You’ve seen it happen. A talented team member proudly adds another certification to their LinkedIn profile. Everyone congratulates them. The company pays for the next round of exams. The cycle continues.
But have you ever paused to ask: “Is this actually making us better?”
I’ve watched organizations invest tens of thousands in certification programs while their actual technology problems remained unsolved. The certifications accumulated while the business outcomes stagnated.
There are two distinct mindsets when it comes to professional development in technology:
The Credential Collector believes more certifications equal more capability. They pursue the latest certification as proof of expertise and readiness. Their teams have impressive credentials but often struggle to apply that knowledge to solve real business problems. Their focus is on knowing rather than doing.
The Impact Engineer sees learning as a means to an end. They pursue knowledge that directly addresses their current challenges. Their teams might have fewer certifications but demonstrate remarkable problem-solving abilities. Their focus is on results rather than recognition.
During my time at Google, I noticed something surprising: many of the most effective engineers weren’t the most certified. They were the ones who deeply understood how technology solved specific business problems.
The shift from collecting credentials to engineering impact comes down to one question: “How will this learning directly improve our most pressing business outcomes?”
This doesn’t mean certifications lack value. It means their value comes from intentional application, not mere acquisition.
Next time you’re considering a certification program, try reversing the traditional approach:
- Identify your most critical technology challenges
- Determine what specific knowledge would help solve them
- Then seek learning opportunities (certification or otherwise) that deliver that knowledge
The result? Technology learning that creates genuine business impact rather than impressive but idle credentials.
Christopher Grant
Founder, Nebari Consulting
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