Which is More Beneficial: College or Trade School for Advancing in IT?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process regarding whether to pursue a Bachelor's degree at a college or an MCSA certification at a trade school for advancing in the IT field. Participants share their experiences and opinions on the benefits of each educational path, considering factors such as job prospects, salary potential, and personal learning preferences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant emphasizes the difficulty of obtaining a Bachelor's degree compared to acquiring certifications, suggesting that the MCSA certification may provide immediate job opportunities while studying.
  • Another participant questions the original poster's intended Master's major, suggesting that a focus on Computer Engineering might lead to less hands-on work, which may not align with their current interests.
  • Concerns are raised about the financial implications of pursuing a Bachelor's degree versus vocational training, with one participant noting that vocational school can sometimes lead to better pay than a Bachelor's degree.
  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about whether to pursue a Master's in Network Communication Management or Information Security, indicating a desire for a career that offers better pay than current job offers.
  • One participant suggests that qualifying for financial aid could alleviate the need to work while studying, advocating for the pursuit of a Master's degree for better qualifications and salary potential.
  • A participant shares their experience of earning a higher hourly wage without certifications, suggesting that a degree can still lead to competitive pay in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of a Bachelor's degree versus certifications, with some advocating for the MCSA certification first while others emphasize the importance of obtaining a degree. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which path is definitively more beneficial.

Contextual Notes

Participants' opinions are influenced by personal experiences and regional job market conditions, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion reflects a variety of assumptions about the relationship between education, job readiness, and salary potential.

MiKNomis
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Hello,

I'm looking to advance in the world of IT and in need of some expert advise. But let me first tell you a little about myself...

I am a 26 year old student. After completing an Associates program at DeVry, I went for my A+ certification. And I recently completed a Network course at a trade School. Yesterday I became Network+ certified. Eventually I want to get my Masters along with additional certifications (MCSA, Security+, MCSE, CCNA, CCNP)

Which should I go for first?
Bachelors at College or MCSA certification at a Trade School?
 
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You said you want to get your masters, but masters in what major?

Its easy to get certification's, but its a lot harder to sit down and deal with 4 years of school, taking countless number of lower level courses that you probably think are pointless.

If you plan on working full time or part time while getting your bachelors, the MCSA cert will help you find a job.

What I'm confused on is, you sound like a really hands on person, not liking theory to much, that's why you went to deVry/trade school. You want to learn a trade and apply it, not deal with English courses, history courses, Calc 3, etc. (I'm making this assumption correct me if I'm wrong).

For example, say you want to get your masters in Computer Engineering, and then in grad school focus on Networking, the type of work you would be doing would be the complete opposite of what your doing now.

You wouldn't be doing hands on jobs, you would be doing more design of network systems/hardware.

So you would be over qualified after you get your masters to do the type of hands on work you probably have been doing.

You can also go to school while studying to get your other certifications, so I would recommend going to school, get your 4 year degree, at the same time get your certification, and then get your masters.
 
Last edited:
MiKNomis said:
Hello,

I'm looking to advance in the world of IT and in need of some expert advise. But let me first tell you a little about myself...

I am a 26 year old student. After completing an Associates program at DeVry, I went for my A+ certification. And I recently completed a Network course at a trade School. Yesterday I became Network+ certified. Eventually I want to get my Masters along with additional certifications (MCSA, Security+, MCSE, CCNA, CCNP)

Which should I go for first?
Bachelors at College or MCSA certification at a Trade School?

Masters in what? If you are considering salary, know that a 4-year college degree does not equal lots of money or decent pay. Vocational school often brings about a better pay than what a B.S. can.
 
Thanks for your Advise guys...

Originally I wanted to master in Network Communication Management. But recently I heard a lot of good things about Information Security. I am Still not sure on which to go for.

I plan on working atleast part-time while I attend College... and I would rather work at a related field than Burger King. With my qualifications Jobs are only offering $14/hr around here (NYC). I could barely afford my rent with that.

As for right now, I guess you both agree on me getting my MCSA first.
 
Last edited:
MiKNomis said:
Thanks for your Advise guys...

Originally I wanted to master in Network Communication Management. But recently I heard a lot of good things about Information Security. I am Still not sure on which to go for.

I plan on working atleast part-time while I attend College... and I would rather work at a related field than Burger King. With my qualifications Jobs are only offering $14/hr around here (NYC). I could barely afford my rent with that.

As for right now, I guess you both agree on me getting my MCSA first.

If you qualify for finanicial aid you might not have to work while in school. Go ahead and get your masters as it will give you more qualification and a nice salary.
 
MikNomis,

getting the 4 year degree will def. help, I have no certification's, and make 22.50 /hr as a Comp Sci co-op.

Def. apply to fin. aid like animalcroc said, I get a fair share of money from fin. aid but after this co-op I doubt I'll get any fin. aid for the 08-09 semester.
 

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