A scourge on the map of professionalism. People hide behind credentials and seek out these badges to move up the ladder or enhance their standing in their respective communities. But, there has to be more than just obtaining this paper. I’ve met far too many people in positions of power that they gained based on these credentials. But, behind the scenes, there was nothing there to back it all up. Memorizing in school was the norm and then most of it, if not all, was forgotten. That was fine back then. In the world of work today that is unacceptable.

One may have 15 years of extensive international experience in their field with clients scattered globally but without a credential many new clients will not take them on for projects. Credentials may have a place, but they are not the only marker for professionalism / success / expertise by any means.  

It’s a fight for balance between credentials and competence.

Micro credentials are the new frontier now and digital badging is the landscape. It’s more of the same. But, in smaller doses. 

I am not putting credentialism down per say. Just that it is not the end all and be all of success. Competence, experience and industry knowledge beats credentials anytime, for me. Credentialism may be considered a supporting aspect, but not a deciding aspect. 

I have also come across people with the necessary credentials, but no depth in terms of their approach. They may be certified interior designers with little or no grasp of design ethos. Interior design may be considered a gift and primping it up with a credential may be good but the basis must be the ingrained “born with” “an eye for” ability.

Similarly, a person teaching the executive MBA class MUST be a PHD holder, even though these PHD’s may teach sales without ever having sold anything. It is all theoretical and conceptual to them. Some other person who is an expert in presentations and presents globally, has been in sales and sold multiple products and services, taught sales to companies across the globe and has a rich exposure and experience in sales as well as teaching, cannot teach the executive MBA as he or she does not hold a PHD degree. 

A poignant point made by the meme above. Education is everyone’s right. Making distinctions by requiring expensive, unreachable degrees from everyone makes it a discriminatory exercise indeed.

The focus on theory rather than skillset is walking a tightrope and the ingrained view that creates a false meritocracy must not be allowed to waste the potential of the many that are not holding credentials. 

 A more balanced viewpoint is required. 

Desperately.     

Uzair Hassan, CEO, 3H Solutions Group, Dubai 

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