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Comment by joshstrange | Hacker News Reader

I've always found certifications to be a waste of time and money. There is a probably a sweet spot when they matter but it's fleeting and the companies selling you courses/certifications have zero interest in letting you the truth about how much it's "worth".

If you have the skills to get an entry-level web development job then I'd suggest going to for that to get your foot in the door, work for 1-2 years, then look for something better paying. You'll also have a better idea of if you even like doing it professionally and/or what you want to "specialize" in. I'd also suggest staying away from larger companies (FAANG and the like), you will learn more at smaller company as you'll probably need to wear many "hats" which also gives you a good chance to see what you like (Is it DevOps? Frontend? Backend? PM? UI/UX? etc).

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I’m self-taught in all that I’ve learned in tech, even in music production and audio engineering. I was thinking the Google certification would be beneficial because of their network of companies, and the entire tech industry is much more formal it seems compared to the hip-hop music industry which is like the Wild West to the tenth degree. I’m trying to learn a new skill, that’s why I was perhaps thinking of a Certification, where I can still create music and run my studio as I gain the tech knowledge and confidence in a 6-month course and continue forward. Thank you

> compared to the hip-hop music industry which is like the Wild West to the tenth degree

I feel like everyone (myself included) thinks "Oh, that company/industry has their shit together", spoiler: they don't. One lesson I have to keep reminding myself of and relearning is a large company (even successful ones) doesn't not immediately equate to knowing what they are doing. Imposter syndrome is a huge issue inside the tech industry, I imagine it's even worse for the people on the outside looking in.

Maybe a part-time web development job would work for you? Get your feet wet without having to go full-time right away.

My comments about certifications really boil down to "Don't expect a certification to result in a job or even better standing among other applicants". Being someone who is enjoyable to talk to/work with goes way further in my book. I'll take a "1x" programmer that's easy to work with over a "10x" that's a jerk or has no social skills. Also your "self-taught" skills are probably a lot better than you are giving yourself credit for. I'd bet money you would do better than the majority of new CS grads when it comes to actually producing.

We’re exactly on the same page of thought. The certification for me, is more to just boost my confidence and direction moving forward.

Looking into it, I 100% take my self-taught music skills and management for granted. Having had to work with all spectrums of artists from pop, hip-hop, male, female, young to old, the goal would always end up being how do we get this song completed to the best of our abilities and ready for worldwide release.

It’s a tedious process consisting of communicating and directing tons of people to achieve the unified goal even when they don’t see it.

I’m assuming in tech, there are similar environments like that.

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