General Forums >> How To Move Ahead >> Certifications Versus Degree
Certifications Versus Degree
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Posted 5 months ago Hey everyone, my name is Wes and I have a question for 2 types of people 1. People who work in the IT Field with only certifications-Is this all you need? 2. People who work in the IT Field with only a degree-Is this all you need? I have just graduated from high school and I currently run my own local computer repair busines. I have my A+ cert, and am currently working on my Net+. I have worked on both of these certifications by self-study and my own personal will, because I basically do not have the money to spend on courses and such. But my biggest question is what is it that really matters in the IT field? Certs or Degrees? So if you meet one of the above criteria, comment on this forum. Thank you for your time. Wes 18/M/KY |
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| Posted 4 months ago I am attending college right now going for a degree in Networking and Network Security. So far I would say the Certifications I don't have yet are what's holding me back from getting a job. Adegree though seems to be what is needed to get a high paying job once you have your foot in the door. It's much like working anywhere I suppose, you can get hired by having knowledge and being a worker bee, but if you want to move up the ladder you will eventualy hit a missing runs that will stop you unless you have a degree. |
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| Posted 4 months ago My suggest is: if you could and willing to learn; I mean seriously; actuality, you better take both. I, my self had B.S in CIS and couldn't find IT job within a year. This is caused not by a degree because I have no experience. The employers they most look at the skills and exper. they don't care for degree somehow, you are lucky you get hired otherwise not easy as you though what you have setted in your mind. At last guess what? this ended up forced me working as Library Tech so that having enough money to handle and cover paying loan; food; family expense, etc. And now I'm on my way going to take some IT certs. 1st: to enhance knowledge, 2nd: to sparkle the resume. In brief, do the best you can in order to have a peaceful future rather than having competing against others looking for job. Look luck and take care my friend. |
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| Posted 4 months ago Having a Degree wouldn't hurt. Some big companies could low ball you when it comes to your salary. Having both a degree and being certified is a big plus for you. Don't let them low ball you. Best Regards |
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| Posted 3 months ago Of course they are going to "low ball" you. Not having any experience has big consequences in the cash department. You are most likely *NOT* going to find a good job and you may want to be your own boss for a few years. Build up a good rapport with your clients and have them write you glowing referall letters for when the right opportunity comes along. I have been in the IT field for over 15 years and started with nothing. I then got an Associates (in Accounting) 11 years ago, got a cert (A+) 8 years ago, and not got a bachelors (Business Mgt) less then two years ago. So, talking to you from my cushy job, (jk guys) it's a hard road but learn from every mistake. That is what will make you the best troubleshooter on the planet! Show them you can get results. |
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| Posted about 1 month ago WesleyAB, Education never stops, certifications are great but nothing beats a degree. I'm 54 years old and I've been in the IT industry for 30 years, I have a Bachelors in Business and a Masters in Computer Science. I also have numerous certifications, which need to be renewed every few years.... I'm debating on going back to school for an MBA, so like I said, education never stops. Best of luck, Z |
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| Posted 7 days ago i always have this question also like wesley said i wanted to do a associate in networking but couldn afford it so im starting with certificates.i think having both is great. if u cant afford a full degree start like me with certifications. some places just look if u got the certs and others degree never hurts of much better salary. now im almost done with my a+ course and im aobut to start my degree even i have to pay loans later ill have a better education. and like zman said education never stops after my associate ill keep going all the way to masters. gotta sacrifice everything to better urself |
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| Posted 7 days ago What really matters: Everything. If you are worried about money and etc for the certs, make a plan and stick to it. One such plan may be this... you need an A+ and Network+ cert as a prereq. for an MCSA...which of course are expensive to take a course, materials and then the test. However, a high school diploma will get you into something such as a call center. The A+ cert and Network+ cert will probably get you some extra hourly wages in that call center. Save money...get an MCSA...which should open up you up for a higher paying job...plus you have experience now that is documented in the call center (or some other entry level position somewhere)...employers see you have a plan and you are improving your knowledge every step of the way. Now that you have the uber cool higher paying job with the MCSA...while working get an associates in something. This way, if you have to interrupt your schooling for something, you at least have that degree. Or you can go full blown and start your B.S. This is all assuming that you need to work your way up and into affording schooling. You could always enroll right away for college and a 4 year program. Just be sure you can handle either working part time and making ends meet or working full time and going to school full time. OR simply go into dormitory and etc...making school full time and working full time in the summers. There was a program aired not long ago on National Public Radio about this very subject. They were saying that people who go to tech school and get an associates or work on certifications should be considered by employers just as valid/worthy/knowledgeable as anyone with a 4 year degree. And while that may be true, employers out there still hire people faster that have a bachelor's degree. One funny thing I have been noticing though is that companies make some funny decisions. I met a woman who has a masters in Oceanography. She was hired as a network administrator in a company simply because she had higher education. Go figure. She told me the closest qualification she actually had for the job was being in the computer club in high school. But she was hitting the books to learn about her job and working on her network+ cert at the time. |