I totally agree with you.. I would also add one thing...

Personality.... I am only 19 and only have 1 sheet of paper to my name, my high school diploma. I would like to tell you the story of how I got here(network sys admin of a local law firm)

While an intern at a local corporation I was asked to go full time, however company policy stated they must first offer the job to everyone internally. No problem right? Wrong. A girl who recently graduated with a CS degree and is a certified CCNA applied.

We were both given similar interviews with 3 individuals... In the end I received the job doing LAN Support.. At the end of my stay at the corporation, I asked the three interviewers why I received the job as I didn't have a degree, certification or as much experience as her. They all stated that my personality was the #1 reason why I was picked... She was a soft spoken, girl with an attitude problem... Me while still being quite cocky, (no ones perfect! =p ) was the opposite.

I personally do not agree with certs, but I would also like to say that no 1 thing gets you the job.

personality + continuing education ( doesn't have to be formal) + experience is what I think gets a person a job.. This is only my experience, I may be 150% wrong but ... =) I thought I would share. Have a nice day all.

-DC0

PS. I would also like to thank Z & J for guiding me (not teaching me) how to be a true IT professional


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