3 answers
Brandon
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
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Questions
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Would it be better for me to get a 4 year degree or program certificate in IT, while serving in the military?
High school graduate. College motivated. Military motivated
#ITjobs #college careers
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3 answers
Tom Gillespie
Senior Director Franchise Leader / Retired US Army Warrant Officer
12
Answers
Heath, TX
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Brandon,
I served in the military and can provide some guidance on my experience when preparing to retire after almost 24 years. The real question is do you want to be an IT technical expert or a manager in the IT department?
In the military, look for opportunities to cross train into the IT field you want to work in after leaving the military. Volunteer for all training opportunities, get to the local Military Education Office and see if the military will fund any technical training to gain as many IT certifications as possible.
So, this is my experience when applying for technology positions with approximately 21 technical years’ experience, a technician position was offered at $45,000 and after completing my computer science degree, the technology position as the manager started at $70,000 so the delta in having a bachelor’s degree was approximately$25,000. Just for some guidance this was 25 years ago so salaries have gone up but you get the picture.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I served in the military and can provide some guidance on my experience when preparing to retire after almost 24 years. The real question is do you want to be an IT technical expert or a manager in the IT department?
In the military, look for opportunities to cross train into the IT field you want to work in after leaving the military. Volunteer for all training opportunities, get to the local Military Education Office and see if the military will fund any technical training to gain as many IT certifications as possible.
So, this is my experience when applying for technology positions with approximately 21 technical years’ experience, a technician position was offered at $45,000 and after completing my computer science degree, the technology position as the manager started at $70,000 so the delta in having a bachelor’s degree was approximately$25,000. Just for some guidance this was 25 years ago so salaries have gone up but you get the picture.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Liran Marcus
Escalation Engineer
4
Answers
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel
Updated
Liran’s Answer
Hi Brandon,
From my personal experience, it is really up to you :) I personally don't have a college degree, only IT certification/courses in IT, and many years of experience.
I'm a team leader, and don't think any technology company would look at you different if you have college degree or IT certificate/courses, with that said, if you have the time to learn 4 years it is always good, as when getting older, we don't have the time for 4 years studies (family, house, and other obligations, etc..).
From my personal experience, It should not affect your salary once you have enough experience but getting the first job is always hard.
I had the same doubt, if I should learn 3-4 years in college or take IT training course/IT certifications.
Hope my answer helps and good luck :)
From my personal experience, it is really up to you :) I personally don't have a college degree, only IT certification/courses in IT, and many years of experience.
I'm a team leader, and don't think any technology company would look at you different if you have college degree or IT certificate/courses, with that said, if you have the time to learn 4 years it is always good, as when getting older, we don't have the time for 4 years studies (family, house, and other obligations, etc..).
From my personal experience, It should not affect your salary once you have enough experience but getting the first job is always hard.
I had the same doubt, if I should learn 3-4 years in college or take IT training course/IT certifications.
Hope my answer helps and good luck :)
Stephen Scaringella
Technology Executive
20
Answers
Holliston, Massachusetts
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Hi Brandon,
It's great that you want to service in the military and that you are interested in continuing your education post high school. I have not personally been in the military, but I believe they offer training programs where you can learn a lot about IT. The military needs lots of IT specialist and they will train you for it. Getting that practical on the job experiencing while serving in the military will be a valuable skill to have. I would recommend seeing what college courses are available to you while serving in the military or post military service and determine the best course that fits your personal situation. Having a college degree and on the job training from your military service will make you a valuable employee to a future company!
Best of luck!
It's great that you want to service in the military and that you are interested in continuing your education post high school. I have not personally been in the military, but I believe they offer training programs where you can learn a lot about IT. The military needs lots of IT specialist and they will train you for it. Getting that practical on the job experiencing while serving in the military will be a valuable skill to have. I would recommend seeing what college courses are available to you while serving in the military or post military service and determine the best course that fits your personal situation. Having a college degree and on the job training from your military service will make you a valuable employee to a future company!
Best of luck!