Expert: Sam Preisler - 8/23/2007

Question
I am looking into pursuing either a Master's degree in a computer related field or working on certifications.  Right now, I work as an IT Administrator for a civil engineering firm.  I have been working here for the past 3 years.  We are a small firm of about 20 people.  I am the only IT guy here.  In my job, I install and maintain software/hardware on user's machines, work on problems with computer equipment (pc's, plotters, printers, network, server) when they arise, and update the company's website.  I have also become pretty familiar with networking equipment like switches and firewalls, and am somewhat familiar with Windows Server 2003.  I also hook new employees up to the network and set up their pc.  My bachelor's degree is in Communications, which I received in 2001.  Since that time, I have worked as a Computer Aided Drafting technician in various firms and have helped with computer related issues in every job.  I am 32 years old now.  I would like to continue working in the IT field, since that is what I love to do.  I would maybe like to get a job in either networking/systems administration/IT security.  Would pursuing a degree be better for me at this point, or should I just pursue certifications?  Right now I don't have a whole lot of time on my hands, as my wife works nights, and I watch my kid, who's 20 months.  On top of that, she wants to have another kid starting next year.  What would be better for me long term?  I wished I had pursued a bachelor's in a computer related field, but will my degree hinder my opportunities for other jobs or more money?  Thanks very much for your help.

Answer
While Education is always a better long term option than training, training will pay the greater dividend in the short term.  more money for cisco certification than a masters degree.  That being said, the answer is this do both. you do both and your wife wont have to work.  do not be discouraged that you do not have a IT of CS degree many companies now just want people with A degree and common sense.  try distance learning for formal education and one last caution on training, do not become so specialized that you cannot realigned your knowledge, if you are the only one trained in a certain method or on a certain piece of equipment the demand for that will not be very high and the future investment in it will also be limited.

good luck.