I see professionals with four certifications after their name and can’t help but wonder, what’s the motive? Is it pride, validation, pay? Maybe call it my love for psychology, but I am fascinated with why people do what they do.
Lately, I have been wondering a philosophical question about this topic. What is the value of these credentials or certifications and how exactly do they benefit people and organizations.
I’m one of those people that have done the extras and gotten some of those letters and terms behind my name. I’m college educated, I received my CDME, worked for three DMAP accredited organizations and have my Birkman Professional Certification and Patrick Lencioni The 6 Types of Working Genius MASTER FACILITATOR certification.
I chose to get my Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) when I first got into the DMO space. I had worked in restaurants and hotels and had been a board member at Visit Topeka. But after going to the first DMAI conference (now Destinations International), I knew I was in a different world. So for me, CDME was my way of helping myself learn how to be successful in a new industry.
I truly did look to get my credentials and certifications to better myself and hopefully make more money along the way. I believe most people follow this path. But I’ve also seen a pattern recently of people that just want to get a credential solely because they think it will lead to more money or promotions. I’m not against either of those things. Get that bag. But my concern is that if people aren’t doing it for ALL the right reasons, they are going to miss a great opportunity. To better themselves through knowledge.
As chair of the Destinations International CDME program, I’ve seen a lot of people trying to fly through the program. They attempt to take as many classes as possible in a year, write their papers on the plane ride home and don’t appear to be taking the time to fully comprehend what knowledge they are receiving all while sitting right in front of some of the best leaders in the industry.
In Topeka, Kansas and again in Corpus Christi, Texas, the decision to go through the Destination Management Accreditation Program (DMAP) was different. Both organizations were lacking in the respect area. The community and partners didn’t really know the organizations and what value they brought.
Especially during my time in Corpus Christi, the power of credentials and certifications was bigger than I realized it could be. Every presentation I made at a rotary, council meeting, hotel meeting, etc. had a slide reminding them that Visit Corpus Christi was one of 29 DMOs in THE WORLD with DMAP Accreditation with Distinction.
In summary, here are the reasons to get those fancy letters. They can help you increase your KNOWLEDGE, CONFIDENCE, CREDIBILITY, and PAY AND POSITION.
At the end of the day, credentials and certifications are only as valuable as the growth and credibility they create — for you, your team, and your organization.
At Oetting Alchemy, we created the OA Organizational Readiness Scorecard, an organizational assessment that examines every aspect of an organization’s operations from governance and finance to marketing and strategy. The result is a practical scorecard and roadmap that pinpoints areas for improvement and provides a clear strategy for continued growth.