Not sure whether to pursue a degree or IT certification? That’s a common issue when entering the tech field. Some will say to stick to the traditional method and others would say certifications are the best route. My opinion, do both.
Certifications provide more concentrated knowledge and cost less. These are also able to show your expertise in that subject and they take much less time to obtain. The downside is that you have to pay maintenance fees on them to keep them current. Degrees are more traditional and cost much more. They may take longer to obtain, but they make you more well-rounded intellectually.
IT/Cyber is a unique field when it comes to education. You can see this by noticing the current job descriptions. SOME require a degree, but if you have experience they’ll still take you on without the degree. However, when it comes to certifications, almost every one of them would like for you to have one, or obtain one within the first 6 months of getting the position.
The IT/Cyber field is flexible because they are more concerned with who has actual hands-on experience. Being able to do the job is much more important than having degrees and certifications. The addition of certifications and an IT/Cyber degree makes you more well-rounded as an IT/Cyber professional. (Also having these help get you past the horrible HR tools)
The safest way to go about this situation is to get both, but by both I mean whenever you have the resources for them. If you aren’t able to afford a degree at the moment, obtaining certifications and building a solid hands-on foundation will suffice. This is the flexibility that the tech industry gives us. As you move along in your career you should consider getting a degree, especially if your goal is to be in management.
What did I do? I got them both at the same time because I had the resources to do so. Becoming a more complete candidate for any position is my goal. The theories and foundation knowledge from my degree has helped me obtain multiple certifications. They can work together.
Bottom line. You can enter the industry with one, the other, or both, but try to make yourself standout because you’re also competing with people that have more and less than you. Be the predator, not the prey.
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