"Certificates" -- do they help?

[paulmcdonald, mba]

I've noticed that many accredited colleges and universities are offering shorter-term "certificate" programs (Cornell University comes to mind, but they are certainly not the only ones).

Do these programs have credit and credibility in the marketplace, or are they seen as "resume-stuffers" ??

[kelkat]

I would think they have their place. If you are actually trying to increase your knowledge in the field you are in, then I would think it would be like any other continuing ed classes.

[LilOne1989]

When I was going to college there were people who were only there to get a certificate in order to be "credited" so they could move just that one step forward in their career. Sometimes increasing their pay by $5,000 - $10,000 a year so yeah, they help if you can get the right one.

[felice206]

It's a great way as well to get your foot in the door I do believe. I know some short term certificate diplomas can be used in lieu of experience. So in essence, if you want to try out a profession, but don't want to fork out loads of money right away, this is a great way to start out, and work your way up the ladder.

[mynameisCat]

Do these programs have credit and credibility in the marketplace, or are they seen as "resume-stuffers" ??

Well, no certificate has any credibility at all if the students don't learn anything from it! Really, I think the best reason to take a certificate course is to actually learn what they're teaching and be able to use the knowledge effectively on the job.

I have a business communication certificate, and yes, it helped to have it on my resume, but mainly it helped a lot in my day to day work.