Advice

Rodomantade · 03-31-2008, 07:59 PM

I just recently started back up at school. I live in a rural area and the only program I could choose from is the Associates into bacherlor's program. Essentially you earn a two year degree and if you wish you can start on a BAS with an easy transition. The degree is in computer science. Right now I'm a prison guard and I hate it. The hours suck, the environment sucks and at times it takes a toll on my family. I got out of the military last year and I thought this job would be cool. It sucks. I'm going to use it to finance my schooling though. Anyway, my question is are there ANY jobs I can get in the computer field with an Associate's degree? I love my wife more than anything and I'm sick of having to leave her at nights to go to a worthless job.

**Cellus** · 03-31-2008, 11:51 PM

By itself not really, however in combination with a certification or two yes.

The issue with degrees, including associate's degrees, is that they are very broad and general, sticking many fingers into many pies. Certifications are very specific, and are geared towards specific roles and/or products. For example the CompTIA A+ certification is the industry-standard first-tier desktop support certification, while the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator/Engineer (MCSA/MCSE) is specifically geared towards building, maintaining, and administrating a Microsoft-centric network with Windows and other MS software involved.

One thing to note regarding the education-aspect is the certifications can be self-studied. While it is a good thing and is fairly recommended to take class instruction for these certs, you don't need to. You can teach yourself the required material by having the right books and can practice for the exams using exam simulation/study software. It also doesn't take nearly as long to acquire as well, depending on how much you already know, study, have experience with, and so on.

Degrees are of course not useless, and are especially useful for more programming-oriented jobs. They also prove your commitment and effort, as it shows you took the well-recognized and often respected academic route. However if you wish to take support/administrative-oriented jobs, then getting a cert or two would help immensely.

Stealth3si · 04-01-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodomantade

I just recently started back up at school. I live in a rural area and the only program I could choose from is the Associates into bacherlor's program. Essentially you earn a two year degree and if you wish you can start on a BAS with an easy transition. The degree is in computer science. Right now I'm a prison guard and I hate it. The hours suck, the environment sucks and at times it takes a toll on my family. I got out of the military last year and I thought this job would be cool. It sucks. I'm going to use it to finance my schooling though. Anyway, my question is are there ANY jobs I can get in the computer field with an Associate's degree? I love my wife more than anything and I'm sick of having to leave her at nights to go to a worthless job.

Sounds like you had a bad day at work on April 1st?

Rodomantade · 04-21-2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

By itself not really, however in combination with a certification or two yes.

So a CS associate's degree with two or three certifications would be a good place to start into a low tier IT tech position? I'm certainly plannng on A+ and was also thinking MCP and Sun Java Programmer or MySQL as a first step. The Asociate's places a little emphasis into everything: C+, HTML, networking, A+, Microsoft office suite, etc. Appreciate your time sir!

**Cellus** · 04-21-2008, 11:18 PM

Low-tier IT tech position? For such a position, a degree is actually not necessary. With the right certifications you could qualify.

However if you wish to "climb the ladder" so to speak you will need to advance your education.

03-31-2008, 07:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rodomantade Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 10 OS: XP	Advice I just recently started back up at school. I live in a rural area and the only program I could choose from is the Associates into bacherlor's program. Essentially you earn a two year degree and if you wish you can start on a BAS with an easy transition. The degree is in computer science. Right now I'm a prison guard and I hate it. The hours suck, the environment sucks and at times it takes a toll on my family. I got out of the military last year and I thought this job would be cool. It sucks. I'm going to use it to finance my schooling though. Anyway, my question is are there ANY jobs I can get in the computer field with an Associate's degree? I love my wife more than anything and I'm sick of having to leave her at nights to go to a worthless job.

03-31-2008, 11:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cellus Moderator Networking Team Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,388 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: Advice By itself not really, however in combination with a certification or two yes. The issue with degrees, including associate's degrees, is that they are very broad and general, sticking many fingers into many pies. Certifications are very specific, and are geared towards specific roles and/or products. For example the CompTIA A+ certification is the industry-standard first-tier desktop support certification, while the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator/Engineer (MCSA/MCSE) is specifically geared towards building, maintaining, and administrating a Microsoft-centric network with Windows and other MS software involved. One thing to note regarding the education-aspect is the certifications can be self-studied. While it is a good thing and is fairly recommended to take class instruction for these certs, you don't need to. You can teach yourself the required material by having the right books and can practice for the exams using exam simulation/study software. It also doesn't take nearly as long to acquire as well, depending on how much you already know, study, have experience with, and so on. Degrees are of course not useless, and are especially useful for more programming-oriented jobs. They also prove your commitment and effort, as it shows you took the well-recognized and often respected academic route. However if you wish to take support/administrative-oriented jobs, then getting a cert or two would help immensely. __________________ TSF Networking Team HijackThis 5 Step Process Donate! Last edited by Cellus : 03-31-2008 at 11:53 PM.

04-21-2008, 11:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cellus Moderator Networking Team Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,388 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: Advice Low-tier IT tech position? For such a position, a degree is actually not necessary. With the right certifications you could qualify. However if you wish to "climb the ladder" so to speak you will need to advance your education. __________________ TSF Networking Team HijackThis 5 Step Process Donate!