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From Lab to Leadership: How VMware Certification Transformed My Career. By Matt Heldstab, vExpert & IT Architect I still remember the exact moment I passed my first VMware certification exam. It was a moment that truly validated the efforts I have made in my career. As an IT engineer, I had always prided myself on tackling more complex infrastructure challenges. Certification gave me the boost that I needed to speak up and defend my position confidently. That first certification felt amazing. It didn’t just validate what I already knew, it gave me a framework to understand what I didn’t yet know and the confidence to bridge that gap. VMware Certification Is Still Very Relevant Today, IT environments are no longer static. They’re hybrid, multi-cloud, and often span thousands of endpoints and virtual machines. Managing this complexity requires hands-on experience and, more so, it requires structured knowledge and a proven methodology. VMware certification sets you up for success, with the background knowledge to feel equipped in the face of challenges. Preparing for VCP certifications, especially in VMware Cloud Foundation, teaches you: For me, this technical foundation changed everything. Projects I once hesitated to lead became opportunities I was eager to take on. I was no longer just executing tasks, I was a key player in designing, optimizing, and guiding strategic initiatives. And I felt proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone to set myself up for future success. Supercharge Your VMware Career Master VMware with VMUG Advantage. Gain hands-on labs, exam prep tools, and access to a global network of IT pros ready to share their expertise. Use code ADVNOW for 10% off your membership today! Take the next step in building skills, confidence, and career momentum. Lessons From the Field If you’re considering certification, here’s what I’ve learned from my own journey: Personally, being part of the VMUG Advantage community has been a game-changer. It’s where I could ask questions without judgment, share lessons from my own projects, and learn from experts across industries. These interactions expanded my technical skills and gave me the confidence to step into project roles I had never imagined. More Than a Resume Booster Certification isn’t just about checking a box. It shapes your mindset. It moves you from thinking about short-term fixes to long-term architecture and transforms you from a reactive operator into a proactive strategist. And it’s a personal victory too. I've seen colleagues and countless friends in the industry start as system admins and, through structured learning and certifications, grow into architects, engineers, and IT leaders. Even if you’re at the same place for 25 years, it gives you the ability to recruit others with confidence.  VMUG Advantage can give you an edge in this journey, providing exam discounts, practice labs, and access to a global network of professionals committed to growth. Plus, the growth continues with discounts on special events, ongoing resources for certification and career development, and access to personal-use VCP licenses once you’re certified. For anyone ready to take that next step, certification is more than a credential, it’s a bridge to your future with VMware. And VMUG Advantage has the tools to get you there with a community of experts supporting you. Discover the VMUG Advantage Now. Sponsored and written by VMUG.