Matthew Collins Shares His Experience, Gives Advice on International Certification Programs That Matter

Matthew Collins remembers the moment he realized his career had stalled. “I had years of experience, but I kept losing jobs to younger candidates with international certifications,” he says. That realization pushed him to pursue international certification programs, and it completely transformed his career.

“I started with a project management certification,” he recalls. “It was tough—late nights studying after work—but the moment I added it to my résumé, recruiters started calling.” Matthew discovered that certifications send a clear message: you have standardized, recognized skills that employers can trust.

But not all certifications are equal. “Some programs look impressive but don’t carry much weight in the job market,” he warns. He advises professionals to research carefully and choose certification programs that matter internationally, such as PMP for project management, CFA for finance, or AWS for cloud computing. “Employers know these names, and they respect them.”

The investment was not just financial. Matthew put in hundreds of study hours and leaned on peer study groups. “It wasn’t easy, but it gave me confidence. Passing that exam felt like proof I belonged in the global workforce.”

He also highlights the importance of continuing education. “One certification isn’t enough. Industries evolve. If you want to stay competitive, you have to keep learning.” For Matthew, stacking certifications in both management and technical skills made him versatile and valuable.

Today, he credits international certifications with doubling his income and opening doors worldwide. “I went from local contracts to working on global projects. The difference was night and day.”

His advice is clear: “Don’t just chase any credential. Choose international certification programs that matter, put in the work, and use them as a springboard for your future.”