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?

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.

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.

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.

ChrisD. · 4 Oct 2016 at 08:24

Beerbaron said:
Make sure its a degree you will benefit from. IT on its own is worthless. Security, networking and forensics are good areas.

Surely that's Post Grad once I've got the Hons?

I generally have no idea about the education system in this country, only went to school in the UK for about 5 years in total and left at 16 to join the Army. Still earn more than anyone in my year, makes me laugh sometimes.