I ask that same question myself. I remember flipping through my emails and seeing a note about all of this e-discovery education. Someone wrote:
“…can anyone comment on whether employers take these things seriously (e-discovery certifications)? I'll take the exams if they are worth it, but I don't want to spend time and money to get letters after my name that no one truly cares about.”
I love that question, because I remember back a few years ago (around 2000 or so) you could not turn around without hearing a commercial or a promo for schools pushing people to get MCSE and CCNE certified and I thought it would be a great opportunity to push my career along with a Microsoft cert.
The very important thing that I am trying to say is and I hope this gives you some clarity: “the information you learn carries far more weight than the certification you earn, but the certification is the tangible product”
I enrolled in one of those fast-track non-accredited programs and was on my way, or so I thought. The tech and telecom bubble burst and within 6 months the school closed its doors. It was a painful feeling to have that dream taken from you. Nevertheless, I continued to grind out an A+ cert and then I at least completed my MCP all on my own. But it felt as though the credential lacked the weight it was supposed to carry due to the fact that I acquired the cert on my own and not through the real world experience of deploying software and real time challenges like Active directory changes that other Cert professionals had the opportunity to be challenged with. Have you ever heard the term “Paper Tiger”? I believed that is all that I had become by pushing so hard to achieve the credential and failing to see “the value of the process”.
Fast forward to 2011, I personally see that E-discovery now has a slew of credentialed opportunities for those who are in the field to enhance and sharpen ones knowledge base and skill set. Also, to provide a standardized framework for the industry with regard to educating both the unfamiliar and the seasoned on how the industry has evolved, where it currently stands and to point one in the direction it may be headed. I have only mentioned these 2 reasons. I enrolled specifically in a course to resurrect information that I had forgotten and to learn new material as well. I respect what I have learned so far, but I do know for a fact it will truly come to life when I am again employed in the industry and daily engaging the information, the processes and the challenges. I guess what I am trying to say to you, some employers will take the certs seriously, some employers will not, but make the education process (to learn your material is your priority) your focus over the acquisition of certifications. Be very, very good at what you do and let it shine! This is money well spent…
All the best!
Right on and well said.
ReplyDeleteLike the web upgrades.
Good points. I just received my Certified Electronic Discovery Specialist (CEDS) certification. It is a nice validation of my experience and knowledge. In addition to the points that you mention, certification also shows a dedication to the profession, which includes not only the time and effort to gain the requisite experience and study for and pass the certification exam, but also the cost and time necessary to maintain the certification.
ReplyDeleteCertification does not, of course, guarantee competence and potential employers still must conduct their due diligence.
If you or your readers are interested, I posted my experience with the CEDS application and testing process:
http://legalprojectmanagement.info/2011/03/my-thoughts-on-the-certified-electronic-discovery-specialist-ceds-exam.html
curious to see the growth of certifications and which ones will last. We're keeping our eye on three different ones.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Georgetown Paralegal! I love your quote - "make the education process your focus over the acquisition of certifications." We are developing a Lit Tech/Proj Mgmt Track in our program to assist our students in acquiring the knowledge necessary to create immediate value to employers as "para-technicals" in the Lit Support field. I define a "para-technical" as a legal professional whose role requires legal knowledge, data management, and technical skills. Certifications are fantastic ways to further define yourself and your expertise/desire in a particular area (PM, eDiscovery, etc.) but having an education that provides applied skills in legal, IT, PM is what individuals, companies, firms, and clients will value most.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff Kelly... is there a website to look out for?
ReplyDeletethanks
Frank,
ReplyDeletehttp://paralegalstudies.georgetown.edu
We will have new track up on website in next month, with classes starting in July. HOYA SAXA!
Kelly
Director, Paralegal Studies Program
Georgetown University
Good post. I think that the best certification programs are those that you feel make have improved your knowledge or skills and that you would value regardless of how marketable they are. From the potential employer's perspective, I think that such certifications show a dedication to the field. Certification does not guarantee competence and employers must still do their due diligence, but I think employers will value certification issued by a reputable organization.
ReplyDeleteI recently passed the Certified Electronic Discovery Specialist exam and received by CEDS certification from the Association of Certified Electronic Discovery Specialists (ACEDS). I wrote about my experience taking the exam on my Legal Project Management blog. http://legalprojectmanagement.info/2011/03/my-thoughts-on-the-certified-electronic-discovery-specialist-ceds-exam.html.