17yo wants IT Degree…??

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  • August 18, 2015 at 2:30 pm
    Debbie
    Participant

    17yo is a senior this year and is looking into one of the state community colleges to get an IT Degree afterwards.  He loves programming but isn’t necessarily looking into just a programming degree.  Those that I have talked to say a 2 year degree is the way to go…but I also read contradictory info that he really needs a 4 year degree to get a decent job. Maybe someone here has some advice? Suggestions? Also, is there something we should make sure he accomplishes this year to make sure he’s ready….   Thanks Deb

    August 18, 2015 at 3:43 pm
    Kelley
    Participant

    If you have a community college nearby, check into dual enrollment to get some of the prerequisites out of the way (cheaply) so he can graduate high school with almost an associates degree.  I think it really depends on what he’s wanting to do, whether he needs a four year degree or not.  Is there somewhere he can work or volunteer part time in the career field?  That’s a great way to get letters of recommendation, and work out a career path before you really invest money into college classes.  I think getting into the actual work, even on a volunteer basis, and getting to know people who do the job is a great way to learn.

    August 18, 2015 at 4:48 pm
    Doug Smith
    Keymaster

    You might find this blog post we published a while back helpful: Finding the Best Fit: One CM Graduate’s Next Step.

    August 18, 2015 at 4:58 pm
    MissusLeata
    Participant

    My hubby has 30 years experience in IT and has a hard time getting jobs because he doesn’t have a BS. I’d go for a Bachelor’s.

    August 18, 2015 at 8:23 pm
    Monica
    Participant

    My hubby has 30 years experience in IT and has a hard time getting jobs because he doesn’t have a BS. I’d go for a Bachelor’s.

    Interesting perspective.  My husband did a certification program in C++ at Boston University back in 2000 – no degree – and has been in the field ever since.

    August 19, 2015 at 1:26 pm
    Doug Smith
    Keymaster

    It depends what you want to do. Young tech startups tend to look at skills and don’t care if you have the piece of paper. Larger established companies tend to look for the degree. And if you start your own business then anything goes.

    I would look at positions in the desired fields of work and see what requirements they typically look for.

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