Difference Between Academic and Professional Qualifications?

Many of us always wonder what the difference is between academic and professional qualifications while we attempt to fill out a job application form or a form for college enrollment. There are two types of qualifications in the academic field, academic and professional. These are different depending upon the nature of subjects and skills taught. 

The difference between the two is that an academic qualification is based on a student’s knowledge and skills acquired during their time at school or college, while professional qualifications are awarded for specific jobs or industries, and they equip the students with the relevant knowledge and skills required for a profession.

This article explains what each type of qualification entails, what are the implications of attaining academic and professional qualifications, and what qualification to prefer while planning for a professional track. Choosing an educational track is essential for selecting further resources for your success and help with class. When choosing your educational track, you should know the difference between academic and professional qualifications.

Professional degrees are vocational degrees that help us develop skills and knowledge of a particular field and the implementation of these skills in practical aspects. 

Academic Qualification

Academic qualification is a degree, diploma, or certificate which is awarded by a university, college, or other educational institution to those who have completed a course of study. Academic qualifications are usually research-oriented, and they empower the learners with in-depth knowledge of a specific subject of interest.

A qualification is not always necessary for the job you want to do. Some jobs require only basic skills such as reading and writing. An academic qualification is a form of learning that provides knowledge and skills in a particular subject. It can be obtained by attending classes, reading books, writing essays, or doing in-depth research about the subject.

Academic degrees include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc), Master of Philosophy (M.Phil), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), etc.

Benefits of Academic Qualification

• The academic qualification equips you with in-depth knowledge of the subject.
• It helps you develop analytical and critical skills.
• Academic qualifications are research-oriented.
• They help us develop social skills.
• Academic degrees can be used in various professional fields.

Professional Qualification

A vocational qualification is an in-depth study of a subject and involves practical training. A vocational qualification helps learners acquire the education, training, and experience needed for a job.

The main difference between academic and vocational qualifications is that academic qualifications are relevant to all industries, while vocational qualifications are relevant only to certain industries.

In other words, an academic qualification may be suitable for jobs in many different fields such as social work, journalism, copywriting, etc., but not necessarily for a professional career such as that of a doctor or engineer.

On the other hand, if you have completed a postgraduate degree in a medical field, then that would help you get a professional job in a hospital because hospitals need doctors who have studied medicine at the university level so that they can take care of the health and needs of patients without making mistakes in operations and care.

Professional Qualification is an in-depth study of a specific subject related to an industry.

Professional Qualification is more advanced than academic qualification and helps you get a job in that field. It provides knowledge about the subject and prepares you well for future professional life.

It covers subjects like:

• Skills required for successfully completing a job.
• Social skills
• Interviewing skills
• Job search strategies
• Salary negotiation skills

Benefits of a Professional Qualification

• A professional qualification can help you to get a job in a specific industry.
• It will also increase your chances of getting a promotion.
• A professional qualification can also expand your skillset and make it easier for employers to see how valuable you are as an employee.
• A professional qualification is helpful for you in creating more career opportunities for you.
• A professional qualification provides you with a better sense of accomplishment and self-fulfillment.

Jobs that Demand Professional Qualifications

• Lawyers
• Dentists
• Surgeons
• Psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals.
• Dermatologists

Conclusion

The difference between academic and professional qualifications is that the former is educational, intended to enhance your learning, and basic social and critical analysis skills, while the latter is work-related. A person with an academic qualification can use it to get a job as long as he or she has passed all the exams required for that course. 

However, if you want to make your career in a particular field, such as you want to become a lawyer, an operations manager, or a doctor, in that case, it is better to pursue professional qualifications like an MBA or MSc (master of science) or a major in psychology and dentistry, etc.

While both types of qualifications are valuable, it’s important to ensure that your career goals include the right type of training for your future success and that you choose your educational plan accordingly.