MCSE vs associate's degree

RATTLERMAN

The education debate has been raging on this site snce i have been here. In the end it all depends on what you want to do in 'IT'. You have to weigh your options based on your situation
Continuing education is a must in this field. In my humble opinion you have to find your niche and maximize your potential from there. For some that will be a masters degree and for others it wll be a combination of certs and experience. But at the end of the day you have to make it happen for yourself

Technowiz

I agree with both of you. I want to eventually be in a managerial/leadership role so I am going to complete at least a bachelors degree. But I probably wouldn't invest that time and money in a degree if I just wanted to stay on the technical side of the arena.

vsmith3rd

Tyrant1919 wrote:

Slowhand wrote:

never going to hurt you.

What if my framed degree posted above my computer desk someday falls and the glass shatters? Thereby spreading a ton of glass all over my floor where my unsocked feet may be. I could get scratched!!

I'm looking to start my BS and doing some research on online degree programs. I do see a lot of job offerings 'requiring' a BS or equiv knowledge.

Ah, great point, but it is the glass that may harm you, while the degree itself gently falls harmlessly to the floor...like a butterfly.

dynamik wrote:

You're pretty close, vsmith

JDMurray wrote:

( Experience + Certs + Education + Who you know) * Luck = really good career opportunity

I stand corrected, my friend.

rfult001

dynamik wrote:

You're pretty close, vsmith

JDMurray wrote:

(Experience + Certs + Education + Who you know) * Luck = really good career opportunity

+1 It is the unfortunate truth.

dagger1x

Certificates and degrees represent two toatally different things. An AS degree will open entry level doors, provide opportunities for advancement and give you a foundation to build on should you want a Bachelors degree in the future. Certifications also open doors, provide opportunities for advancement and demonstrate that you have mastered the skills pertaining to the specific certification through professional experience.

After I got my AAS degree I was able to get the COMPTIA certs pretty easy because they are entry level certifications and I felt comfortable with the material. The XP exam isnot entry level and I failed that one because I didnt have the skills and experience that a professional expert needs to master the material. A person walking around with an MCSE with little to no experience is a paper tiger. I would say leading up to and after graduation pick up a few entry level certs as you look for work and worry about an MCSE or CCIE later. It sounds like some of your course work may be prepping you for certs so strike while the iron is hot.