How to Choose the Right IT Certification Can It Really Get You Hired

Which IT certifications are actually worth getting and can a certification really get you a job in IT or cybersecurity? There's no shortage of advice online about which IT certifications you should pursue. Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, AWS, everywhere you look, someone is recommending another certification that could supposedly transform your career. But how do you know which certifications are right for you? And more importantly, is having a certification enough to get hired? In Episode 5 of TheOne Journey, I'm sharing my personal experience with IT certifications, how I found my direction in technology, and what I've learned about the relationship between qualifications, practical skills and real-world experience. My journey didn't begin in cybersecurity. I started in IT infrastructure, developed through systems engineering, and gradually found my interests moving towards Microsoft Azure, cloud security and cybersecurity architecture. Along the way, I earned four Microsoft certifications: AZ-900 — Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-500 — Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate (now retired) SC-200 — Microsoft Security Operations Analyst Associate SC-100 — Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert (exam) But this video isn't about showing off certificates. It's about understanding what they represent, who they're designed for, and whether they actually make sense for the career you're trying to build. In this episode, we'll cover: How I found my direction in IT and cybersecurity. The four Microsoft certifications I pursued and what I learned from them How to choose certifications based on your career goals. Which paths to consider if you're new to IT, cloud computing or cybersecurity. Why advanced certifications aren't necessarily the best place to start The difference between passing an exam and being competent on the job How practical experience, home labs and real projects strengthen your knowledge One thing I want to emphasise: a certification is not a guarantee of employment. You can pass an exam, earn a badge and still lack the practical skills required to perform the job. Certifications can provide structure, help validate knowledge and demonstrate commitment to professional development. But they don't replace the experience you gain from configuring systems, troubleshooting problems, making mistakes, working on projects and applying what you've learned. In many technical roles, practical experience is just as important as certifications, sometimes even more important. Whether you're a student, a career changer, an aspiring system engineer, someone interested in cybersecurity, or an experienced IT professional considering your next certification, I hope this episode helps you make a more informed decision. Don't collect certifications just to collect them. Build skills, gain experience and choose qualifications that support your direction. This isn't about having everything figured out. It's about sharing the journey and hopefully providing something useful from my experiences. Now I'd like to hear from you: Are you trying to break into IT, transition into cybersecurity, or advance your existing career? Which certification are you currently studying for or considering? Let me know in the comments. I'd be interested to hear where you are in your journey. Subscribe to follow TheOne Journey. This is TheOne. Welcome to the journey. Official Microsoft Certification Resources Microsoft Credentials: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cre... Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cre... Azure Administrator (AZ-104): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cre... Security Operations Analyst (SC-200): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cre... Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cre... Cloud and AI Security Engineer (SC-500): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cre... Always check Microsoft's official website for current certification requirements and exam availability. #itcertifications #cybersecurity #microsoftazure #itcareer #cloudsecurity #careerdevelopment #az900 #SC200 #SC100 #TechCareer #LifeInSwitzerland 0:00 Start 0:23 Introduction 0:50 Chapter 1: FINDING MY DIRECTION 2:10 Chapter 2:THE CERTIFICATIONS 2:45 Chapter 3: AZ-900: THE FOUNDATION 3:47 Chapter 4: AZ-500: CLOUD SECURITY 5:16 Chapter 5: SC-200: SECURITY OPERATIONS 6:37 Chapter 6: SC-100: SECURITY ARCHITECTURE 8:23 Chapter 7: CHOOSING YOUR PATH 10:28 Chapter 8: THE REALITY OF GETTING HIRED 12:21 Conclusion