[Enladalusange]

I'm thinking about applying to graduate schools for a masters in information systems (MIS). The thing is that I got my undergraduate in liberal arts (useless), but I have been working as a systems and network administrator for about 4-5 years. I also will be getting my MCSE, RHCE, and U. of Illinois computer certifications hopefully by 2009. Do you think this looks favorable to graduate schools? Of course I have to do well on my GRE's. I am currently 26-years old, so I'll probably be 28 or 29 years old by the time I get into a graduate school. Is that too old?

OR

Are my certifications enough to keep me in demand in the I.T. field? Several of the guys I work with have either no certifications, or have no technical degrees and they are making good money. BUT, I have noticed that working with them they are not too bright and don't understand completely what they are doing. For example, one head I.T. guy didn't know that you could do remote and automated network installs of Windows XP. The only reason I know it is because I studied for it on my Micrsoft certification exam. Am I just working with people who have no knowledge to learn, or is this how the I.T. world is? I feel that these guys are just winging everything and have been able to wing it for years and come across as "experts" to my employers.

[rushiddink]

I think having the education to back up your other creds is what will make you those guys boss in a few years.

Hiring is done by people with college degrees, they tend to promote other degree holders over those with none.

[perhilzit]

80% of all IT issues is between the keyboard and the chair.
The other 15% is telling the people to reboot
and that last 5% is where you'll find your work.

My boss knows jack about networking, setting up domains, setting up exchange email, etc.. I doubt he could format a pc and get it up and running as fast as i can get 5 of them going. But he does know how to program the 1 computer system that runs the company, and spews out sales reports hence why he is the boss.

Keep getting educated but don't rely on all certs, combine the 2 (Certs and mastas) and get a job making a 6 figure salary somewhere.

[Dwerfsd]

I'd say stay relevant. I have two friends who have degrees (admittedly Computer Studies) and they've done just fine for themselves by keeping up to date with self study. Certification is cool and everything but the interview process is there to really separate the wheat from the chaff and if you have the skills and know how it will come across (if you are interviewed by a decent employer).

At least here in the UK it's experience that is key. One of my friends went through a tough time early on when the business he was in went under having been there about a year or so work didn't turn up too fast. Next time round (he had a habit of choosing dud business) with 3 years experience under his belt he was much more in demand and last year with 5 years experience he quit his job went travelling for 3 months came back had plenty of offers of work (in the £35-45k range) and was also asked back by his old employer for more money than he was making before he left! lucky bugger.

[aaafluochugh]

Well, I dont see too many "college graduates" doing too well...its the guys who have jumped out there and excelled at whatever job they managed to get and are good in personality and ambition....

Yes, sometimes you "have" to have a degree or cert....but dont waste all your life/money/opurtunities on it....go to work, do your best, and live your life...

My job req is engineering degree+10 years exp....

I have niether and still got the job at +3$/hour because they "liked" me and I am ex-military.