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IN TODAYS EMAIL:

• Certifications or Degrees: Choose Wisely

• Networking Is Dead: Why No One Wants to Be a Network Engineer—And Why That’s Your Opportunity

ADVICE AND TIPS:

Certifications or Degrees: Choose Wisely

For as long as I can remember.

The question of should I get a certification or degree as always been a big discussion. In my eyes it all depends on your goals and which is best for you. Below, I list some of the big differences between the two.

Those differences in my opinion it comes down to time & cost investment, job market & employer preference, and career flexibility & ROI.

Reply to this email and let me know your thoughts!

Time & Cost Investment

Both certifications and degrees require an investment, but in different ways.

Certifications can be earned in weeks or months, making them a quicker way to gain job-ready skills. They also tend to be more affordable, with many costing a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Degrees, on the other hand, take years to complete and can be expensive, but they provide a well-rounded education and a recognized credential that can open doors.

The choice depends on your budget, timeline, and career goals.

Job Market & Employer Preference

Employers value both certifications and degrees, but their preference depends on the role.

Certifications prove hands-on skills and are highly respected in fields like networking, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Degrees can be a requirement for certain jobs, especially those in management, research, or software engineering, where a broader foundation is needed. While some companies lean toward experience and certs, others still require a degree as a baseline.

I have had friends from both sides of the fence get a job in this industry.

The best approach is to research your target job and see what employers are asking for.

Career Flexibility & ROI

Both paths can lead to success, but they offer different kinds of flexibility.

Certifications allow for quicker career shifts, making them great for those looking to enter IT or specialize in a new field. A degree may take longer but can provide long-term stability and open opportunities in leadership or higher-level technical roles. Many professionals choose a mix of both to stay competitive and maximize their options.

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your career vision and personal situation.

NETWORKING IS DEAD:

Why No One Wants to Be a Network Engineer - And Why That’s Your Opportunity

Is networking really dead? In today’s episode, I break down why so many people are avoiding network engineering, the common misconceptions about the field, and why this actually creates a huge opportunity for those willing to evolve.

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The cons of being a network engineer (office vs. remote work, high stress, and hands-on responsibilities)

✅ The misconceptions (low pay, cloud replacing networking, AI making it obsolete)

✅ The opportunity (less competition, higher demand, and how to future-proof your skills)

💡 How to Stay Ahead in Networking:

📌 Learn automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform)

📌 Get into cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

 📌 Understand SD-WAN and network security

See you next week

-Mike