Current State of Higher Education: Do You Need a Degree for Getting a Job in IT?
Chances are, you’ve come across stories like these more times than you can count: “I spent years in university, only to struggle finding a job after”, or “I absorbed a lot of knowledge during my studies, only to be told to forget it all on my first day of work”, and finally you see a requirement in position that says “Computer Science Degree”, but in reality this requirement was set by HR, and no one in company actually cares whether you do have a degree or not.
The realm of information technology (IT) is advancing at a staggering pace, making it challenging for traditional educational programs to keep up. By the time these programs incorporate new and relevant topics, the IT landscape has already changed, making the acquired knowledge obsolete. In light of these circumstances, the question arises: Is pursuing a higher degree in IT still worth it?
Introduction
The answer is: It depends. Of course, you can an IT job in some specific fields without a degree, but it isn’t as simple. Considering the rapid changes in the IT industry, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a degree, choose your specific career path, analyze the market of jobs and only then make a decision.
So, let’s go over pros and cons of getting a degree, look at some statistics and only then make conclusions.
Disadvantages of getting a degree
There are many problems with current state of higher (and not only) education in many countries.
- Rapid Technological Changes: Traditional higher education struggles to keep up with new technologies. By the time a course is developed, the tech landscape may have already moved on, making some of the learned knowledge outdated.
- Skill Gap: Practical skills and experience are highly valued by IT employers. They want candidates who can apply knowledge in real-world situations. This can put degree holders at a disadvantage if they lack practical experience and specialized skills.
- Time and Cost: Getting a degree requires a significant investment of time and money. Traditional four-year programs may not be feasible for everyone, especially those who want to enter the workforce quickly or change careers. Tuition costs can be high, and the return on investment may not always match career prospects or salary expectations.
- The Unnecessity of Higher Education: there are a lot of positions in many IT fields that do not even set higher education as a requirement. A lot of HRs know that there is a huge amount of learning resources available online, so when they look in your CV, they actually look for personal projects, certifications, experience and skills, and only after these things comes a degree.
Apart from internet research, I have conducted a survey among programmers and software engineers in different fields, such as QA, WebDev, GameDev, Data Science and other. People who took the survey had titles from interns and juniors to CEOs and Team Leads. Total of 50+ people took part in the survey. And you can see some results below.
Based on the graphs, it is evident that the majority of people believe that higher education is not crucial for acquiring skills and knowledge. Although a slightly larger portion of individuals believe that higher education is important for securing well-paying jobs, the majority still consider it to be of below average importance.
One of main problems of current higher education in many countries is outdated materials. Here, for example, what one of Middle Developers said:
I started working fulltime in development after second year of the university, but most of the knowledge I needed for work I got while studying at a local IT course, not uni. The only useful things from uni were a databases course and connections I made, the rest is either not relevant or very outdated.
Also, almost everyone said that they would hire a person even if he/she doesn’t have a degree (But you should remember, that it still depends on you a lot. You may not have a degree, but you still need a good portfolio that shows that you are qualified enough):
Advantages of getting a degree
But getting a degree should be useful for something, isn’t it? There is a reason that people still go to universities before being a programmers. Here are some compelling reasons why pursuing a degree can be beneficial:
- Knowledge Foundation: Getting a degree provides a comprehensive understanding of IT fundamentals. You’ll dive into topics like computer science principles, algorithms, programming languages, and network architecture. It’s like building a sturdy house on a solid foundation — you’ll have a broad base of knowledge to support your future IT endeavors. So, even if you decide to change careers at some point, you will have enough knowledge to start working in a lot of fields. Apart from that, neuron connections that you have developed during studies are irreplaceable and will help during not only work, but real life.
- Credibility and Employability: Employers often view a degree as a stamp of credibility. It showcases your commitment to learning and your ability to stick with something for an extended period (apart from your Netflix binge-watching sessions). Plus, let’s face it — having a degree hanging on your wall makes for an impressive backdrop during video calls.
- Networking Opportunities: University programs offer excellent opportunities to network with professors, classmates, and industry professionals. Remember, networking is not just an excuse to have free pizza at events; it can lead to internships, job referrals, and valuable connections in the IT world. Who knows, your future business partner or mentor might be sitting right next to you in that 8 a.m. lecture (don’t forget your coffee!).
- Higher Earning Potential: While money isn’t everything, let’s not deny its appeal. Just like a graph above, other studies suggest that individuals with higher degrees tend to earn more over their careers. So, a degree might not guarantee you a 400k position in US, but it can certainly tilt the scales in your favor when negotiating that starting salary.
- Personal Growth and Learning Experience: University life isn’t just about textbooks and exams; it’s a transformative journey. You’ll develop critical thinking skills, improve your communication abilities, and gain valuable problem-solving techniques. Plus, you’ll have endless opportunities to practice the ancient art of procrastination (a skill that will definitely come in handy in the real world).
- Some real good universities: if you did good at school, you actually have a good chances of getting in a good university. The difference between good and bad/average university is that you more often get relevant knowledge and skills, your teachers will probably be people who already work in IT sphere and know their stuff, and finally a diploma from good university will boost your CV by a lot.
Just like one of the puncts said, here is a graph that shows that around a half of people actually think that university is good for connections and community:
One of the Middle Data Scientists added this comment:
It’s easy to get an ‘IT’ Job, but only the highly qualified ones pay well. It is possible to get there without a formal education, but it is much harder.
While these advantages highlight the value of pursuing a degree in IT, it’s important to consider your personal goals, circumstances, and preferred learning style. Remember, education is not a one-size-fits-all approach. So, whether you choose the traditional degree route or opt for alternative learning paths, the key is to keep learning, adapting, and embracing the exciting and ever-changing world of IT. And hey, if all else fails, you can always fall back on your backup career plan: becoming a professional juggler. IT skills might come in handy when managing multiple projects at once!
But what should I do if I don’t want to get a degree?
If you decided that you want to go by the self-learning path, here are some options that may help:
- Online Certifications: In the digital age, online certifications have gained popularity as a flexible and accessible way to acquire specific IT skills. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a plethora of courses ranging from programming languages to cybersecurity. Plus, you can proudly add those digital certificates to your LinkedIn profile, signaling your expertise to potential employers while avoiding the struggle of finding wall space for yet another framed degree.
- Boot Camps: If you’re looking for an intensive and immersive learning experience, IT boot camps might be the way to go. These short-term, intensive programs focus on hands-on training and practical skills development. It’s like IT education on steroids (minus the questionable side effects). With boot camps, you can quickly gain relevant skills without the multi-year commitment. Just be prepared for some boot camp clichés like “Code like a ninja!” or “Debugging: The Jedi way.”
- Industry-Specific Training Programs: Many companies and organizations offer specialized training programs designed to prepare individuals for specific roles or technologies. These programs often provide a direct pathway into the industry and may include mentorship opportunities and on-the-job training. Think of it as the express lane to your IT career — bypassing the traffic jams of traditional education.
- Self-Study and Project-Based Learning: For the self-motivated and resourceful learners out there, self-study and project-based learning can be incredibly effective. With an abundance of online resources, tutorials, and open-source projects, you can embark on your own learning journey. Remember, you’re not alone in this self-guided adventure; there’s an entire online community of developers, designers, and IT enthusiasts ready to offer support, advice, and a seemingly endless supply of cat memes.
- Apprenticeships and Internships: Don’t underestimate the power of on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships and internships provide valuable hands-on training, allowing you to learn directly from professionals in the field. While you may not be earning top dollar at first (cue the ramen noodle diet), the practical skills and industry connections gained during these experiences can catapult your IT career faster than you can say “bug-free code.”
- AI chatbots and teachers: One of the recent-developed method of education is AI. By using ChatGPT, for example, you can get a personalized mentor who knows a lot of stuff in every field. Not only that, you can ask the dumbest questions in the world, and you will get good and easy to understand answers instead of laughs!
Remember, the key is to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability. Mix and match these alternatives, combine them with traditional education if desired, and choose the way of education that suits exactly you. In our technological era, education should be personalized and interesting. In this way, you will not lose motivation during the way, and in the end you will get knowledge that you need for job you want.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the question of whether a higher degree is necessary for success in the ever-evolving IT industry doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. While a degree can provide a strong knowledge foundation, credibility, and networking opportunities, it may also fall short in addressing the rapid technological changes, skill gaps, and the significant investment of time and money.
However, alternatives to traditional degrees, such as online certifications, boot camps, industry-specific training programs, self-study, and apprenticeships, offer their own advantages. These alternative paths provide flexibility, targeted skills, practical experience, and a more direct route into the industry. Plus, they often come with a healthy dose of humor, memes, and a community of like-minded individuals navigating the IT landscape.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a higher degree or explore alternative paths should be based on individual circumstances, career goals, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing IT landscape. Whether you choose to embrace the hallowed halls of academia or venture into the uncharted territories of online learning, remember that continuous learning, a passion for growth, and a sprinkle of humor will be your faithful companions on your journey toward IT success.
So, as you embark on your chosen path, armed with knowledge, skills, and maybe a few well-timed jokes, may your code be bug-free, your servers always be up, and your career in the IT world be as bright as a thousand LED lights. Happy exploring and may you thrive in this exciting and ever-evolving world of modern higher education!
References
- https://ourworldindata.org/tertiary-education
- https://www.comptia.org/career-change/switching-career-path/get-into-it-without-a-degree#:~:text=Many%20top%20IT%20careers%20don,to%20a%20rewarding%20tech%20job
- https://www.coursera.org/articles/do-i-need-an-information-technology-degree
- https://highereducationcentral.com/world-education/4-higher-education-and-the-need-for-it.html
- https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/do-you-need-a-degree-information-technology.html
- https://www.java67.com/2018/06/21-websites-to-learn-how-to-code-for.html
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