The CIW....

Is it worth having?

[Kenny_KUB]

It seems that I know a person that has the CIW but when I asked him if he had tried the new Fireworks 4 he asked if it was a more powerfull type of Flash!! Hummmmm I was just kinda like, "Alrighty then...". Should I go ahead and try to get the CIW or is it just a waste of time? Because when I look at the job for webmasters they all seem to be more interested in years of experience. I guess mainly that is because there is not a 4 year degree for, "Webmaster". So I guess what my question is what is a company looking for to hire somebody in design or webmaster?

Kenny out

[oilman]

Hey Kenny - that's a tough one. I went through the same thing a little while back. The advice I received was to let my work speak for itself. A lot of certifications just aren't worth it. I know guys that have certifications that don't have half my experience or talent but have way cool jobs that I wouldn't have a shot at because I don't have a cert. It's kind of a vicious circle. My advice would be to take a close look at any courses and if you feel there is something of value to you as far as personal knowledge and growth and you have the time and money to do it - go for it. It certainly can't hurt you and you'll gain some new knowledge along the way. It might even get you that job down the road ;)

[Kenny_KUB]

No disagreements there Oil. It is a vicious circle! I do beleve that you are right that only a good combo of both, work and certs can get that cool job. It is the money that is lacking on my behalf. :(
But I'm always trying to find ways to get more experience. I'm about to place an ad in the newspaper for a freelance web designer, to gain more experience, plus have something to show as like an online resume. Let's just hope someone replies to the ad. :)

Kenny out

[Xoc]

A certificate only shows a capability to pass a test on the subject. It shows no real proficiency. Yet some managers insist on only hiring people with certificates. So my general rule of thumb is that if someone wants you to have a certificate, get one. If nobody wants you to have one, who cares. I'm proud of the fact that I'm not certified in anything (beside my B.S. from college). I figure if my work doesn't speak for itself, well, I don't really want to work for that person anyway.

The reason why there are so many certificate programs around is that they make a ton of money for the people who run them.

[mivox]

I figure if my work doesn't speak for itself, well, I don't really want to work for that person anyway.

Hear, Hear! And if all truly talented, able people in their fields took this attitude, employers would soon notice that the only people walking in the door with certs were second rate. Perhaps certificates would quit having such a magical hold on hiring departments...

I think if you're hiring someone for a job where applicants *can* present you with a portfolio, their portfolio should be all that really matters.