Graduating Soon...feeling unprepared

[DistraughtSysop]

I think programming is a little different than other IT fields. There are programming certifications but they aren't nearly as important as an education or experience. Reason being a good programmer is a mindset and knowing proper technique. It's using 15 lines of code efficiently instead of 50.

That was the point that I was trying to make. A lot of cert exams can be passed through book study and memorization without truly understanding the subject matter. You can get away with that if you're applying to Geek Squad or something, but as a programmer you'd need to know your stuff.

Entry level certs are not a necessity. They are mainly for dressing up your resume when you have no experience and are trying to break into the industry. A lot of people agonize over what certs to get, but it's really not that big of a deal. It's when you're already working that certs become more important, and by then you'll know exactly what you need to take.