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Do you need a college education for a career in Tech?

By Cornelius Lochipi January 10, 2024 8 Min Read

Introduction

A college degree is often a requirement mostly for entry-level careers, with companies demanding evidence of hard work, dedication, and growth. While some argue that a college education isn’t essential for a tech career, it remains a topic of considerable debate.

In this article, we aim to explore the significance of college education in the field of tech, and how you can actually get the best out of it.
Enough of it here, let’s actually get into why we think it is valuable to have a college degree for you to be at the top of the game in this world of Technology.

The Significance of a University Education in the Tech Industry
In this evolving world university education has great significance to individuals trying to build themselves in their careers in this field and should not be overstated. It offers a wide range of programs that are structured in semesters. The following are some of the benefits of a college education to individuals.

  • Skill development. The comprehensive curriculum offered by universities equips students with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, preparing them to tackle the complexities of the tech world. This is the foundation to help students develop their projects with these skills, whether you’re in software or hardware or maybe cloud skills.
  • Networking Opportunities. Oh yeah, this is one of the most significant in colleges or maybe universities, having to connect with other students, lecturers, and industry professionals. This networking can lead to many connections, job opportunities, and collaboration not to mention all, this will surely advance your milestone in this field of tech.
  • Research Opportunities. Higher institutions provide an environment for research and innovations where students can develop themselves, engaging in projects and research which in turn provides them with skills, critical thinking, and many more.
  • Industry Opportunities. A lot of companies offer many development programs to students to learn and develop themselves. To mention a few these are some of the programs:1

    Microsoft Learn student Ambassadors. This is a global community of students, a program offered by Microsoft that allows students to develop with them. To learn more about them you can check this link to know the benefits and how to become one here.
    Student Internships. Different companies offer students who are at school, either one year remaining to graduate with a chance to intern with them and develop their careers. This is a great opportunity while at school you can get while enrolled.

Research conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics revealed that companies continue to favor candidates with a solid educational foundation, often seeking individuals with degrees after campus about 87% have the highest chance to get a job after graduation, based on a study in 2010-2022.

Employment rates of 24-34 -years-old, by educational attainment: 2010 through 2022.

 

Tech Employment in the United States by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for tech-related jobs is projected to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030, further fueling the debate on the relevance of traditional education in this fast-paced industry.

Alternative paths you can navigate through and get into tech?

Although going through the university way can actually provide you with valuable skills and growth, is it not only the option to get into tech. Getting into tech can be so much easier for a determined individual with passion, and self-driven. Below are some of the ways you can get into tech.

  • Bootcamps. One of the popular ways to get into tech quickly, gain industry skills in a go, and within a specified period of your boot camp you’re a ready certified professional. Boot camps would enable you to gain experience in building real-world projects that solve problems in our day-to-day lives.

    Global Bootcamps: Some well-known global bootcamps include SpringboardFullstack AcademyCoding Dojo, and Career Foundry as listed by Forbes.
    Kenya Bootcamps: In Kenya, you have options like Moringa School and eMobilis. This bootcamps offers courses in software development and other useful digital skills.
  • Online resources. The best way to develop yourself is to learn by yourself and be self-motivated. The internet now has a lot of resources in every field and kind and open community developers who are ready to help.
    There are numerous online platforms where you can learn tech skills at your own pace. Some of these include:

    Coursera: Offers courses from universities and companies.
    Udemy: Provides a platform for experts of any kind to create courses that can be offered to the public.
    MIT Open Learning: Offers a variety of courses from MIT faculty.
    – LearnWorlds: An online platform that allows you to create, sell, and promote your own online courses.
  • Industry Experience. After completing a bootcamp, short course, or online course, gaining industry experience is crucial. This can be achieved through internships, volunteering, or entry-level jobs. Internships provide a platform for you to apply the skills you’ve learned and gain practical experience.
    They also offer networking opportunities that could lead to full-time employment.

With all that has been discussed, it is clear that formal education plays a significant role in shaping our careers in the field of technology. It provides the necessary foundation and skills that are essential for success in this rapidly evolving industry.
It equips individuals with the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise required to excel in technological professions, ultimately contributing to their personal and professional development.

What Next?

Now that you’re ready to embark on your dream career in the field of technology or if you’re encountering difficulties in securing a course at your preferred school, FourthProfile has a variety of services, it connects students and working individuals like you to colleges and universities across the globe.
FourthProfile offers a range of services to support individuals like you. Some of their services include:

  1. Expert Guidance: FourthProfile provides expert guidance and support to help you navigate the application and enrollment process, ensuring that you have all the necessary information and documentation to secure your spot in your preferred school and course.
  2. Application Assistance: Their team can assist you with the application process, including helping you craft compelling personal statements, essays, and resumes to enhance your chances of being accepted into your desired program.
  3. School Selection: FourthProfile offers valuable insights and advice on selecting the best schools and programs that align with your career aspirations, ensuring that you make informed decisions about your educational journey.

Last Words

Pursuing a career in technology can be a transformative experience in this era, you will be able to gain essential knowledge that is relevant to the industry, and you will be able to thrive in this dynamic field.

Leveraging the services offered by platforms like FourthProfile can help individuals navigate the complexities of the application process and secure a place in their desired schools and courses, thereby propelling them toward a successful career in technology.

You can check out our courses here and find out what suits best your aspirations and motivation.

The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.

Brian Herbert

Written By

Software Engineer | Technical Writer

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