A Levels vs. Computing Qualifications

[Nebzor]

Afternoon.

Currently I am doing my AS Levels (General Studies, Physics, Psychology, History and English Lit.) and due to my laziness and general dislike for school and what I'm studying I think at A Level I'll probably only get Bs and Cs in the three that count (you drop one AS level at the end of Year 12.)

I am really contemplating quitting school and going for the industry recognised computing qualifications, e.g. A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA, MCSE etc.

Which would you value more as an employer, average A Levels or specialised industry based training/qualifications? And would it be such a terrible idea not to get a degree?

 

[Nebzor]

That is what I was thinking, but I'm pretty sure AS Levels are nigh on useless as some view them as only a stepping stone from GCSE.

But anyway, before any leaving whenever happens, I'd like to see what people in a position to employ would say

 

[Nebzor]

So something more like an apprenticeship would be valued higher then, pitchfork?

 

[Nebzor]

I don't know anything about the computing industry but I would have thought it would be better if you complete your A levels (if you are going to drop one, drop general studies, I took gen studies(1 year a level) in my second year and took up AS classics, I really wish I had just done classics in one year than gen studies).

My sixth form, unfortunately, states that General Studies is compulsory throughout the two years

 

[Nebzor]

I appreciate what you're saying, but from what I can gather experience is greater than qualifications, so surely an apprenticeship with the possibility of training for qualifications is highly useful?

 

[Nebzor]

Thanks to all those who have posted useful comments, and not so much thanks to all those "stop being silly" comments. You'd be silly to expect me to listen to you.

 

[Nebzor]

Your lucky to expect any advice at all if thats your working attitude.

As above, make sure you do well in your A levels too.

I'm lucky to expect any advice at all if I'm lazy at school?

I'm sorry, but a school you don't enjoy attending and a job you enjoy doing are two completely different things.

 

[Nebzor]

My point being not enjoying you school environment is no excuse for you being 'lazy' towards your work.

My point being that school work is completely irrelevant and uninteresting, whereas employment in a field of my choice would not be.

 

[Nebzor]

HaX - thanks for the advice.

w11tho, I don't believe I started this thread for you to comment on my thought process or the fact I know perfectly well and have accepted why I am not living up to my full potential. I have no intention to excuse this behavior, but I sure know why it is happening.

 

[Nebzor]

Threads going off the rails so I am not going to bother reading anymore.

Thanks for all the advice.