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Edge ICT

Ditch the Degree: Why Tech Certifications Trump Traditional Education

Did you know that South Africa urgently needs a staggering 70 000 ICT professionals? As one of the most technologically advanced countries on the African continent, there are more opportunities than ever for IT professionals in South Africa to take center stage. However, old dusty beliefs on the necessity of a college degree may be standing in the way of you reaching your full IT potential. But fear not! We are here to let you know that those days are over. What if we told you that you could get a creatively stimulating and immensely rewarding IT job without an IT degree? In this blog, we’ll unpack why.

Is IT a good career?

Before diving into the logistics of it all, it’s important to assess whether IT or Information Technology is the right career choice for you. The truth is, IT is a career path that is bursting with attractive perks and benefits. It is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to choose from and many new and innovative technologies to work with. From End User Computing to Interactive Media, Information Technology has a wide range of specialisations, allowing you to choose the right one that matches your interests. And lastly, let’s not forget that compensation for this field is substantially higher than for many other jobs out there. Sounds like the dream, right?

Do you need a degree to get into IT?

But do you need a degree to get a job in IT? The short answer is no. While this may seem surprising, tech companies have become far more lenient when it comes to bringing new talent on board. This is because tech companies value practical, hands-on experience – vital skills that can be used to solve complex problems. Therefore, textbook answers aren’t necessary if you already know how to perform a practical procedure. However, this practical knowledge doesn’t materialize out of thin air. Many IT professionals turn to other forms of IT training that may not require a conventional classroom or a three-year commitment.
On the other hand, it is important to note that if you are wanting to apply to a position that is more specialized and complex, then a degree in computer science or engineering may be a requirement. Ultimately though, what matters most is having a strong understanding of technology, excellent problem-solving skills, unmatched adaptability, and an eagerness to learn.

What are the alternatives to an IT degree:

So where do you learn the right IT skills? The answers depend on you and your goals. Different companies may be looking for different levels of knowledge but making sure you build the right foundation is paramount. The way you do this can differ depending on your learning style. Luckily, there is a wide range of options to choose from. To help you on your way, we’ve broken down the most common methods:

1. Certifications

A popular option for tech-hungry students is to turn to IT certifications. These are courses that focus on a specific area of Information Technology. With this in hand, you can prove to employers that you have what it takes to excel in a specific area of IT. There are many IT certifications on offer, and they can range from entry-level to more advanced. Examples of these are our one-year Technical Support certification and our Systems Development certification. These can be completed within a year and are fully accredited, meaning that you have proof that you are learning industry-standard knowledge.

2. Bootcamps

These are just as the name suggests, intensive training programs that focus on vital and practical IT skills. They too cover a specific area of interest such as coding, web development, and more. These programmes offer a quick method of picking up a new skill and can be completed in a matter of days or months. An example of this is Le Wagon. They offer coding boot camps in data science and web development. Their courses are known for their hands-on and extremely practical approach.

3. Online Courses:

Looking for a quick way to learn a new skill at an affordable price? Then online courses might be a better option. Platforms such as Udemy, edX, Coursera, and Khan Academy offer a wide range of courses for you to choose from. These courses are taught in easy-to-follow videos that are prerecorded so you can watch them at your own pace. The only downside of these courses is that they are not accredited and some of them allow anyone to become an instructor. This means that the quality may not always be high-quality.

4. Self-study:

The internet contains a wealth of knowledge that you can use to your advantage. There are numerous textbooks, resources, and YouTube videos that you can use to learn vital IT skills at your own pace. Therefore, it forms a good building block for investing in other forms of learning and knowing which areas you enjoy the most. However, this form of learning requires discipline and motivation. Without a set curriculum, you may miss out on vital information that you need to get the job done.

5. Internships

Internships have stood the test of time for a reason. They give you valuable insight and experience that you can use to learn new skills and launch yourself into the tech industry. You’ll gain hands-on experience while working alongside professionals within the field. This is a great way to make valuable connections and possibly secure a job when the internship period is up.
What are the alternatives to an IT degree

Here’s what you need to get into IT:

Now that we know what education you need to get into IT, what about all the other requirements? Ultimately, education isn’t the be-all and end-all of landing your dream job. There are a few more requirements that you will need to get you further if you have them in your back pocket.

1. Experience

Many jobs are obtained based on experience alone. This is because experience shows an employer that you’ve gone through various situations that are relevant to the position they want to fill. While it may feel hard to land your first gig, there are a few routes you can take to get it. You could apply for internships, volunteer to work at a company for free, complete your own personal projects, or participate in coding challenges.

2. Continuous Learning

It almost feels ironic to talk about learning in a blog that denies obtaining a degree. However, IT is a career that is constantly evolving. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are evolving too. Staying up to date on the latest trends, new technologies, and industry practices is vital to stay relevant in this industry.

3. Problem-Solving Skills

Technology is all about solving problems and making the lives of consumers easier. Therefore, you’ll need to make sure you’re always on your toes and ready to provide innovative solutions to complex problems. These skills are highly valuable to employees so make sure to sharpen up your skills and look for common problem-solving techniques that can help you get ahead.

4. Soft skills

Many information technology roles throw various challenges at you on a daily basis. That’s why it’s important to make sure you brush up on your adaptability, teamwork skills, and conflict resolution skills.

IT Jobs that you don’t need a degree for:

In order to make your dream job a success it’s important to know what you’re aiming for. Luckily, there are a long string of IT jobs that don’t require a degree. Here’s a few to get you started:

1. Technical Support Specialist

Where would we be without support specialists? These computer wizards are responsible for troubleshooting computers as well as monitoring networks. Their services may be required in the office of the company they work for or are outsourced to companies that need their own IT support. Because of its practical nature and high demand, you aren’t required to have a fancy university degree. However, a certification can help you learn essential computer basics that will help you secure the bag.

2. Junior Data Analyst

Data is everywhere which makes it a goldmine for companies that are looking for customer insights. But this is a big task. That’s why data analysts require juniors to clean, organize and retrieve data. Once this is done a junior can assist in entering data into a database and processing data for customers. While you may not need a degree to get started you will need to know at least one coding language and how data differs in each industry.

3. Web developer

Interested in the world of marketing? Then websites are a great place to flaunt your creative skills. Web developers are needed in many different ways. A front-end developer creates the visual aspects of the website that the customers see. A backend developer focuses more on the workings behind the scenes and a full stack developer is a unicorn that can do both. There are many web developers these days that are completely self-taught. You’ll need to know about coding, databases, hosting, security practices, and more. That’s why taking a crash course may be beneficial to have all the knowledge you need at your fingertips.

4. IT Manager

Most business operations can’t run effectively without an exceptional leader behind the scenes. An IT manager is responsible for overseeing the technological processes of a business and making sure the IT staff are performing at their best. They will maintain the hardware and software of an organization and evaluate the company’s technological needs. As exciting as this career sounds, most IT managers are regarded as senior positions. Therefore, you will need to build up at least five years of experience to qualify. While you won’t need a degree, essential knowledge in technology can aid in building a rewarding career.

5. Computer Programme

Due to its practical nature, coding can be a skill that is easily self-taught. Programmers are responsible for using different types of computer languages to write, update and troubleshoot programmes. Other duties include developing computer infrastructure, debugging code, and maintaining operating systems. A career in programming can be a long and rewarding one, granted you take the time to learn the right skills.

6. Content Creation

If you don’t have the will to take on the practical nature of coding, then content creation may be an attractive alternative. Everyday brands are trying desperately to grab the attention of their customers. As a content creator, you become a part of that mission by creating content that customers love. This can take on many forms, be it YouTube videos, blog posts, or podcasts. There are many avenues to explore.
How to prepare for an interview when you don't have a degree

How to prepare for an interview when you don’t have a degree:

An interview can be a daunting task under normal circumstances but when you don’t have a degree to back you up it can feel downright terrifying. Fortunately, many have ventured to where you’ve been before. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when entering an interview without a degree:

1. Focus on your skills and experience

When it all boils down to it, employers just want to hire someone that can perform a desired task effectively. That’s why it’s important to emphasize that you have the right knowledge to get the job done. Prepare examples of hands-on experience you have performed, personal projects you’ve worked on, and coding challenges you’ve completed. Just make sure to highlight your technical abilities and how you’ve managed to apply them to real work situations.

2. Appear confident

Unfortunately, an employer isn’t going to believe in you if you don’t do it first. Talking with conviction, holding the right body posture, and talking clearly convey that you believe in your skills and abilities. Make a point of focusing on what you can bring to the table rather than what you lack.

3. Prepare for questions

Like any job interview, you are going to be bombarded with technical and behavioural questions. Often the employer wants to know if you do in fact have the right knowledge and how you will use it in certain, potentially stressful, situations. Make sure that you are prepared for any questions they may throw your way. Revise procedures, hardware, solutions, and technical terms in preparation.

4. Advertise your soft skills

Where your skills may lack, your character can shine. Employees often favour employees that show eagerness and possess personal skills that will make them an asset regardless of practical skills. This includes qualities such as effective communication, collaboration with others, leadership and initiative, adaptability, conflict resolution, and time management. To effectively sell these skills make sure to give solid examples of situations where you let your soft skills shine.

5. Demonstrate your learning attitude

Showing a willingness to grow indicates that you can be an asset to the company now and in the future. Developing new skills means that you can shift to positions where they are needed, adapt to new technologies, and take on new tasks. In order to prove this ability, talk about the certifications you have already completed and what they have taught you. Add emphasis to how you have used this new knowledge in real-life situations.

Next Steps:

In order to dominate the digital world, you need to build the right foundation. At Edge ICT we offer entry-level IT courses that are perfect for fresh newbies or seasoned experts that are looking to polish up their skills. We have a wide selection of courses to make finding the right one easier for you. Our accredited qualifications specialize in the basics of End User Computing, Interactive Media, Systems Development, Technical Support,
and Software Testing. If you’d like to brush up on your practical skills, we offer workshops that focus on vital business skills such as Excel Training for Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced levels. Unleash your technical potential by enrolling in one of our IT qualifications today!

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