In this 21st century, there have been several debates between different schools of thoughts concerning how having skills is better than having a certificate or degree or how without a certificate to back up one’s skills will amount to futility. The last school of thought talks about how one needs skills and certificate to achieve high productivity.
The Merriam Webster defines “certificate” as a document that certifies one has fulfilled the requirements of a particular field and is capable of practicing in that field. It is the official proof that one has finished a school or a course of training.
A degree is defined as a title conferred on students by a college, university or professional school on completion of a program or study.
Degree and certificate go hand in hand. Certificate brings about confidence in an individual – as well as recognition and respect.
For one to get a certificate, one must have gone through a measure of training in that field which makes one have a measure of skills in that area.
Can certificate take one far without adequate skills? Not necessary.
Nowadays, reputable employers are no longer searching for how many degrees one has acquired which is also part of the requirement but are also focusing on skills that a person can add to or use to improve the company.
These include communication skills, critical thinking skills and a wide range of skills which is available in our world of today. Employers are focused on skills-based hiring than degree based hiring because of the educational system which only focuses more on theoretical than practical lessons.
It is believed that certificate is a sign of acquiring education formally but skills reflect individual growth. It is worthy to note that a person who has a certificate or has acquired about 2 to 3 degree does not necessarily mean that person is skilled.
What then are ‘Skills’?
Skills refer to the dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks. It is also known as the ability to do something that comes from training, experience or practice.
Skills are what is learned throughout the stages of development in life and it can also be self-taught.
According to the World Bank, 1/3 of the working age population especially in low and middle –income countries lack the necessary skills to get quality jobs.
You can learn varieties of skills which include life skills, job skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism skills, organizational skills, team building skills, analytical skills. These skills can spice up your Curriculum Vitae and work experience.
Learning new skills make one to be one step ahead of the crowd and makes one succeed in life.
The advent of Artificial intelligence has brought about limited jobs. As a result of this, there is an increase in competition in the job market.
What employers are searching for now at this age is dynamism, an employee who brings ideas to improve the company and provide solutions to the problems the company is experiencing.
When great entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates started their company they did not have a CERTIFICATE or DEGREE. They used their SKILLS to push it forward.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:29, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men.
This is talking about a man who is skillful in whatever he does and how he or she will surely be recognized and rewarded. To Break Barriers, Learn SKILLS that will make you ten times better than the crowd.
