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I was looking at some of the programs offered at my local community college's website and I was wondering about the CISCO networking degree also the Computer Information Systems degree.
If I go to school and graduate with a degree in that major, will I be able to get a job easily?
I've heard from different individuals throughout the years that most employers won't give you a second glance if you don't have gadzillion years of experience and a zillion certifications.............. your thoughts please.
You'll need to have three things to succeed in IT: Experience, Education, Certification. Most IT programs today, particularly at the CC level build in the opportunity to gain certs by taking courses that teach to the exams. Experience you can start getting by finding a relevant on or off campus part-time job in IT.
In most cases, to really move ahead in IT, you'll eventually need a BS, but AS/AAS is a good start.
As for getting a job easily, well, that is coming to few people easily these days regardless of field.
If you want to go into computer networking, than getting cisco certifications are helpful. Just make sure you know your stuff during the technical interview, because a ccna or ccda candidate without too much experience is a dime a dozen in this day and age.
It seems like you are talking about two different things, possibly three. The Cisco program is usually a certificate program that will prepare you for a Cisco CCNA, CCNP, CCIE. Computer Information Systems is either an Associate or Bachelors Degree that gives you experience in a wide range of disciplines: Windows, UNIX, networking, some programming, etc.
On face value, I would say go for the Bachelors degree, and if you some type of computer experience (i.e., building your own computer) or at least a really big desire in computers, I would say try to get a job at your local computer store. Try the bigger chains, like Best Buy, CompUSA, or whatever is in your area. You want to gain experience, which can be more helpful sometimes than paper that says you completed a program. Ideally, you want the degree, certification, and experience.
I wouldn’t just go for the Cisco certificate unless you have some experience in the field, and you want to add to arsenal by having a Cisco cert. Cisco is very good to have, but you want to be well rounded, and you won’t need to renew your college degree every few years.
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