Michael Sayer wasn’t motivated by certificates gained with a recent Executive development program but had his eye on a move up the career ladder when he completed his executive short course at the graduate school in his city. At the time, he was more concerned with moving forward in his job as head of data technology at a large international consulting company. He trusted that mentioning the certificate he had received to colleagues not only boosted his confidence but enhanced his chances of a promotion within the business. “I went on the Leadership programme, not for the certificate but to further my skills within the consulting sector,” he says.

However, his attitude has changed since he took the course. He now sees the executive development program as a stepping stone to further his career. If it had not been for this course I might never have been earmarked for the promotion I received. “It has provided me with an accreditation, a charter mark, that potential employers can see on my CV as a qualification they will value and trust,” he says. “More importantly, it’s led to significant career development, which otherwise I might not have expected or been ready to do.” It appears Sayer isn’t alone in seeing the value to certificated qualifications.

Executive development programmes and particularly executive short courses are often purchased by large employers, but increasingly the pieces of paper students receive are given special status. Certification for executive education is on the increase.