Career in IT, network engineer. Need advice.

[Havoc Ebonlore]

I'm pursuing a career as a network engineer and need some directional advice in terms of credentials. Right now my goal is a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from UCLA + certs, but now I'm not so sure.

In my research on these forums, the general consensus is that experience is far more valuable than a slip of paper; If you have enough experience, then the Associates will do, if not, get the Bachelors. Well, I have a mobile computer service that I've been running for two years now, and I estimate another year and a half until I have my Associates in Computer Networking Multi-Platform finished along with certs (A+, network+, security+, MCSE, CCNA). Would this be adequate enough to begin my career? Don't get me wrong, I'm capable of the Bachelors and would probably get it in the midst of my career out of interest.

I don't want to post link to the website of my business here because I don't want to come across as link-dropping or spamming. The nature of my business is basically in-home computer services and repair with pick-up and drop-off of computers. If you want to see the site, I can PM it to you.

I really appreciate any advice you guys can give. Getting sort of bent up over this... : /

 

[yinan]

I do not have any sort of degree and I am doing really well. It is my opinion that experience is more important than I degree. Hell, I do not care if a person has a PhD if they cannot answer basic interview questions then they don't get hired. More often than not "in the field" the book is only partially true.

 

[bobdole369]

I'm also degree-free. I'm executive level in the IT field. I've also found that people in IT/electronics/tech tend to hire based on skill set and attitude more than anything else.

The question becomes: Do you want to reinstall windows/fix malware/upgrade memory for the rest of your life? Based on what you said, if I were hiring I would not immediately throw your resume out. I tend to do that winh more than half of what comes across my desk.

THat being said, if you can afford it, there is no reason to NOT get the degree. In my case, I just couldn't afford to go to school. Turned out all right though.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Later on in your career degrees only matter a little, your experience and accomplishments hold the most weight. But beginning out you need to seperate yourself from the pack, all of the certs you listed are very basic and you will have a lot of competition. To get an entry level job the degree would probably help you more unless you had a CISSP or CCIE type of certification.

 

[Matthiasa]

Depends if you ever want a management position or not.

 

[theevilsharpie]

Depends if you ever want a management position or not.

This. I did pretty well as long as I was working in a technical position, but the lack of a degree kept positions of higher responsibility out of my reach.

I'm currently back in school, and while it sucks being a starving student, the doors a degree will open are more than worth it.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

This. I did pretty well as long as I was working in a technical position, but the lack of a degree kept positions of higher responsibility out of my reach.

Typically, this is true. However, my current boss does not have any degree (and I do). I have also seen IT guys go back for MBAs at several companies and it hasn't helped them advance at all. So as far as advancing my own career, I have no idea what to do. To be honest, I don't have a lot of respect for the MBA but I seriously have considered getting one anyway. The problem is that it is a significant investment both monetarily and from a time perspective, and I know 4 people who have gotten MBAs in the last 5+ years and it has helped none of them.

OP, a degree is very important, don't get me wrong. The guys who are managers/directors/execs and have no degrees (like my boss) were typically in the right place at the right time. There is nothing wrong with that at all and you have to jump on those opportunities as they arise, but the fact is that more and more companies won't even look at you without a degree. My current company (a very well known organization, particularly now in March if you get my drift) and my last one (which was Fortune 500) wouldn't even look at a candidate if they didn't have a 4 year degree, regardless of experience. Experience is super important as well and will be essential as you start applying for higher level positions, but you have to start somewhere low on the totem pole and then work your way up.

 

[Havoc Ebonlore]

I'll get my 4-year then. No doubt it'll strengthen my portfolio and, combined with my experience, give me an advantage. I mean, how many graduates can say that they've successfully ran a business? I guess that's something. I just need to be patient.

Thanks guys!

 

[vital]

If you can get in UCLA, get the degree.

 

[Imdmn04]

If you can get into UCLA, please use your CSE degree towards something other than IT support.

Nobody gets a CS/CE degree from UCLA to go into helpdesk.