Economic development certificate?

[Montannie]

I know there have been other posts on here about certificates but I could find any about economic development certificates out there...

I know that the International Economic Development Council offers one and Penn State offers one online... I'm talking about certificates that are offered on their own, not those offered concurrently with Master's degrees...

Has anyone here gotten one? Any thoughts on the different programs? How they are viewed in the workforce (as opposed to going for the whole turkey and getting the master's)? Online v. in person? Worth the money?

Thanks!

[nrschmid]

I read up on Penn State's program several months ago, and I am interested in enrolling the program. I want to earn more experience in that type of planning, and I am not ready to go back for another degreee. I think a certificate is better as a supplement to a planning degree, to gain additional training in a niche area/specialization. I don't think it can be a full substitute for a planning degree (bachelors or not).

On a separate note, I remember reading a month or two ago about Obama giving money to unemployed people for training. I don't remember if this was in the form of Pell Grants or something else, and possibly a 5K cap, but I am not 100% correct. Anyone know what I am talking about?

[Jakers]

The University of Louisville is trying to launch a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development starting this Fall. It would stand alone. Its funding became suspect after the economic downturn however, they seem to have found additional sources of funding so it looks like it is going to get done sooner rather than later! I am getting it to supplement my Masters in UP, and I ultimately I want to work in Private development anyway so it leaves me with alot of flexibilty after graduation JIC.

I would have to say that if you wanted to get just a certificate, getting a job after would be heavily dependent on your prior experience. If you have none, it may have been a waste of time however, if you have some it may be just what you need to push you over. If you know what you want to do then talk to some people who do it already and get their opinion. Or tell us here what it is you want, because economic development is very broad as you know....and maybe we can help? Remember, the certificate may open some doors but once you are inside its all about you

Also if you get a certificate it doesnt really matter if it is online or not, just make sure it is accreditated

[Brocktoon]

There is a difference btw IEDC cert and Penn State's certification. IEDC is a professional certifiaction that time in job, class requirements and an exam. If you successfully pass all of these then you are awarded the CEcD desination. Another option to get the CEcD is OU EDI.

The Penn State certification is an academic designation. It really depends on your experience and what you want to do and how much you want to spend.

[nrschmid]

I thought CEcD is really more of a certification (in some ways similar to AICP) whereas Penn State is an academic certifcate. I know a few planners who took CEcD and told me it was uber-hard.

[Montannie]

Sooo... this is something I couldn't quite get from the UO website - if you take their slough of courses, can you get certified just by getting the education? You still need the experience to be able to take the IEDC cert. test, right? So then... what's the point of doing the UO EDI? just being able to put it on your resume like grad school, and basically just having the knowledge? I mean, I couldn't see that you get any kind of certificate when you're finished taking their courses. What would you see as being the benefits and drawbacks of their program vs. and independent graduate certificate program?

[GISgal]

For CeCD or the National Development Council's Economic Development Finance Professional to sit for the exam you do have to have a certain number of years of experience. However, nothing impedes you from taking the courses while you are gaining work experience.

I have been taking the EDFP courses for the last three years, which are by far (in my opinion) a lot harder and more practical than the CeCD as they go into the nuts and bolts of how to review financial, how to creatively structure economic development financing, and how to negotiate.

The courses are expensive and are often in 'exotic' locations (ie not near to the mid-west), but are very worth it.

I'll probably sit for the exam next Fall.

[Brocktoon]

Originally posted by Montannie

Sooo... this is something I couldn't quite get from the UO website - if you take their slough of courses, can you get certified just by getting the education? You still need the experience to be able to take the IEDC cert. test, right? So then... what's the point of doing the UO EDI? just being able to put it on your resume like grad school, and basically just having the knowledge? I mean, I couldn't see that you get any kind of certificate when you're finished taking their courses. What would you see as being the benefits and drawbacks of their program vs. and independent graduate certificate program?

If you go through EDI you still have to sit for the exam and have 4 years of economic development experience. The difference is like have an AICP versus a cert in site development. One is professional (CEcD) and one is academic.

I am going through OU EDI right now and I have gotten little from the classes. The CEcD exam has an 85% failure rate and from everyone I know that is certified has told me to spend 6 months studying the IEDC manuals then sit for the exam. The only reason to do EDI is it is cheaper than doing 6 IEDC classes.

What is your end goal...to get more education or to work in the economic development field. IF you want to learn about ED then buy a book and save your money. The concepts to ED are simple its the application of them at is challenging and you will only learn the application of the ED by doing.

[Montannie]

Thanks all!
I am interested in getting into the ED field and am just trying to figure out the best way in - whether the graduate certificate programs are worth anything to hiring personnel or whether the OU EDI is the standout or whether the field is really starting to require Master's degrees... Any pulse on that?

[Brocktoon]

Originally posted by Montannie

Thanks all!
I am interested in getting into the ED field and am just trying to figure out the best way in - whether the graduate certificate programs are worth anything to hiring personnel or whether the OU EDI is the standout or whether the field is really starting to require Master's degrees... Any pulse on that?

Save your money and get an internship. The money you would have spent on the cert is better spent paying your living expenses. I have a masters degree as do most of muncipal counter parts but in the EDC world it was not as prevealant. You best first step is to take the economic development base course. Every state offers one but the intership is the best place to start. Look at CDC's they are always looking for help and you might be able to find a job right away.

It is also a requirement for OU EDI. OU is pricey the week of classes is $1200 place airfare and hotel. To finish the 3 sessions they estimate it will cost $10K. You are better off having a future employer pay for it.

[Montannie]

How about Master's degrees? Are they becoming more prevalent in the field? MAs in Finance, MBAs, etc.? Or is it still possible to just work your way into the field? If so, can anyone recommend some good starting positions to look into? I've heard that working for chambers of commerce can be a good way in as they sometimes don't require as much experience... Any other entry-level positions we might not think of that would give you a good base of relatable experience?
Thanks!