[RogueSeven]

Greets,

So i graduated high school 2 years early and i had hoped of going into the military however i have since lost interest and im going to be trying for a career in computers, been messing with computers since i was 10 (im 17 now). Since i was unable to grab any classes this semester in JC i was going to focus on getting a+ cert before the next semester starts.

anyways, down to the point, what other certs would be good to get to get a start in a computer career, im interested in just about everything with computers however i am unfamiliar with all the certs and such since i have never considered a career such as this.

Now, having certs is one thing, would having a degree behind that (i would first be going for an associates if at all) make such a big difference or are the certs considered just as good?

thanks for any help

regards.

[Lexluethar]

If these are your first certifications and you are new to the computer world (meaning no work experience) i would stick with the CompTIA certifications. You can checkout their website for a complete list, but to start I would get the A+, Net+ and Sec+. That will give you a great foundation and should be able to get you an entry-level job with any reputable computer company.

As for the associates, a degree will be looked upon better than certifications. I would still get certifications, but if you had to choose between a degree or certifications, get a degree (if you aren't working full time you should be able to do both ).

[new2IT]

I don't work in IT, I'm currently trying to get certifications to get my foot in the door, but speaking as a 28 year old who's made some terrible choices with my earlier education goals I have to say GO FOR A DEGREE!! Certifications are okay, but you won't nearly be as well rounded if you have a degree. Plus, I've been looking through a lot of job listings and many want some sort of a degree.

Trust me, going to school is 20 times harder when you are living on your own with bills to pay. If I were you I would do all the school you can while your young. You can always get certifications while obtaining an associates or bachelors degree, so there really is no excuse to pick one or the other.

That's my $0.02

[RogueSeven]

thanks for the help so far guys. i still need to wait till the next semester till i can consider going to school, so ill look into the sec+ and net+

im currently just looking to get my foot in the door because i dont want to be going to school and not be making any money

i have a small part time job getting me a few bucks here and there but since school started back up with all the kids and such (working at an airsoft field) business has died down and there hasnt been a need for me.