Certification vs Degree: Which is Better for Career Growth in Saudi Arabia?
One will wonder whether a degree or a certification will help them more in developing a career path. Each option has its advantages; however, picking one over the other can pose as a challenge. Then, we will analyze both options and determine the most feasible one for career growth in Saudi Arabia.
What is a Degree?
An individual receives a degree after completing all the work requirements from a specific program from a college or a university. It typically takes a couple of years to finish (like roughly 3 years to 4 years for a bachelor’s degree) which requires attending multiple classes. One good thing about earning degrees is that it gives a person great understanding of a discipline, whether business or engineering or anything else.
In Saudi Arabia, degrees are still one of the priorities. If you look forward to working in certain sectors like medicine, engineering fields, or education, a degree will almost always be necessary. It also is beneficial for those looking to advance in their career to higher level positions.
What is a Certification?
A certification is a form of qualification one attains after completing a less comprehensive program centered on a particular skill or job. Unlike a degree, certifications are less expensive and time-consuming. Training institutions and online courses offer certifications, which is an asset if you’re seeking employment.
If you are in the Saudi Arabia or are IT, marketing to project management, there are certifications for precisely what you are looking to attain. With certifications being less expensive and quicker in Saudi Arabia, it is evident why they are increasingly in demand.
Certification vs Degree: What is the Difference?
Let’s talk about the fundamental differences between a certification and a degree:
Time and Cost:
Degree: Obtaining a degree takes quite a considerable time commitment, as is the case with a bachelor’s degree that takes 3-4 years to complete, and comes with a steep price. Moreover, Universities in Saudi Arabia charge relatively high tuition fees.
Certification: Savings on time, certifications are gained over a few months and even weeks. They are budget friendly compared to a degree which is another reason they’re appealing to time and money savers cessfully completed.
Job Opportunities:
Degree: In the case of medicine, law, or engineering, a degree is almost always a prerequisite. A degree is considered a prerequisite for upper level positions in many companies in Saudi Arabia.
Certification: In contrast, certification is ideal if you are looking for specific skill sets in a given industry, for example, IT, Marketing, or Finance. A number of employers in Saudi Arabia seek people who possess current skills, and certifications can validate that claim.
Flexibility:
Degree: Earning a degree is associated with a greater time intensity. If you have other tasks or responsibilities, integrating a university program into your schedule can prove to be extremely challenging.
Certification: Certifications allow for much greater freedom when it comes to time constraints. Most of them can be taken online and done at one’s convenience, enabling better time integration into other work or personal commitments.
Which One is Right for You in Saudi Arabia?
So, which one would be better for you to promote your career in Saudi Arabia? Here are some questions to consider:
What Industry Are You Interested In?
If you wish to work in the law, healthcare or education sector, then obtaining a degree will likely prove to be the best option. These industries generally mandate prior available formal education.
Having a certification in technology, business, or marketing can be as equally or more useful than getting a degree. Most job positions in these fields appreciate more hands-on experience and a certification can certainly provide that.
What Are Your Career Goals?
Obtaining a degree can benefit your career advancement if you hold a foundational position in your field and seek greater learning and growth opportunities.
If you want to pursue further academic qualifications whilst working, receiving a certification will aid in changing occupations or being promoted swiftly.
How Much Time and Money Can You Invest?
Getting a degree can take up a lot of time and is usually quite expensive. On the bright side, it will definitely advance your career in the long run. If you need a degree for your profession an would like to get promotions in the future, pursuing a degree is the right decision.
Certifications are less expensive and can be completed in a matter of days or weeks. A good option for anyone looking to boost their skill set without years of studying devoted to learning is certifications.
Why Certifications are Popular in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is witnessing rapid changes across many industries including technology, finance, and marketing. Below are the reasons certifications are so widely chosen in the country:
Quick Learning: New skills can be attained in a short span of time, and one can immediately put them to use at work.
Better career opportunities – Certification opens new job prospects especially in fields such as digital marketing, IT, and even in business analysis.
Affordable – Unlike degrees, certifications are much more cost-effective and a great choice for individuals on a budget.
Conclusion: Certification vs Degree – which one is better?
In the end, it all comes down to what you want to do in your career when it comes o certification vs degree. If it’s something like medicine or law, you’re more likely going to need a degree. But if you wish to quickly specialize in something, acquire certain skills, or move up the career ladder in a fast-paced industry, then a certification will serve you best.
In Saudi Arabia, having both a degree and certification has its advantages, hence it’s simply a matter of which you prefer based on the goals in your career and your circumstances. As you come to your decision, remember that the most important part of achieving success is devoting yourself to continuous self-improvement.
