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cert. or degree

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by @witsend

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I have recently lost my job and qualify for retraining through gov. I cannot figure out which way to go one way is Allentown business school 18 months receive 2 year associates degree in computer networking (96 credits) . I also visited Chubb. And I found a place in New Brunswick (Amtech) that will get me certs (A+, Net+,Cisco CCNA, MCP, and CP firewall) along with some hands on exp. (they also do this as a business so I can tag along on projects when ready). They also will train me in website development and e-commerce all for the same price as the business schools associates degree. My question is which will get me a job I have chosen ?IT? because I enjoy working with computers trouble shooting and setting up networks. I have a small network at home.

11 replies

by lumberjack

It all depends on the level of certification
MCP - good but some not to difficult
MCSE - Shows you can understand and support the technology

Degree - Shows you are intelligent and can be selfmotivated. But does not prove you have the ability to use what you have learned in the real world.

I have found that the people that have done well have done a degree - companies like that! then do MCPs and MCSE or other certification later. I dont know how old you are or what financial/commitments you have - these will all have a bearing.

It seems to me that to get into IT, you are better having a degree - not necessarily in an IT related subject. To move up in IT gain experience and get certified.

Whatever your choice - i hope you do well.

by @witsend

I have decided to go to school if anyone knows anything about Allentown Bus. School let me know. After alot of research I found that you can do some prep work for free on net for certs.

Thank you.

by jellimonsta

There are three sides to every argument, especially when it comes to IT. MILO the IT market is still very much saturated with qualified persons and entry level individuals have a bleak task of procuring employment.
Technology is moving towards self sufficient computer network equipment, plus the fact that many companies are moving to 3rd world countries for PC/ Network related support duties.
With limited experience it would be a difficult task in obtaining employment in IT in today's market. If you have financial obligations (family, mortgage) you may be hard pressed in finding a position that would suitably support your situation.
Dependant upon the IT market in your geographical location you should really consider what position it is you would like to start with and ultimately end with? Do you wish to be a generalist and start in PC support to advance into Network support? Or do you wish to procure employment in a specialist field (i.e. Cisco networking IOS, IS security)?
Also remember that to work with computers does not necessarily mean you have to work IN computers. You may have more success in finding employment in graphics, web design or E commerce.
Just some food for thought.

by @witsend

I understand what you are saying. I have a choice at the allentown bus. school of either programming or networking. Do you think programming has more of a chance for employment. What would a programmer do in a typical day are they glued to a chair typing code.

by deepsix

I noticed in the other post that you decided on a degree. Good decision. There are many IT people that have certs, and can only go so far in the job market. People with degrees generally go much further. You can continue to study and get your certs as you go through school and as you work.

There is not a single project I have worked on when someone hasn't asked if I have a degree. A degree is so much more important.

by alex555

I really want to get a degree and a cert., but I also need to work while I'm studying. SO I have received my AS degree in business and working on my certifications. Do you think this is good? Please advise. Thank you

by nlee

The certifications are good, but with the amount of boot camps teaching just the tests, the certs are what is saturating the market. A degree gives a proven track record of completion and commitment. Both are good, though. One suggestion is to take advantage of the online degree programs now from many reputable schools. It helps working adults who just aren't able to make time to slog off to class weekly. Classwork and homework can be done at your convenience but the classes are typically structured enough to not feel like you are floundering. It takes some discipline, but most things worth doing will require that. Good luck!

by milesboz

The degree is the ticket to keep your resume out of the circular file, assuming they are filling positions above the grut level.

Certification has the advantage that the applicant has a specality, and it can also provede vendor resourses/access.

Certification needs to be accompanied by experience. As a project manager I have hired temps with certifications, and have had a few "paper tigers" great at passing tests, but can't do something as simple as upgrading RAM in a desktop PC. The fact that they were hired as a temp made the solution simple, call the temp agency. The gentleman that could not install the RAM had passed 6 of the 7 tests towards his MCSE, plus had his A+ card. A great person, if you need someone that can only take tests.

by jziegler

I also recently lost my job. I have 24+ years of IT experience in IBM mainframe skills. I am now in the transition of deciding what would work best for me. A degree or certification courses? Mainframe doesn't sell these days, but my 24 years coupled with a certification (MCP & MCSE) will.

by rknrlkid

This is some of the best advice I have seen yet.

The IT field IS saturated. But, there are other things that can be done with a computer that allows you to work with them.

Where I live the IT positions are few and jealously guarded. Even though I had almost 20 years experience, because I had no certifications my chances were zero. So I took another avenue of attack: I got a job in administration. My computer background, combined with my knoweldge of Office and other applications, got me a job with the local school system. I started getting certifications. Once I got my first certification, since I was already known, I was offered a part-time position as an operating system instructor. My certifications PROVED that I knew what I was talking about. I have gotten more certifications, which help me be positioned for other things should the situation arise. (And yes, I have college too. I work on college and certifications simultaneously. It can be done.)

It pays to broaden your horizons sometimes. You can work with computers even though labelled "IT jobs" are scarce.

by @witsend

I am glad people kept posting great advice here i ended up going to school for degree. And hope to be able to get certs on side.

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