Is it worth getting a degree?

ChrisD. · 2 Oct 2016 at 16:28

I'm 34 and have been contracting for almost 4 years now. I'm about to start another contract in a few months which is a year long and I've never struggled finding work.

All I have is a few vocational quals (Microsoft, Cisco). As a service leaver I am entitled to a free degree so I've thought about doing on in Computing and IT. I did about 90% of a HNC so I can use some credits from that.

I'm just wondering if it's worth the bother? Will I get more interviews and can I increase my day rate?

radderfire · 2 Oct 2016 at 16:36

What kind of work do you do, and what kind do you want to do?

Slam62 · 2 Oct 2016 at 16:39

Well you could 'meet' loads of fresher's

ChrisD. · 2 Oct 2016 at 16:48

No freshers as it's OU.

radderfire said:
What kind of work do you do, and what kind do you want to do?

I'm working on projects. Would later on like to do consultancy or architect stuff.

peterwalkley · 2 Oct 2016 at 18:07

Experience matters more than a degree, especially as a contractor. Once you have more than 5 years, nobody sane gives a monkeys about a CS degree.

regulus · 2 Oct 2016 at 19:50

Yes, it's worth it. Maybe not for knowledge gained, but as an extra differentiator between yourself and other candidates - especially when we go through patchy economic cycles. HR tends to get more picky and I've heard of countless candidates that fell at the last hurdle due to lack of formal qualifications. Sometimes in surprisingly big jobs too. There's also the question of emigration. Much easier with formal qualifications AND experience. You may not think you need it now, and maybe you never do, but it won't hurt.

Beerbaron · 2 Oct 2016 at 19:57

Degrees generally aren't that helpful in IT over certs like cisco/microsoft etc but they still look good on your CV for HR type people. If you are intent on doing a degree do something specific. Security/cyber security is a good area to be in at the moment.

fastwunz · 2 Oct 2016 at 20:10

I've got a 2:1 in building surveying and no. No it isn't.

Rroff · 2 Oct 2016 at 20:15

I have to say I regret now (though it wasn't entirely in my hands) the decisions that meant I didn't complete a degree in electronic engineering - while having a degree on paper can count for something when looking for work unlike a lot of IT, etc. degrees the core fundamentals of a degree like EE don't become outdated so quickly and has potential to open a broad spread of doors in related areas.

Ryan-3 · 2 Oct 2016 at 20:19

Depends on what you want to do and on what you do.

Some degree's aren't worth it and some are worth it. Especially if you're wanting to make a career out of this subject as they are usually the only way into that career.

AHarvey · 3 Oct 2016 at 00:36

I'm 35 and I've been considering a degree for years now but with a mortgage, 2 kids under 5 and a wife working part time I could never spare the time nor the money.

I've always wanted to do architecture, in fact, if i'd actually gone through with it when I first made that decision I'd be fully qualified now. 3-7 years though..

I could walk through a photography degree as that's my business skill, but, in all honestly, it's a pointless degree and wouldn't benefit my life at all.

Diagro · 3 Oct 2016 at 01:43

If you want to ever be a teacher you will need a degree... if that helps lol

ChrisD. · 3 Oct 2016 at 08:18

Well the degree I would do is BSc Hons in Computing and IT. I think I can transfer 60 credits minimum and I wouldn't be paying a penny for the degree. I would study further Cisco & Microsoft vocational qualifications as I did modules of the degree.

Diagro said:
If you want to ever be a teacher you will need a degree... if that helps lol

Actually, teaching is something I'd like to do later on in life. Whether I'll end up doing it or not is another matter.

Beerbaron · 3 Oct 2016 at 08:34

Some of the top companies state minimum requirement of a degree whether its required or not. Its a quick way to filter out applicants.

dowie · 3 Oct 2016 at 11:21

AHarvey said:
I'm 35 and I've been considering a degree for years now but with a mortgage, 2 kids under 5 and a wife working part time I could never spare the time nor the money.

Try the open university - you can vary the pace/intensity. Plenty of people with kids study for degrees and plenty of people older than you too.

Diagro · 3 Oct 2016 at 12:02

Dooksy said:
Well the degree I would do is BSc Hons in Computing and IT. I think I can transfer 60 credits minimum and I wouldn't be paying a penny for the degree. I would study further Cisco & Microsoft vocational qualifications as I did modules of the degree.

Actually, teaching is something I'd like to do later on in life. Whether I'll end up doing it or not is another matter.

In that case... Just do it!

Doesn't take too long, and good to have on your CV.

datalol-jack · 3 Oct 2016 at 14:39

OP, for free, I'd do it. Just like if someone else had paid me to do a professional certificate or training modules at work. Doesn't have to be in IT if you've got a bag of industry experience; why not Statistics, then an advanced degree like an MBA or software and systems engineering? There are plenty of options to augment what you do day-to-day towards a more hands-off future. Doing it with the OU (or another distance learning provider) means that you'll be working and not losing any industry years, so it's a win-win.

AHarvey said:
I'm 35 and I've been considering a degree for years now but with a mortgage, 2 kids under 5 and a wife working part time I could never spare the time nor the money.

I've always wanted to do architecture, in fact, if i'd actually gone through with it when I first made that decision I'd be fully qualified now. 3-7 years though..

I could walk through a photography degree as that's my business skill, but, in all honestly, it's a pointless degree and wouldn't benefit my life at all.

It'll be tough with kids and family around, Harvey, but not impossible. Current qualifications the OU offers give you a maximum of 16 years to finish! (that would be less than one module a year with breaks). Now, taking just one module a year you'd still be done way before then. Most people manage within 6 years for a 3 year degree. And if you're not a strong exam taker, then there are also options which emphasise projects and coursework on the arts and humanities side of things. Won't hurt to have a look.

Self-funding could be an issue, but if you haven't used up your student loan allowance/haven't gone to uni the first time around, then you'll qualify for it now without having to pay upfront per module.

ChrisD. · 3 Oct 2016 at 14:46

datalol-jack said:
OP, for free, I'd do it. Just like if someone else had paid me to do a professional certificate or training modules at work. Doesn't have to be in IT if you've got a bag of industry experience; why not Statistics, then an advanced degree like an MBA or software and systems engineering? There are plenty of options to augment what you do day-to-day towards a more hands-off future. Doing it with the OU (or another distance learning provider) means that you'll be working and not losing any industry years, so it's a win-win.

The reason I would choose IT is because I'll be able to complete it a lot faster compared to doing something I'd have to learn. Plus I can do vocational studying at the same time, sit the respective Cisco/Microsoft/Red Hat exam and then do whatever module that matches.

datalol-jack · 3 Oct 2016 at 15:03

Dooksy said:
The reason I would choose IT is because I'll be able to complete it a lot faster compared to doing something I'd have to learn. Plus I can do vocational studying at the same time, sit the respective Cisco/Microsoft/Red Hat exam and then do whatever module that matches.

Fair play. With experience, blitzing through years 1 and 2 shouldn't be too hard. Don't forget to revise for exams in the format the OU sets out in its materials -- it catches out a few people firing from the hip every year if the blogosphere is to be believed. Looking at postgraduate options from that route, you'll be able to specialise further in networking, tech management, security or software engineering. And of course, as far as other training providers are concerned, there are more distance learning postgrad options that are available in general, so you don't have to continue with the OU if you don't want to. Certs can boost this up with specific technologies and brands most helpful to your career and customer base. As mentioned, data and security always does well.

ttaskmaster · 3 Oct 2016 at 15:27

From speaking to those who have degrees, I find it depends more on the company and the industry you're in.
In Civil Engineering, for example, it will get you about £3k over someone unqualified, but if they score highly on their PDRs and tow the company line they can be earning more than you... sometimes a lot more. Being Chartered is often just a willy-waving thing and doesn't guarantee anything better either.
Consultants use your qualifications to charge more for your services, but those profits might not find their way to your account at all.

I've considered getting one myself, but it'd mean years of humping my way into East London, cost me a lot of money and give me almost nothing in return.