I'm currently into my second year at a Tech school and enrolled in the Networking Bachelor's degree program. However, as of late I've been wondering if I should just get my Associates degree and start moving towards getting some Certs under my belt.

I want to do what's right here but I'm having trouble deciding. Would it be wise to go ahead and get my Bachelor's degree or would I be spending my time and money more wisely by going for the Associates so I could start moving towards my Certs ASAP. Whatever decision I make, I want to have the most possible options.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm curious to know how the industry is viewing Bachelor's degrees in IT vs. Certs and experience.

As of 4 months ago I landed my first IT job as a Computer Administrator for a small company. I already have another Associates degree in accounting.

Thanks,
Wanabe

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This is just what I've heard from many friends in the IT field. Certs are great and I am pursuing a few myself. I am told that you can never go wrong with an IT degree. A bachelor's, at least, since most companies want that. A woman I know who works for a huge consulting firm will shred most resumes that don't have IT degrees or a considerable amount of experience instead. She tells me certs and a degree is a great combo since that shows you may be skilled in many areas. I am pursuing an IT degree myself. Hope this helps.

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Crazyone A+

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Go for the degree...after that you can pick up your certs. BS degree will definately get you a job. Certs only great if you already have experience. Also certs might help you to get an entry level position if you just start getting in the IT field.

IronMask

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I would personally advise you to complete the bachelors degree and then pursue certifications. You can't go wrong. A degree and certifications are a good combination to have in the long run.

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If u have free time while in school, take those that u feel like. But to remind you that a good grade is very important for your B.S degree.

SO, there are something u might need to think of.
GPA or Certification.

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Kill All Suffer 2 Reborn

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Thanks for the input. I guess working full time and going to night school for the past year has kind of worn on me. There's a part of me that just wants it to be over with. At the same time, my fear is that I'd hate myself for settling for anything less then what I set out to do in the first place which is to earn my Bachelor's degree.

My wife is also a full time college student so lately we've been like two ships passing in the night.

Wanabe

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wanabe what tech school are you attending and what is the degree. You mentioned networking, is that the case or are you enrolled in a mis management program???

The reason I ask is because i would like to enroll in a degree program, but most of the technology mangement, mis degrees I find to only offer about 10-15% of what im interested in. I have been working with computers for about 5 years now. I have my mcse,ccna,a+,mct, and am 2 tests away from ccnp. I dont think the degree will help with my work now, or future work. However I do think that an advanced degree like an MBA in e-commerece or masters in ****** would make a great difference. I would like to find a program that concentrates on networking, telecom, and lan. Anyway theres my blur, would love to hear more about what programs people are enrolled in and why???????????????

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007,

The degree is actually a Computer Network Management degree. It's pretty well rounded and offers a pretty good exposure to alot of the industries main staples (MS Server, Workstation, 98, Unix, Novel, TCP/IP, Programming, Internet/Lans etc.) I choose this program specifically for that reason. Also, I'm in my mid 30's and have found that a two year degree won't get you far today. I thouht it important to aquire my Bachelors degree along with certs. it order to move forward with this career.

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Go Bachelor's degree program first and try your best to get some I.T. certificates, CCNA and MCSE perfered. Unless you are in a good reputation University, otherwise I am sure you will need some I.T. certificates for safe.

If you are not in a good reputation University, high grade is an advantage but not a must since employer may know more about CCNA, CCNP and MCSE than your University and your Bachelor's degree.

Furthermore, University subjects aren't all that hard to get a good grade by memorize notes, books. Therefore, I would like to get a CCNA, MCSE to prove my ability.

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I agree plane.

So far the material hasn't been too hard and has consisted of a lot of memorization and understanding some key concepts. It also helps to have an apptitude for computers. It almost hurts to see some people struggle through some of the material that I don't see as being that difficult.

The school itself is not that well known. They have two campuses here in Denver, one in Chicago, two in California and I think another somewhere else. While I am planning to earn some Certs I'm using my college program as a backbone to at least gaining some exposure to a wide variety of areas.

I'm not sure yet what I plan to specialize in. Anyone out there have any ideas? Routers, Storage Networking, etc..?

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