Is a graduate certificate program worthwhile?

June 29, 2017 1:38 PM

I am interested in making a slight career adjustment from consulting to being an in-house subject matter expert. There is a graduate certificate program that looks interesting that would fill in some of my knowledge gaps. Are these types of certificates worthwhile? How do hiring managers feel about them?

My career has been focused on environmental consulting and I would like to be involved in corporate sustainability as a subject matter expert. I have gotten pretty far in the interview process for three different companies, but my lack of business experience seems to be getting in the way. (I have an MS and not an MBA). Would a graduate certificate in corporate sustainability be enough to fill in the gaps (at least in a hiring managers eyes?)

posted by chevyvan to Work & Money (2 answers total)

Best answer: Yes I think it would help a lot. It's fairly common to get certificate type "degrees" in environmental consulting in some markets- GIS or permitting or business. It's often people like you who have an MS already who want specific skills. I do think it's important to find a good program from a reputable school and to talk to graduates but I know several people who've made this kind of change after getting that type of certificate in this field. I think hiring managers take them very seriously.
posted by fshgrl at 9:35 PM on June 29, 2017

Best answer: I think informational interviews are key here -- identify some folks who have made the switch you're trying to make, and ask how they did it. Even if you're right that the certificate is the way to go, you may still pick up valuable info like which schools in the area have stronger programs, professors to avoid, etc.
posted by rainbowbrite at 7:47 AM on June 30, 2017