Should people go for Industry Certifications - Complimenting Degree with Certs

[Prloko]

Hello,

Just looking for some feedback or views on this topic.
I've always had a curiosity of how others would feel in regards to this, getting industry certifications instead of or to complement a second degree in another AOS.

For example: I'm going for a TESU BSBA degree and wish to obtain Industry Certifications for Six Sigma/Scrum, etc. I also want to obtain a second degree in WGU BSIT and get Industry Certifications for those such as CISSP, CEH, etc.

I'm very much into Business, but my work is pretty much all IT related. While I'm chipping away at my BSBA, I'd like to get some Certs as well.
I'm thinking when I finish my BSBA, I'll move onto the Patten MBA IT. For WGU BSIT, I'm wanting to go for a WGU MSCIA after that.

Thanks, bjcheung77

I think you can get the BSBA in CIS which is IT related. Or you can the BSBA and follow with a masters in IT. As far as the certs, many IT firms prefer those to degrees, so I think they are well worth it.

[Life Long Learning]

In the Emergency management field the cert "CEM" has more meaning than any EM college degree.

[bjcheung77]

In the Emergency management field the cert "CEM" has more meaning than any EM college degree.

I understand, I see there are some industries that Certifications are more important than a general degree. Have you decided on your Bachelors?

I think you can get the BSBA in CIS which is IT related. Or you can the BSBA and follow with a masters in IT. As far as the certs, many IT firms prefer those to degrees, so I think they are well worth it.

That's exactly how I feel, I'm missing out because of the degree and also the certs. I'll have to work on the degree first and then the certs to come after.

[edwardfurlong]

I went back to your original thread and looked at your certs strictly from my point of view as an IT hiring manager.

The A+, Net+, Security+, CEH, RHCSA are not hard to pass. We (folks that hire IT techies) know they are easy to pass. Who are you trying to fool with these certs?

I would rather see RHCE, VCP, CCIE, CCNA, OSCP, CISSP (only if it is a management job or government), and EPIC.

If you currently work for a VAR, consulting, DOD, and government, some of your certs like Sec+ will be useful as HR or sales fodder. But your company would be paying for them. I can't fathom spending your own money on the certs you mentioned. I would recommend you aim a lot higher.

Someone on the other thread said he/she would rather see your experience and your role in enterprise IT projects. I agree. I rather see your IT experience rather than a list of certs.

I think it really depends on what sort of job you are looking for.

Even if A+ is considered one of the easiest certifications, it is still a requirement for many jobs.

Higher level certifications, like CISSP might not do much for you if you have no relevant experience.

[Life Long Learning]

I have not decided. COSC does not have one. TESU is not worth a whole extra year (ASU would be better use of that same time). I am still waiting for Excelsior to come out with theirs? I think I would fit theirs the best.

I have time as I really do not need one. I just wanted one and have the Post 9/11.:patriot:

I am going CERT crazy right now in two different fields (Homeland Security and Field Traumatology).:hurray: I think I have about 10 now.:willynilly:

I understand, I see there are some industries that Certifications are more important than a general degree. Have you decided on your Bachelors?



That's exactly how I feel, I'm missing out because of the degree and also the certs. I'll have to work on the degree first and then the certs to come after.