Certifications vs. Degrees

[precious]

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!!!!

Thanks........It really comes down to what path aligns best with their goals

 

[Brandon G]

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!

The rate of change is going at a deliberate pace. Rushing it to appease a loud minority will hurt them. The same is true for those who get higher certifications but lacks the knowledge and understanding of it's use. But hey, they wanted it faster. Reality will pump their brakes real fast.

 

[Trevor Chandler]

Thanks........It really comes down to what path aligns best with their goals

That's what I believe wholeheartedly!!!!

 

[precious]

The rate of change is going at a deliberate pace. Rushing it to appease a loud minority will hurt them. The same is true for those who get higher certifications but lacks the knowledge and understanding of it's use. But hey, they wanted it faster. Reality will pump their brakes real fast.

True-though it feels like this change is moving at the speed of dial-up internet!

 

[Trevor Chandler]

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!

Is there anything that's going to be to everyone's liking? I hope not, because I prefer waffles, and there are a great many who prefer pancakes It's all good - we're all satisfied that options exist!!!

 

[Gregory Childers]

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 However, I do wonder how long we can continue to make little adjustments to the outdated model before it undergoes a total redesign.

No doubt. I've had countless college graduates taking my CompTIA classes because they couldn't get a job with their degrees alone.

 

[Gregory Childers]

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.

Vendor neutral certifications cover the theory. Vendor specific certifications cover the hands-on technical skills. GRC certs cover the business applications.

 

[precious]

Is there anything that's going to be to everyone's liking? I hope not, because I prefer waffles, and there are a great many who prefer pancakes It's all good - we're all satisfied that options exist!!!

As long as there’s coffee, we’re all good... unless it's decaf during a troubleshooting session!

 

[Trevor Chandler]

As long as there’s coffee, we’re all good... unless it's decaf during a troubleshooting session!

Whatever you say, you got it!!! The goal, the aim, is to please!!!!

 

[precious]

Vendor neutral certifications cover the theory. Vendor specific certifications cover the hands-on technical skills. GRC certs cover the business applications.

It's similar to a buffet, so try a little bit of everything, but make sure you don't have too much GRC and not enough coffee to make it through the theory.

 

[precious]

Whatever you say, you got it!!! The goal, the aim, is to please!!!!

What pleases the heart is acceptable

 

[Brandon G]

No doubt. I've had countless college graduates taking my CompTIA classes because they couldn't get a job with their degrees alone.

I've seen that too. I've also experienced the other side in which students are unable to get jobs with just their certifications alone. There is a middle ground that is gained with a degree and certifications. Just having one or the other is not benefical in the long run. Even with the shift towards skills-based, there is a requisite benefit from having both.

Learning how to apply technical know-how to non-techncial situations. From being on both sides of the question, technicial staff lacks the understanding for those without the knowledge of making the unknown understandable.

That is one area I make known to my students. You don't have to make the situation fully comprehensible, but understandable is benefical.

 

[precious]

I've seen that too. I've also experienced the other side in which students are unable to get jobs with just their certifications alone. There is a middle ground that is gained with a degree and certifications. Just having one or the other is not benefical in the long run. Even with the shift towards skills-based, there is a requisite benefit from having both.

Learning how to apply technical know-how to non-techncial situations. From being on both sides of the question, technicial staff lacks the understanding for those without the knowledge of making the unknown understandable.

That is one area I make known to my students. You don't have to make the situation fully comprehensible, but understandable is benefical.

Absolutely! It's like speaking tech and human fluently-makes you a translator, not just a technician!