Java Certification is it useful?

[fighthall]

Hey guys,

I am deciding to change careers next year by studying a BSC in Computer Science at Wits,
now as I save up for it this year I thought it would be useful to start preparing my CV for after I graduate.

This in the way of getting a Java Cert through Oracle systems. I have read on various forums that it is useful and it is a waste, especially if I get the BSC degree. Now if someone can give me a idea as to what employers look for when they hire a fresh graduate and if having a cert will be a big up or just another line of text, would really help me a lot.

I know the degree touches on some programming, probably C++, I have seen job posts asking for guys with experience in quite a few languages, so what would the best path to follow?

Thanks

 

[koeksGHT]

The more certs the better.. companies hire people with extra certs over guy with just degree and no certs..

 

[deweyzeph]

Don't waste your time with a cert, the only thing they're useful for is wiping your arse. A BSc degree will take your much further in life and your career than any certification. Employers are always going to choose someone who's done a 3 or 4 year university degree than some 6 month certification.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

The more certs the better.. companies hire people with extra certs over guy with just degree and no certs..

Not true at all, most companies prefer degrees. Certs are only ever useful at reinforcing your experience in a particular discipline.

For a graduate, a cert without experience is pretty much worthless in terms of landing you a job.

 

[fighthall]

Don't waste your time with a cert, the only thing they're useful for is wiping your arse. A BSc degree will take your much further in life and your career than any certification. Employers are always going to choose someone who's done a 3 or 4 year university degree than some 6 month certification.

I definitely agree with that. What I want to know though is if having a Java cert will help compliment the degree and show the employer that I know the fundamentals of it?

 

[koeksGHT]

Not true at all, most companies prefer degrees. Certs are only ever useful at reinforcing your experience in a particular discipline.

For a graduate, a cert without experience is pretty much worthless in terms of landing you a job.

I meant certs on degree, they choose candidates with a degree and certs over no certs.. but xp helps greatly