IT certificates mean more than degrees?...(Any IT field where this still holds true?) (consulting, applying)
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I am just curious is there any sector of IT where certificates are more important than a degree in Computer Science or an Engineering related field?
I work on the Software Engineering side of IT and certificates mean much less than degrees. Matter of fact a PhD is quickly becoming the norm for anyone over 20 years of experience. Certs are becoming meaningless because vendors and processes change too often, whereas a Comp Sci degree stays forever.
If I were to weight the importance of Degree/Cert for a Software Engineer it would be: 90/10 Degree/Cert.
Specific technical expertise or at least competence that can be applied *today*, vs having a BS etc that is more often more theoretical, is the point. IT gets a lot of the press but the same dynamic is true of being an Electrician as well.
The difference may be in the growth potential of the choices...
where a smart hard working guy or gal might top out, how good that nets out to and how long it takes to get there.
That's all still anybodies guess.
Cisco. 80% of market share for routers/switches. A CCIE is just as respected in the industry as just about anybody.
I can see it in networking because Cisco owns so much of the market. But even Network Architects (guys that plan data centers, topologies) have Comp Sci degrees now. Sure the guys in the server room configuring routers can probably get away with a cert though.
I am just curious is there any sector of IT where certificates are more important than a degree in Computer Science or an Engineering related field?
I work on the Software Engineering side of IT and certificates mean much less than degrees. Matter of fact a PhD is quickly becoming the norm for anyone over 20 years of experience. Certs are becoming meaningless because vendors and processes change too often, whereas a Comp Sci degree stays forever.
If I were to weight the importance of Degree/Cert for a Software Engineer it would be: 90/10 Degree/Cert.
It depends on what area of IT you are discussing. If you are in a hardware related career position that involves hardware then having an A+, Microsoft or Cisco certification may open some doors for you..
I know some positions for software engineers and other software related positions were many companies expect applicants to have at least a bachelors degrees.
It depends on what area of IT you are discussing. If you are in a hardware related career position that involves hardware then having an A+, Microsoft or Cisco certification may open some doors for you..
I know some positions for software engineers and other software related positions were many companies expect applicants to have at least a bachelors degrees.
^^ exactly.
They key there is bolded. I don't think anyone got a job on the certification alone. It may be a prerequisite, or something that edged you over another candidate with similar experience/skills. The same could be said for degrees - but it really depends on the specific position you're applying for.
Internal operational positions (network, security, sys administration) tend to be experience focused. Degrees/certs really won't make much of a difference. However, if you're facing clients (consulting, sales engineering) - these may be required.
As you get into the management role, degrees matters a bit more. Most management positions (IT director, CIO/CTO etc.) will require a degree (even a MS) in a technology or business program - especially if their hiring from the outside.
A lot of what you are asking has to do with company culture and even that can change over time. Our IT department for many years was full of guys with certs. (I prefer tic tacs myself, but that is another story.) One young kid who started about 10 years ago had certs coming out his ears. We had some changes that have taken place in the healthcare industry and he was told that he would need to complete a degree program if he wanted to move up. Instead of fighting that he went back to school at the ripe old age of 20. It wasn't too long before he had the degree. He is now at age 28 one of the Directors of the IT department and pulling in a very good salary. The older more established managers did not go back to school. He is now over them all.
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