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Education level?

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by jmm95

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I'm wondering how different education levels look on a resume as far as getting a job. I have a BS in marine science and biology. I have since decided to make the transition into IT. I've been working as a tech in a retail store for almost 4 years, one of those years as a tech supervisor. I've decided to add some IT education to my resume and am wondering at what level would it be acceptable? Already having a 4yr degree in another field, I don't want to go through that again. So for now I'm enrolled in a local community college. My original plan is to go for educational certifications but lately have thought an AS might look better on my resume. I just don't see the point in taking the additional courses (accounting???). My BS is from 91 so I'm not sure if they would transfer any of the courses. Should I stick with my original plan of just doing the certification programs or persue a higher level degree? I'm almost finished with a certificate in End User Support and anothercert in Web Design. I also plan to get a cert in Networking and possibly Programming. In addition to my educational certs I plan to get industry certs (A+, Network+, MCSA or MCSE). Given my job experience and the industry certs, would educationalcerts be sufficient or should I go higher? Thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions!

5 replies

by it & telecom guy

I would say that anything documented education that indicates a move toward IT, whether it be cirtifications or an AS would show the employer that your not only serious about IT, your "moving forward in that career path.

by john_wills

Plan to become a PhD in something IT-ish, possibly applying and expanding your marine knowledge. You don't have to go all the way, or even very far, and certainly not all in one go, but your academic plans should be coherent. Within your grand plan follow the next few steps, and if you get the credits for AS or something on the way petition for graduation, but don't think that low-level graduation is your terminus.

by kimsi84

Have you thought about going for a Masters Degree in the computer science field? There are many different types of Masters degree in the computer field, and they do carry more weight than Certifiation programs.

by jmm95

Thanks for your comments. Wouldn't I first need a BS in computer science? I don't feel I have enough of a computer science background to take Masters courses, which is why I'm taking undergraduate courses, in the form of Certification programs.

by kimsi84

Sorry for late reply, but no; most Master's program in computer science don't require a computer sicence degree. Since you have a science background, you should have the fundamental background for Computer Science degree. Don't forget, Masters in computer science very large, and it depends what field you want to be in. You can be a networking pro, programming, multimedia, database, management, etc. There are many people who don't have a comp sci degree and then go for a Masters degree. I mean a Masters carries a lot more weight than a vendor certificate imho. Talk to a counselor in some comp sci masters programs and get a feel.

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