University or Certs

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Hello everyone,

I'm currently in the middle of a decision between University and Work/Certs. Basically I've had enough of my current IT job, I've been there 3 years and had a really good time though I can't progress anywhere and it's doubtful anywhere else would hire me.

I'm 21 years old and I dropped out of both college and 6th form (stupid choice).

I have recently been presented with the opportunity to go to University and do a Network & Security degree (the 2 fields I'd kill to be in). I also have the benefit of being able to drop my job whenever I need to, though I will miss the money lol!

I'm not doing this for career progression but more for the wealth of knowledge found at University (especially this one, they taught me my CCNA). I may even pursue it further if I did well enough.

My basic question is, is it worth it?
What would you do?
What did you do?
What would you of done if given the choice again?

Thanks in advance

Smiley

 

How long did your Part-time degree take?

 

Did you find a degree opened more doors?

 

Thanks alot for the input guys, given me a bit too think about.

How do you reckon it would pan out for me if I decided to pack my job in and focus on my studies, could try and get a data input part time job somewhere. Would this effect me in the future, would my current job experience become void after a certain amount of time out of work?

 

Does anyone know if there are any part time degrees aimed at Networking/Security?
I've had a look about but can't seem to find anything. I live in the West Midlands if that helps at all.

 

Welcome

If I could go back in time, I would have gotten a job after my GNVQ at college, done some certs whilst working then progress onto a part time HND or degree whilst working.

 

Thanks a lot for all your input guys, as usual this place has been invaluable.

I will let you know how it goes.

One last question - What are the chances of a 21 year old with 3 years IT Technician experience and a CCNA landing a job as a Junior Network Engineer or a Networking focused job?

 

Smiley,

Go to the University while you are still young. You stated that the studies are in an area that you would "kill" to be in - I think you answered all your questions with that statement.

The facts are that you will have managers that will favor one over the other. Some will even be intimidated by your education - all of this is out of your control and not worth stressing over.

The fact is that a degree or certification has to be something that you will be proud of once you have earned it. A degree can never be taken away from you and although some cert titles will never expire they will eventually become outdated and you will need to brush up and renew every 5 to 8 years just to re-educate yourself.

You can say that what you have learned in your degree will eventually become outdated as well, but it will still hold more weight than an old cert IMHO.

Someone above stated that both is best and I agree very much with that, but at your age and in this economy I would go back to school if I had your opportunity (I am much older than you) and finish what you started in a field you want to be in.

Good luck.

 

Thanks alot for the advice and guidance, I'll let you guys know what I do and whether I manage to get in.