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  • #2201308

    Education Advice

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    by kptclutch ·

    Hey there,

    This is my first post and I’m looking forward to spending a quite a bit of time here reading up a lot of the subjects found here. I’ve spent the majority of my 23 year life on computers doing graphic design and learning as much as possible about computer systems and security.

    I have been working in the graphic design world getting out of debt for the last year. As of earlier this month, I have succeeded in just that. I am now in the process of returning to school, which brings me to my first question:

    I am looking into attending Kennesaw State University for IT Security. Should I continue forward with this, or should I be looking into certifications?

    Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

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    • #2940739

      Just Advice

      by edwardspratt ·

      In reply to Education Advice

      You will find that an education is great and helps move up in a business…

      let’s say you get a degree in computer science, where is that job?

      If your business is likely to need your new skills, certifications would be the answer. If your business is likely to want you to move to management, a BS is better.

      The truth is that certifications carry more weight than a BS if you are looking for an entry level position.

      Having a BS allows you to continue to the management fields but who would hire a new student to run their business?

      I have hired people in the IT field and to me, an entry level position needs to have a person that knows the basics… certifications show that knowledge. If I hired someone with a BS, I would be doing so in expectations that they would become management but would want them to have certifications anyway as that helps the business name *certified personnel onsite* means a lot more for a business than *um… we have some people with a BS*

      Tell me if I am off the wall.

      • #2940692

        I like off the wall

        by kptclutch ·

        In reply to Just Advice

        All great advice. This kind of stuff is exactly what I was looking for!

        I’ve been trying to find the strengths and weakness of a BS vs Certs. I would honestly like to move forward with both but now am trying to find the first step toward my goal of Security expert.

        Although I’m pretty scared. This is the first time i’ve ever really stepped out of my ‘comfort zone’ and into the real world. Education that is…..I’ve lived in a small town in North Georgia where I haven’t ventured into the city very often.

        • #2940668

          Does the school offer certificates along the way…

          by ni70 ·

          In reply to I like off the wall

          to your degree? I had been working towards an associates degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, from their Information Technology Specialist program. Within that program they offer courses that you can earn CompTIA certifications, such as the A+ and Network+.

          I’ve got along way to obtain my goal, as I’ve been taking classes when time allows. In the mean time my employer offers to pay for training, and I attended Network+ training and a few weeks later I earned my Network+ Certified Professional certificate. I attended Security+, but failed the exam.

          Any way look into seeing if the college offers something similar to where you can obtain professional certification while attending.

    • #2940717

      Welcome to TR

      by nicknielsen ·

      In reply to Education Advice

      Given your interest in security, you may wish to sign up for the IT Security newsletter. Just click on the “My Newsletters” link at the top right of the page, make your selections, and click Update at the bottom of the page. Don’t forget to clear the checkboxes for newsletters in which you aren’t interested.

      You may also find these links of interest:
      New user guide to TechRepublic – http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/techofalltrades/?p=152
      Make the most of your post with TechRepublic’s enhanced features – http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5269527.html?tag=search
      Express yourself with new emoticons in the Community Forums – http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/tr-out-loud/?p=302
      What everyone that joins in Discussions should know – http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=8&threadID=176796&start=0

      You should also complete your profile. Just click on ‘My Workspace’ in the upper right, then hit the ‘Profile’ tab.

      At the bottom of your profile page, you can opt in to receive mail from other peers. This is not mandatory, but many peers refuse to acknowledge peer mails from members who do not themselves receive peer mail.

      • #2940686

        Thanks

        by kptclutch ·

        In reply to Welcome to TR

        I appreciate your reply. I am almost beside myself at how both of the replies to my request have been constructive!

        I’m pumped to have found a forum where I may actually be able to ask questions and learn from the replies!

        Thanks again,

        • #2940678

          TR is special

          by nicknielsen ·

          In reply to Thanks

          It’s not only a site for tech, but a site for techs, and probably the original social network. If you have the time, spend a week or so just browsing the forums. We have a very active off-topic forum here at TR, so don’t be surprised at some of the topics you might see.

    • #2940622

      Variety vs. Timing

      by Rick Vanover ·

      In reply to Education Advice

      My thoughts are to continue on the curriculum in which you are currently enrolled; and possibly concurrently get certifications, training and experience in your area of interest. Maybe also supplement that with a minor or elective courses in the area of interest.

      Finish the program you are in as quickly as possible.

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