Many students ask whether they should pursue certifications or a degree. How do you guide them when it comes to balancing these paths in IT?
Certifications vs. Degrees
- Thread starter precious
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The US Government has moved away from requiring degrees and has moved towards "skills-based" hiring. This was an official press release from National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. on April 29, 2024.
www.whitehouse.gov
Some companies have also lessened their requirements for degrees, especially for entry-level positions.
I tell students to build their skills and experience. Certs are faster and more cost-effective ways of building skills than university degrees. They should get a few entry-level certs like Tech+, A+, Network+, and Security+ and get an entry-level job, such as help desk, to start building real-world skills and experience. As the grow in their careers, they should get higher level certs and different job roles to expand their knowledge base. A Master's level degree or higher is useful for management positions, if that's something that interests them.
Press Release: National Cyber Director Encourages Adoption of Skills-Based Hiring to Connect Americans to Good-Paying Cyber Jobs | ONCD | The White House
At White House Cyber Workforce Convening, Commitments from the Federal Government and Private Sector Demonstrate Progress Building the Nation’s Cybersecurity Workforce April 29, 2024 WASHINGTON – Today, the White House Office of the National Cyber Director hosted a first-of-its-kind convening at...
Some companies have also lessened their requirements for degrees, especially for entry-level positions.
I tell students to build their skills and experience. Certs are faster and more cost-effective ways of building skills than university degrees. They should get a few entry-level certs like Tech+, A+, Network+, and Security+ and get an entry-level job, such as help desk, to start building real-world skills and experience. As the grow in their careers, they should get higher level certs and different job roles to expand their knowledge base. A Master's level degree or higher is useful for management positions, if that's something that interests them.
Absolutely! The future of employment is skills-based, and certifications such as Network+ are ideal for laying a solid foundation. Unfortunately, the tendency is still degree-or-nothing in most countries. They will post a job opening for a Network Technician, but they will give preference to a degree holder who may not even know how to troubleshoot a router, rather than someone with practical experience and a certification! When that fails, they simply keep promoting the job as if they're waiting for the fabled "ideal candidate" to come along. Instead, perhaps we could begin certifying hiring managers!The US Government has moved away from requiring degrees and has moved towards "skills-based" hiring. This was an official press release from National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. on April 29, 2024.
Press Release: National Cyber Director Encourages Adoption of Skills-Based Hiring to Connect Americans to Good-Paying Cyber Jobs | ONCD | The White House
At White House Cyber Workforce Convening, Commitments from the Federal Government and Private Sector Demonstrate Progress Building the Nation’s Cybersecurity Workforce April 29, 2024 WASHINGTON – Today, the White House Office of the National Cyber Director hosted a first-of-its-kind convening at...
Some companies have also lessened their requirements for degrees, especially for entry-level positions.
I tell students to build their skills and experience. Certs are faster and more cost-effective ways of building skills than university degrees. They should get a few entry-level certs like Tech+, A+, Network+, and Security+ and get an entry-level job, such as help desk, to start building real-world skills and experience. As the grow in their careers, they should get higher level certs and different job roles to expand their knowledge base. A Master's level degree or higher is useful for management positions, if that's something that interests them.
I agree that most hiring managers have little to no idea what is needed in a candidate. Often they will ask for irrelevant qualifications, such as a Master's degree or a CISSP for an entry-level role. Or they will ask for a long list of requirements that no person could possibly have, such as a Master's degree, plus 10 years Python programming experience, plus seven years experience with AWS/MS Azure/GCP, plus GitHub/Docker/Kubernetes experience, plus DoD TS clearance, plus experience with NIST/ISO/COBIT/TOGAF/HIPAA/GDPR/CMMC, plus CISSP, PMP, CISM, C)CISO, CIPP, and every SANS certification.
Maybe the real test is if you can fake meeting all those qualifications without bursting out laughing during the interview. It ends up telling lies on resume.
There is still benefit in getting a degree. It still carries a lot of weight when seeking new roles. For those seeking higher certifications, it can lower the barrier on entry. Yes, certain jobs are moving towards a skill-based criteria. But the benefits of having a degree are still prevelant.
That's true-degrees still hold values, especially for career advancement or meeting certain certification prerequisites. But do you think the shift towards skills-based hiring might eventually outweigh the traditional emphasis on degrees?
At least in the United States, the costs outweigh the benefits. The average cost of tuition for a 4-year academic degree is over $100K and can run as high as $240K. At the end of the degree, the candidate will only be qualified for entry-level positions, where they will be competing with more experienced candidates who have certifications. Certifications can typically be achieved by spending hundreds on a voucher and less than $100 for study materials.
Not in the near-term. There will still be a need for college degrees. Shifts have happened and still are. The degree model will shift to meet the market and demands. You can look at microcredentials and Prior Learning Assessments as models.
The market has started shifting away from requiring college degrees for most tech roles. Colleges and universities rarely keep up with current trends and their focus is more theoretical than business application.
The long term benefits for a degree outweigh the cost. But in practice, spending a significant sum for a degree is not a good investment. Yes, certifications will help you get the role. But that is still the exception and not the rule. I would look at programs that marry certifications and degrees.
In my home state of NJ, there are incentives for people with credits and no degrees to return to a public college to complete their degree. Colleges are also marrying certifications and degree program. Spending a few hundred dollars on a certifications program doesn't make a candidate qualified. The same is applicable to a degree holder. It comes down to work done while in training. That will garner a better outcome.
True shifts take time, and the degree model is changing to remain current. Prior Learning Assessments and Microcredentials are unquestionably positive moves. However, I do wonder how long we can continue to make little adjustments to the outdated model before it undergoes a total redesign.
'We taught you the theory; now go figure out the real world on your own!'
Colleges are great at teaching what a VLAN is, but ask a degree holder to configure one, and you’ll see a lot of Googling. Can't count how many times I have ever seen this.You brought up 2 good points about business and theoretical applications. The 2 areas that are negated when doing a certification-only route are the theoretical and business applications.
It would be beneficial if certifications covered a greater aspect of those 2 areas. A degree program covers those areas along with making connections to disparate and adjunct areas.
The swing away from a formal educational path to skills-based is just another pendulum swing in this continum.
The one key area is that in any role, within IT or not. Learning does not stop. For those who think resting on their laurels will suffice. They will be the ones unable to keep up with the newer trends.
It's true that combining degrees and certifications is a fantastic strategy. However, let's face it: a degree or certification isn't worth much if you didn't put in the work. It's not only the paper; it's about the talents you acquire!
This will go on for a longer period than we are all anticipating. The model is somewhat outdated, but it will change. Just not at the pace we all think it 'should' change.
Great point. Now how and where the talents are acquired is the question.
Well precious, as you know, one size doesn't fit all. So, knowing that, my response is, it depends on the opportunity being sought. That's all!!!!
All right! Although change is frequently slower than we would want, it is unavoidable......It’s moving, but not fast enough for everyone’s liking!
Indeed! It all depends on where and how those skills are developed.............The magic happens in the real world, whether it is through practical projects, internships, or other experiences. While degrees and certifications help you get started, true skill comes from getting your hands dirty and working hard.