Job or more education?

[importdistributors]

Hey all, I have a computer science degree and I am not sure what to do next. I dont know what will ultimately land me the best job. Should I get experience somewhere, and if so how or what can I do to improve my chances of getting the job? I don't have any experience because I've been working at the family fast food resturaunt all through highschool and college. I've been running the business myself since graduating with my degree. It's not what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I'm not sure where to "start". Should I focus my time on obtaining basic certificates to put on my resume, or should I focus on something else?

 

[Verse914]

Id say go with the experience. most jobs are looking for a degree and several years experience...might as well start now.

Good luck!

 

[AlgaeEater]

A recent soon to graduate college student myself... go with the experience. You already have a degree... get a job asap with it and start building that resume.

I can't tell you all the lies, misguidance, and plain urban myths parents / relatives / career guidance people tell you that earning a degree is the end all be all for getting a good job. It isn't. It just lets you advance quicker when you're within a company, or at least be more negotiable when talking salary.

So far says the 18 friends I knew last year who all graduated and got jobs.

 

[ModerateRepZero]

I don't have any experience because I've been working at the family fast food resturaunt all through highschool and college. I've been running the business myself since graduating with my degree.

Although I'm not in the technical field, I agree with the others and say work on gaining experience.....

While your fast food experience is not *directly* related to your degree, I think you're underestimating its value. Employers are interested in seeing not only whether you have the knowledge (your degree) but also skills (both technical and non-technical). Demonstrating that you have both makes you valuable to companies who are hiring.

For example, analytical skills such as problem solving, and communication skills (both written and verbal) look good on a resume, since those are transferable skills and aren't job-specific. You also mentioned that you ran the business, which means that you can discuss your managerial duties and achievements (ie. sales increased 10% between Jan-Feb compared with last year).

 

[Wapp]

This thread needs more steak.

 

[Shyatic]

Any good IT Manager knows certifications are useless.

Get experience. In the IT field a higher degree doesn't make you better at your job, it makes you a manager. And you won't get to be a manager until you've climbed a few rungs on the ladder first, so again, get the experience.

 

[krunchykrome]

You should do both. Get an entry level job with your new degree and continue your education as well. Then in a few years, look for a new job once you have some sort of graduate degree and a few years work experience.