I will receive a BS next year, but I am seriously thinking about enrolling at the local community college to take courses in Computer Programming and Computer Networking so that I will have something to fall back on. I realize, I should have went to community college first, but what's done is done. Is an Associate's Degree enough to get a decent job in Computer Networking?
2006-09-03 06:07:40 · 4 answers · asked by R J 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
I can give you some insight on computer programming / software development:
It all depends on the person. This is definitely a field where experience and knowledge play the biggest part. BS/MS are not must-haves.
I have an Associates Degree with a concentration on Computer Programming from a tech school which I earned in 18 months. Graduated in 2003. I immediately began working for a help desk job that jumped into my lap upon graduation. I didn't find many open programming jobs that I liked at that point, so I kept searching until I found the right one.
Nine months later, I found a local entry-level software developer position. Degree-wise, all this company cared about was if I had any degree at all - no matter what type it was. The deal makers were my score on the written skills test and the know-how I conveyed while being interviewed. I worked there for 2 years, got sick of the politics of that particular place, and found a better job.
This one was asking for 3-5 years experience. Once again it was the skills test and my interview that scored it, not a degree. Ididn't even have 3 years development experience at that point, and there was no issue with that. Confidence and smarts are always key. If you're sure you can do a job, if you can illustrate that confidence and convince your potential employer of it, then the job is all yours for the taking.
So, basically, I managed to more than double my salary and progress a few rungs on the career ladder in a matter of only 3 years with an Associates Degree. Sure, there may be a point in my career, while working at some company, that I may not be able to advance without a BS or MS. In my opinion, that's blurred vision, and I'll find somewhere else to work.
From the many developers I've worked with, most will tell you that experience and knowledge prove everything, and a degree proves nothing until you can walk the walk. And I've seen many BS developers with no experience come in, choke, and get fired.
If you want a BS, go for it by all means. Just don't rely on only that. It takes a lot more to be a decent programmer.
2006-09-06 02:51:50 · answer #1 · answered by katie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably not, how do you define decent? Above minimum wage yes, but buy a new car or house type of decent, it's doubtful.
If you have extensive background in IT or programming experience your chances are better.
What are you recieving your BS in, if you are already planning to "fallback" to an Associates degree, why not work in the field your degree is in, or work on your Master's Degree rather than Assoc in another field?
2006-09-03 06:16:43 · answer #2 · answered by chriscnaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not really. there are to many other course used to get the associate degree. however continued education in the field even after a four year degree is always useful.
2006-09-03 06:11:33 · answer #3 · answered by de bossy one 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get what you have earned with it.
2006-09-03 06:12:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋