I assume you are on a legitimate quest for information and not just trying
to start another flame session on this list, so I'll open myself up and give
you my honest opinion.
Similar situation for me in 1988. I got the advanced degree and I'm sorry I
did. Should have gotten a CCIE (assumming I could've done it). I've been
working on certs mid 90s.
My reasoning:
1) Age is important when you're looking for a job. People will disagree,
but...it does matter. Certification attempts to "train" you to solve
specialized problems now. Degree attempts to "educate" you to build a
"judgemental database" that can be applied to more general problems in the
long run. Few degree programs provide "specialized skills" that are needed
in the workforce now (engineering degree may be an exception to that, in my
humble opinion).
2) Many people don't see the difference between "training" and "education".
There really is a difference.
3) Most importantly, there is more to working than "I make a zillion
dollars a year and I have blah, blah, blah working for me." What do you
really like to do?...because you might be doing it for the rest of your life
(maybe you'd rather run a charter boat operation out of the Virgin Is. than
ever see a router or have to deal with some employee's personal problems).
Masters in IT is a technology "lite" degree (big picture), as oppossed to CS
degree, EE degree or, for that matter, CCIE (I think). Do you like project
management (where can I find someone to solve this routing problem)? Or do
you like being up to your ears in detailed, problem solving (how can I solve
this routing problem)? Of course, there are always some gifted folks that
can do it all.
Lastly, advanced education doesn't guarantee you a management position any
more than CCIE guarantees you a great networking position, anymore than
being someone's boss guarantees you personal satisfaction. There simply are
no guarantees.
Finally, advise is cheap...just ignore the advice and flip a coin. You've
got a 50 percent chance.
Jim McDowell
BSEE San Diego State University
MSSM University of Southern California
MCSE
CCNP
Hi. After 20 years in the U.S. Navy, I'm changing career to IT. I just
finished my BS in Information Technology. Which do you think is better:
1)pursue a Master's Degree in IT, or 2) to study for CCNA and MCSE at
Community College. The Navy is willing to spend money for scholarship for
these; it's just a matter of (my) choice. And I have to use this before I
retire in 20 months. I need an advise from you folks.
Thanks,
Val
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