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What route to take?

  • 06-06-2018 11:28am
    #1
    clio_16v
    Registered Users Posts: 529 ✭✭✭


    I'm looking for advice as to what route to take. I have Comptia A+, Vmware VCP-Dcv and am looking to continue my studies. I'm starting an entry level tech support job next week so will study in my spare time.

    Am I better off continuing with certs such as Comptia or CCNA or am I better off spending my time doing a part time degree?
    Down the line would employers prefer I had a degree and 2 certs or have MCSA / CCNA etc completed?


Comments

  • #2
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,980 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    If your young, get the degree. Not having one becomes a problem later with HR departments.

    Certs are good when you know or have the chance to specialise.


  • #3
    clio_16v
    Registered Users Posts: 529 ✭✭✭clio_16v


    Cuddlesworth wrote: »
    If your young, get the degree. Not having one becomes a problem later with HR departments.

    Certs are good when you know or have the chance to specialise.

    In my mid 30s, married with kids. Degree is a big commitment on my part and not sure I can do it


  • #4
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,980 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    So far, I would rank your success in getting a job interview in this order:

    Relevant Work Experience
    Degree, Level 8 or higher
    Technical Certs/Diplomas.

    There are some situations where a cert would be more valuable to a employer, like a CCIE in networking for a networking role, but a CCIE without lots of relevant work experience is a huge red flag. And getting that upwards mobility is a pain without a degree.

    Either way, right now I would say the ability to automate work through scripting/programming in IT tech support will always put you well ahead of the pack. And certs don't really teach you that.


  • #5
    Eire Go Brach
    Registered Users Posts: 1,368 ✭✭✭Eire Go Brach


    I’m may be similar situation. I’m in my early 40s. No degree of any sorts. Retrained into IT. Now doing it Just over 2 years.
    I would disagree with cuddlesworth in “terms of being a problem later with HR ”You will still get jobs”

    For me I’m going to continue doing Certs and might do a degree later. I have yet to see the impact of not having a degree. I’m thinking management jobs and obviously software jobs will be a problem. But the truth is I don’t know.

    I would suggest if you want to do programming. Do a degree as soon as you can. Otherwise do Certs. I know myself from doing full time study to working and studying with a young family. It’s hard for me to study when working and having the family. But I get it done. Just a lot slower.


  • #6
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,980 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    Depends on the role type and company and of course its subjective.


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  • #7
    clio_16v
    Registered Users Posts: 529 ✭✭✭clio_16v


    Eire Go Brach wrote: »
    I’m may be similar situation. I’m in my early 40s. No degree of any sorts. Retrained into IT. Now doing it Just over 2 years.
    I would disagree with cuddlesworth in “terms of being a problem later with HR ”You will still get jobs”

    For me I’m going to continue doing Certs and might do a degree later. I have yet to see the impact of not having a degree. I’m thinking management jobs and obviously software jobs will be a problem. But the truth is I don’t know.

    I would suggest if you want to do programming. Do a degree as soon as you can. Otherwise do Certs. I know myself from doing full time study to working and studying with a young family. It’s hard for me to study when working and having the family. But I get it done. Just a lot slower.

    Dont think I can see myself programming. More tech support and hopefully work up to a senior / better paid position in a few years. Planning on doing some Microsoft exams or maybe a few Comptias


  • #8
    Tec Diver
    Registered Users Posts: 407 ✭✭Tec Diver


    I started in Mech Engineering many years ago, and retrained to IT. I've been in IT for about 23 or so years now, and moved to IT Manager role just over two years ago. I'm doing a degree part time (BSc Hons will take me 6 years), and hope to do a MSc after that. 
    When I'm hiring staff I look for certs *with* relevant experience. Having interviewed quite a few people now, I can tell (fairly accurately, not 100%), when someone is spoofing. A degree is good, but not a primary concern. I have one Network Engineer working for me, who has no network certs, but is probably the best network person in the company. Having said that, I'm trying to encourage him to get certified, long term it will stand to him for future positions.
    HTH,
    Eoin


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