Professional Certifications

Question

How many of you are mentioning IT(or other) professional certifications on your applications? I know Chicago GSB specifically asks for it somewhere on the app, but HBS doesn't. 

 I haven't included it in my resume either but wondering if it does make sense to put it somewhere on the HBS app. How are others handling this when not specifically asked for on the app? Anyone? 

Thanks

nervousgmat · Answer

I think it depends on the type of certification. For example, if you passed CFA I and II, I would definitely put that on your resume and mention these achievements in an essay because admissions committee looks at these types of accomplishments as a major commitment to achieve your goal after b-school. However, if you are referring to certifications that are required to do your job (like Six Sigma in manufacturing or series that all traders must to have in order to trade), than I might put it on your resume but wouldn't talk about it in an essay.

bherronp · Answer

I mentioned my CCNP in essays for a couple of schools. I mentioned it for two reasons: 1. pursuing advanced knowledge has allowed me to progress at a faster rate and 2. I think it shows intellectual curiosity and a drive to improve myself.

Unfortunately, I don't think most people in business school admissions are as familiar with IT certifications (particularly for a niche field like network engineering) as they are with financial certifications, so I doubt that it carries as much weight.

mbagal1 · Answer

Thanks guys. bherronp, thats exactly why I feel the need to mention them somewhere and not completely ignore them. I guess the resume is as good a place as any to fit it in, except now I will have to figure out how to keep it to one page.

sperinko · Answer

I mentioned it in my Resume and referred it in one of my essays to show how it helped me tackle a technical challenge.

mbagal1 · Answer

Thanks sperinko. I havent mentioned them in any essays and have modified my resume to include it.

togafoot · Answer

I put down my ISEB qualificatins in my resume and in the form, and only mentioned it briefly in an essay to demonstrate academic capability alongside the language certifications i have. All depends on what context you choose to use the qualification in

Professional Certifications

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