Employers Value Certifications

 2/6/2026

Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock’s op-ed “Is a Four-Year Degree Worth It?” (Jan. 26) is a respectable start at transforming campuses across America. What is missing is the proper customer orientation. If we consider the customer to be potential employers, it is easier to see where universities must focus attention.

Employers value professional certifications—such as Chartered Financial Analyst or Professional Engineer certification. While a four-year degree now often demonstrates merely acceptable attendance, a certification demonstrates skills, acumen and judgment that portend value in the workplace. Additionally, employers value work experience—internships directly related to a student’s career path. In many cases, such experiences are prerequisites for professional certifications.

Universities should focus more attention in integrating industry standards of competence into their curriculum. Many have already done so. These will be the ones that survive the looming market shakeout.

Dean Em. Charles Crespy

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Mich.