How far can one go without a Bachelors or Higher degree?

Main Event

Considering you only stopped at a A.S, what do you think the limit is?

Find more posts tagged with

Free for TechExams community: Cybersecurity salary guide

Compare cert salaries and plan your next career move

Button

Comments

Nutsacjac

Depends on your focus, honestly. I know guys on the tech side of things with no degree at all in senior engineering positions.

If you're looking to get into a management role, finishing up that bachelor's would be in your best interest.

yoshiiaki

Main Event wrote: »

Considering you only stopped at a A.S, what do you think the limit is?

Where you stop trying.

sratakhin

When did Bill Gates get his degree? 2007. I guess that's as far as one can go without a Bachelors degree.

Main Event

JUst asking, I know some companies prefer BS and above.

boobobobobob

ALL companies prefer a bachelors and above. And starting out in IT without one is difficult. But after 7+ years of experience it become less important. Certifications and work experience is all that matters later.

paul78

boobobobobob wrote: »

ALL companies prefer a bachelors and above. And starting out in IT without one is difficult. But after 7+ years of experience it become less important. Certifications and work experience is all that matters later.

Very well said... My only differing nuance is that it's about ambition and accomplishments.

@op - in general, my advice is to always strive to get the degree. I understand that life's circumstances doesn't always let this happen. But if at all possible, don't let the lack of a degree be a tollgate to cross to get a foot in the door of a prospective employer. There will always be exceptions to the rule but why be the exception when you can increase your odds?

pinkydapimp

boobobobobob wrote: »

ALL companies prefer a bachelors and above. And starting out in IT without one is difficult. But after 7+ years of experience it become less important. Certifications and work experience is all that matters later.

I agree with to an extent. However, after 7 years i still think its important. IT is a huge field. If you just plan on being a network admin as your end goal, then maybe this is the case. But If you want to give yourself more flexibility with regard to a career path, that degree will be helpful. IT changes fast and you may be a super admin, then get laid off. Maybe technology advances and that stuff gets outsourced more or by vendors. Maybe there is a hot new field. That degree lets you switch easier. I would say the degree(and masters degrees) matter more in the later part of your career. Early in your career you have a better chance of getting in without that degree. But if you have the means of getting a degree, do it.

ETA: as said above there are plenty of exceptions to the rule so keep that in mind.

NetworkVeteran

pinkydapimp wrote: »

I agree with to an extent. However, after 7 years i still think its important.

I have over a dozen years of experience and my degree is still essential to obtaining the roles and wages I do.