Degree Or Certification, which is better?

[lameid]

I have seen several posts that say that certifications will help in getting a job. I know that is also true of any type of degree.

I have been a one man IT shop and hence a sort of jack of all trades for about 4 years and co-oped for about 3 years before that. I have had an assistant for about 6 months but she is green and has a bachelor's degree.

I understand that real world knowledge is the most imporant to keeping a job but in considering changing jobs or staying marketable which would be better to pursue, the degree or the certs?

My preference is database development but I do monkey with traditional tech support, Exchange, Server administration etc. I need to do some more research but I think I want to pursue an MSCDBA. Before this, I need to get current with some of my skills as keeping up with daily emergencies and other work hasn't left enough time to keep current... I'm planning to make some sacrifices in my life outside of work

Also of note, is that I only have an Associates Degree.

I know a lot of what is right is based on my personal preferences but any insight into the real world market would be much appreciated.

 

[jtb]

degrees and certs are only as important as the value in the mind of the person who is going to pay you for them.

hint: talk to your boss. it might surprise you that they care about you.

An MBA degree won't get you a DBA job; but an MCDBA cert might.

an A+ cert won't help you land a business consulting gig; but the previously dissed MBA might. if it was from "the right school"...

build a career plan. have your spouse, boss, parents, school advisor or someone else you trust and respect help you refine it. then -- and only then -- spend money.

JTB
Have Certs, Will Travel
"A knight without armour in a [cyber] land."

 

[Wishdiak]

I respectfully disagree with some of what jtb says. A bachelor's degree does indicate that a person possesses a degree of knowledge, but even a comp sci degree does not indicate proficiency in s specific area.

An MCDBA cert not only proves that the person possesses a degree of knowledge, but explicitly states the specialization in the name of the cert.

The comp sci degree would probably pay better in the long run, but takes a larger commitment of your time and money as well.

And as for "an A+ cert won't help you land a business consulting gig", I landed 2 consulting gigs as soon as I put that A+ on my resume. Both of them cold calls.

YMMV, of course.



Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[lameid]

Wishdiak,

A degree will pay more in the long run...

Is it fair to say then that an MCDBA will likely lead to more money and is faster than a degree?

My thoughts before posting were

I'd like to make some more money.
I'd like to be more marketable.
I don't think I can afford the time and money for a degree in the short term.

In talking to my bachelor degreed assistant, I realize I've picked up about 80% of the technical pieces (the useful pieces) of an MIS degree through books I have read.

Once I am satisified with being current on skills, I have been leaning towards certification. Once I have a little more money, I would then consider a degree.

Your point about being well rounded is well taken.


jtb,

"degrees and certs are only as important as the value in the mind of the person who is going to pay you for them."

Obviously. I guess my question is more to the point, what are the perceived value of the individual pieces of paper?

I know a lot of the value is determined by the market. The market has been saturated with people for a while but that is beginning to change.

To some people they are worthless pieces of paper but right now, whoever is hiring has to weed through resumes some how.

Part of me building a "career plan" is getting feedback from people knowledgeable in the field. While I appreciate your thoughts, I am looking more for wisdom here than knowledge. Although in this capitalistic society, the facts about the dollars are also very important.

 

[Wishdiak]

My thoughts before posting were

I'd like to make some more money.
I'd like to be more marketable.
I don't think I can afford the time and money for a degree in the short term.

These are the same thoughts that prompted me to get off my lazy ass and persue some certifications.

Is it fair to say then that an MCDBA will likely lead to more money and is faster than a degree?

More money than you're making now? That depends on your situation, but it should make you more marketable to employers. Most likey the MCDBA cert would take less time than a bachelor's degree, but again that depends on your situation.

In my situation, I'm about 6 months away from my MCSE, and about 3 years away from my bachelor's degree. Your mileage may vary, of course.



Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[jtb]

Business Consulting" is a different animal than "computer consulting"... and billing rates are in the $2,000-$3,000/day range for the "junior" folks... but I can tell you it is not as much fun... and the stress of working for those types is not worth the extra money in most cases...

I could tell you such stories as would curdle the milk of kindness in your veins...

Making money doing something you don't enjoy is not a good career move. Been there, done that, got the shirt, more than once... :-( Fortunately, my employer has many different departments and I was able to transfer to a job better suited to my personality...

I really recommend you build a long-range plan before spending thousands of dollars on graduate degrees or certs to find out it's not what you wanted. Life is too short...

Many people I work with--some making more than $100K (I'm not very close to that one)--don't have a bachelor's degree... so that is no guarantee either... but a University Education was helpful to my career...

As mentioned above, YMMV.



JTB
Have Certs, Will Travel
"A knight without armour in a [cyber] land."

 

[Wishdiak]

jtb,

Indeed you are correct, and I misquoted you. I apologize.

In my case, it's computer consulting, rather than business consulting, but it's still more side work than I was getting before I got my A+.

I agree that a University Degree would be helpful, and that a long-range plan is necessary.



Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[butkus]

I have to say that both have worked out great for me. I spent 5 years going to school after my regular job to earn a BS in MIS. The degree opened the door to a subordinate systems analyst job (working for someone who had many more years experience than I). After getting my feet wet, and becoming comfortable in my new responsibilities, I began studies for MCSE (2000) about a year later I finally earned the cert and 6 months after that I was promoted – and almost 3 years to the date, the guy I worked for now works for me.

The degree identifies that you have the ability and drive to achieve a particular goal. Also it shows that you can research and “digest” content. The certification on the other hand demonstrates a certain level of proficiency with regard to your particular field of study. And above all, both the degree and certs demonstrate to your employer that you seek to better yourself via skills and industry knowledge. Hard work is rewarded on the job or not. Just my 2 cents

 

[jtb]

butkus,

congratulations on having the "right stuff"... you obviously "get it"...



JTB
Have Certs, Will Travel
"A knight without armour in a [cyber] land."