My nephew, a junior in high school, faces a life changing decision, a fork in the road, some may say, and he may not even know it. Athletic, talented in music, as well as incredibly wicked smart, he has been accumulating accolades in both school and extracurricular activities, achieving two cybersecurity certifications, Distinguished Honor Roll (4.0 GPA or higher) every semester, and a letterman for both golf and band. He is beginning to be scouted by Division III schools for lacrosse, and, if everything goes according to his academic plan, he will have earned enough credits to begin his college career as a sophomore. A hardworking and down-to-earth young man, who one day seeks to join the cybersecurity field. Pretty impressive.
However, how important is a college education for today's youth? For my nephew's goals?
Over the past few decades, college education has remained paramount for employment, career advancement, and networking, during and after graduation. During my young adulthood, if a young person was not in university, employers and peers often viewed them as less qualified or lazy. However, there no longer is such a strong stereotype about the correlation between college education and talent. Steadily, more employers are seeking applicants with specialized certifications rather than a traditional secondary education.
IT certifications are more desirable to IT professional than traditional college education (varies by specialty and company, but more often than not). Real world experience and a portfolio of completed projects/work are signs to employers that less hands-on training and supervision are required. The more work ready, the better. Despite all of this, should someone who is seeking to join the IT field avoid college and seek specialized certifications instead?
Like I said, a fork in the road.
With all of my nephew's achievements, his choice seems simple: attend college, accrue more IT certifications, as well as seek real world experience by volunteering his IT abilities to a local business or getting an internship with a cybersecurity company. But is this choice the correct one for everyone? Should some only pursue a college degree? Others solely certification? A blend of education, certification, and hands-on experience is ideal. Despite me saying this, everyone's situation is different and one path or another might be best for each individual.
It's up to each individual to decide which path they seek.
Personally, a blend of certifications, education, and experience are required for success in today's fast paced and technology driven world. Currently, I am seeking my master's in business administration with a concentration in marketing. I am learning additional skills by practicing GoogleAds, GoogleSites, and am developing a plan for an online business on Shopify to learn real-time marketing skills and strategies. Additionally, I am considering an IT certification due to the increased demand for such skills in all fields. My education and additional skills coupled with my work ethic are allowing me to be seen and heard throughout my company. Keep in mind to build your brand as I am. Today's employees want to become like Batman's toolbelt, equipped for every situation in their line of work. Make sure to stay consistent in your image and message to your customers and employer. If your desired field requires you to learn Spanish, do it. If you need to gain a bit of experience in your field of choice, seek mentorship or start your own small business offering the service for free. You gain experience and may eventually generate income. Finally, a college education goes a long way for when promotion time comes along--so, consider it if it's the right fit.
Let the journey begin!
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