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Do you need a BS in CS to land job?

3 points by nlweb ↗ HN
I began working for my fathers computer business when I was 8 years old. I started by working in the shop building computers after school and on weekends. Since then I have grown to a lot more responsibilities running the shop. I am 26 and I have been selling service contracts, setting up networks(2-100+ computers), Server 2000/2003/2008 with Active Directory Domains, MSSQL Management, and design internal network apps in PHP and Python (around 20+ satisfied customers using apps), along with the general computer repair tasks. (Virus removal, upgrades, network security, etc...)

My question to the gurus in the biz, even though I skipped college but still have certifications, would I still be able to get a job in IT at a small to large company without a BS in computer science if things went sour? Everything I see online says a BS is a must. However we have had people working for us who have MORE than that, who I have had to train myself.

Footnote in case: I am MSCE, MCSA, A+, Network+, Security+, and Linux+ certified.

6 comments

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asdlfkk
No, but you do need to be able to use the indefinite article.
nlweb
I just thought listing them out like that would save valuable reading space. I don't want to bore anyone.
unimpressive
Even if you don't, you should still study and improve your theoretical understanding as though you do.
atomical
I've met a lot of people who have non-CS degrees in the industry. I have a non-CS degree. Can you actually do the work? That's the question a lot of employers will want to know the answer to.
falko_
I'm a self taught programmer without a college degree. I have released some apps on the android market and done some freelance work. From my experiences, yes, yes you do. I have applied to countless programming jobs over the last two years and I can't make it past the filters. On the rare occasion that I do, the vast majority of the interview is focused around the interviewer grilling me on why I don't have the all important degree.
viraptor
If you're very good at what you're doing, then no. You don't need one. It will be harder to get an interview, but not impossible.