It’s no secret that today’s business world is becoming more and more competitive each year. As a result, careers can advance or decline almost in a blink of an eye. For mid to senior managers, this means that having credentials earned through executive certification might be more important than ever.
Taken from this perspective, executive education is a formal recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, as well as the proof of someone’s incessant commitment to personal development. Moreover, it means that a leader has just what it takes to stay on top of the game: devotion, enthusiasm, and a will to perfect. Because only then can he/she perfect others.
In more pragmatic terms, an executive certificate in leadership is a set of courses that will equip you with everything you need to know to lead a team. Most certifications programs available today take about six months to complete and provide students with flexible studying hours, online classes, and easy enrollment procedures. In addition, because they are designed for managers of all levels, these certifications are tailor-made to fit into the busy working schedule a student probably has.
Here’s why you should propel your career with this kind of certificate.
Why Should You Earn Your Executive Certificate?
In a nutshell, this question really comes down to explaining how executive education can help you build your career. And, well, it can do so in many ways. The best way of recognizing all the benefits associated with executive education is looking at it as an actual building block – it has six sides, and all of them are needed to fit if you want to make a solid career construct.
#1 Enhance Job Prospects
The number one reason on our list is, obviously, related to job outlook. Yes, you should earn an executive certificate because it increases your chances of landing a higher position or being promoted to one.
It goes without saying that no certificate in the world could make up for the lack of expertise. But showcasing an advanced executive education on your resume can be an efficient door opener. It states that you work hard on yourself and that you’re able to manage your own development.
Many employers will interpret this as your ability to lead others towards success as well.
#2 Advanced Leadership Skills
Once you do get those doors open, you’ll need to be able to put your money where your mouth is and effectively deploy the knowledge you’ve acquired through certification.
Having said that, it’s important to note that executive education is not, and shouldn’t be, just an empty resume decoration. Instead, top-notch certifications in leadership must equip you with the tools you need in your daily work life.
To be more specific, upon obtaining the certificate, you have to be able to:
- Deploy diverse leadership styles
- Master the soft leadership-related skills (communication, negotiation, presentation, etc.)
- Align managing strategies with the goals of an organization
#3 Increase Your Team’s Productivity
Somewhat naturally rising from the previous two, the third benefit on our list concerns the result of applying your knowledge. At the same time, it’s the parameter that the stakeholders will most likely monitor to track your performance.
Use your executive position as a dissemination point for everything you’ve learned on the certification program. This will inevitably create a productive environment where each team member can be at their top performance.
In other words, you’ll have a lineup of professionals showcasing your leadership abilities. And nothing is beating that.
#4 Boost Earnings
Although salary boost is usually listed first, it made our number 4 for a reason – only after you’ve used executive education to achieve the last three things can you expect a proportional financial compensation. It’s a well-known fact that no stakeholder will start showering you with a six digits salary without making sure you’re worth it.
You should also know that the alluring figure just mentioned is an achievable goal.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for chief executives was $185,950, putting them in the category of the highest-paid workers in the United States.
#5 Build Reputation
So far, we’ve discussed the immediate benefits, meaning they are pretty apparent from the moment you set foot in an organization. But there are those that develop over time and that can be more valuable in the long run.
Namely, once you use executive education in a manner we’ve previously described, your reputation starts polishing itself, up to the moment you’re perceived as an “essential contributor.” That way, both stakeholders and your team members look at you as an indispensable part of success.
And, guess what? The word usually spreads out.
#6 Wider Professional Network
Last but not least, there are reasons why executive education is important while it lasts, so to say. Aside from benefits that stem from the certificate, the course studies are also a chance to seize certain advantages. Because they never happen in a vacuum, certification programs are an excellent opportunity to expand your network of connections.
Sure, you can’t know what the future holds for your fellow leaders-to-be, but some acquaintances can prove a valuable stepping stone in the future.
Wider Professional Network
Stay on Top of The Game With The Best Executive Leadership Programs
In conclusion, the executive certificate in leadership is not just important but vital – if you use it the right way. And if you choose the right one, of course.
The good news is that a recent shift towards distance learning has increased the number of high-quality programs that you can take fully online while not interfering with the obligations and commitments you already have.
Here at the American Institute of Leadership, Innovation, and Technology (AILIT), we take great pride in accelerating the careers of leaders, executives, and managers by using knowledge, innovation, and academic excellence. Download our brochure to find out more, or contact us today if you have any questions.
