It’s clear that there’s a growing demand for qualified computer scientists – as well as professionals in related fields – throughout the world. In the U.S. alone, the field is expected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031, with approximately 377,500 job openings per year. Europe is no different. For instance, the European artificial intelligence (AI) industry is projected to achieve an average annual growth of 15.87% between 2024 and 2030, creating a multi-billion dollar industry in the process.
With such explosive growth, one would assume that getting a job in the tech field should be straightforward as long as a student has the appropriate skills.
That’s often not the case.
Though companies have a large appetite for talented and tech-literate students, they typically want to see industry certifications to bolster their formal education qualifications. Here, you’ll discover the impact these certifications can have on your career. Plus, you’ll learn which certifications are the most desirable and how OPIT’s degree programs align with those certifications.
How do Industry Certifications Help?
We start with the big question – are computing industry certifications even relevant?
After all, as a student, you’re already working towards a degree that provides proof that you’re capable in various technical fields. But even with that degree, you may find that employers favor those with specific certifications.
Why?
Here are some of the most important reasons.
Showcasing a Willingness to Learn
Obtaining specific certifications outside of your degree shows that you’re willing to continue your education beyond your formal studies. That’s vital. The computer science fields evolve so rapidly that what you learn as part of a degree may be obsolete – or, at best, outdated – within a few years. If you’re not doing everything you can to adapt to these changes, you get left behind. When an employer compares two candidates with the same degree against one another, they’ll invariably go for the one who shows more commitment to keeping their skills sharp.
That’s not all.
Industry certifications also show employers that you can take the theoretical knowledge you develop during a degree into real-life practice. Hence the “industry” part of the phrase. That also leads to the second reason why certifications are so crucial.
Certifications Prepare You for the World of Work
Though a degree program may attempt to emulate real-world environments, it may not fully set you up for the demands industry places on you. You’re working for yourself, rather than a company. Plus, the odds are that your degree may not cover specific applications of your knowledge that would be useful in a real-world setting.
When studying for industry certifications, you engage with courses developed by people who have worked for companies that are like – or adjacent to – the types of companies for which you intend to work. That’s crucial. A certification can prepare you for specific duties or roles you’d be expected to take during your career. The result is that the working world is less of a shock to the system for the student who achieves a certification than it would be for somebody who transitions directly from a degree into industry.
Validation of What You’ve Learned
Validation through industry certifications works on two levels.
For the student, completion of certification serves as proof to themselves that they can put what they’ve learned during their degree course into action. Should you take a certification, you’ll be confronted with real-world scenarios and, often, be tasked with coming up with solutions to problems that real companies faced in the past. When you pass, you’ll know that you have verified proof of your competency within the context of working for a company.
That’s where the second level comes in – validation to a potential employer.
A degree is far from worthless to a potential employer. Most require them for any technical role, meaning you must complete your formal education. However, employers are also aware that many degree programs don’t prepare students for the realities of industry. So, a student who only has a degree on their resume may fall by the wayside compared to one who has an industry certification.
Those who do have certifications, however, have proof of their competency that validates them in the eyes of employers.
The Most Valuable Industry Certifications for Computer Science Students
With the value of industry certifications to supplement your degree established, the next question is obvious:
Which certifications are the most valuable?
You may have dozens to choose from, with the obvious answer being that the certification that’s best for you is the one that most closely aligns with the field you intend to enter. Still, the following are some of the most popular among computing students and recent graduates.
Prince 2 Foundation
Where your degree equips you with computer science fundamentals, the PRINCE2 Foundation course focuses on project management. It can be taken as a three-day course – virtually or in a classroom – that teaches the titular method for overseeing complex projects. Beyond the three-day intensive versions of the course, you can also take an online self-guided version that grants you a 12-month license to the course’s materials.
CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)
Again focusing on project management, the CAPM can be an alternative or a complement to a PRINCE2 certification. The 150-question exam covers predictive planning methodologies, Agile frameworks, and business analysis. Plus, it’s available in several major European languages, as well as Japanese and Arabic.
CompTIA Network+
Network implementation, operations, and security are the focuses of this course, which equips you with networking skills that apply to almost any industry system. Consider this course if you wish to enter a career in network security, IT support, or if you have designs on becoming a data architect.
AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials
Offered via several platforms, including Amazon Web Services and Coursera, the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course does exactly what it says:
Teaches you the foundations of the AWS cloud.
You’re paired with an expert instructor, who teaches you about the AWS Well-Architected Framework and the models relevant to the AWS cloud. It’s a good choice not just for computer science students, but those who intend to enter the sales, marketing, or project management spheres.
AWS Certified Developer Associate
Where the above course teaches the fundamentals of the AWS cloud, this one hones in on developing platforms within the AWS framework. It’s recommended that you take the essentials course first, gaining experience with AWS tech in the process, and have knowledge of at least one programming language. The latter can come from your degree.
All of the course resources are free, though you do have to pay a fee of $150 to take the 65-question exam related to the certification.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Cybersecurity is the focus of the CISSP, with successful students developing proven skills in designing, implementing, and managing high-end cybersecurity programs. You also become an ISC2 member when you receive your CISSP, giving you access to further educational tools and an expansive network you can use to further your career.
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
Like the CISSP, the CISM is for any student who wants to enter the growing field of cybersecurity. It covers many of the same topics, with the program’s website claiming that 42% of its students received a pay increase upon successful completion of the course.
CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)
Though adjacent to the two cybersecurity programs above, the CRISC focuses more on risk management in the context of IT systems. You’ll learn how to enhance – and demonstrate said enhancement of – business resilience, as well as how to incorporate risk management into the Agile methodology.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
When companies implement cybersecurity programs, they need to test them against the hackers that they’re trying to keep away from their data. Enter ethical hackers – professionals who use the same tricks that malicious hackers use to identify issues in a network. With the CEH, you gain an industry qualification that showcases your hacking credentials as it delivers experience in over 500 unique attack types.
Agile and Scrum Certifications
Both Agile and Scrum are management frameworks that have become extremely popular in the computer science field, making certifications in either extremely valuable. The idea with these certifications is to build your technical expertise into an established methodology. For context to why that’s important, consider this – 71% of American companies now use the Agile methodology due to its high success rate.
Where Do OPIT’s Courses Fit In?
If you’re a current or prospective OPIT student, you need to know one thing:
An OPIT degree isn’t the same as one of these industry certifications.
However, all OPIT degree programs are designed to align with the teachings of these certifications. They’re created by professionals who have industry experience – and can build real-world projects into their courses – to ensure that you leave OPIT with more than theoretical knowledge.
Instead, you’ll have a foundation of practical skills to go along with your technical talents, preparing you to take any of these industry certifications later in your career. For instance, our MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity degree aligns with the CISM and CISSP certifications, meaning you’ll be well-prepared for the concepts introduced in those courses.
An OPIT degree complements the certifications you may need later in your career. If you’re not already an OPIT student, check out our range of online courses – all of which are EU-accredited and career-aligned – to take your first step toward a career in computer science.
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From the same author
Read the articleSource:
- Metro, published on October 09th, 2025
After ChatGPT came on the scene in 2022, the tech industry quickly began comparing the arrival of AI to the dawn of the internet in the 1990s.
Back then, dot-com whizzes were minting easy millions only for the bubble to burst in 2000 when interest rates were hiked. Investors sold off their holdings, companies went bust and people lost their jobs.
Now central bank officials are worried that the AI industry may see a similar boom and bust.
A record of the Financial Policy Committee’s October 2 meeting shows officials saying financial market evaluations of AI ‘appear stretched’.
‘This, when combined with increasing concentration within market indices, leaves equity markets particularly exposed should expectations around the impact of AI become less optimistic,’ they added.
AI-focused stocks are mainly in US markets but as so many investors across the world have bought into it, a fallout would be felt globally.
ChatGPT creator OpenAI, chip-maker Nvidia and cloud service firm Oracle are among the AI poster companies being priced big this year.
Earnings are ‘comparable to the peak of the dot-com bubble’, committee members said.
Factors like limited resources – think power-hungry data centres, utilities and software that companies are spending billions on – and the unpredictability of the world’s politics could lead to a drop in stock prices, called a ‘correction’.
In other words, the committee said, investors may be ignoring how risky AI technology is.
Metro spoke with nearly a dozen financial analysts, AI experts and stock researchers about whether AI will suffer a similar fate. There were mixed feelings.
‘Every bubble starts with a story people want to believe,’ says Dat Ngo, of the trading guide, Vetted Prop Firms.
‘In the late 90s, it was the internet. Today, it’s artificial intelligence. The parallels are hard to ignore: skyrocketing stock prices, endless hype and companies investing billions before fully proving their business models.
‘The Bank of England’s warning isn’t alarmist – it’s realistic. When too much capital chases the same dream, expectations outpace results and corrections follow.’
Dr Alessia Paccagnini, an associate Professor from the University College Dublin’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, says that companies are spending £300billion annually on AI infrastructure, while shoppers are spending $12billion. That’s a big difference.
Tech firms listed in the US now represent 30% of New York’s stock index, S&P 500 Index, the highest proportion in 50 years.
‘As a worst-case scenario, if the bubble does burst, the immediate consequences would be severe – a sharp market correction could wipe trillions from stock valuations, hitting retirement accounts and pension funds hard,’ Dr Paccagnini adds.
‘In my opinion, we should be worried, but being prepared could help us avoid the worst outcomes.’
One reason a correction would be so bad is because of how tangled-up the AI world is, says George Sweeney, an investing expert at the personal finance website site Finder.
‘If it fails to meet the lofty expectations, we could see an almighty unravelling of the AI hype that spooks markets, leading to a serious correction,’ he says.
Despite scepticism, AI feels like it’s everywhere these days, from dog bowls and fridges to toothbrushes and bird feeders.
And it might continue that way for a while, even if not as enthusiastically as before, says Professor Filip Bialy, who specialises in computer science and AI ethics at the at Open Institute of Technology.
‘TAI hype – an overly optimistic view of the technological and economic potential of the current paradigm of AI – contributes to the growth of the bubble,’ he says.
‘However, the hype may end not with the burst of the bubble but rather with a more mature understanding of the technology.’
Some stock researchers worry that the AI boom could lose steam when the companies spending billions on the tech see profits dip.
The AI analytic company Qlik found that only one in 10 business say their AI initiatives are seeing sizeable returns.
Qlik’s chief strategy officer, James Fisher, says this doesn’t show that the hype for AI is bursting, ‘but how businesses look at AI is changing’.
Read the articleOPIT – Open Institute of Technology offers an innovative and exciting way to learn about technology. It offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, plus a Foundation Year program for those taking the first steps towards higher education. Through its blend of instruction-based and independent learning, it empowers ambitious minds with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
This guide covers all you need to know to join OPIT and start your educational journey.
Introducing the Open Institute of Technology
Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of the OPIT application process, here’s a brief introduction to OPIT.
OPIT is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers exclusively online education in English to an international community of students. With a winning team of top professors and a specific focus on computer science, it trains the technology leaders of tomorrow.
Some of the unique elements that characterize OPIT’s approach include:
- No final exams. Instead, students undergo progressive assessments over time
- A job-oriented, practical focus on the courses
- 24/7 support, including AI assistance and student communities, so everyone feels supported
- A strong network of company connections, unlocking doors for graduates
Reasons to Join OPIT
There are many reasons for ambitious students and aspiring tech professionals to study with OPIT.
Firstly, since all the study takes place online, it’s a very flexible and pleasant way to learn. Students don’t feel the usual pressures or suffer the same constraints they would at a physical college or university. They can attend from anywhere, including their own homes, and study at a pace that suits them.
OPIT is also a specialist in the technology field. It only offers courses focused on tech and computer science, with a team of professors and tutors who lead the way in these topics. This ensures that students get high-caliber learning opportunities in this specific sector.
Learning at OPIT is also hands-on and applicable to real-world situations, despite taking place online. Students are not just taught core skills and knowledge, but are also shown how to apply those skills and knowledge in their future careers.
In addition, OPIT strives to make technology education as accessible, inclusive, and affordable as possible. Entry requirements are relatively relaxed, fees are fair, and students from around the world are welcome here.
What You Need to Know About Joining OPIT
Now you know why it’s worth joining OPIT, let’s take a closer look at how to go about it. The following sections will cover how to apply to OPIT, entry requirements, and fees.
The OPIT Application Process
Unsurprisingly for an online-only institution, the application process for OPIT is all online, too. Users can submit the relevant documents and information on their computers from the comfort of their homes.
- Visit the official OPIT site and click the “Apply now” button to get started, filling out the relevant forms.
- Upload your supporting documents. These can include your CV, as well as certificates to prove your past educational accomplishments and level of English.
- Take part in an interview. This should last no more than 30 minutes. It’s a chance for you to talk about your ambitions and background, and to ask questions you might have about OPIT.
That’s it. Once you complete the above steps, you will be admitted to your chosen course and can start enjoying OPIT education once the first term begins. You’ll need to sign your admissions contract and pay the relevant fees, then begin classes.
Entry Requirements for OPIT Courses
OPIT offers a small curated collection of courses, each with its own requirements. You can consult the relevant pages on the official OPIT site to find out the exact details.
For the Foundation Program, for example, you simply need an MQF/EQF Level 3 or equivalent qualification. You also need to demonstrate a minimum B2 level of English comprehension.
For the BSc in Digital Business, applicants should have a higher secondary school leaving certificate, plus B2-level English comprehension. You can also support your application with a credit transfer from previous studies or relevant work experience.
Overall, the requirements are simple, and it’s most important for applicants to be ambitious and eager to build successful careers in the world of technology. Those who are driven and committed will get the best from OPIT’s instruction.
Fees and Flexible Payments at OPIT
As mentioned above, OPIT makes technological education accessible and affordable for all. Its tuition fees cover all relevant teaching materials, and there are no hidden costs or extras. The institute also offers flexible payment options for those with different budgets.
Again, exact fees vary depending on which course you want to take, so it’s important to consult the specific info for each one. You can pay in advance to enjoy 10% off the final cost, or refer a friend to also obtain a discount.
In addition to this, OPIT offers need-based and merit-based scholarships. Successful candidates can obtain discounts of up to 40% on bachelor’s and master’s tuition fees. This can substantially bring the term cost of each program down, making OPIT education even more accessible.
Credit Transfers and Experience
Those who are entering OPIT with pre-existing work experience or relevant academic achievements can benefit from the credit transfer program. This allows you to potentially skip certain modules or even entire semesters if you already have relevant experience in those fields.
OPIT is flexible and fair in terms of recognizing prior learning. So, as long as you can prove your credentials and experience, this could be a beneficial option for you. The easiest way to find out more and get started is to email the OPIT team directly.
Join OPIT Today
Overall, the process to join OPIT is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible. Everything from the initial application forms to the interview and admission process is straightforward. Requirements and fees are flexible, so people in different situations and from different backgrounds can get the education they want. Reach out to OPIT today to take your first steps to tech success.
-
Go to all authors
Related posts
Source:
- Metro, published on October 09th, 2025
After ChatGPT came on the scene in 2022, the tech industry quickly began comparing the arrival of AI to the dawn of the internet in the 1990s.
Back then, dot-com whizzes were minting easy millions only for the bubble to burst in 2000 when interest rates were hiked. Investors sold off their holdings, companies went bust and people lost their jobs.
Now central bank officials are worried that the AI industry may see a similar boom and bust.
A record of the Financial Policy Committee’s October 2 meeting shows officials saying financial market evaluations of AI ‘appear stretched’.
‘This, when combined with increasing concentration within market indices, leaves equity markets particularly exposed should expectations around the impact of AI become less optimistic,’ they added.
AI-focused stocks are mainly in US markets but as so many investors across the world have bought into it, a fallout would be felt globally.
ChatGPT creator OpenAI, chip-maker Nvidia and cloud service firm Oracle are among the AI poster companies being priced big this year.
Earnings are ‘comparable to the peak of the dot-com bubble’, committee members said.
Factors like limited resources – think power-hungry data centres, utilities and software that companies are spending billions on – and the unpredictability of the world’s politics could lead to a drop in stock prices, called a ‘correction’.
In other words, the committee said, investors may be ignoring how risky AI technology is.
Metro spoke with nearly a dozen financial analysts, AI experts and stock researchers about whether AI will suffer a similar fate. There were mixed feelings.
‘Every bubble starts with a story people want to believe,’ says Dat Ngo, of the trading guide, Vetted Prop Firms.
‘In the late 90s, it was the internet. Today, it’s artificial intelligence. The parallels are hard to ignore: skyrocketing stock prices, endless hype and companies investing billions before fully proving their business models.
‘The Bank of England’s warning isn’t alarmist – it’s realistic. When too much capital chases the same dream, expectations outpace results and corrections follow.’
Dr Alessia Paccagnini, an associate Professor from the University College Dublin’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, says that companies are spending £300billion annually on AI infrastructure, while shoppers are spending $12billion. That’s a big difference.
Tech firms listed in the US now represent 30% of New York’s stock index, S&P 500 Index, the highest proportion in 50 years.
‘As a worst-case scenario, if the bubble does burst, the immediate consequences would be severe – a sharp market correction could wipe trillions from stock valuations, hitting retirement accounts and pension funds hard,’ Dr Paccagnini adds.
‘In my opinion, we should be worried, but being prepared could help us avoid the worst outcomes.’
One reason a correction would be so bad is because of how tangled-up the AI world is, says George Sweeney, an investing expert at the personal finance website site Finder.
‘If it fails to meet the lofty expectations, we could see an almighty unravelling of the AI hype that spooks markets, leading to a serious correction,’ he says.
Despite scepticism, AI feels like it’s everywhere these days, from dog bowls and fridges to toothbrushes and bird feeders.
And it might continue that way for a while, even if not as enthusiastically as before, says Professor Filip Bialy, who specialises in computer science and AI ethics at the at Open Institute of Technology.
‘TAI hype – an overly optimistic view of the technological and economic potential of the current paradigm of AI – contributes to the growth of the bubble,’ he says.
‘However, the hype may end not with the burst of the bubble but rather with a more mature understanding of the technology.’
Some stock researchers worry that the AI boom could lose steam when the companies spending billions on the tech see profits dip.
The AI analytic company Qlik found that only one in 10 business say their AI initiatives are seeing sizeable returns.
Qlik’s chief strategy officer, James Fisher, says this doesn’t show that the hype for AI is bursting, ‘but how businesses look at AI is changing’.
OPIT – Open Institute of Technology offers an innovative and exciting way to learn about technology. It offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, plus a Foundation Year program for those taking the first steps towards higher education. Through its blend of instruction-based and independent learning, it empowers ambitious minds with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
This guide covers all you need to know to join OPIT and start your educational journey.
Introducing the Open Institute of Technology
Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of the OPIT application process, here’s a brief introduction to OPIT.
OPIT is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers exclusively online education in English to an international community of students. With a winning team of top professors and a specific focus on computer science, it trains the technology leaders of tomorrow.
Some of the unique elements that characterize OPIT’s approach include:
- No final exams. Instead, students undergo progressive assessments over time
- A job-oriented, practical focus on the courses
- 24/7 support, including AI assistance and student communities, so everyone feels supported
- A strong network of company connections, unlocking doors for graduates
Reasons to Join OPIT
There are many reasons for ambitious students and aspiring tech professionals to study with OPIT.
Firstly, since all the study takes place online, it’s a very flexible and pleasant way to learn. Students don’t feel the usual pressures or suffer the same constraints they would at a physical college or university. They can attend from anywhere, including their own homes, and study at a pace that suits them.
OPIT is also a specialist in the technology field. It only offers courses focused on tech and computer science, with a team of professors and tutors who lead the way in these topics. This ensures that students get high-caliber learning opportunities in this specific sector.
Learning at OPIT is also hands-on and applicable to real-world situations, despite taking place online. Students are not just taught core skills and knowledge, but are also shown how to apply those skills and knowledge in their future careers.
In addition, OPIT strives to make technology education as accessible, inclusive, and affordable as possible. Entry requirements are relatively relaxed, fees are fair, and students from around the world are welcome here.
What You Need to Know About Joining OPIT
Now you know why it’s worth joining OPIT, let’s take a closer look at how to go about it. The following sections will cover how to apply to OPIT, entry requirements, and fees.
The OPIT Application Process
Unsurprisingly for an online-only institution, the application process for OPIT is all online, too. Users can submit the relevant documents and information on their computers from the comfort of their homes.
- Visit the official OPIT site and click the “Apply now” button to get started, filling out the relevant forms.
- Upload your supporting documents. These can include your CV, as well as certificates to prove your past educational accomplishments and level of English.
- Take part in an interview. This should last no more than 30 minutes. It’s a chance for you to talk about your ambitions and background, and to ask questions you might have about OPIT.
That’s it. Once you complete the above steps, you will be admitted to your chosen course and can start enjoying OPIT education once the first term begins. You’ll need to sign your admissions contract and pay the relevant fees, then begin classes.
Entry Requirements for OPIT Courses
OPIT offers a small curated collection of courses, each with its own requirements. You can consult the relevant pages on the official OPIT site to find out the exact details.
For the Foundation Program, for example, you simply need an MQF/EQF Level 3 or equivalent qualification. You also need to demonstrate a minimum B2 level of English comprehension.
For the BSc in Digital Business, applicants should have a higher secondary school leaving certificate, plus B2-level English comprehension. You can also support your application with a credit transfer from previous studies or relevant work experience.
Overall, the requirements are simple, and it’s most important for applicants to be ambitious and eager to build successful careers in the world of technology. Those who are driven and committed will get the best from OPIT’s instruction.
Fees and Flexible Payments at OPIT
As mentioned above, OPIT makes technological education accessible and affordable for all. Its tuition fees cover all relevant teaching materials, and there are no hidden costs or extras. The institute also offers flexible payment options for those with different budgets.
Again, exact fees vary depending on which course you want to take, so it’s important to consult the specific info for each one. You can pay in advance to enjoy 10% off the final cost, or refer a friend to also obtain a discount.
In addition to this, OPIT offers need-based and merit-based scholarships. Successful candidates can obtain discounts of up to 40% on bachelor’s and master’s tuition fees. This can substantially bring the term cost of each program down, making OPIT education even more accessible.
Credit Transfers and Experience
Those who are entering OPIT with pre-existing work experience or relevant academic achievements can benefit from the credit transfer program. This allows you to potentially skip certain modules or even entire semesters if you already have relevant experience in those fields.
OPIT is flexible and fair in terms of recognizing prior learning. So, as long as you can prove your credentials and experience, this could be a beneficial option for you. The easiest way to find out more and get started is to email the OPIT team directly.
Join OPIT Today
Overall, the process to join OPIT is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible. Everything from the initial application forms to the interview and admission process is straightforward. Requirements and fees are flexible, so people in different situations and from different backgrounds can get the education they want. Reach out to OPIT today to take your first steps to tech success.
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