How to Boost Your Programming Resume

Top programmers consistently deliver beyond expectations with minimal need for outside input. By building a diverse range of expertise, a good programmer can efficiently create a wider range of software such as back office utilities, hardware drivers, individual cloud tasks, or distributed applications. Unfortunately, there are not many programming certs out there to validate your skills and experience.

However, there are a number of certifications that, while not directly related to programming, can improve your versatility as a programmer, and help you stay current, especially as recent advances in virtualization and cloud computing become mainstream.

Let's take a look at five certification areas that can boost your profile as a programmer.

1. Database Administration

Data manipulation drives most software development, so it's no surprise that one of the most important certifications for a programmer would be a database administration cert. With a more complete understanding of the inner workings of your organization's database platform, it's possible to code data interactions with greater efficiency and build better security precautions directly into the software. Depending on the environment in your organization, MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014, Oracle Database, or MySQL Developer certifications can be a huge plus.

Consider CBT Nuggets' Database Fundamentals to help you get up to speed with the basics of database administration. This course combines the more programmer-centric topics of queries and table structure with the administrative duties of security, backup, optimization, and general maintenance.

2. Networking Certification

The connected nature of today's software brings a new set of complications for programmers. An understanding of network layers and protocols can be a very important component of a developer's repertoire. If you program in a distributed enterprise, CompTIA Network+ certification can provide basic network architecture knowledge that enables the creation of more efficient, network-aware applications.

You can easily prepare for this certification with our CompTIA Network+ course, which can broaden your networking skill set. It will expose you to firewall configuration, operating a load balancing server environment, distributed computing through a VPN, and secure access to network storage.

3. Linux Administration

Linux systems often are found in modern enterprise environments, and a Linux certification can better prepare programmers to implement today's cloud-based computing tasks. A Linux Professional Institute Certification (such as the LPIC-1) can be a strong asset, especially if you plan to develop web applications. Or if your organization implements virtualization or cloud computing.

The LPIC-1 and Linux+ Prep 4.0 course can prepare you for a certification that can benefit you as a programmer in Linux environments. The course covers several areas of particular interest to programmers, including how to use Unix-style text editors, shell scripting languages, setting up scheduled tasks, environment variables, and other configuration parameters.

4. Data Center Virtualization

A virtualization certification can prepare programmers for the future of distributed computing, providing a deep perspective about how cloud topologies are implemented. The VMware Certified Professional 6, Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) exam ensures that programmers understand and can implement data solutions in the virtual environment.

The VMware vSphere 6 course provides a strong foundation in virtualization concepts in preparation for the VCP6-DCV exam. Of note to programmers, the course covers topics such as the setup of a lab test environment with ESXi, CPU and memory allocation, and handling of datastores in a virtual environment.

5. Project Management

Lastly, you should consider the impact of soft skills on a programmer's effectiveness. Employers are increasingly concerned with the professional skills of their programmers. A CompTIA Project+ management certification demonstrates a programmer's ability to handle complex challenges in a large enterprise. This certification, along with most project management courses/certs, focuses on project management skills including communication, timelines, documentation, and budget considerations. A programmer with project management credentials is well-positioned to take his/her career to the next level.

Certifications, programming-specific or not, serve the dual purpose of increasing your range as a programmer and providing credentials for that new job or promotion. With a few certifications under your belt, you can ensure that you stand out as a programming committed to taking on new and diverse challenges because of your well-rounded skill set!