I've worked in consulting for a few years and currently I'm in a career break, seeking next move to either consulting or corporate strategy. I'm aware that job market isn't great and job search may take time, so I'm thinking how to make the best use out of this career break (in addition to doing job search & networking, I want to spend some time in self-improving).
The main objective is to 1) enhance professional skill set 2) build credential in resume 3) tell a compelling story to future employer / interviewer that I have well-used this career gap.
With the objective in mind, the main concern I have is whether I should focus on skill building, or earning credential / certificates? There's indeed several skill that I want to further hone, such as problem solving & business modeling, which can be self-learned without getting any certificates. On the other hand, certificates is a “good to have”, and could add value to resume. I have taken note of what I can work on by 2 categories:
1. Getting certificates / build credential: CFA certificate, PMP certificate, volunteering, freelancing, start a small business
2. Skill enhancement through self-learning: essentially the core consulting toolkit (problem solving, business modelling, industry knowledge), coding (SQR, Python), case practice on PrepLounge…
Would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks! :)