Let’s go invent tomorrow instead of worrying about what happened yesterday.
WHY JOINING TODAY’S BOOMING IT INDUSTRY WILL BENEFIT YOU TOMORROW
A profession as diverse as it is vibrant and growing, information technology offers a
world met with career longevity and a high-paying income. And talk about job growth – the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates “robust growth for IT occupations” through 2016. The IT field provides jobs in a broad range of interests, from cybersecurity to industrial engineering and digital entertainment to game design. It also has some of the fastest growing jobs in the country: network systems and data communications analysts, computer software engineers, and systems analysts. With countless programs and options around the globe, you can elect to enroll in a traditional academic setting, purely online course structure, or even a blend of the two.
Ok, so we all agree studying IT is a good idea. But what’s the difference between certification and a degree?
Countless articles have been written deciphering the difference between the two, but what seems to remain consistent is that they both serve different purposes. Certifications typically take less time to complete, while traditional degree programs typically follow the 2-4 year track. A unique trait of certifications is that they usually last only two to three years. While this may seem like a drawback, there is however a benefit in its shorter shelf-life, because it requires professionals to continue advancing their knowledge routinely by earning new certifications or renewing their previous ones. Industry information, systems and technologies are always changing, so certifications will keep you on top of your game. An additional, and probably most interesting benefit to a certification is its ability to help you stand out in the job application process. Many employers require certifications for their positions, and by already obtaining the necessary credentials, you’ll be in a great spot to shine amongst the masses.
So all this has you amped to jump start your programming adventures, but just what are information technology employers looking for? According to the IT career advocate association Experience, top desired skills for tech workers include problem solving, ethics and tolerance, communication, collaboration, business analysis, project leadership, decision-making and functional area knowledge – skills that go hand in hand with information technology program curriculum. Equipped with traits that will benefit you in and out of the office and your certifications in hand, you’ll be destined for an enduring and profitable career in information technology.
*ITT Tech
*Experiences by Simplicity, “IT Job Growth Seen Through 2016”
*CTS, “IT certification vs. degree: Which is better?”
