When I obtained my PMP certificate back in 2006, It was a huge improvement for me on all levels. Personally, it gave me a way of analyzing things that I have been lacking, which is to breakdown everything into pieces, in order to be able to manage it correctly.
I still can remember, that the offer that I got after passing my PMP exam was almost double what I used to have in my previous company. Until today the PMP certificate is still an inspiration to all project managers