Jobs that require degree

denis92

I was looking through the job listings on indeed for NYC and 70% of entry level jobs such as help desk and desktop support technician required a degree in information technology, computer science or related field. Since I finished college with an unrelated major I don't know if I should apply to those jobs. Should I focus on the 30% that don't require a degree or should I also apply to the 70%? I don't want to limit my options but at the same time I don't want to waste my time if it is a lost cause. Have any of you received a job that required an IT degree with an unrelated major or no college degree?

mikey88

I'm not too sure about NYC market, but from what I've seen, only upper level management roles will be strict on a degree requirements. Most lower level postings want a degree, experience, or a combination of both.

cyberguypr

I started IT in 1999 and had no degree. I finished my undergrad in 2012. Not having the degree was never an issue for every job that I held during those years. Does it restrict your chances? True in some cases. Is it a deal breaker? Not in every single case. I say apply away and see what happens. As said above, many places will take experience in lieu of a degree.

NetworkNewb

Apply apply apply. No way to know how lenient they are on it until you apply. I had a previous job where they required everyone to have a degree, and didn't care what the degree was in. Applying for a job usually doesn't take very long so can't imagine you would be wasting too much time. Not gonna give yourself even a tiny chance if you don't submit the resume.

networker050184

Apply anyway. Pretty much every job I've ever had 'required' a degree on the job posting.

Danielm7

NetworkNewb wrote: »

Apply apply apply.

/thread. Apply. You have a degree already, just apply, especially for entry level.

jelevated

Help Desk and entry level support looking for a Computer Science grad? Say whut?

Don't think they know what they're looking for.

mzx380

I can speak on this one since I'm in that market. I say that you should roll the dice and apply for any and all jobs that you find interesting. The thing about NY is that there are a wealth of candidates to choose from and the technical degree is simply a way of sifting through applications. Ultimately, your work experience is what will get you the job so if you want a mid-senior level position, then your experience should reflect that.

If you have no degree or experience, start cert-ing up to get that coveted first job so you can begin that journey.
Hope that helps

denis92

Thanks everyone! I'll just apply

denis92

Has anyone given you a hard time about your degree from wgu in ny? Is your bachelor's from there as well?

denis92

mzx380 wrote: »

I can speak on this one since I'm in that market. I say that you should roll the dice and apply for any and all jobs that you find interesting. The thing about NY is that there are a wealth of candidates to choose from and the technical degree is simply a way of sifting through applications. Ultimately, your work experience is what will get you the job so if you want a mid-senior level position, then your experience should reflect that.

If you have no degree or experience, start cert-ing up to get that coveted first job so you can begin that journey.
Hope that helps

Has anyone given you a hard time about your degree from wgu in ny? Is your bachelors also from there

mzx380

denis92 wrote: »

Has anyone given you a hard time about your degree from wgu in ny? Is your bachelors also from there

My BS: CS was from a B&M University in NY years ago. From experience, I can tell you that landing that first job here is tough and I had to rely on my limited IT work experience (after I got out of school) and my degree to land that first support job. From there it was all about building my experience at each subsequent job. Since I was already in the market for years, I decided to complete my MBA last year and figured WGU was the way to to go. I've not had a chance to test it out yet but can tell you that you should look at your formal IT education as a side dish, your experience is the entree.

Hope that helps

awitt11

If you have a B.S/B.A. in an unrelated field, supplement that with a relevant cert. A degree shows you can stick with a study program and the cert will show your knowledge of technology.

volfkhat

*gasp*

It's as if there's some nebulous College Industrial Complex at work, that demands we MUST get a degree in order to hold any entry-level job...