HighlandPenguin

To All

I am currently a permanent resident in the US. However my wife and I have often spoke about returning to Scotland maybe 3-5 years from now. The only problem is I have been working in IT for 7 years now and have my MCSE, A+ and N+ certifications, but no 4 year degree. Here in the US, everything revolves around getting a degree and I wanted to hear from Brits what their opinion is with regards to the UK when it comes to having a degree or certifications for an IT job. I am considering completing an IT degree via evening classes, but I want to see before I take on $30,000.00 in debt if the certification route may be a viable alternative in the UK. All thoughts and suggestions would be most welcomed.

Cheers

Scott

JAJ

You might want to look at the British Computer Society website:
http://www.bcs.org.uk

HighlandPenguin

Thanks JAJ

Will check the link out now.

Cheers

Scott

bugg_tb

From my time working in the IT field in the UK, experience is what counts. I've not had trouble getting work and I have no degree. Just present a good CV with plenty of experience on it and you should do just fine.

Tom

Serenity

My hubs is in IT and was job hunting while back, he has a degree, however we've only seen about two jobs that specify a degree. The rest are more concerned with experience, especially in the area you are in, the MCSE is of more relevance to an employer than a degree.

sortedtoo

Absolutely no degree needed. In your position focus on your cv of good experience.

jandro

Here in Canada a degree is pretty much a must have if you want to progress your career. When I left the UK in 2004 most IT jobs I saw advertised didn't ask for a degree so you should be ok without one. It obviously depends on what your doing - if it's a senior level job like network architect or senior programmer then a degree would give you an edge. Former colleagues in London have told me the job market is now more competitive though.

krizzy

Hubby is in IT...not having a degree has never been a problem for him in the UK Canada or the USA....

misterjingo

Whether you need a degree or not depends on the kind of IT role you are looking for, while there are some positions where degrees aren't needed, most positions do require them. BUT in my experience, if you have enough relevant experience behind you, a few desired certs, and you interview well, a degree won't be as important and a lack of one shouldn't stop you getting a job.