7 answers
Gregory
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
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College or Certifications for IT Jobs?
I keep seeing that job offerings for IT jobs require a Bachelors at the least, however I keep being told that you really only need certifications. Which is it?
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7 answers
Laks Narayanan
Architect
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Laks’s Answer
Hello, I would consistently advocate for finishing your college degree. It equips you with a robust base necessary to grasp the fundamentals of the IT landscape.
Certifications, while focused on particular platforms and tools, are not the only thing employers are seeking these days. They also value hands-on work experience along with these certificates. Nevertheless, having certifications can demonstrate your profound understanding of a specific platform or tool, potentially giving you an edge during the hiring process.
Certifications, while focused on particular platforms and tools, are not the only thing employers are seeking these days. They also value hands-on work experience along with these certificates. Nevertheless, having certifications can demonstrate your profound understanding of a specific platform or tool, potentially giving you an edge during the hiring process.
Efraín Escobar
Cloud Engineer
12
Answers
Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Updated
Efraín’s Answer
Hi Gregory,
I'd always recommend a college degree. It provides a broader foundation for your career. Certifications can be helpful for specific roles within a company that uses the certified technologies, but if you switch jobs and the new company uses different tools, those certifications might not be as valuable unless they're very general.
For example, I completed the full training for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification. When I changed jobs, my new company used Azure, so I had to start over with Azure certifications.
I'd always recommend a college degree. It provides a broader foundation for your career. Certifications can be helpful for specific roles within a company that uses the certified technologies, but if you switch jobs and the new company uses different tools, those certifications might not be as valuable unless they're very general.
For example, I completed the full training for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification. When I changed jobs, my new company used Azure, so I had to start over with Azure certifications.
Addie Wright, PMP
1
Answer
Sacramento, California
Updated
Addie’s Answer
Absolutely, you can do BOTH! While it's true that a bachelor's degree has become a common requirement for many jobs, it's not the end of the road. If you're aiming for a specific IT role, certifications can provide the specialized knowledge and experience you need. A bachelor's degree in information technology or a related field will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the IT landscape. Meanwhile, certifications can sharpen your specific skills, making you a perfect fit for your desired position. So, go for it! Both paths can lead you to success in your IT career.
Thank you, Addie for the advice.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5777
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Gregory!
Decoding IT Job Prerequisites: Academic Degrees vs. Professional Certifications
The Information Technology (IT) sector often grapples with the question of whether a formal academic degree, like a Bachelor's, is essential for landing a job, or if professional certifications can do the trick. Let's dissect this debate into several crucial aspects:
1. Evolution of IT Job Market
The IT job landscape has seen significant changes over time. In the past, employers typically favored candidates with formal education, particularly a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or similar fields. However, with the rapid evolution of technology and the growing need for skilled professionals, many firms have started acknowledging that practical skills and certifications can be equally important.
2. The Power of Certifications
Certifications are specialized qualifications that validate expertise in specific IT areas. They are commonly pursued by individuals aiming to boost their skills or transition into new roles within the sector. Some popular certifications include:
CompTIA A+: A beginner-level certification focusing on essential IT skills.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Concentrates on networking basics.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification for cybersecurity experts.
These certifications can occasionally open job doors without a degree, especially in technical roles where hands-on experience is highly prized.
3. What Employers Want
Different employers have different needs and cultures, influencing their hiring criteria. Some companies may still favor degree holders for their structured educational background and theoretical knowledge. Others might value practical experience and relevant certifications more, especially in dynamic settings like startups or tech firms where adaptability is key.
4. The Combined Approach
A combined approach of education and certifications is becoming increasingly popular among successful IT professionals. Many individuals pursue a degree while simultaneously acquiring relevant certifications to boost their job prospects. This combo can offer a competitive advantage in the job market.
5. Sector-Specific Factors
Some IT sectors may value degrees more than others. For instance:
Cybersecurity: Often demands both theoretical knowledge (attainable through a degree) and practical skills (provable through certifications).
Software Development: While many developers have degrees, robust portfolios demonstrating coding skills and projects can sometimes surpass formal education.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, while many IT job ads do mention a Bachelor's degree as a requirement, the industry also significantly acknowledges the worth of certifications and practical experience. The optimal approach depends on personal career aspirations, desired IT roles, and specific employer requirements.
Bold Answer: For IT jobs, having both a Bachelor's degree and relevant certifications can be beneficial; however, many employers also consider candidates with only certifications, depending on the role.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used to Answer this Question:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers extensive data on employment trends in various sectors, including information about educational prerequisites for different IT roles.
2. CompTIA
CompTIA provides insights into industry standards for certifications and their role in securing tech jobs.
3. LinkedIn Learning Blog
This source explores current hiring trends in tech industries, highlighting the equilibrium between degrees and certifications based on employer preferences.
Chances of Answer Being Correct: 95%
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Decoding IT Job Prerequisites: Academic Degrees vs. Professional Certifications
The Information Technology (IT) sector often grapples with the question of whether a formal academic degree, like a Bachelor's, is essential for landing a job, or if professional certifications can do the trick. Let's dissect this debate into several crucial aspects:
1. Evolution of IT Job Market
The IT job landscape has seen significant changes over time. In the past, employers typically favored candidates with formal education, particularly a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or similar fields. However, with the rapid evolution of technology and the growing need for skilled professionals, many firms have started acknowledging that practical skills and certifications can be equally important.
2. The Power of Certifications
Certifications are specialized qualifications that validate expertise in specific IT areas. They are commonly pursued by individuals aiming to boost their skills or transition into new roles within the sector. Some popular certifications include:
CompTIA A+: A beginner-level certification focusing on essential IT skills.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Concentrates on networking basics.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification for cybersecurity experts.
These certifications can occasionally open job doors without a degree, especially in technical roles where hands-on experience is highly prized.
3. What Employers Want
Different employers have different needs and cultures, influencing their hiring criteria. Some companies may still favor degree holders for their structured educational background and theoretical knowledge. Others might value practical experience and relevant certifications more, especially in dynamic settings like startups or tech firms where adaptability is key.
4. The Combined Approach
A combined approach of education and certifications is becoming increasingly popular among successful IT professionals. Many individuals pursue a degree while simultaneously acquiring relevant certifications to boost their job prospects. This combo can offer a competitive advantage in the job market.
5. Sector-Specific Factors
Some IT sectors may value degrees more than others. For instance:
Cybersecurity: Often demands both theoretical knowledge (attainable through a degree) and practical skills (provable through certifications).
Software Development: While many developers have degrees, robust portfolios demonstrating coding skills and projects can sometimes surpass formal education.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, while many IT job ads do mention a Bachelor's degree as a requirement, the industry also significantly acknowledges the worth of certifications and practical experience. The optimal approach depends on personal career aspirations, desired IT roles, and specific employer requirements.
Bold Answer: For IT jobs, having both a Bachelor's degree and relevant certifications can be beneficial; however, many employers also consider candidates with only certifications, depending on the role.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used to Answer this Question:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers extensive data on employment trends in various sectors, including information about educational prerequisites for different IT roles.
2. CompTIA
CompTIA provides insights into industry standards for certifications and their role in securing tech jobs.
3. LinkedIn Learning Blog
This source explores current hiring trends in tech industries, highlighting the equilibrium between degrees and certifications based on employer preferences.
Chances of Answer Being Correct: 95%
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Cierra Mardis
Software Development
2
Answers
Enid, Oklahoma
Updated
Cierra’s Answer
A lot of this depends on your location, and your expectations from the career as far as time, salary, etc. If you have the ability to go to school, I would advise school, go get a degree, you will find you are more likely to get a job with a degree than a certification. However, you can get a certification, you will just need to show your skills far more than a degree-holder, such as filling up your github with lots of projects to showcase what you can do. A degree gives you a really great foundation that you can build off of in your career, and many choose this route, but you can definitely go either way. However, if cost is a factor for you, bootcamps are really expensive and last a very short amount of time. They are trying to give you as much information as possible in just a few months, and for many, the information just doesn't stick.
If you are looking into an IT technician, cybersecurity analyst, things that aren't programming, you can study and receive many of the CompTIA certifications to land a job. However, for development, I recommend school.
If you are looking into an IT technician, cybersecurity analyst, things that aren't programming, you can study and receive many of the CompTIA certifications to land a job. However, for development, I recommend school.
Betsy Walters
Technical Writer
25
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
I would not have gotten anywhere if I hadn't had a bachelors. I'm a technical writer and my career started when someone saw I had an English degree and asked me to edit their engineer-written manuals. Plus, I had a lot of fun during my college years and was exposed to many subjects and points of view, which always helped me and kept me open to learning.
Granted college is much more expensive now than it was when I went to school in 1984. So, your financial situation will help determine whether or not to go to college or get certification. Can you get a college scholarship? That will help with college costs.
If you can't yet afford college, get the certificates, and then get your degree after you have a job and are making money. But definitely get a bachelors - I'd say most if not 99.99% of job postings if they don't ask specifically for a degree, they assume you have one. I believe the one to start with is the CompTIA (Security +). Cybersecurity is a growing field. I'm working on that certification now because it will increase my credibility for certain IT writing roles.
You could also start with a certificate to test whether or not you really like IT. But as Efrain indicated, certifications are for specific skills, so make sure you pick one that aligns with your career goals. Also, have you considered a 2-year associate’s degree? You might start there, there are lots of 2-year associates' IT programs.
Another idea is to do informational interviews with people already working in IT and ask what their educational experience has been. I have found that when I’m in doubt, gathering more information always helps guide my decision making.
Granted college is much more expensive now than it was when I went to school in 1984. So, your financial situation will help determine whether or not to go to college or get certification. Can you get a college scholarship? That will help with college costs.
If you can't yet afford college, get the certificates, and then get your degree after you have a job and are making money. But definitely get a bachelors - I'd say most if not 99.99% of job postings if they don't ask specifically for a degree, they assume you have one. I believe the one to start with is the CompTIA (Security +). Cybersecurity is a growing field. I'm working on that certification now because it will increase my credibility for certain IT writing roles.
You could also start with a certificate to test whether or not you really like IT. But as Efrain indicated, certifications are for specific skills, so make sure you pick one that aligns with your career goals. Also, have you considered a 2-year associate’s degree? You might start there, there are lots of 2-year associates' IT programs.
Another idea is to do informational interviews with people already working in IT and ask what their educational experience has been. I have found that when I’m in doubt, gathering more information always helps guide my decision making.
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
50
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
The "objective" answer is that it will depend on the companies that you're applying to and their requirements.
That said, most listings we see and that even my own company posts job descriptions for in IT require a Bachelor's degree with certifications listed as preferred. There are exceptional cases where we will hire a candidate who doesn't necessarily meet all requirements, including the degree one, provided that the skillset and cultural fit are an excellent match. This usually requires equivalent years of industry experience, however.
That said, most listings we see and that even my own company posts job descriptions for in IT require a Bachelor's degree with certifications listed as preferred. There are exceptional cases where we will hire a candidate who doesn't necessarily meet all requirements, including the degree one, provided that the skillset and cultural fit are an excellent match. This usually requires equivalent years of industry experience, however.