Having spent many years in the IT field myself, I can tell you that my journey was a bit unconventional. I started out with no degrees or certifications, relying instead on my passion for learning and a willingness to dive in and gain hands-on experience. I learned so much from my colleagues and through self-study, and it served me well for a long time.
Later, when I was at a company that offered tuition assistance, I decided to go back to school. I ended up earning two associate degrees, two bachelor's degrees, and four master's degrees! The real value of all that schooling wasn't just the credentials, but how it exposed me to new topics I hadn't encountered in my work. It also really sharpened my critical thinking skills.
Eventually, I got the opportunity to teach database and data classes at my local community college. As a teacher, I felt it was important to lead by example, so I pursued certifications in the subjects I was teaching.
Now, I always encourage my students, most of whom are working toward their associate degrees, to get certifications in addition to their degree. This combination gives them a significant competitive advantage when they start looking for jobs. It shows potential employers that they have both a strong foundational education and specialized, practical skills.
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