to name a few) do not need to have any sort certification or license to perform their tasks as a grant researcher / writer. The fact is that your auto mechanic can also be your grant writer. However, employers hire certified (grant writers) employees over non-certified at a much higher rate.Certification is not the same thing as a professional license. Certifications are usually earned from a professional association. The certification process is similar to licensure and may differ in terms of legal status. Certifications are often designed for both novices and seasoned professionals.HR professionals value employees with certifications
• certification play a key role in the hiring process
• certification make it easier to help find the best employee fit
• certification help to ensure credibility of employees
• employers reduce the number of unqualified resumes they receive by including certifications as a requirement in job listings
• certification is a reliable predictor of a successful employee
• certification indicates an independent unbiased evaluation of knowledge and ability
• certification is an indication that a candidate is willing to work hard and accomplish goals
• certified employees receive higher starting salaries than those without certificationsResearch shows certified employees are:
• More confident
• More knowledgeable
• Reach job proficiency quicker
• Are more reliable
• Perform at a higher level
• Work Smarter
• More willing to learn new things
• Stay with their employer longer
• More likely to be promoted
• More job satisfactionOrganizations that value training and certification tend to see lower turnover, increased productivity, and a validation of professional standards. Many non-profit organizations are eager to have a CGW on their staff. This is true for both new hires and current employees.Becoming a Certified Grant Writer® is the best way to prepare your future Grant Writing / Consulting career.

In today’s business world, the term “solution” almost always references a computer-based solution. From freight companies that seek the advice of transportation logistics experts to engineering companies that consult with 3D laser scanning providers; if a company wants to take its business to the next level, it must usually consult with a provider of technological solutions, and for most companies that means initially consulting with a computer consultant to discover new solutions to old ways of doing business. The basic premise of computer consultancy is to provide clients with services that offer value beyond what a computer consultant charges for services. Some common services offered by IT consultants include general consulting, Internet services, data back up services, custom programming, computer building, on-site and off-site computer repairs and running cable for networks, among others. In any case, while a reputable consultant will be able to address your company’s particular needs in the short term, there are two longstanding benefits that a IT computer consultant offers to each of its clients: availability and assistance.AvailabilityBecause what constitutes the newest and best computer technology has a reputation for changing like the weather, developing a relationship with a reputable consultant is to develop one of the most valuable relationships that your company can have. In addition to offering immediate solutions, computer consultants usually maintain an ongoing relationship with their clients to apprise them of new technology that would further improve clients’ business prospects. Furthermore, retaining a relationship with a consultant that understands your business needs and operating procedures will simply save you time and money in the event that you need a quick solution to a new problem. In addition, a computer consultant that specializes in a particular area can always redirect you to another consultant when you face a hurdle that demands a different area of expertise.AssistanceIn many cases, a good IT consultant becomes like a trusted business partner in terms of advancing a client’s business interests and increasing its bottom line. Because computer consultants typically realize more financial gain from client referrals than from charging currents clients for particular services, their dedication to their clients’ success is equivalent to their dedication to their own success. For example, a consultant that successfully provides a few clients with proprietary data solutions often realizes an entire network of similar clients within a short period of time. But for clients, the assistance of a cutting edge consultant simply means staying ahead of the competition instead of falling behind it, and doing so at an affordable price. In many cases, computer consultants don’t require a long-term financial commitment from their clients, instead choosing to offer their services on a monthly basis, meaning that companies only end up paying for a consultant’s assistance as long as the consultant’s solutions prove financially valuable.