certifications and degrees

[iseeu_3]

i was just wondering what certifications and degrees you people have out there. i have non as of now but i'm going into the airforce for tactical aircraft maintenence so i'm going to get some certifications just so i can learn. i'm studying for the A+ and network+ right now.

<shad>

[jkrohn]

In this industry, degrees are MUCH more important than certifications.

Certifications are useful for showing knowledge with a lack of experience, or for furthering yourself, but don't underestimate the power of a degree! Especially in a related field.

As far as my certifications none CCNA as soon as I get around to actually taking the test, as well as A+.

Both require me to get un-lazy and signup

Jkrohn

[iseeu_3]

i was looking at getting a degree in Information Technology but thought i should just get certifications instead because of me not wanting to take all the stupid classes required to get a degree like all the math and english. still might go for the IT degree afterall, don't know yet.

<shad>

[tarpat1]

My degree has gotten me into more interviews then my certifications. The knowledge, experience and skills you learn in pursuit of your degree are more valueable then you can imagine. As for certs, I have a bunch (A+, Linux+, MCP (Win98) MCSE NT, MCSE 2000, CCNP) and I feel that mostly the prove that I can take a test, its what you do after the test in real life that matters. Go to college, you will be glad you did.

[JohnRoboto]

Having a degree shows that you have a general knowledge about IT stuff. Having a certification shows that you have only specific knowledge to those areas. You are a much more flexible and adaptable person with a degree.

Look at the certifications that tarpat_1 has (and by no means am I trying to belittle you in anyway tarpat). Not every company runs 98/NT/2000 systems with Cisco networking, so these certifications would not be relevant to companies running Solaris servers with Novell networking.

Certifications should complement your skills; not entirely compose them. You'd really be hurting yourself with just a focus skillset.

[iseeu_3]

what degrees out there are good for general knowledge on pc's? i like networking and fixing computers and i looked at the IT degree and it looks good but is there any other ones out there that would be suit me better?

thanx
<shad>

[John Prophet]

quote-----"Certifications are useful for showing knowledge with a lack of experience"


?????

lol. I must be a freak then, I have both.

(bit I see the point, it's just worded weirdly. I got both my certs b4 I had the experience to go along with it. I got A+ with no experience...now two years later got mcp 70-210. Am I ready to be a network admin?? nah.)

[willy_ph]

Generally a degree in IT or Computer Science will be your best, and probably only bet. However, I don't know what the university/college system is like in Texas.

[tarpat1]

Originally posted by JohnRoboto
[B] Look at the certifications that tarpat_1 has (and by no means am I trying to belittle you in anyway tarpat). Not every company runs 98/NT/2000 systems with Cisco networking, so these certifications would not be relevant to companies running Solaris servers with Novell networking.

No worries, this was my point. My going to college and getting a degree you will start out knowing the basis of networking and not just one particular company's interpretation. If you learn the theories behind networking/computers, getting a cert will be learning which command to type and where a particular setting is in a file.


It does look like I am leaning in on direction though huh? I am heading off to a Solaris training seminar for a few days in January. Can't wait for that! Thats what I love about this field, theres always something new to learn.

[Dave Anderson]

I am about to acquire an AS Degree in Computer Programming from a local community college. It's taken me quite some time to get this, but I'm glad I did.

I have a lot of experience in the PC field - nearly 10 years now. But I noticed that I could only get my income up so high with the jobs that were available to me (max was about 38k, but only at 28k now). I thought it was time to add some education to my resume. I am now A+ certified, plus I have this Computer Programming degree. Next year I'll begin taking classes towards a BS in Computer I.T. I'm also planning on doing the RHCE and Network+ certs.

Early next year I'm going to take a shot at opening my own business. It will mostly be consulting - on site repair for businesses and homes. Considering how little I make now, it wouldn't take much for this business to be successful. I'd much rather be in business for myself rather than working for someone else.