Get a degree in networking or work my way up in tech support?

underworld

Which would be the better option these days since degrees in I.T dont seem to count for much these days,(not in all cases) but 50%.

rick_fantastic

tbh u will only get so far without a degree or mcp's / ccna's etc etc unless you start your own company.

if you dont want to do a degree the work ur way up in tech support is a good option as long as you can do qualifications as you work. i know cpl/hp will fund you to do mcps / a+ etc etc

working is overrated anyway. college is a great buzz

DOLEMAN

If you have a choice, get a degree. You'll be able to continue on in further education and teach english abroad (degree + TEFL.)

You are being foolish if you think "working your way up in tech support" is an equal or better option.

Get a degree and afterwards think about what you want to do.

Supercell

Any experience is good experience and anyone that has a degree and has done some tech support has surely shown their dedication to the area.
If you need the income and want to find related work then no-one is going to hold tech support work against you, nearly all IT techs have done it at one time or another and know the score.

leeroybrown

If you've a good idea exactly what you want to do in IT or Networking (and not just in the short term) then working your way up and get certifications would definitely be an option. There should be plenty of people here on Boards who have done that.

I'm open to correction but I think that on average people will end up doing better if they get a good degree.

whizzbang

Just be aware that tech support is soul destroying.

*shudders*

elvis2002

I dont actually see the choice tbh. You can never learn a whole lot in tech support, sure you'll learn how to fix every outlook and internet explorer problem but where is the substance in that. Also you'll always be at a disadvantage to get a promotion unless you have some sort of qualification. The degree in Networking is your only option.

Moonbeam

You will still need experience with a degree!

Maybe work full time and do degree part tiem would be your best optino thus gaining the ebst of both worlds:)

underworld

Ya guess degree is the better option...anyone here earning good money from a networking degree(recent graduate)

DOLEMAN

/not trying to be a smartass here

What exactly is a "networking degree"? I don't see how you can spend 4 years learning the theory of networks.

Do you mean a computer science degree?

Degrees don't teach you how to install IIS/configure routers etc. That's what books and certifications are for. Degrees teach you the theory of things, NOT specific products (Microsoft, Linux etc.)

If you want to work in the IT world, this is the best route to take -

Get a degree in computer science. Work in tech support part time evenings and weekends (I did that - it's easy enough.) When you have your degree, you can then consider specialising in something - networking, programming etc.

seamus

You could devote a lifetime's work/study to network theory.

Afaik, some degree specialise in computer networking, whereas computer science degree really only touch on networking theory.

I would always say a degree is the better option unless you're very interested and will read a lot of stuff yourself.

From an employer's POV, someone with 4 years' work experience can be more desirable, but equally someone with a degree has a theoretical foundation on which to build their future learning - they have less to learn than someone who started out in 1st level support.

I would be of the opinion that any I.T. course would be best complemented by some ongoing I.T. work. Perhaps a part-time I.T. degree would be your best course of action. You will learn a lot quicker if you're acutally experiencing what you're learning.

DOLEMAN

Also, people with degrees get paid more and a degree looks nice on a CV.

PowerHouseDan

I am heading abroad to do a Degree in Networking, Will be doing Cisco,Microsoft/Linux Both Hardware and software. plenty of jobs out there and its interested to Learn...If your interested in going to college focus on Something Like Networking or Programming something that interests you, With Computer Science its to Broad of a course. You can only get so far without that Peice of Paper.

DOLEMAN

I really dislike the concept of computer degrees which focus on products and brands. It just doesn't sit well with me...

Theory will always be valid, but products come and go...

elvis2002

doleman, I have a degree in Computer Networking. You could spend your whole life learning about it really. Everything telecoms would be considered under Networking so you'd go things like sdh in serious serious depth compared to science courses which give the bare bones. Then there is the mobile elements - gsm, edge, 3g etc, then the new protocols like sip. Its a never ending study really which is evolving all the time.

BUT, I agree with you in this case, I would rather study theory than products. Imagine it - You'd probably have people setting up atm links on cisco routers with no idea what atm is.

The course I did is now finished because nobody applied but I think dit have a telecomms course which is similar.

underworld

]I am heading abroad to do a Degree in Networking, Will be doing Cisco,Microsoft/Linux Both Hardware and software. plenty of jobs out there and its interested to Learn...

Where abouts is the course..why not ireland??

PowerHouseDan

I am heading Over to Wales... Reason i want to go there is there course is Just Networking.... Not Computer Science etc clearly focus's on Networking. 2 They have there own Cisco lab... 3. At the End of 2 years( Skipping 1st year) i can do an extra year to do a Degree in Web Management.

underworld wrote:

]I am heading abroad to do a Degree in Networking, Will be doing Cisco,Microsoft/Linux Both Hardware and software. plenty of jobs out there and its interested to Learn...

Where abouts is the course..why not ireland??