Ditch the Degree: Why Tech Certifications Trump Traditional Education
Did you know that “South Africa currently has a skills shortage of between 20 000 and 70 000 high-end IT professionals“. As one of the most technologically advanced countries on the African continent, there are more opportunities than ever for IT professionals in South Africa to take center stage. However, old dusty beliefs on the necessity of a college degree may be standing in the way of you reaching your full IT potential. But fear not! We are here to let you know that those days are over. What if we told you that you could get a creatively stimulating and immensely rewarding IT job without an IT degree? In this blog, we’ll unpack why?
Is Information Technology a Good Career?
Before diving into the logistics of it all, it’s important to assess whether IT or Information Technology is the right career choice for you. The truth is, IT is a career path that is bursting with attractive perks and benefits. It continues to be one of the fastest-growing industries in the world which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to choose from and many new and innovative technologies to work with. With the introduction of AI (Artificial Intelligence), the growth of modern, intelligent technology is now advancing by the day!
From End User Computing to Interactive Media, Information Technology has a wide range of specialisations, allowing you to choose the right one that matches your interests. And lastly, let’s not forget that compensation for this field is substantially higher than for many other jobs out there. Sounds like the dream, right?
Do you need a degree to get into IT or any Tech field?
On the other hand, it is important to note that if you are wanting to apply to a position that is more specialized and complex, then a degree in computer science or engineering may be a requirement. Ultimately though, what matters most is having a strong understanding of technology, excellent problem-solving skills, unmatched adaptability, and an eagerness to learn.
Key Considerations when looking at starting your IT Career:
Focus on these four key areas below:
- Explore the many IT specialisations
- Build practical skills through certifications and micro learning
- Use alternative learning like online courses, tutorials etc.
- Grow your network with other IT professionals
- Start creating a strong portfolio of work
What are the alternatives to an IT degree:
So where do you learn the right IT skills? The answers depend on you and your goals. Different companies may be looking for different levels of knowledge but making sure you build the right foundation is paramount. The way you do this can differ depending on your learning style. Luckily, there is a wide range of options to choose from. To help you on your way, we’ve broken down the most common methods:
1. Certifications
The growing demand for skilled professionals across industries globally, underscores the importance of vocational education. This model of learning aligns directly with workforce needs, producing job-ready graduates who contribute to economic development.
2. Bootcamps
The growing demand for skilled professionals across industries globally, underscores the importance of vocational education. This model of learning aligns directly with workforce needs, producing job-ready graduates who contribute to economic development.
3. Online Courses:
The growing demand for skilled professionals across industries globally, underscores the importance of vocational education. This model of learning aligns directly with workforce needs, producing job-ready graduates who contribute to economic development.
4. Self-study:
The growing demand for skilled professionals across industries globally, underscores the importance of vocational education. This model of learning aligns directly with workforce needs, producing job-ready graduates who contribute to economic development.
5. Internships
For instance, vocational training in logistics prepares individuals for careers in freight management, while IT-focused programs equip learners with sought-after digital skills. South Africa faces significant skills shortages in fields such as engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing—areas where vocational training can play a transformative role. By offering an alternative to traditional academic routes, vocational education provides diverse career opportunities and ensures industries have a steady pipeline of competent professionals.
Here’s what you need to get into IT:
Now that we know what education you need to get into IT, what about all the other requirements? Ultimately, education isn’t the be-all and end-all of landing your dream job. There are a few more requirements that you will need to get you further if you have them in your back pocket.
1. Experience
Many jobs are obtained based on experience alone. This is because experience shows an employer that you’ve gone through various situations that are relevant to the position they want to fill. While it may feel hard to land your first gig, there are a few routes you can take to get it. You could apply for internships, volunteer to work at a company for free, complete your own personal projects, or participate in coding challenges.
2. Continuous Learning
It almost feels ironic to talk about learning in a blog that denies obtaining a degree. However, IT is a career that is constantly evolving. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are evolving too. Staying up to date on the latest trends, new technologies, and industry practices is vital to stay relevant in this industry.
3. Problem-Solving Skills
Technology is all about solving problems and making the lives of consumers easier. Therefore, you’ll need to make sure you’re always on your toes and ready to provide innovative solutions to complex problems. These skills are highly valuable to employees so make sure to sharpen up your skills and look for common problem-solving techniques that can help you get ahead.
4. Soft skills
Many information technology roles throw various challenges at you on a daily basis. That’s why it’s important to make sure you brush up on your adaptability, teamwork skills, and conflict resolution skills.
IT Jobs that you can gain a certificate for:
In order to make your dream job a success it’s important to know what you’re aiming for. Luckily, there are a long string of IT jobs that don’t require a degree. Here’s a few to get you started:
1. Technical Support Specialist
Where would we be without support specialists? These computer wizards are responsible for troubleshooting computers as well as monitoring networks. Their services may be required in the office of the company they work for or are outsourced to companies that need their own IT support. Because of its practical nature and high demand, you aren’t required to have a fancy university degree. However, a certification can help you learn essential computer basics that will help you secure the bag.
2. Data Science Practitioner
Data is everywhere which makes it a goldmine for companies that are looking for customer insights. But this is a big task. That’s why data analysts require juniors to clean, organize and retrieve data. Once this is done a junior can assist in entering data into a database and processing data for customers. While you may not need a degree to get started you will need to know at least one coding language and how data differs in each industry.
3. Web developer or Web Designer
Interested in the world of marketing? Then websites are a great place to flaunt your creative skills. Web developers are needed in many different ways. A front-end developer creates the visual aspects of the website that the customers see. A backend developer focuses more on the workings behind the scenes and a full stack developer is a unicorn that can do both. There are many web developers these days that are completely self-taught. You’ll need to know about coding, databases, hosting, security practices, and more. That’s why taking a crash course may be beneficial to have all the knowledge you need at your fingertips.
4. IT Manager
Most business operations can’t run effectively without an exceptional leader behind the scenes. An IT manager is responsible for overseeing the technological processes of a business and making sure the IT staff are performing at their best. They will maintain the hardware and software of an organization and evaluate the company’s technological needs. As exciting as this career sounds, most IT managers are regarded as senior positions. Therefore, you will need to build up at least five years of experience to qualify. While you won’t need a degree, essential knowledge in technology can aid in building a rewarding career.
5. Computer Programmer
Due to its practical nature, coding can be a skill that is easily self-taught. Programmers are responsible for using different types of computer languages to write, update and troubleshoot programmes. Other duties include developing computer infrastructure, debugging code, and maintaining operating systems. A career in programming can be a long and rewarding one, granted you take the time to learn the right skills.
6. Interactive Media (Multimedia Marketing Specialist)
If you don’t have the will to take on the practical nature of coding, then content creation may be an attractive alternative. Everyday brands are trying desperately to grab the attention of their customers. As a content creator, you become a part of that mission by creating content that customers love. This can take on many forms, be it YouTube videos, blog posts, or podcasts. There are many avenues to explore.
How to prepare for an interview when you don’t have a degree:
An interview can be a daunting task under normal circumstances but when you don’t have a degree to back you up it can feel downright terrifying. Fortunately, many have ventured to where you’ve been before. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when entering an interview without a degree:
1. Focus on your skills and experience
When it all boils down to it, employers just want to hire someone that can perform a desired task effectively. That’s why it’s important to emphasize that you have the right knowledge to get the job done. Prepare examples of hands-on experience you have performed, personal projects you’ve worked on, and coding challenges you’ve completed. Just make sure to highlight your technical abilities and how you’ve managed to apply them to real work situations.
2. Appear confident
Unfortunately, an employer isn’t going to believe in you if you don’t do it first. Talking with conviction, holding the right body posture, and talking clearly convey that you believe in your skills and abilities. Make a point of focusing on what you can bring to the table rather than what you lack.
3. Prepare for questions
Like any job interview, you are going to be bombarded with technical and behavioural questions. Often the employer wants to know if you do in fact have the right knowledge and how you will use it in certain, potentially stressful, situations. Make sure that you are prepared for any questions they may throw your way. Revise procedures, hardware, solutions, and technical terms in preparation.
4. Advertise your soft skills
Where your skills may lack, your character can shine. Employees often favour employees that show eagerness and possess personal skills that will make them an asset regardless of practical skills. This includes qualities such as effective communication, collaboration with others, leadership and initiative, adaptability, conflict resolution, and time management. To effectively sell these skills make sure to give solid examples of situations where you let your soft skills shine.
5. Demonstrate your learning attitude
Showing a willingness to grow indicates that you can be an asset to the company now and in the future. Developing new skills means that you can shift to positions where they are needed, adapt to new technologies, and take on new tasks. In order to prove this ability, talk about the certifications you have already completed and what they have taught you. Add emphasis to how you have used this new knowledge in real-life situations.
Next Steps:
We offer QCTO qualifications, accredited learnerships, soft skills workshops, short courses, and online training solutions. Reach out to one of our representatives today to find out which training intervention is best suited to your skills gap needs. We can assist you with what the best approach is to improve BBBEE points, tax incentives, and various other benefits for your Skills Development efforts. Reach out by visiting the link here.