Hi there everyone, I was asked lately is it worth completing an IT Degree?
That’s a very valid concern, and you’re not alone in feeling this way. The tech job market can seem oversaturated, especially when you hear about hundreds or even thousands of applications for one position. However, whether completing an IT degree is “worth it” depends on your goals, how you approach the degree, and what you do alongside it.
Here’s a realistic breakdown:
✅ Why an IT Degree Can Still Be Worth It
- Baseline Requirement for Many Jobs
Many employers use degrees as a filter. Without one, you may be excluded from even being considered, especially at large companies or for roles in enterprise environments. - Foundation of Knowledge
A degree gives you structured exposure to computer science principles, networking, cybersecurity, databases, algorithms, etc. This broad base is very hard to replicate purely through online self-teaching. - Access to Internships and Networking
Universities often have relationships with industry partners and offer job fairs, internships, or work-integrated learning programs that can help you break in — often bypassing the 1,500-applicant black hole. - Pathway to Specializations
Fields like AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or data science are often easier to enter if you have a degree (and especially a strong academic project or research focus in that area).
❌ Where the Degree Alone Falls Short
- Job Market Saturation
You’re absolutely right: entry-level IT jobs, especially generalist ones (e.g. helpdesk, junior developer), are flooded with applicants. - Outdated Curriculum
Some degrees still teach outdated tech stacks or theory-heavy content with little real-world application. Employers often want you to know frameworks, languages, and tools used in their environments. - No Real-World Projects = Low Job Readiness
If you don’t build a portfolio, contribute to open source, or get internships, you’ll likely graduate with a degree but no practical experience — and that’s a big issue.
🔑 How to Make the Degree Truly Worth It
- Start Projects Early: Build your own apps, websites, or tools. Even simple ones show initiative.
- Internships/Part-Time Work: Get any work in tech while studying — even unpaid if needed.
- Certifications: Supplement your degree with in-demand certs (e.g., AWS, CompTIA, Google IT Support).
- Network: Go to meetups, tech conferences, hackathons. Many jobs are landed through people, not portals.
- Choose In-Demand Specializations: Consider cybersecurity, cloud, AI/ML, DevOps — less saturated and growing.
🧭 So, Final Thoughts:
🎯 Yes, the degree is worth it — but only if it’s part of a bigger plan.
If you passively go through the motions, you’ll likely be one of many grads struggling for a job. But if you use the degree strategically — gaining experience, building projects, and growing your network — it can absolutely open doors, even in a crowded market.
Would you like help mapping out a strategy to stand out while doing your degree? contact us
