I ran into similar things when I finished college. The degree doesn't really matter, except that a lot of large companies won't even look at you until you have one. To me it's more like belonging to the right country club so you can be accepted into their corporate society.

I wish I had gotten expierence rather than a degree. Expierence seems to pay alot more than a degree does these days

I am still working toward my Bachelor's. Over the years, I have truly been blessed with fairly good jobs to make it. So I agree that it isn't the paper that gets you that job all the time. Unless you are like a doctor, lawyer or something that you can't be without it. But I really think that education is important. No one can take that knowledge away from you. I think it just shows that you completed something that you started and it shows commitment. I feel ya Southern gal on that debt, but if I had to do it all over again I would definitely go to college. Without it, I think you are limited. Good Post.

Great Post TTD! I agree that experience is needed in the work world, however, I wouldn't have my current job if I didn't have a degree. And like Grant said, some companies won't even look at you unless you have one.

That is so true. It's crazy how they think in the corporate world. I think school is overrated too, but if you can get it, I say do it so you won't have any regrets later.

Once you have it nobody can take it away from you.

i know once you have it, no one can take it away.. and it shows that i can complete a task set before me.. my frustration comes w/ employers preferring a certification over a degree... i think a 4-year degree should = a certification & 2 years experience.. that's all.. if i was really against degrees i wouldn't go back for my master's regardless of who was payin for it!

i know what you mean...i thought about going to grad school here at Ga state, but it ain't about the degrees you got it's who you now....and how you get in ....i got my MCP but i just passed the test...that's all, i'm okay with windows..i might take the RHCT, and solaris 9 test but i'm still debating....good post..

girl it is crazy out here...i can so relate but on a lower end of the stick...i graduated from a tech school and was placed right into my field of expertise have gotten 2 yrs of experience with them, then the company folded, worked at computer stores, but my experience is never enough...shouldn't that be what they really what...

I feel you. Everyone cares about experience these days but then you can't get experience without having a job but you can't get a job without a degree and even then you are constantly trying to stay on top of the game by going back to school to get all these degrees by the time you finish you're like 30 and still haven't held a real job (lol..I'm jokin)

I see a lot of resumes in my job and it matters more so that you have the degree to even get considered. A degree is the minimum requirement for a lot of jobs, but some of the people who have them are dumb as doornails. I see it everyday.

Explain to Grandma that you should be studying for your certification, maybe she will understand. You are in IT, so you definitely get certs instead of a degree, right NOW. But I understand the free education thing, you don't really wanna pass that up.

I agree w/you, neither one really proves that you know a damn thing! I had the problem of not having enough experience even though I had the degree.

Now a days, I agree with your grandmother. It is very important to have as much education as you can. I have my degrees in the health field, which is one that is pretty much ALWAYS gonna have jobs as long as people live on this earth. I mean everyone will need some type of health care at one time or the other.

How long it takes you to get a job, depends on what you got to school for and what the job market is like. I think its important to do something you like, but you also have to do something practical. For example, what is the likelyhood of finding a GREAT job if you get your masters in Greek Poetry. Bad example I know, my I just trying to make a point. It really does depend on your major and what the demand is for that profession.

Yes college sucks.

I DISAGREE 100% that a degree is not important in IT. I have an AAS in and BS in IT. I also have an A+ and MSCE. I was working in the field before I got my BS, but a lot of doors were closed for me because I didn't have it. Like LaaLaa said, it's a minimum requirement. The problem with people who go straight through college is that they expect to graduate and be at the level of experience professionals and it doesn't work that way. You have to pay your dues. My suggestion to any new college graduate without experience is to sign up with a contracting agency like Teksystem or KForce . Also, apply for entry level positions like the Help Desk. My company loves new college graduates for their level one support. If you know what you're doing you'll move up quickly.

I work with a ton of folks that don't have one certification to their name, but we all have degrees. My suggestion would be to try to get more work experience because a Masters really won't help without the experience backing you up.

@shawn - in my area.. its not that important.. most employers look for certifications before a degree & that's in the help desk field.. i dont expect to get the same type of positions nor pay as people that have been in the game for X amount of years.. my thing is.. how can i get X amount of years like them if no one is willing to hire me b/c i only have a degree? when i apply for help desk / entry level positions, i feel some type of way b/c im like.. i just spent 4 years bussing my @$$ in college for an IT degree.. and I coulda just spent a few months to get a certification in order to be eligible for a position

Your degree will pay off, just give it time. Once you're ready to advance to the next level it will definitely come in to play. Most companies worth working for won't touch you without a degree. I did Help Desk work for years, all while I was going through school. The area in work in now won't look at you without a degree either and they can care less about certifications. Certifications expire and become outdated. Your degree is valid for life.


I just don't want you to think you've wasted your time. Just excel at what you do and trust me people will notice. Stay agressive and on point. People without degrees want you to think you've wasted your time because they're jealous. What industry are you working in now?

i work in help desk.. but i like doing help desk where i can do some networking work as well.. i have a job.. i just want a better one! i know it takes time but my 1 friend does the same as me.. didnt finish college, doesnt have a degree & makes more than me.. i think that's crazy! i get frustrated sometimes.. i know something big will happen for me.. im just impatient! but thanks for ur words of encouragement