I think the most obvious benefit of obtaining any type of certification would be acquiring new skillsets. Gaining this knowledge will definitely open more opportunities for career growth. Relative to project management, I believe it is essential to continue to learn new things and gain certifications in a wide range of areas due to the level of responsibility that is placed on a person holding that job title. Project managers are expected to oversee an entire operation from beginning to end all while planning the scope of a project, leading a team of workers, and solving issues that may arise (just to name a few). Project management certifications will help an individual gain the necessary hard and soft skills to remain successful within their field of work. Although certifications aren't always required, I think it definitely shows a person's dedication to growing in this field which is very advantageous to not only themselves but the company and clients they serve.

As with any certification or degree, it is a piece of paper that essentially proves that you know or have learned a certain amount of material. It proves to someone without them having to ask or be shown that you have been exposed to certain aspects of a topic. However, for something as hands-on as project management and managing people and programs, I think it would be difficult to translate a certification to real-world experience. As certification proves that you know HOW to do something, not necessarily that you CAN actually do it. I wonder how this disparity is perceived by employers. Are they likely to hire people with certificates but little experience? Or are they mainly basing their hiring choices on the experience a candidate has? If that is the case, what significance does obtaining a certificate give?

If you are interested in a career in project management consider the resources available through the Project Management Institute ( https://www.pmi.org/). The certifications available for this career path include CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) and PMP (Project Management Professional). CAPM does not require experience or a college degree but in order to be eligible for the certification exam you need at least 23 hours of project management education. PMP requires having attended a four year college, 36 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of project management training/a CAPM certification. With only a high school degree you are required to accrue 60 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of coursework/a CAPM certification. Additional PMI certifications include, PgMP (Project Management Professional), PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional), and PMI-RMP (Risk Management Professional). A project management certification enhances your credibility and effectiveness working in/leading a team.

So I have a certification in data analysis which is quite different but I feel like I can shed some light on how a certification is regarded by employers. The main thing I have seen from my experience is that the certification itself is cool to have and nice on your resume but what employers care more about is what you learned from the certification process and what kind of deliverables you can show them. This will obviously depend on the program what you can  show them but from my experience that is the key. So if you are planning to get any kind of  certification whether its for project management or anything else, you cannot look at it as "Oh i just need a certification and dont need to actually remember this stuff", you need to actually learn what they teach and not just pass the test and forget it if you want a potential employer to take notice.

I think obtaining a Project Management Certification will definitely help in "climbing the corporate ladder" and advancing in your career (maybe?) faster. As mentioned above, it can be obtained by both high school diploma and college degree holders, with the high school diploma holders having to have almost double the amount of experience leading projects. I think that for people who don't choose to go the college route, it is a great opportunity to increase their chances of being hired for higher paying jobs. My cousin did not finish college and instead worked hard to be in a position where his current company is paying for his PMP certification/training. Having this certification correlates to an increase in pay, but most importantly, it also shows that he has PM skills. I think having this certification helps people who've taken a similar path as his to demonstrate that they are the right person for the job. Based on what we hear, there seems to be a stigma surrounding those who did not graduate college, often limiting their career options if they don't have a way in, such as a network that they can turn to. Their industry experience coupled with a certification would show employers that they know what they are doing, even if they didn't follow the traditional route, and thus would be able to compete for the same jobs stronger. 

As a student, it's evident that project management serves as the cornerstone for achieving successful outcomes. To bolster my prospects as a future project manager, I've learned about several valuable project management certificates. These certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), and others like PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, and PMI-ACP, showcase a commitment to continuous professional development. They serve as tangible proof of my knowledge and skills, underscoring my readiness to effectively manage projects. Moreover, these certificates demonstrate that I'm well-versed in the latest trends and best practices, which is crucial in a field that's constantly evolving. By obtaining such certifications, I not only stand out among job applicants but also increase my chances of negotiating a higher salary, securing promotions, and exploring diverse career opportunities both locally and internationally. Pursuing project management certificates is an investment in my future, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations.