An IT degree is not the only way to go. There are also various IT certification options to show your specialization.
As people continue to become more reliant on computers and electronic communications, tech careers grow even more prevalent. An IT degree can often be helpful in getting started in an information technology-centered career.
A degree opens the doors to many positions in the tech industry. However, while earning a degree can be extremely helpful in this respect, a few cons go along with the pros of obtaining an IT degree.
The biggest pro to earning an IT degree is the knowledge gained within a structured degree program. Whether your degree is at the associate or graduate level, the skills you gain may give you a level of expertise that would be difficult to obtain in any other fashion.
Employers looking to hire new personnel assume each degree earned represents a base level of knowledge in the degree specialty. Employers might make hiring decisions based upon this expectation.
Two major cons come with an IT degree. A degree program requires large investments of both time and money. Even an associate degree in the IT field requires an average of two years (or more if you're a part-time student) to complete in a non-accelerated degree program and can cost several thousands of dollars.
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For a bachelor's degree, the average completion time is four years or more. Students wishing to specialize even further with a graduate degree should estimate at least another two years of study.
Alternate methods of gaining IT-related skill sets outside of the college experience also exist. Certification programs exist, teaching a narrow range of IT-related skills in a specific specialty for less cost than a degree. Certification is generally awarded for proof of knowledge by taking a certification test.
You can also join local community IT groups in order to learn more and network. Any open source project done on the side, whether you're enrolled in a program or not, should help you improve your IT skills.
The addition of certification on top of a degree can add significant value to the degree.
An IT degree is a good start for beginning an information technology career. It provides a wide base of skills employers find useful, especially when can IT certification is added. However, an IT degree can also be time consuming and expensive to pursue, especially when compared to the alternate certification-only path.
Assess which route is best for your situation, and then apply to an IT degree or certification program today!