Should I Go For This A.A.S Networking Technology Degree? (employment, consulting)

[BAO61]

I want to get into the Information Technology field and this is the route I'm going to take (along with getting certs and hopefully an intern). I do have a genuine interest in networking and always have. But I've been hearing some not so good news about the I.T field such as most I.T jobs are outsourced or not in demand so I'm hesitant about getting the degree. What do you guys think?:

Networking Technology Degree Courses by Semester – Welcome to Wayne Community College | Goldsboro, NC

[macroy]

That really depends on what you are looking to get out of it.

If the primary reason for doing this is to gain knowledge or just an overall better understanding of networking - sure.

If you're expecting this to get you a job - you need to do more research. I'm not saying this won't get you a job (they may have some great relationships with employers). But do keep in mind that IT operations puts a lot more emphasis on real world experience than education. Some of my best engineers don't have degrees, or don't have relevant degrees. I hired them because of what they've done, not where they went to school.

[s1alker]

It's a start. But you better get used to being able to self-study, basically be a self-starter. Technology constantly evolves. And if you're not able to keep up with it you will find yourself unemployable.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by BAO61

I want to get into the Information Technology field and this is the route I'm going to take (along with getting certs and hopefully an intern). I do have a genuine interest in networking and always have. But I've been hearing some not so good news about the I.T field such as most I.T jobs are outsourced or not in demand so I'm hesitant about getting the degree. What do you guys think?:

Networking Technology Degree Courses by Semester – Welcome to Wayne Community College | Goldsboro, NC

It can be a TERRIFIC path into a very hard to outsource IT role IF you understand how the hiring works.

Most firms that are looking to have staff that understands true enterprise grade networking fall into a couple of categories:

• The HUGE firms that have a dedicated network management team
• Firms in specific industries that rely on data networks to do business
• Firms that provide expert consulting for installation / maintenance of data / voice networks
• Hard care IT firms that are trying to displace established ways of using data networks

It is not easy to get any of those firms to hire you right out of a CC. The fact that the OP showed the sequences a courses includes one semester or "work-based learning" is mostly a good sign, that suggests they have a record of setting up internships and that can lead to good employment prospects.

Even better, there is a strong relationship between Cisco and many community colleges -- Community Colleges and Vocational Education - Cisco I know that some of the community collges that participate in specifc programs leading to Certification through Cisco are MUCH MORE likley to result in good jobs for entry level people, as the kinds of employers that fit into the categories I listed above are NOT going to risk hiring somebody that says they know networks without PROOF through certification ... Cisco Network Professional Course for Certification |Moraine Valley Community College The courses listed are much more intensive / focused (will probably have some prerequisites too...) and THAT does scare off folks that are not sure that they really want to put in the effort needed, but it generally pays off with a job in the kinds of firms listed...