A.A.S in Network Specialist Questions

Bacsilove

Will an A.A.S in Networking Specialist along with a few certifications be enough to get my foot in the door? I've talked to a few people in the IT field and they've told me my A.A.S will amount little to nothing when employers are looking at resumes. I have no formal experience in the IT field. However, I’ve been repairing computer for family and friends since god knows when.

I should be getting this degree by the end of next year. Do you guys think I should continue on with the degree program or skip it and try to find an entry level job then further my career from there?

mikej412

People skills and a smile are enough to get a shot at a low level help desk job. You can teach almost anyone (who can read) to look for answers in a database -- but it's next to impossible to teach people skills to an unwashed techno-geek.

Your education and certifications will give you a shot at more and better opportunities -- but some companies won't give you 2nd look if you don't have a Bachelors degree, while other companies don't care. You have nothing to lose applying for those "degree required" jobs with your AAS -- other than the few minutes it takes you to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job posting.

But ultimately it will come down to your ability to find job openings and your perseverance in applying until you get an interview, impress someone, and get the offer letter.

There are plenty of unemployed people with degrees, certifications, and experience at home sitting on their sofa applying for the same 3 jobs posted on the job boards. So go out there and hunt down the jobs before they get posted for those couch potatoes to find.

okplaya

With an A.A.S degree it's unlikely you could transfer a lot of the credits to a 4 year program. I would really call some 4 year schools and ask if they would accept your credits so you know in advance. If not, I'd just take general/liberal arts class that will transfer in, and transfer once you've completed them.

Get your bachelor's degree. It is important to have in life if you plan to work for others.

Bacsilove

^ So you guys are saying that it is essential to have an bachelor degree?

networker050184

Bacsilove wrote: »

^ So you guys are saying that it is essential to have an bachelor degree?

Its essential to have as many things going for you as possible. Can you make it with an A.A.S? Sure, there are plenty that have made a good career with no degree at all. Just keep in mind the more relevant qualifications you have the easier it will be for you.

mikej412

Bacsilove wrote: »

^ So you guys are saying that it is essential to have an bachelor degree?

To have a chance at the job, your resume has to make the cut.

You want to maximize your experience, education, and certifications to maximize your opportunities.

When you're attempting to start an IT career, you have to use what you have -- an education and certifications may rank your resume above someone without any education past high school, but below someone with a Bachelors. But that person with just a Bachelors degree may get their resume ranked behind the person with the BA and Certification. And everyone may have their resume ranked lower than the person with the BA, Certifications, and Experience. But if you happen to know someone who's willing to put a good word for you where they work, that's a plus -- and could jump you to a place on the short list.

Once you do get selected for an interview, the job is yours to lose.

VAHokie56

Education is always highly valued but I would not get the impression that you HAVE to obtain a BS to get a job. I have an associates in Turf grass technology (absolutely nothing to do with IT) plus my certs and I have never had a problem getting a job. If getting a degree is goal for you then by all means knock it down but its my personal opinion that there is more then one way to skin a cat in IT and get your foot in the door. Mike is right people skills, social graces and work place professionalism are super important as well so don't forget to wow them with that during the interview.