Best Certifications To Boost Your Resume Before Graduation

Equipped with only a degree, one struggles to land even an entry-level job in today's competitive world. There’s a difference between attending college and being ‘employable’, and that difference is the possession of certifications.

Be it a business or creative student, being placed before graduation is possible by earning value-adding certifications for the fields of science and engineering. For ease of selection, here's a list of useful certifications along with their providers.

• FOR TECH AND ENGINEERING STUDENTS
   

1. Google IT Support Professional Certificate

• Provider: Google (Via Coursera)
• Expected Time: 6 months (self-pace)
• Why Pursue: Google's beginner level IT role is always easy to get into, so having knowledge in systems administration, networking, and troubleshooting is crucial.

2. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

• Provider: Amazon Web Services
• Expected Time: 20-30 hours
• Why Pursue: Ability to work with cloud systems is simple and rewarding, this is the easiest way to access it.

3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

• Provider: Microsoft
• Why Pursue: Everyone loves cloud-based services, especially when them and Microsoft work together. Makes job applications to MNCs and small firms.

4. CS51 Introduction to Computer Science

• Provider: Harvard (Via edX)
• Why Pursue: Never formally offers a certificate, but it's one of the best free to audit courses, earning you recognition and appreciation in the workplace.

• FOR BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT & COMMERCE PUPILS  

1. Google Digital Marketing Certification

• Duration: Approx. 40 hours 
• Why it helps: This is useful for marketing and entrepreneurial positions since it includes SEO, SEM, social media, and analytics.

2. Excel Skills for Business – Essentials 

• Offered by: Macquarie University (Coursera) 
• Why it helps: In the business world, Excel is a must. This course makes you a master at spreadsheets. 

3. Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)® 

• Offered by: CFI (Corporate Finance Institute) 
• Why it helps: It's helpful for high finance positions. If investment banking, consulting, or analytics is your target, get this certification. 

• FOR DESIGN, MEDIA & CREATIVE PUPILS 

1. Adobe Certified Professional 

• Offered by: Adobe 
• Why it helps: Authorises your proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, which is valuable for design and media careers. 

2. Canva Design School Certifications 

• Offered by: Canva 
• Why it helps: It’s quick and free, which enhances social media or design-related credentials on resumes. 

• FOR EVERYONE: SOFT SKILLS & CAREER ESSENTIALS 

1. LinkedIn Learning: Time Management, Communication, Leadership Courses 

• Why it helps: These skills are often more important, especially in interviews. 

2. TCS iON Career Edge – Young Professional Program 

• Offered by: TCS iON 

Free course on business etiquette, communication, and IT fundamentals.

CONCLUSION

Acquiring a certification prior to graduation is not merely about to getting rewarded, but rather, enhancing self-esteem and self-worth, and preparing you for the workforce.

These certifications are quite inexpensive or even free, which makes them even more attainable since you can complete them whenever you want.

Claim the one that suits your objectives best and transform your resume for the better.