How important is a degree to get a decent career in IT? Also must you be certified in all the languages?

I can also speak only for myself, in England, but I have nothing more than GCSEs and I've worked for some of the biggest names in technology and IT services. Now I'm running my own development business, and all with no formal education beyond the age of 16.

Having said that, don't do what I did. I hate how hard its been at times, and university would have probably given me a lot more insight into development a lot more quickly.

Degree is fucking useless unless you wanna become a researcher or a code slave

🖕 degree

If you can get yourself a degree, go for it

@Hu-bot0x58 well I've never been really good in school, so my gpa is low, I'm doing my first semester at university after 10 years off from school. Most classes i struggle wjth except the coding classes i have all As, but I worry my gpa from the other classee will hurt my job chances in the future. Although I've been told a degree is not what many tech companies look for, but it doesn't hurt.

@monr0e how long did it take you to get there?

First of all, you need to understand that there’s a big difference between Computer Science and Programming. Companies pay high $$$ for CS, not programming.
In my opinion, what I learned in one year in College would take me at least 3 years on my own. And colleges teach you Computer Science (which data structures to use, which algorithms to implement, assembly coding).
So, if you get in to a good CS college, definitely take the chance.

@lmute at least twice the time. I'm still broke as shit too

I would actually agree with @jmann

I just have a two-year degree, and not in anything related to IT. After fourteen years in IT I earn in the six digits USD. Having said that, as @iZeroCool noted, a CS degree is helpful, especially if you are in the Corporate world and want to break into management. For myself, I'm content bring a well paid grunt, and not really interested in the politics of management. Also, I spent my first ten years prior to IT doing other more menial things, like aircraft maintenance.

@Jmann that was a great response, true insight! Thanks man

Sorry to hijack this thread

But @AlexDeLarge if you don't mind could you tell me, what's up with the recent increase of tech jobs in Germany (specially the ones sponsoring visa, is it because of whole silicone valley of Europe thing ?)

And are they any good ?
Thinking of moving out my country and currently looking for a good place to go

I have yet to see a job offer which doesn't list at least bachelor in IT or related field as requirement.

@PAKA that's what I noticed.

@iAmNaN well I am not so great at math so CS is not really an option for myself lol. But I will be majoring in IT getting my bachelor's

@iZeroCool what about IT, that's what I'm going for

@lmute I would say that college education for IT fields isn’t required as much as CS. You’re better off learning on your own.