Let's say one has been feeling stagnant in their career lately and wants to break into an adjacent field. For example, say a software professional wanting to get into AI. Assume they've already done a relevant undergrad degree.
Various reputable universities seem to be offer Professional Certificates in relevant topics, many of which can be done online, getting around geographical constraints - often the costs are more approachable too. The courses themselves are the proper university courses for the topic, just offered online. Complete a prescribed handful of them over a year or more, and you get a Professional Certificate in said topic.
Are these Professional Certificates worthwhile? We can discuss this from both a substance basis, in terms of knowledge and skills gained, but also from a 'real world results' basis, in terms of enhanced career prospects. Also, we can consider a specific example (though I'm interested in the general view as well), such as the 'AI Professional Certificate from Stanford University' or similar.
As a bonus question, how would such a Certificate compare as opposed to doing a full Master's program at a second-rate school?
Would love to hear your experiences and opinions, both from Certificate holders as well as employers and hiring managers who have come across these.
Various reputable universities seem to be offer Professional Certificates in relevant topics, many of which can be done online, getting around geographical constraints - often the costs are more approachable too. The courses themselves are the proper university courses for the topic, just offered online. Complete a prescribed handful of them over a year or more, and you get a Professional Certificate in said topic.
Are these Professional Certificates worthwhile? We can discuss this from both a substance basis, in terms of knowledge and skills gained, but also from a 'real world results' basis, in terms of enhanced career prospects. Also, we can consider a specific example (though I'm interested in the general view as well), such as the 'AI Professional Certificate from Stanford University' or similar.
As a bonus question, how would such a Certificate compare as opposed to doing a full Master's program at a second-rate school?
Would love to hear your experiences and opinions, both from Certificate holders as well as employers and hiring managers who have come across these.