[thelist] [OT] University of Phoenix

[Feingold Josh S]

--
[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]

I guess there is also the question of 1) Degree vs. Certifications and 2)
what you want to do with your life.

Regarding the first question the issue is discussed almost monthly on
Slashdot, so you might want to look there and see what you can find.

My disjoined opinion: If someone does not have a bacherlors degree, it is
worth getting at least a paper one since it is assumed more and more that
people have one (at least in the states).  It also says that you are capable
of completing what you start, keep on track, and finish big projects which
is important to employers.  However, since you already have a degree in some
other field, the degree is even less valuable from this perspective.

If you are looking to code, certifications and more importantly relevent
work experience will speak louder than a degree in computer science.  The
reason is that people looking for coders are looking for people who can code
- well.  A masters degree only attests to the fact that you have been
exposed to a few areas of computer science, but not to the level of your
capability.  Unfortutely, HR doesn't really know this, but a hiring manager
will. So you might have a little more trouble getting in the door for an
interview, but will have the upper hand in landing the job.

However, this all assume you want to code.  If you are aiming to become some
type of manager, which is more soft skills, many companies will want to see
an advanced degree more than certifications.

The main point: if money is an issue, learn the stuff on your own and use
relevent mailing lists, newsgroups, web forums, and chat rooms to get the
skills you need to pass the cert all for the price of a book.  Look for a
company that pays for your schooling and try to get a job there.

Josh
http://www.efeingold.com