Advice Needed

[ETL]

I am currently trying to decide on the best route to take in terms of studying for an IT qualification. I have always been interested in computers and technology, and I feel like now is the time for me to turn this passion into a career. However, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the different options out there.
There are so many different types of IT qualifications, such as computer science degrees, networking certifications, and cybersecurity certifications. I am not sure which one would be the most beneficial for me to pursue. I am also unsure about whether I should go to college or university, or if there are alternative ways to obtain these qualifications.
I am hoping to get some guidance from the community on the best route to take. If you have any experience with IT qualifications, I would love to hear your thoughts and advice. Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[bchip]

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There are so many different types of IT qualifications, such as computer science degrees, networking certifications, and cybersecurity certifications. I am not sure which one would be the most beneficial for me to pursue. I am also unsure about whether I should go to college or university, or if there are alternative ways to obtain these qualifications.
I am hoping to get some guidance from the community on the best route to take. If you have any experience with IT qualifications, I would love to hear your thoughts and advice. Thank you in advance for your help!

Figure out what skills you are good (not in the computer space) but your soft skills.
To help you we would need to know more about you.
For example, if you like finding trends, "detective like" skills then data analytics could be interesting
If you like electronics and hardware, networking could be for you or setting up cloud computing servers.
Do you have an artistic side? Web or App front end development, or data visualization might be interesting.
If you enjoy "deep" math and statistics, programming or data science could be interesting.
Do you like working with people and you already have some real world experience then project management could be the route.
If security is your interest thats another route.

You cant go wrong with any of them there is a huge demand for all of them, so pick something you enjoy.

Once you find something that interests you, buy a udemy course on it (like R200) and see if you still enjoy it or for free try a Youtube course before rushing off into a degree.

 

[Hamster]

If you can go to uni, go to uni. On paper the qualification will make your life is easier should you decide you want to emigrate.

 

[cguy]

All things being equal, I always recommend a Computer Science degree, as the best general advice. It’s better for emigration, tends to lead to more interesting work, and has the highest pay upside.

However, as @bchip says, things aren’t always equal - if you’re more visually creative you may want to do front-end work, which does not require a CS degree (boot camp or online course), or if you’re less into software development, things like systems administration, network engineering, cloud engineering or security may be more interesting (and usually require a certificate route).

 

[Ejeckt]

Making an assumption here that you're a young person trying to pick a career.

I would advise to go for the Comp Sci degree, if you have the opportunity, time and resources to do so. If you get the degree, the paths you mentioned are not mutually exclusive - you can get into many types of fields; the degree doesn't lock you into anything. Also, try not to look ahead too far. You will change dramatically over your lifetime, and in 10 years from now you may be a totally different person with totally different interests. The degree (like most engineering degrees) is a flexible option that will open many doors to you throughout your life.

 

[Dawie_Botes]

It's one of those "wish I knew then what I know now" scenarios.

I'm also adding to the other replies that if you are able (financially, academically, etc) go for Comp Sci, and consider doing Honours as well. (Comp Sci is focussed on Programming, so make sure it's your passion, otherwise its gonna be a long slog...) The paper will give you a jumpstart in your carreer that no-one else can dream of.

B.Comm IT would also be good if you are more Finance inclined.

If you want to go the hardware route, and just get into a job quickly (not 4 years down the line...) then there are a lot of Diplomas you can consider. Same with Graphic Design. Udemy is a great resource.

Then, get active in the community. What I mean is, start building up your online presence. Here on MB yes, but also on tech sites like Stack Overflow, etc. If you're talented (like most of us wish we were...) start a social media profile and YT videos of your learnings / journey. Education is not everything.. practical experience counts! In my experience, the companies out there looks down on Academic Experience, but values practical experience MUCH more.