Should an IT Pro have a college degree?

What an interesting question and one that is sure to have many and passionate responses. Speaking of which, at the end of this blog is a poll on what your thoughts are on this subject – whether an IT pro needs a college degree – please respond – it is not a phishing site.

So, does an IT pro really need a college degree? I think in some fields, yes, a degree is required or at the very least should be strongly encouraged. A programmer, for instance, should have a prescribed course of instruction. Does a network IT Pro require the same level of formal instruction as a programmer, does a DBA? The DBA probably should have some formal education, the network IT Pro, probably does not require a college degree for their day-to-day operations – more later on this.

A lot of what an IT Pro learns is through good old OJT – On the Job Training, as well as self study. The IT Pro encounters a problem, finds a solution and implements the solution. We are able to find these solutions based on what we have learned from our experience and from what we have learned through formal studies. There are some fields where formalized instruction is almost a requirement. Trying to teach yourself programming is not an easy task and while you might prove successful some respects through self study, not having learned the background knowledge and theory behind programming and programming languages may prove to be hindrance at a later date.

Now what about networking IT Pros – do they require a formal block of instruction? There aren’t too many BS degrees in networking available, but what is available are training centers which can teach the basics of networking as well as more advanced courses. The IT Pro can take this initial knowledge and combined with hands-on experience do very well and become a great IT Pro. Training centers can also teach how to program in a specific language, or languages, but they cannot necessarily teach the theory behind programming or the math behind some of the programming languages.

So what is the answer? Does an IT Pro need or should have a degree? That would depend on the IT Pro and their specific situations. I believe at some point in an IT pro’s career that not having a college degree would make advancement more difficult. There are some things learned in a classroom environment that cannot be readily obtained through hands-on experience – such as logical thinking and expressing oneself through the written word. I think the degree earned would also have to be examined. Some degrees and fields would lend themselves admirably to the IT pro world (math and science come to mind) whereas others wouldn’t (physical therapy or archaeology). In the end, I would say it is helpful and if the IT pro wants to move into the IT management side of operations, than it would be necessary.

Is a college degree necessary to be a great IT professional?
Yes
No, but it's helpful
No, hands on experience is the only thing that matters