I'm 27 and trying to decide between finishing my Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, which would take about 1.5 years and leave me with around $14k in debt, or pursuing a career as an electrician, where I could start making decent money right away. I've been out of school for about two years and feel the pressure to make a choice. Given the current job market and saturation in the IT field, especially with outsourcing, I'm uncertain whether it's worth it to stay in IT. For those who have experience or insights, do you still recommend pursuing a career in IT, or have you had regrets about your path?
7 Answers
Do both if possible! Completing your degree while picking up a trade can give you the best of both worlds. Degrees can come in handy for management roles later on, especially in a field as dynamic as tech. But starting with a trade can give you financial stability sooner, which is also important.
I feel your pain. I dropped out after a year, worked in various IT roles, and never looked back. Just be aware of the job market. IT jobs can be saturated, and certifications might actually hold more weight than degrees in some cases.
It's a tough decision! Just keep in mind that the IT landscape is always evolving. If you can gain some experience while working on your degree, you might increase your chances for a good job when you finish. But in the end, do what feels right for you and your career goals!
In my experience, having a degree gave me an edge in job applications, but hands-on experience is what really matters day-to-day. A lot of people I know focus more on real-world skills and relevant certifications than on the degree itself. If you can build a solid portfolio or work on projects, that can speak louder than a degree.
Just to add my perspective, while a degree in Information Systems won't hurt you, I've been in IT for over 15 years and didn't finish my degree until recently. The problem is that employers often require it as a checkbox, especially large organizations. So it's definitely worth considering if you can manage the cost and time.
Right, I've noticed that too. Sometimes it feels unfair, but it really does help pass the first round of screenings.
A degree in IT can definitely help, especially if you're aiming for a management position in larger companies. It shows you can commit to a long-term project, which is appealing to employers. Without a degree, you might find it harder to move up, even if you gain a lot of practical experience.
Exactly! A degree doesn't just add credibility; it can open doors for roles that you might not get without it.
From what I see in the current job market, pursuing a degree might be worth it in the long run, but it might also depend on your personal interests. If you find the electrician path more exciting and see better immediate job prospects, then maybe that’s the route to take now. The tech field is rapidly changing, and while there are still opportunities, they're becoming more competitive.
Agreed! Also, the trades are solid. People always need electricians, and you won't be facing the same kind of saturation as in IT.
True! I've seen candidates with tons of degrees struggle while others with practical skills surpass them in interviews.