would like feedback on tech use in the nonprofit field

Hi,

 I am recently laid off and have the opportunity to earn a certificate in computer technology. I have a BA in social work, can find my way around the internet, and I'm familiar with Windows applications - well, obviously not that familiar based on my formatting and pasting abilities.  I have no other computer experience.  I hope to find a job with a nonprofit organization or a start up business – maybe something in consumer protection or relating to international issues.

While trying to learn more about the certificates, (copied below), I have become overwhelmed and discouraged. I had hoped to gain a skill that with some practice, would be an additional asset when looking for a job.

I am asking for some feedback about which of the options would be seen as a bonus when applying at a nonprofit?

Or, would I need much more experience and advanced training before I could consider this opportunity to be a real asset? I would love to learn more, but at age 44, my intent is not to start a new career, but to gain an additional skill.

Thank you very much for your feedback.

Sherry

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

basic technologies that integrate the Web browser and server into an organization's application environment. You will be on your way to assuming responsibility for the design, development, and delivery of successful Web-based solutions and program interactive Web sites using technologies and languages including HTML, Java Script, Perl, PHP & MySQL, and AJAX

WEBSITE DESIGN

techniques and principles of Web design, HTML and HTML-authoring tools like Adobe's Dreamweaver. Design graphics and animations for the Web using Fireworks and Flash

IT FOUNDATIONS

training for four IT certifications. In the hands-on, interactive classroom, you will receive training for the 2006 A+ Essentials, 2006 A+ IT Technician, Network+ and Security+ exams.

A+

broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. Our program prepares you to take the 2006 A+ Essentials and IT Technician exams

JAVA

As an Object Oriented Programming Language, the learning curve for Java can be steep for those who want learn from scratch. Our hands-on Java Programmer series will give you the tools to succeed by taking you through our Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Java courses

Becoming skilled in most of those areas would give you a better chance at being hired for a job, but it would be a computer job and not social work.The type of work you are looking for is not well-defined and the computer skills you are looking at do not seem to relate to what you are looking for. Getting a certificate in Microsoft Office would make more sense to me, but I don't know if you even need certification for the job you want.

If you have a strong interest in web design/development, programming, or doing computer tech work, then those course make sense. But taking a class in Microsoft Project might be more useful for the career path you are on now.

I think you need to start at the beginning and look at the job description of the position you want, and that should indicate what skills you lack that you will want to aquire. If you start with the companies or organizations you are intereted in then you can talk to them about the positions they have or may have in the future and learn how you can become a good candidate.

I would also give serious consideration to the necessity of certification verses collecting the skills needed to benefit the NPO you are looking to server in.

When checking on classes be more concerned about getting skills to perform job functions than passing a certification test. The two items are not the same thing. 

People skills can be more important in a role at a non profit than over the top technical skills with out the ability to work well with others.

In a role at the NPO as let's say a web developer, you will also need to be able to engage volunteers, be able to make solicitation calls to ask for donations for your web development and often for donations to other areas as well. 

If the NPO you are looking to be employed at is requiring a specific certification for the role you are looking at, then you may consider the investment to gain that certification to be qualified for employment, but I would try to negotiate (presuming I have the skills just not the cert) to get the certification with in a reasonable time after getting the job.

Dave

I agree with Christian's recommendation to look at MS Office certifications. Specifically, a skilled Excel users is a great asset, because Excel is extremely flexible and can handle a wide range of tasks (from analyzing data to creating reports). The Office certifications would identify you as a computer-savvy power user.

If you are really interested in learning about programming, then the website development certification looks pretty good. Website development is a nice way to ease into programming since you can start with basic/easier layout code (HTML) and progress to "hard core" programming concepts, including setting up/accessing databases. However, unless you really want to transition into website design or programming (or even databases).

The A+ exams would be helpful if you want to get skilled at setting up and fixing PCs. The exams cover the PC hardware and Windows settings. This is pretty useful knowledge to have and would benefit the office, but I'm not sure it would help you get a non-IT job (it might tip the scales in your favor, though). If you want to get an IT-heavy position, then the IT Foundations is probably the way to go.

Since you're not looking to start a new career, I really think the MS Office certifications would help you the most. The Office products are pretty powerful, and they can handle most tasks you come across in a small office.