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Is it smart to get a second bachelor's degree in Information Technology?

Hi. I'm Amy - I go by Gabe. I have a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration . I am in the process of changing career paths into information technology and am particularly interested in moving into a cyber security role, maybe in cloud security. I have an AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and am working on the CompTIA Security+, with plans to learn linux and go for the RHCSA afterwards. I have the opportunity to do a second bachelor's degree - an accelerated information technology degree, self-funded, because I have not had any luck breaking into the field just yet. It is only 39 credits. I know that a degree is not necessary to get into the industry, but it is for upward mobility. Is it a smart idea to obtain this second bachelor's in IT now given the current economic climate and cyber (cloud) security outlook? #information-technology #technology #computer-science #cyber-security #programming

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Susana’s Answer

Hi Gabe, I have an MBA and a Systems Engineer title and in my experience they both have provided a very different way of thinking. One is more methodical and the other one has taught me the capabilities of more problem-solving thinking that is something that any job now a days require. Similar to other of the answers certification is also a good way to go but in my opinion that would box you into the technicalities of the certification you choose so I would go with a more strategic one like CISM or similar
Thank you comment icon Susan, I will certainly take this into consideration and look into it. Thank you! Gabe
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Ranjit’s Answer

Hi Gabe,

That's a great question. Security is corner stone of modern technology infrastructure. It is pervasive in every solution that is deployed by business. Knowledge of security would perfectly compliment your bachelors & masters degree. You could look at professional roles involving user privacy, policy definition, risk management etc.

While security in itself is a vast field, knowledge of app security, cloud security and infrastructure security are the most sought after skills. Courses from Cisco, Amazon would be a good way to start your journey in this domain
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Ranjit. I will keep this in mind. Gabe
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Liam’s Answer

Hey Gabe, this is a great question. Many careers offer some type of compensation for taking classes that could improve their work and give them upward mobility. It will be difficult to juggle work and class, but you have a steady income and cheaper or free classes.

Alternatively, taking a few classes at a community college for a year that are technical (coding, computer science, etc.) and add that to your resume after you list the degrees you have. It shows that you are willing to learn a new skill and that you have a solid foundation.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Liam! Gabe
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Syed’s Answer

Hi Gabe,

Cyber security is doubly important in an environment where many people are conducting company operations over weak home networks while under quarantine. With the current geopolitical climate, there’s more demand than ever before.

That said, I would personally hold on to cash right now and instead go for affordable online learning or accelerator course type of studies. You never know when an emergency might hit and you need cash on hand right now. In IT, degree credentials don’t matter as much as skills. Just my two cents.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Gabe
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Kirk’s Answer

Hi Gabe,

I commend your choice to go into cyber security. It's a hot field now and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

In general, here are a few things you may want to consider:

If you can, I would recommend you connect with someone who is already in the security field so you can get more focused mentoring and guidance. Doing a quick search it looks like Orlando has cyber security and cloud computing meetups. Until you've built some trust with prospective mentors, always do your own research and verify that you agree advice others give you.

You may want to look at LinkedIn profiles of people who have the job you want and check out their job history and education. This will help answer what education is needed, but also look at what career path people took that resulted in them landing jobs in security.

Consider taking a role in the short term that is not security, but is a sold step towards the role you want (Linux Administrator for example which could pretty easily turn into security later). It will give you a chance to apply what you've learned in the certifications and build your resume. Ideally do this at a company that has the security role you want and encourages people to grow in their careers. Even better if the employer will pay for you to take classes and more certifications.


To your actual question about whether you should get an IT bachelors, I would think carefully about whether the extra degree will strengthen your resume enough to be worth the dollar and time cost. Your current education covers the process side of a security role and you're closing the technical gap with certifications.
Thank you comment icon Thanks, Kirk. I have been working with a cloud engineer who works at Deloitte and is mentoring me now. He is helping direct me toward niche cloud security software and technology that can be useful in the field. I will do some more research. Thank you for your input. Gabe
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David’s Answer

Hello Gabe:

Very interesting!! Since you already have a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in cyber security. You won't need a second degree for Information Technology (IT) like how you are thinking but if you want to pursue it and it is a accelerated program that is offer to you, it is your choice plus you say it will be for upward mobility. All I know you need to do is to complete some related course work and you will be fine with working in cyber security role, maybe in cloud security. Since you have an AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and working on the CompTIA Security+, with plans to learn Linux and go for the RHCSA afterwards, I recommend taking related coursework but if someone is paying for it not bad to use it to help you save money plus for learning advancement opportunity and building more foundation for yourself offering from the company.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Gabe
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Mohit’s Answer

Not really. it's better to go for online courses or specialised certification that you're doing like AWS or CCNA.
Thank you comment icon Thanks Mohit. After consulting all of you on this thread as well as some other sources, I’ve decided to stick to the certification path and leave university alone. Gabe
Thank you comment icon that's great Mohit Sharma
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Dheeraj’s Answer

Hi gabe, It may help. But it is time-consuming to do another degree. The best way out is to look out for certification tracks that help in your current role that you are already involved in or do a course in something that is you passion. For instance, if you want to get into the networking industry, you can get certain Cisco Certifications. If you want to get into automation, then start getting certified in Python, Ansible etc.

Hope it helps.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Dheeraj. I am actually interested in automation and such and am looking to veer in that direction starting with learning Linux. Gabe
Thank you comment icon Hi Gabe, That will be good as Linux forms the foundation of all the courses. You can refer to the Udemy course for Linux Administration from Jason cannon. It's a good one for beginners and also helps in setting it up on your laptop/computer. Dheeraj gera
Thank you comment icon Thank you! :) Gabe
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Juan Carlos’s Answer

Hi Gabe, I do think that government entities and/or key government suppliers in the field of data management and cybersecurity would benefit greatly of a person with a profile of excellent fundamentals in Political science and public administration + key technology and analytical skills in greater demand.

I support your idea of getting deeper into technology and cybersecurity. In the mean time trying to combine that with internships at key government or public policy entities with a lot of involvement with data and analytics could be a potential path, later on moving internally into more technical/analytics strategic areas .
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Juan Carlos. I appreciate that you see value in the work that I’ve done so far. It is my goal to bring the two worlds together and make sense of it. Gabe
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Pui Han’s Answer

While a degree is certainly not required and may certifications may provide more of an actual working knowledge, there are still many companies that use a degree as a way to filter applications especially for someone new to that industry. If you have the time and finances then it's certainly a great option. If time and finances are a limiting factor (as they are for so many of us) then try taking a few classes online or at a community college towards the degree - it will take longer but may be more feasible.

Good luck!
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Jose’s Answer

Hi Gabe - an additional item to note is to consider how you will apply this in the future. Do you envision yourself applying this degree in your career and how it will impact your future. The most useful and applicable this can be will give you a better return on investment (time and money spent).
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Brendon’s Answer

I would just get a certification in IT from CompTIA. It is industry recognized and accreditted. That could serve as a backup for you.
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David’s Answer

Cyber security is in high demand currently and I believe that will continue in the future

A degree can help you find a job in the field, however certifications are key to starting out. A degree in IT will certainly help in future career advancement into IT Management and may even be required.
Thank you comment icon Hi David. Yes, I did expect that perhaps I’d have to go back to school at some point to advance. I will certainly keep this in mind. Thank you. Gabe
Thank you comment icon Gabe, I would recommend just planning going back sooner rather than later. I waited 20 years before going back, I should have done that earlier in my career. David Williams
Thank you comment icon David, I will keep this in mind. I was actually scheduled to begin an accelerated IT program in May of this year, but I decided against it and went into studying for certifications instead. Perhaps in the next few years I’ll find myself working on a new degree. Thank you for your input. Gabe
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Anil’s Answer

Every industry is undergoing a technological transformation, primarily encouraged by the use of computing technology. Getting an foundation in information technology and applying that to any industry (and thus major) will only supplement this transformation in a positive manner and will rid any friction in adoption of computing technology to advance that field.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Gabe!

Is it wise for me to pursue a second bachelor's degree in Information Technology?

Greetings, I'm Amy, but I prefer to be called Gabe. I hold a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration. Currently, I'm transitioning my career towards information technology, with a keen interest in cyber security, particularly cloud security. I'm an AWS Cloud Practitioner and I'm in the process of acquiring the CompTIA Security+ certification. Furthermore, I plan to learn Linux and aim for the RHCSA afterwards. I have a chance to pursue a second bachelor's degree, a fast-track course in information technology, which I'll be financing myself. This decision is due to my unsuccessful attempts to enter the field so far. The course comprises only 39 credits. I'm aware that a degree isn't a prerequisite to enter the industry, but it does aid in career progression. Considering the current economic situation and the future of cyber (cloud) security, would it be prudent to acquire this second bachelor's degree in IT? information-technology technology computer-science cyber-security programming

technology computer-science programming information-technology cyber-security

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a second bachelor's degree in IT, considering Gabe's circumstances:

Advantages:

Robust Foundation: A bachelor's degree, even a fast-track one, can help establish a strong base in IT concepts, networking, and programming languages. This could prove advantageous for Gabe in the long term, particularly if he plans to transition into more technical cybersecurity roles.
Career Advancement: While a degree may not be mandatory for entry-level positions, it can play a crucial role in promotions and higher-level cybersecurity jobs.

Disadvantages:

Time and Financial Investment: A second bachelor's degree, even a fast-track one, demands substantial time and financial commitment. Gabe might find it more beneficial to focus on gaining experience and relevant certifications in the short term.
Potential Overlap: Given Gabe's existing master's degree and certifications, some of the content in the IT bachelor's degree might overlap.

Other Options to Consider:

Bootcamps: Intense bootcamps can offer concentrated training in specific IT skills, such as cloud security, within a shorter time frame and at a lower cost than a full degree.
Experience & Certifications: Prioritize gaining experience through freelance work or internships while continuing to pursue relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or AWS Security Specialty certifications.

Final Thoughts:

Considering Gabe's existing education (master's degree) and certifications, a second bachelor's degree might be excessive. Here's my suggestion:

Concentrate on Certifications: Aim for certifications that align with his desired cybersecurity role (specifically cloud security).
Acquire Experience: Seek entry-level IT or cybersecurity positions or freelance opportunities to build practical experience.
Networking: Engage with IT professionals through online communities or local meetups to gain insights from their experiences.

Remember: A degree can be beneficial, but in IT, a blend of relevant certifications, demonstrable skills, and practical experience can be equally, if not more, crucial for securing your desired cybersecurity role.

TAKE CARE,
JC.
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Wilson’s Answer

Cloud security and information security in general are in high demand. It's great if you could get yourself certified. There are many online courses nowadays. Some of them are not that expensive.
Thank you comment icon I agree. Thanks, Wilson! Gabe
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Rob’s Answer

Absolutely!
The best thing about a career in IT is the ability to be part of so many industries over your lifetime. You are not making a choice as to what industry you want to devote your life's work, but rather what you want to contribute in any industry you find interesting as you proceed. A very open, challenging career path with ultimate flexibility when it comes to what company you want to work for, what problems you want to help solve.
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Scott’s Answer

With your education and experience, I'd expect some more practical/hands-on experience and relationship building will go much further for you than another degree. It sounds like you are already pursuing some certifications, which is a great start. I'd suggest continuing your independent study into cloud, automation, and software development.

A key to security is a curious mind, and the ability to think about what might go wrong, and how you could avoid that. Sure, there are fundamental security practices to learn, but the mindset and thought process have proven much more important to me.

Find some public groups to join. Experiment with free cloud development resources. Read, consume, and discuss. The security community is active and always interested in new people, so it shouldn't take long to make some valuable connections.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Scott. I am currently working on getting all three AWS associate certifications and am learning a great deal in my studies. I appreciate your insight. Gabe
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