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  • 1.  Statistics Certification and Badges

    Posted 10-03-2018 11:01
    How are Statistics certification and badges viewed in the industry?

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    Esther Pearson
    Assistant Professor
    Lasell College
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  • 2.  RE: Statistics Certification and Badges

    Posted 10-05-2018 10:35
    I think it depends upon the industry and the type of certification. For example, I can finish up a certificate in Business Analytics which has a large component of statistics and data mining. I can't think of a position for a statistician that will accept that. But, for a computer scientist to use such a certification to help them get a job as a Data Scientist or business analyst, I can see that working. 

    The University of Washington used to offer a pair of certificates in biostatistics and adv biostatistics. They were not aiming at getting their recipients into a biostatistics position. They were aiming at getting folks from the science side more stats training. They also offer multiple other certificates in various areas of statistics and data mining. I don't think any of those certificates will get a novice a professional job. But, they are a step in the right direction for increasing awareness of statistics and data analysis. 

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    Andrew Ekstrom

    Statistician, Chemist, HPC Abuser;-)
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  • 3.  RE: Statistics Certification and Badges

    Posted 10-05-2018 13:20
    With the growth of online degrees and opportunities for  "Data Scientists" , I endorse those who do take time to earn badges with proof of attendance and participation in online communities such as ASA. Our career field is one that requires constant learning - and technology is changing - so gathering proof of your continuing ed is wise.

    Personally I applaud those who take the time and trouble to add these to your resume. while some badges are easier to get then others - they do show hat you care enough about getting endorsed by recognized authorities to defend and justify your quest for enhancing your career.

    The traditional resume and traditional HR hiring process of reviewing past employment with years of successful projects and demonstrated statistics remains the best solid proof of excellence.  But for those seeking an edge IN - to get noticed right out of the gate with the new degree in hand - I definitely recommend going for extra badges and certification.

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    Mary Grace Crissey
    Operations Research Analyst
    UTSA Professor
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  • 4.  RE: Statistics Certification and Badges

    Posted 10-08-2018 14:45
    I agree with you, Dr. Crissey, but would caution those who have obtained certifications to only include ones on their CV which are relevant to the position to which they are applying. I received a CV from a candidate who was nearing completion of his PhD and he had roughly a dozen Coursera certifications from the past year and a half on his CV which suggested that his interests were quickly moving away from those that would be relevant to the position to which he had applied. It probably seems extremely obvious to not do this, but those certifications were the only reason I didn't offer him a phone interview! 

    Otherwise I agree that they show interest and motivation beyond school and/or job requirements. I generally won't see them as the sole reason to interview a candidate, but relevant certifications certainly leave a favorable impression and in my experience have pushed candidates from borderline to getting a phone interview.

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    Jaclyn Szymonifka
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    Original Message


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