Have you ever heard of someone saying that their hard-earned degree is nothing more to them than a ‘Piece of Paper’? I have heard it many times. It should baffle you, investing 2-4 years behind a degree and then casting it aside as though it had no value. Though, thousands of dollars and countless hours were poured into the achievement. Not only their degree but there master’s too. Certifications fall into this spectrum as well. So, why then do people continually invest in them if they don’t seem to ‘work’ for the person? Is it because they have seen someone with the qualifications and deem it to be the opening of the pathway to success, or is it something forced upon by other forces in their life? If this is currently you, let us talk a little bit about that ‘piece of paper.’

Whether you have a certificate or master’s degree, it can become just ‘a piece of paper.’ However, it can also be your doorway to success.  The difference depends on how you use it. This may indeed mean showcasing what you have learned before someone hires you. Immediately questions pop to your mind of why would you do that? You already spent so much to get it for the purpose of being hired! Consider this, what proof does an organization have of your ability to use the skills you learned? Especially those of you who have not worked prior. Showcasing the skills you have attained would be difficult if you do not have experience. Really, it is not; it just takes some dedicated effort. In the next section, absorb the pointers on getting started on this process if you don’t want to just have another ‘piece of paper.’

Making the ‘piece of paper’ work for you. 
Step one: Brace yourself! This requires effort. Firstly, consider what you learned in the ‘piece of paper,’ whether it is a certificate, a degree, or otherwise. What part or topic within it are you most passionate about? Extract that topic and then focus on producing content to match it, to showcase your knowledge. Blog about it, vlog about it, and make your personal brand stand out because of the alignment between the subject area and your content. 
The next step, approach a company that you want to work at. Do not go in saying ‘hire me.’ Go in offering ways to better improve their organization through the skillset that you currently possess. Showcase how to fix an issue that you have identified according to the ‘piece of paper’ that you hold. Showcase promise and dedication to not only the company but to the subject matter that you invested time and energy in pursuing. Repeat this pattern until one of the organizations figure out that you will immensely contribute to them. 
Remember, however, that is just the doorway to success. Keep motivated, the same energy you entered the company with must maintain for the ‘piece of paper’ to have use to you. You must work for the ‘piece of paper’ to work for you.