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Jack1.0 · 07-09-2006, 08:46 AM

I personally would recommend that you do the time up front and get a degree first. Breaking in to IT/Networking is often painful for a newcomer. Entry level positions have a lot of competition for them, and the pay can often be disappointing. Certifications can help to set you apart for the sea of resumes that flood an employer’s desk. The Cisco Certs, CCNA & CCNP are very important certs that are valued by many employers for network technicians and network engineers. Many employers, especially large companies, place a high value on degrees. When I turned 36 I discovered that any further promotion within my company would be almost impossible without a BS Degree, so I found myself working full time and going to school full time for 2 years to finish my 4 year B.S. Degree. Not so bad when you are 20, but it can take it's toll on you when you are my age. A Computer Science degree is a "Hard Science" degree that will require upper level math classes like Calculus, Differential Equations, Etc. It will tell your potential employer that you have the intelligence, courage and discipline to stick through a very tough program.

Good luck with what ever you decide!

07-09-2006, 08:46 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jack1.0 Tilted	I personally would recommend that you do the time up front and get a degree first. Breaking in to IT/Networking is often painful for a newcomer. Entry level positions have a lot of competition for them, and the pay can often be disappointing. Certifications can help to set you apart for the sea of resumes that flood an employer’s desk. The Cisco Certs, CCNA & CCNP are very important certs that are valued by many employers for network technicians and network engineers. Many employers, especially large companies, place a high value on degrees. When I turned 36 I discovered that any further promotion within my company would be almost impossible without a BS Degree, so I found myself working full time and going to school full time for 2 years to finish my 4 year B.S. Degree. Not so bad when you are 20, but it can take it's toll on you when you are my age. A Computer Science degree is a "Hard Science" degree that will require upper level math classes like Calculus, Differential Equations, Etc. It will tell your potential employer that you have the intelligence, courage and discipline to stick through a very tough program. Good luck with what ever you decide! __________________ Jack1.0 ---------------------------------------------- I've learned to embrace my inner Geek. I haven't found anything else I'm good at.