Starting Point

Hello,
I have an interest in IT, primarily in networking/cyber security. I attended a vocational university but they filed for bankruptcy. I'm enrolling into WGU (appears to be popular on these forums). I have two options:

1. Take the Readiness Asessemnt (I'm very weak in math)

2. Take the Microsoft Technology Associate exam.

I'm 19 and I have no work experience in the technology field. What are your thoughts and opinions?

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Comments

networker050184

I don't see why those are an either/or decision.

iBrokeIT

Personally, I wouldn't have had the maturity and self-disciple at age 19 to see an online degree program through until completion. Sure, I would have did fine the first semester but after that...

A community college/tech school with an Associates Degree in something IT related would be a better option. You can then transfer that into WGU and have all of your general classes taken care of toward your BS degree.

aftereffector

The Readiness Assessment is free, right? I'd do that, and I would also recommend picking up books for Network+ and Security+ to at least read through the material. Those two tests are a great introduction to the cyber security and networking fields. Even if you don't sit for the test, you will get a lot of fundamental knowledge about the basics which will help you at WGU and in the workforce.

If you can knock out the tests, you will be even farther ahead!

MSP-IT

iBrokeIT wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't have had the maturity and self-disciple at age 19 to see an online degree program through until completion.

I started at 20 and finished at 22. I wouldn't necessarily make that assessment.

markulous

Do both and start trying to apply for jobs when you get your MTA.

endeavoronlearning

You guys are awesome, also if you fail one of the commence based tests at WGU, is there a few to retake them?

Dakinggamer87

iBrokeIT wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't have had the maturity and self-disciple at age 19 to see an online degree program through until completion. Sure, I would have did fine the first semester but after that...

A community college/tech school with an Associates Degree in something IT related would be a better option. You can then transfer that into WGU and have all of your general classes taken care of toward your BS degree.

This is what I did before I started at WGU so I had all my general classes taken care of before I started. I think it's still worth a shot nonetheless then you can assess yourself and see if it's a right fit for you.

snunez889

For your age I would recommend going to a community college and going for your Associates. Wgu is great and may be the way to go after you get your two year degree. At the community college you will get some hands on and meet and talk to people to bounce ideas off of, will tech you some soft skills and how to talk tech. While doing your two year I would also try and pick up some Certs and any work experience you can find.