Paper Contents
Abstract
The surge in online certifications, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised critical questions about their efficacy in career advancement. This mixed-methods study examines whether these certifications enhance employability or merely inflate rsums. Drawing on survey responses and qualitative insights from 103 MBA students and early-career professionals, the research reveals a paradox: while 88% of respondents perceive certifications as valuable for skill development, nearly half (48.5%) rarely apply these skills in real-world contexts. Recruiters in tech and creative sectors value certifications tied to practical competencies, whereas traditional industries (e.g., law, finance) prioritize formal degrees. Key limitations include insufficient hands-on training and inconsistent employer recognition. The study concludes that online certifications hold merit when strategically aligned with skill application but risk becoming superficial credentials without deliberate learning. Findings advocate for a shift from credential accumulation to competency mastery, urging learners and educators to prioritize quality and relevance in online education.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Garima Sunil Mishra. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
