How Important Is Training and Certifications for Career Advancement?

as a person currently pursuing a professional certification, i would like to say it is compulsory.

the fact of the matter is, this day in age, there are more and more university graduates, many more than in the previous generation, and they are all vying for an already shrinking job market due to automation.

then you have those that continue to pursue higher studies, masters, doctorates etc. and then apply for work.

u have to differentiate urself from the rest of the crowd. however, that differentiation is not just necessarily certification based. ur mettle also proves a good job enhancement tool.

what u bring to the table, what makes u unique. those are things that cannot be attained, they are inherent. so anyone can learn, anyone can study, but few people have practicality and the "it" factor.

My opinion, 'you're never too old to learn'. Professionally speaking, certification is a must to improve your chances of getting ahead but qualification only is not the ticket to success. Nothing beats experience which is essential, you might find yourself competing for a job with someone who has no qualification but a great deal of experience. The employer will look at who is more suited to the job based on how well you can present yourself and what you have to offer.