College vs Certs
boxerboy1168
Posts: 394Member ■■■□□□□□□□
Does having a degree offer any benefit to you in the job market over that of certs?
Having a degree do you still require the certs?
Do I need the certs even if I have a degree?
Been encountering a lot of, "You need a degree."
Having a degree do you still require the certs?
Do I need the certs even if I have a degree?
Been encountering a lot of, "You need a degree."
Currently enrolling into WGU's IT - Security Program. Working on LPIC (1,2,3) and CCNA (and S) as long term goals and preparing for the Security+ and A+ as short term goals.
Comments
Certs are going to be a must if you don't have established history with a company. It shows up-to-date knowledge on specific objectives, and most certs have CE or renewal requirements.
Experience is also going to be on the "must-have" checklist. I used to tell my students: "There are degrees, certs, and experience. Whoever has the most wins." Not 100% accurate, but something to consider.
Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance - Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Network Administration - Western Governors University
Associate of Applied Science x4 - Heald College
I will say this: If you're doing the program because it's hot right now, you're wasting your time and theirs. If you're doing it because you have a passion for it, then by all means: "Let's gooo!" Ask yourself what you want to do long term. "Begin with the end in mind."
I search and have been searching job ads for years, and the trend I see is if they do ask for a degree, it's usually a Bachelor's. I see very few requests for a two-year degree, so I would say unless you plan to head to a 4-yr degree from the 2-yr, your time (and money) is better spent getting more certs.
That's just what I see.
Certs
Bachelor's
Master's
Associate's
In order of what I see asked for most to least.
Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance - Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Network Administration - Western Governors University
Associate of Applied Science x4 - Heald College
Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance - Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Network Administration - Western Governors University
Associate of Applied Science x4 - Heald College
I did just the opposite... got the gig (help desk), then started growing the certs, almost 20 years later, I am just now working on the degree ( figured why not, since my company is paying 95% of it) ( for my personal desire to "check the box" not because it has hampered me over the years
since you are prior service, if no one has told you about it yet, be sure to check out Fed VTE, lots of free IT/IS training (https://fedvte.usalearning.gov/)
Yup. This is a great resource.
If you do just something then you are weak and have to pick up what was left behind by those who did everything and those who are famous enough to not worry about designations.
Undergrad ---> Certs ---> Graduate --->Certs
You will definitely need the degree to check it off your list for HR managers. You can get a degree from a big name school but that factors in more for business than it does for IT so long as you can show an employer that you can get long term projects done. Certifications will show that you are willing to invest the time off hours to further your education which is also valuable in our industry. Grad school should be to ascend the ladder and future proof yourself since undergrads are valued as HS diplomas these days.
Once all that is done, keep learning and attempt to specialize in one thing as opposed to JOAT so you are not keeping your career stagnant.
Currently Working On: Microsoft 70-761 (SQL Server)
You'll have breaks between semesters, so perhaps aim for some foundational certs during those breaks (A+ and/or N+) are a start.
I've worked for managers that insisted on degrees, others who favor experience more, and others who love certs. So, ideally try to maximize each of the three wherever you can, because it really depends on who is doing the hiring.
Also, I think you need all 3. I started college with very little IT knowledge. The degree was almost worthless at that time because I had no real world experience (other than a 2 month internship). After I got a little experience I started acquiring certs. Any of the 3 can get your foot in the door but many jobs 'require' the degree and it is almost impossible to make it through HR without that. A degree alone will not get you far either so don't stop there. If you have a basic knowledge of IT then maybe start with a few certs and get that first job. I would still advise working towards that degree because later on if you want that promotion having the degree may not help you but not having it will hurt you.
I don't have first hand experience but look into WGU. Lots of members here have attended WGU and have had good luck. I had good schooling but am also buried in student loan debt. I wish I had known about WGU 10 years ago.
>MSc
>just more certs
just saw your question, I started in IT ( career change at 26) in 98 ($25K), switched to InfoSec in 2011 (60K exiting IT to InfoSec) hit 6 figures (125-135 range including VC last year). This is from 2 companies and multiple roles at each... 12 years at one and almost 7 at the other now.
2019: CWSP,Cloud+,Project+,CASP,PenTest+,CWNA,CCNA Security,GXPN,GREM
2021: LPIC-2,JNCIS-ENT,eLearnSecurity Courses
tl;dr Get both, never regret.
This is Gold right here. (See quote above)
Completing a degree shows that you can meet a goal and accomplish something.
I have only met a few people that had no degrees and they got into IT.
However, at some point you need to have a at least a two year degree.
Some companies will require a Bachelor degree, and if you don't have one you can't work at that company.
I don't think you need a degree to start out, because you could get the A+ cert, but at some point you will need a degree.
What parts of IT interest you?
Networking, programming, security ect ect
--Alexander Graham Bell,
American inventor
Going to start ASAP, hopefully start a cyber security class this summer, hopefully I can take enough to qualify for PEL assistance.
I have known many over the 18 years I have been in IT/IS , I have also seen more than a few with 4 year degrees in areas with no jobs working entry level help desk gigs.
On the 2 year degree, they are a waste of time and money, unless you have plans to continue on to a BS... I'll hire someone with 2 years experience and no degree over the guy with the 2 year degree and no experience all day long.
At the same time, there comes a point where you need to have the check box checked... I am currently doing my BS at WGU because I want to check the box, not because my company requires it. YMMV
why wait? get started learning via FEDVTE today, its free and will give you a basic set of knowledge to start with when you do start on a degree...
Been studying Linux Net+ and Sec+ for months. Failed first time up on Net+ with a 669 plan on taking it again soon.
Also, don't expect to get hired straight into security. Very hard to find anyone willing to do that. You will likely need to build your resume doing helpdesk, Sys Admin, etc, before landing that security role but you never know until you try.