Do you have current print industry skills? Prove it! If it’s been a few years since you were in college, tech school, or a printing program, it’s time to gain skills through an organization that offers proof of completion. Proof of skills will propel you in your print career.
According to my recruiter friends across the graphic arts industry, today’s entry-level and mid-level employees change jobs every two to three years. Having current credentials will help you reach your goals on schedule and stay competitive.
CREDENTIALS THAT STAND OUT
It’s important to show proof you completed the training you said you did. These days, anyone can say anything about their background. However, a credential from a trusted and respected authority is a cut above – and it’s what employers look for in top job candidates.
A CUSTOM APPROACH TO CAREER ACCREDITATION
Of course, your print career path is up to you and part of your long-term and short-term strategy. Whether you choose the “ladder” or “lattice” approach to your career in the printing industry, you must show *current* evidence you are improving your skills.
To move up the ladder, you may need skills in supervision, management, finances, and project management. To move across the organization, look where you can fill a gap or lead the way, such as team building, design, technical troubleshooting, data handling, customer service, or sales.
Unlike performance reviews, on-the-job documentation, or other “proof” of skills/completion you gain through your employer, a third-party credential implies no bias – and it doesn’t disappear if you leave your employer on strained terms. Pay for the print industry skills training and testing yourself, so there’s no question about who the certification belongs to.
WHO OFFERS CERTIFICATES?
Examples of third-party credentials might come from LinkedIn Learning, Adobe, HubSpot, Salesforce, equipment manufacturers, software companies, trade associations, independent trainers, seminar companies, free university classes (many offer free or affordable certificates), the unemployment department or workforce agency, or classes you take through your local library.
DRILL DOWN TO SHOW EMPLOYERS WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF
I recommend you get specific with your print industry skills by taking a series of progressively harder classes in one skill area. Even if the skills are not directly applicable to a new job, your ability to complete a set of classes shows an employer you have the determination and follow through.
Also, think about picking one area of print and becoming an expert. For example, if you plan to get into the mail side of print, look at Certified Mailing Professionals and Certification Programs offered by the USPS, the mail industry, and your local postal customer council. Be sure to inquire about financial assistance if you are footing the bill yourself.
POST YOUR PROOF WHERE EMPLOYERS CAN FIND IT
As you complete each new certification, add it to your LinkedIn profile so you can easily share everything on one page – like this!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyhubbardpublisher/details/certifications/
GAIN INSIGHT FROM THE PROCESS
Each time you add a certification, and other print industry skills, write up an overview of what you learned, how it contributes to your job performance or career goals, and how you might describe it to a future employer. That way, if a job opportunity comes along, you can talk about the most pertinent parts of your training and show yourself in the best possible light.
And, yes, I practice what I preach.
Ten years ago, I began taking regular project management and programming classes at Stanford University, Google for Developers, the Scrum Alliance, LinkedIn Learning, and other certified training providers.
Trust me – you’re not too old, too busy, too distracted, or too whatever to take a skill-building class or earn a certificate. If I can do it, so can you! If you’d like to discuss your career trajectory in more detail, be sure to invite me to connect on LinkedIn.
Are you ready to prove you have what it takes for your next job in the printing industry? Start with your print industry skills and credentials, and let’s show the world what you’re capable of.
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Check out last month’s post: How to Ask Print Customers Who Else They Print With
Sandy Hubbard is a Growth Strategist and Marketing Advisor who specializes in Print, Media, and B2B Tech. She helps print companies improve in all areas — but especially sales and marketing — so they stand above the crowd. Sandy is the host of #PrintChat, a weekly global gathering of the industry’s most influential thinkers and leaders. A proud member of Girls Who Print, Sandy is the 2022 recipient of the coveted Girlie Award. Connect with Sandy on LinkedIn.
