In today’s increasingly competitive job market, earning a professional certification means far more than adding another credential to your CV. It demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning, validates your expertise, and helps employers understand the value you can bring to an organization.
These were the key themes of “The Power of Workplace Certifications,” an exclusive event hosted by Rome Business School featuring Jaime Ozores, Managing Partner at Odgers. Through an interactive discussion with students, the session explored how professional certifications influence career development, employability, and long-term professional growth.
Students raised practical questions that many professionals ask themselves:
The discussion made one point clear: not all certifications carry the same value. Today’s market offers thousands of courses, certificates, and digital badges, but only those aligned with industry needs and recognized by employers can significantly strengthen a candidate’s profile.
According to Jaime Ozores, the value of a certification depends on three key factors: the industry you want to work in; your level of professional experience; the international recognition of the certification.
For junior and mid-level professionals, certifications help demonstrate technical competencies that may not yet be supported by extensive work experience. For senior managers and executives, experience remains the strongest asset, while certifications reinforce credibility in specialized areas and show a commitment to staying current in a rapidly evolving business environment.
Rather than replacing academic qualifications or professional experience, certifications complement them by signaling expertise, focus, and continuous professional development.
One of the most discussed topics during the event was the growing demand for certifications related to emerging technologies.
Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape every industry. Although the sector has not yet established a single globally recognized certification standard, employers increasingly value practical knowledge of AI tools and business applications.
Certifications focused on platforms such as Microsoft Copilot or on the practical implementation of AI can strengthen profiles in areas including:
Project Management represents a more mature certification landscape. Globally recognized credentials such as the Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Agile methodologies like Scrum continue to carry significant weight, particularly in international organizations and across Northern and Central European markets.
These certifications benefit not only aspiring Project Managers but also professionals working in Operations, Consulting, Human Resources, Business Transformation, and leadership roles that require cross-functional coordination.
Sustainability has evolved far beyond environmental responsibility. Today, companies increasingly integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into their corporate strategies, governance models, talent management, and long-term value creation.
During the discussion, Ozores highlighted the growing relevance of certifications linked to the B Corp ecosystem and impact-driven business models.
Professionals interested in careers in Sustainability, ESG, Corporate Strategy, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management can use these certifications to differentiate themselves in a rapidly expanding field.
Organizations increasingly view sustainability as a core managerial competency rather than simply a corporate reputation initiative.
The conversation also focused on Supply Chain Management, particularly within the Food & Beverage and Hospitality industries.
Global geopolitical instability, supply shortages, logistics disruptions, and increasing pressure to build resilient supply networks have transformed supply chain expertise into one of today’s most valuable business competencies.
Professionals who understand the entire value chain—from sourcing and procurement to logistics and distribution—are becoming increasingly attractive to multinational companies operating in highly dynamic markets.
As global business complexity continues to increase, certifications in Procurement, Operations, and Supply Chain Management can provide a meaningful competitive advantage.
One of the most interesting discussions addressed a common question among students: what matters more—professional certifications or work experience?
From an employer’s perspective, experience remains the primary evaluation criterion, particularly for management and executive positions.
However, certifications can significantly strengthen the profile of recent graduates, early-career professionals, or individuals transitioning into a new industry. They demonstrate initiative, commitment to learning, and mastery of relevant technical skills.
A certification alone will not secure a job offer, but when aligned with a candidate’s career goals and the requirements of a specific role, it can substantially improve competitiveness during the recruitment process.
The key question every professional should ask is simple:
What specific skill do I want to demonstrate to the market?
The discussion also addressed the financial return on professional certifications.
Based on Jaime Ozores’ experience working with international clients and executive recruitment projects, candidates holding relevant and recognized certifications may, in some cases, achieve an average salary increase of around 10%.
Although salary growth depends on multiple factors—including experience, industry, and geographical market—strategic certifications can enhance a professional’s perceived value and strengthen salary negotiations.
Quality matters far more than quantity. Collecting unrelated certifications rarely delivers meaningful results. Choosing one that aligns with a clear career objective creates a stronger professional positioning and offers greater long-term value.
The event provided Rome Business School students with practical insights into how international recruiters evaluate talent in today’s evolving employment landscape.
Professional certifications should not be viewed as a shortcut to career success. Instead, they represent strategic tools that help professionals develop specialized expertise, remain competitive, and adapt to changing market demands.
Whether your career path leads toward Project Management, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Human Resources, Data Science, Digital Business, or Supply Chain Management, the most effective certification is always the one that supports a well-defined professional strategy.
In an increasingly skills-driven economy, continuous learning is no longer optional—it is one of the strongest investments professionals can make in their future.
