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Should I begin looking into technology certificates before college?

I'm a high school student who is currently looking at a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems. I want to make the most out of the summer break I have next year so I can get myself prepared before going into the university. #information-technology

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Mohamed’s Answer

Hi Fernando,


Computer Information Systems (similar as IT or  Computer Science) is very broad. Getting a degree in Computer Information Systems or Computer Science will give you the opportunity to explore many areas in tech field. Some of the classes you will be taking would be programming, database management, networking, information system management, security, etc. So if you clearly know in what field you want to get an employment on, then it will be easy for you to choose a certification track.


I did a degree in Computer Science. After I completed my degree, I got a rotation based job. My first rotation was in Information Security. I did fell in love in information security and decided to choose it as my career. So currently I work as a Cybersecurity Analyst. Now I just began to look in to certifications as well. In university I just got to take one class in Networking. So to deepen my knowledge in networking and security I decided to take certifications. 


I highly recommend you to start working on certifications if you have time. If you do not know which area of information systems you would like to focus, you can work on general certifications. This will give you solid understanding and also help you in college as well. A good place to start with is CompTIA.


CompTIA has a certification called A+. It is a very general foundational certification that is required for IT Tech Support. You will get benefit from it. Also the price is not that high. Benefits of taking that is you will develop some more understanding in information systems and also you will get qualified for a part time entry level job in Tech field to work while you are in college.


CompTIA A+ -> https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/a

CompTIA Certification Pathway -> https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/which-certification
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Johann’s Answer

I applaud your initiative! If you're going to take a course over the summer, you might check into one that counts towards college credit.
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Dhairya’s Answer

No, certs aren't useful for entry level positions and they're expensive. A bachelor's degree is more than enough. You'll see more experienced professionals getting certificates if they want to specialize in a particular area (e.g. a certified Microsoft developer or CITRIX engineer). In those cases, their companies will pay for them to get the training and get certified.

You should instead spend your time either on paid internship or learning new skills (e.g. data analysis, programing, web development, etc).
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Nikki’s Answer

Hi Fernando! Before looking into technology certificates, I would first find out what certifications you may get within the Bachelor's degree program for Computer Information Systems. I do not have a degree in this field, but I would think that there could be an opportunity to get some certification in the degree program. If not, I would think going through the degree program would assist you with the knowledge base needed to help you become certified. Hope this helps, and I wish you all the best!

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Patrick’s Answer

Certs are more valuable than degrees plus they insure a great pay rate. Do certs then get da job and do school as it permits to your work schedule.

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