Skill Certification Pathways

Certifications != Job But here’s what these top certs will help you with: – Structuring your learning around in-demand cloud skills – Building credibility for roles across engineering, security, architecture, and data – Showing employers your initiative and readiness for advanced cloud responsibilities – Preparing for cloud positions across AWS, Azure, GCP, and multi-cloud environments When picking a certification path: Look at the roles it helps you target, and the kind of impact you'll be able to make once you're in that role. Here are some of the top cloud certifications I see many people pursuing: 1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) - Ideal For: Solution Architects, Cloud Engineers - Career Impact: High demand, multi-industry, builds core AWS skills 2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) - Ideal For: Azure Admins, Cloud Support Engineers - Career Impact: Fast-growing Azure market, enterprise opportunities 3. Google Professional Cloud Architect (PCA) - Ideal For: Cloud Architects, DevOps Engineers - Career Impact: Premium certification, great for architects 4. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) - Ideal For: DevOps, Cloud Native, Platform Engineers - Career Impact: Critical for containerized app deployment & management 5. HashiCorp Terraform Authoring and Operations Professional - Ideal For: DevOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Engineers - Career Impact: Key for IaC roles, multi-cloud demand and more as listed in the image.. A few final points: → Choose your certifications based on your target role, not popularity → Prioritize hands-on practice alongside your study materials → Remember: certifications can open doors, but skills and experience will keep them open What cert are you aiming for next? Let me know below. If you find these tips useful.. • • • 🔔 Follow me (Vishakha) for more Cloud content ♻️ Share so more people can learn. Image source: kodekloud.com

While influencers are still debating ATS hacks and 6-second resumes, they're missing the BIGGER picture. Here's what nobody's talking about (but should be): LinkedIn Learning certifications aren't just digital badges - they're about to become your competitive edge in the AI revolution. And almost nobody sees it coming. Here's the thing most people are missing: LinkedIn has quietly transformed from a professional networking site into something far more powerful: they're building the ultimate skills verification ecosystem. Why am I betting big on this? Because LinkedIn isn't just hosting job listings and profiles anymore. They’re shifting to skills-based hiring, and their learning platform? It’s basically the heart of their whole strategy. Think about this: → AI is reshaping jobs faster than ever → Traditional job-hunting tactics are becoming obsolete → The traditional "experience = expertise" formula is crumbling → LinkedIn is becoming the authority on who knows what And between us, I'm betting LinkedIn's algorithm will start favoring profiles with verified skills through their learning platform. It's just good business. Want to stay ahead? Here's your action plan: → Identify 3-5 core skills in your industry → Complete relevant LinkedIn Learning courses → Showcase those certificates on your profile → Rinse and repeat quarterly Yes, it takes time. But so does becoming obsolete. The math is simple: Continuous Learning + Certified Skills = Career Resilience in the AI Age.

Collaborating on Credentials The future of the workforce and the future of education lie in collaborative models where industry and academia work together to create relevant, practical learning experiences. Whether through advisory boards, design challenges and projects, or comprehensive microcredential programs, these partnerships are reshaping how we prepare talent for tomorrow's workforce. On a recent podcast, sie.ag/443UxN, I connected with Michael J. Readey and Christy Bozic, PhD, PMP, CPEM to discuss the transformative power of industry-academia partnerships. Together, we have been collaborating on credentials and sustainability to improve the circular economy digital mindset. Here are some insights we discussed that every education and industry leader should consider: The Traditional Model is Evolving: The "degree-only" mindset is shifting as we recognize the growing importance of continuous, skills-based learning. With the majority of credential-seekers being full-time professionals, the demand for flexible, targeted upskilling is clear. Industry-Academia Partnerships Matter: We must continue to invest in partnerships that bridge the critical gap between classroom theory and rapidly changing workplace demands. Together, we can enable faster identification of emerging skill needs and create timely real-world learning opportunities through immersive experiences. This provides learners with early and direct industry exposure. The Rise of Microcredentials: We're seeing a trend of professionals who actively seek, learn, and collect badges and microcredentials for career progression. Agile learning formats offer just-in-time education and experience for quick adaptation to industry needs, and flexible learning paths can address immediate and targeted skill application. Learn more about what hiring managers look for, how to build industry-relevant learning pathways, and what the future holds for collaborative academic-industry relations. I remember when I started in this industry, the focus was on how we could break down the walls between CAD and CAM. There are still walls between academia and industry we must break down. The collaboration we experienced with Michael, Christy, and the University of Colorado Boulder gives me hope for a new path forward. Listen to the full episode and share your perspective below: sie.ag/443UxN.

Balancing CFA prep with a full-time job is no joke. With less than 90 days in hand, here’s what actually worked for me 👇 This practical-blueprint shall serve as a reply to all the DMs asking how I managed to 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘊𝘍𝘈 𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭 1 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘰𝘣. • 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗱: After wasting a precious month with inadequate materials, these free resources became my game-changers: 1. edZeb by CA Vikas Vohra - An absolute goldmine! His lectures deliver the perfect combination of comprehensiveness and efficiency. Crisp explanations, complete coverage, practical problem-solving - all absolutely FREE. 2. FinTree Juice Notes - My secret weapon during final preparation. As someone with strong visual memory, these colorful, chart-based notes with practical examples became my constant companion. Perfect for quick daily revisions on-the-go. 3. Kaplan Schweser - A widely trusted book —comprehensive, well-structured, and enriched with examples and practice questions. • 𝗖𝗙𝗔 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀? Time constraints prevented full review, though they're highly recommended (especially for Ethics). Instead, I printed and solved all End-of-Chapter questions. PRO TIP: Always study explanations for WRONG answers too - this dramatically improves your analytical thinking and helps identify common traps. • 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆? While your approach depends on your work schedule, my non-negotiables: 1. Going ALL-IN on weekends 2. Leveraging passive learning through revision videos during commutes/breaks 3. Establishing a strict daily minimum study requirement I found that my background in CA was a significant advantage, allowing me to grasp concepts quickly and cover the syllabus in under 90 days. My strategy was clear: 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 > 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴. • 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀? None. I couldn't afford the time investment for both formal classes AND self-study. 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘦 was my only instructor. • 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻? Here's something fascinating: CFA Institute ensures no two candidates get identical papers, even when testing occurs over a week-long window. This makes predictable "question spotting" impossible. • 𝗠𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝘀? Completed just 2 official CFA Institute mocks. Ideally, you should take all available Institute mocks plus third-party exams if time permits. There’s more I’ll be sharing in the next post – practical hacks, time-saving tips, Telegram groups, and weekend planner formats. What specific aspect of CFA preparation is your biggest challenge? Comment below and I'll address it in my next post! #cfa #finance #CFAExam #LinkedInLearning #Investing

The cybersecurity certification game has changed dramatically in 2025. After reviewing hundreds of job postings and talking with hiring managers, here's what actually matters now and what's become obsolete. The Big Shifts: Cloud certifications are now commanding 15-20% salary premiums. AWS Security Specialty and Azure Security Engineer aren't optional anymore, they're expected. If you're picking one, follow the money. AWS dominates most markets, but Azure leads in government and enterprise. CISSP remains essential for leadership roles, but timing matters. Early-career professionals with CISSP often get labeled as "title hunters." Save it for when you have 5+ years experience and are eyeing management positions. The surprising winner? Specialized beats generalist every time. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) holders are writing their own tickets. OSCP continues to destroy CEH in market value and employers want proof you can hack, not just talk about it. What's Working by Career Stage: Entry Level: Security+ remains your ticket in. Pair it with cloud fundamentals (AWS/Azure) for maximum impact. Cost: ~$400-600 total. ROI: Excellent. Early Career (1-3 years): Go deep, not broad. SOC analysts need CySA+ or GMON. Future pentesters need OSCP. Skip generalist certifications entirely. Mid-Career (3-7 years): Choose your path. Technical track? Advanced cloud security or DevSecOps certs. Leadership track? Start that CISSP journey. Senior (7+ years): CISSP + business acumen wins. Add CISM for GRC roles or maintain technical edge with architect-level cloud certifications. The Reality Check: CEH is dying. Despite appearing in job posts, hiring managers increasingly view it as outdated. Don't waste your money. SANS certifications are incredible but at $7,000+, calculate carefully. Three specialized certifications might open more doors than one premium cert. AI security certifications are mostly hype. Stick with established providers adding AI modules to existing programs. The certification landscape evolves fast, but the principle remains constant: certifications open doors, skills keep them open. Choose credentials that align with where you're going, not where you've been. What's your certification strategy for 2025? Are you going deep in a specialty or building breadth? #Cybersecurity #Certifications #CareerDevelopment #InfoSec #CloudSecurity #TechCareers

In 2024, acquiring AI skills is more crucial than ever for career advancement, with employers willing to pay a premium for expertise in this area. New research underscores the importance of AI skills for professional success. According to recent studies, employers offer significantly higher salaries to AI-proficiency candidates. As businesses prioritize AI integration, the demand for skilled professionals is outstripping supply, creating a lucrative opportunity for those who can fill this gap. Investing in AI skills can provide a substantial career boost, whether you're currently employed or seeking a job. Here are five online courses with certificates to help you build high-income AI skills this year. 📈 AWS Certified AI Practitioner: Perfect for beginners, this foundational course by Amazon Web Services covers ethical AI usage and generative AI basics. 💼 AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer—Associate: Aimed at professionals with some experience, this course focuses on building and deploying AI models in real time. 🧠 Google's Machine Learning and AI Learning Path: This comprehensive learning path on Google Cloud includes big data and AI and culminates in a professional certification. 📊 The AI Awakening by Stanford University: This course, available through Coursera, is ideal for leaders and managers and explores AI's economic and societal impacts. 🖥️ IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate: Offered via Coursera, this beginner-friendly certification teaches essential AI skills for job readiness in six months. #AI #AICertification #OnlineCourses #CareerGrowth #TechSkills #AWS #GoogleCloud #StanfordUniversity #IBMCertification #ProfessionalDevelopment #HighIncomeSkills #AITraining

As the world accelerates toward net zero, carbon accounting has become essential for businesses, investors, and policymakers. But with so many standards and frameworks available, which one should you follow? Here’s the Top 10 Carbon Accounting Standards & Frameworks you need to know:- 𝟭. 𝗚𝗛𝗚 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹: The gold standard for carbon accounting, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. 𝟮. 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟭𝟰𝟬𝟲𝟰: A globally recognized GHG measurement and verification standard.  𝟯. 𝗦𝗕𝗧𝗶 (𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲): Aligns corporate carbon reduction targets with the Paris Agreement (1.5°C pathway).  𝟰. 𝗧𝗖𝗙𝗗 (𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀): Ensures climate risk disclosure in financial reporting.  𝟱. 𝗖𝗗𝗣 (𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁): The largest global climate disclosure platform.  𝟲. 𝗖𝗦𝗥𝗗 & 𝗘𝗦𝗥𝗦 (𝗘𝗨 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻): Mandatory corporate sustainability reporting framework in the EU.  𝟳. 𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗕 (𝗜𝗙𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝟮 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲): The new global baseline for sustainability reporting.  𝟴. 𝗚𝗥𝗜 (𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲): Focuses on stakeholder-driven climate disclosures.  𝟵. 𝗣𝗔𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟲𝟬: Defines carbon neutrality requirements for organizations.  𝟭𝟬. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱: Recognized certification for measuring and reducing carbon footprints. 💡 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝘀𝗲?  - 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Start with GHG Protocol + SBTi + TCFD.  - 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨: Follow CSRD & ESRS regulations. - 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Use PCAF, ISSB, and CDP for climate risk disclosures.  - 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Consider ISO 14064 & PAS 2060. Many organizations combine multiple frameworks to meet compliance, stakeholder, and business goals. With regulations evolving, harmonization is key watch for ISSB & ESRS alignment shortly. #Sustainability #NetZero #ClimateAction #ESG #GHGAccounting #CSR #Disclosure

Ever feel lost in the crazy number of OT/ICS cybersecurity regulations? I get it. When you're trying to secure critical infrastructure, it's no longer just about firewalls and patches. You’ve got laws, directives, standards, frameworks… and every region has its own flavor. So I put together a handy reference to help you navigate the landscape: 1. ISA/IEC 62443 The global gold standard for securing industrial automation systems. Whether you’re an asset owner, vendor, or integrator — this is where your OT security maturity journey begins. 2. ISO/IEC 27001 Not OT-specific, but almost always expected. Many regulators consider it “state of the art” for managing risk and proving due diligence. 3. NIST CSF (USA) A fantastic foundation — even if you’re outside the U.S. Its Identify–Protect–Detect–Respond–Recover approach maps well to real-world ICS needs. 4. NERC CIP (USA – Power Grid) If you work in electric utilities in North America, this is your gospel. Strict, enforced, and full of lessons for other sectors too. 5. NIS2 (Europe) The EU just raised the bar — mandatory risk management, 24-72 hour incident reporting, and serious penalties. If you’re in energy, transport, healthcare, or even food — you're likely in scope. 6. SOCI Act (Australia) Probably the most ambitious legislation globally. Includes 11 sectors, mandatory reporting, government intervention powers, and a push for resilience. 7. Singapore Cybersecurity Act If your system is classified as CII — it’s serious business. Includes licensing, incident reporting, and audits. 8. China’s Cybersecurity Law Heavy focus on data sovereignty, localization, and supply chain scrutiny. Regulatory compliance here goes deep — and wide. 9. India’s NCIIPC & CERT-In Directions and CEA Guidelines A blend of targeted protection (via Protected Systems) and mandatory incident reporting. Emerging fast — expect tighter rules in the years to come. 10. UK NIS & Telecom Security Act Post-Brexit, the UK retained and upgraded its critical infrastructure cybersecurity laws. Telecom operators, in particular, are under serious scrutiny. Whether you're building a compliance strategy or designing secure architectures understanding these frameworks is critical. It’s not just about passing audits. It’s about knowing how to build secure, resilient systems… wherever you are. I’ve summarized them all in a one-stop guide — easy to reference, updated, and global in scope. P.S. Which ones have you worked with? #OTSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #CyberRegulations #IEC62443 #NIS2 #NERC #SOCI #NISTCSF #CyberResilience #Compliance #ICSsecurity

Cybersecurity Certifications: Do You Need Them to Land a Job? From DICE Cybersecurity is not just one of the fastest-growing fields in tech—it's also critical to virtually every organization’s survival. With companies facing an ever-escalating barrage of sophisticated cyber threats, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. As a result, professionals in this field need to demonstrate their expertise to stand out in a competitive job market. But are cybersecurity certifications truly essential to landing a job, or can practical experience and a robust portfolio be enough to convince hiring managers? Let’s dive into the tangible value of cybersecurity certifications, exploring precisely how they impact job prospects and salaries. We'll also explore which certifications are most beneficial at different career stages, enabling you to make informed decisions about your professional development. What Are Cybersecurity Certifications? Cybersecurity certifications serve as official validation of an individual's specialized skills, in-depth knowledge, and proven expertise in protecting digital assets, proactively preventing cyber threats, and securing complex networks. These certifications are awarded by recognized, reputable organizations and require candidates to pass rigorous examinations that meticulously test technical competencies and practical application of cybersecurity principles. Why Employers Value Certifications Serve as Proof of Technical Expertise: Certifications provide concrete evidence that a candidate possesses the required skills and knowledge to perform specific cybersecurity tasks effectively. Demonstrate a Commitment to Cybersecurity Best Practices: Earning a certification signifies a professional's dedication to staying current with industry standards and adhering to best practices. Help Standardize Industry Knowledge for Hiring Decisions: Certifications provide a common benchmark, simplifying the hiring process by ensuring candidates meet a baseline level of proficiency. Provide Assurance in Regulated Industries Like Finance and Healthcare: In sectors with stringent compliance requirements, certifications offer assurance that professionals are equipped to handle sensitive data and adhere to regulatory standards. Entry-Level Certifications (Best for beginners) CompTIA Security+: Covers fundamental cybersecurity concepts, including network security, cryptography, and risk management. It is widely recognized and serves as a solid foundation for further specialization. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): A hands-on certification that tests basic cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills, focusing on real-world application. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP): Ideal for IT professionals transitioning into security roles, covering areas such as access controls, cryptography, and risk management. #cybersecurity #certifications #employment #jobs

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝗚𝗮𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Everyone in medical cannabis talks about GACP and EU GMP, and rightly so. These certifications are essential for market access, especially in Europe. But what rarely gets discussed is what underpins those standards operationally. That’s where ISO certifications come in, and far too many facilities are overlooking them. If you’re serious about building a compliant, credible, and resilient operation, you need more than just agricultural and pharmaceutical certifications. You need a solid systems backbone. Here are three ISO standards every facility should implement alongside GACP and EU GMP: 𝟭. 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟵𝟬𝟬𝟭 – Quality Management Systems Provides the operational framework for consistency, traceability, and continual improvement. It is the engine that keeps your compliance running. 𝟮. 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟮𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟬 – Food Safety Management (or ISO 13485 for medical devices) Crucial for ingestible or therapeutic products. It covers hazard analysis, traceability, and food-grade production, a must for serious export markets. 𝟯. 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟭𝟰𝟬𝟬𝟭 – Environmental Management Systems Demonstrates responsible use of resources, reduced environmental impact, and commitment to ESG performance, increasingly demanded by investors. 𝟰. 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟮𝟳𝟬𝟬𝟭 – Information Security Management Essential for safeguarding sensitive data, including patient information, genetic IP, and commercial contracts. As data security becomes a global regulatory requirement, ISO 27001 signals maturity, trustworthiness, and operational discipline. Additional ISO certifications worth considering include: • 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟭𝟳𝟬𝟮𝟱 – for credible, validated lab testing • 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟰𝟱𝟬𝟬𝟭 – to protect worker health and safety • 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟱𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟭 – for managing energy use and efficiency • 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟯𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬 – for structured risk management across the enterprise Larger pharmaceutical distributors and institutional buyers are no longer willing to take chances on underdeveloped supply chains. They require suppliers who operate with transparency, discipline, and documented systems. ISO certification is one of the strongest signals that your facility is not just licensed, but built for serious, long-term business. GACP and EU GMP tell you what to achieve. ISO tells you how to achieve it, maintain it, and prove it. If you’re building or upgrading a facility, do it properly, with the ISO layer built in from the start. Investors, regulators, and global partners will take note. #MedicalCannabis #Compliance #GACP #EUGMP #ISO9001 #ISO22000 #ISO14001 #ISO17025 #ISO45001 #ISO50001 #ISO27001 #ISO31000 #CannabisIndustry #UKCannabis #CannabisConsulting #OperationalExcellence #RegulatedMarkets #PharmaCannabis #CannabisExport