Member Avatar for soccerrm1

Hi everyone!
My name is Rich and I am currently enrolled in a program at my local community college that will prepare me for the A+ cert, Net+ cert, and one other certification test. I am currently just a senior in high school (17 yrs old) and I am planning on going to college next year for CS. I was just wondering what some more experienced people in IT thought about my choice to pursue these certifications and maybe some insight about what to expect in a CS major.

Thanks,
Rich

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Good move thinking in terms of co-ops and credentials — they multiply each other when used well. As pointed out, real work experience is what employers remember; use certifications to get your foot in the door, then collect measurable contributions during each co-op. To ’s question about class-driven cert prep: if a course is focused on exam topics, add side projects that prove you can apply those skills in real situations.

Practical steps to maximize co-op placement and impact:

  • Build a small, public portfolio (2–4 repos) that show troubleshooting, automation, and version control. One repo should include a clear README and a short “impact” blurb you can put on a resume.
  • Learn one scripting language (Python or PowerShell), basic Linux/Windows admin tasks, virtualization, and Git. These are quick wins employers notice.
  • Prepare 3 concise stories that describe a problem, your action, and the result (with numbers where possible) — use these in interviews and on your co-op evaluations.

What to expect in a CS major and how to prepare:

  • Core CS classes emphasize algorithms, data structures, discrete math, operating systems, and software engineering. Emphasize understanding over memorizing: practice by building small systems and explaining tradeoffs.
  • Use co-ops to bridge theory and practice: try to own at least one small feature or automation during each placement and ask for code review exposure.

Further reading and tools:

Final note: treat certifications as a credibility boost, not an endpoint. Track what you learn, quantify impact from each role, and keep a simple portfolio that proves you can solve real problems.

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Member Avatar for Member #33065

I started off on the same path as you. Actually, after 3 years in traditional University I dropped out to consult as a network architect. I eventually got some certs which took me places. However, I went back got my BS in CS and eventually a MS in CS. The certs got me some great real-world experience that truly helped me in finishing my two degrees.

I highly urge anyone that is in a traditional University to get some internships over the summers to find out what it's really like developing real-world solutions to real business problems.

Certs are a good thing, however, they should never replace what you can learn on the job.

Andy

Member Avatar for soccerrm1

The main reason that I chose to dive into this certification program was because the college I am most likely to attend offers a 5 year program with 3, 6 month paid co-ops. So I figured if I went into college with a few certs, I'd get placed in a better co-op job and get some real meaningful work while in college. It seems to me, after looking through some of these forums, that work experience can be just as, or more important than certifications or even a degree.

Rich

Member Avatar for youtalk

Hi everyone!
My name is Rich and I am currently enrolled in a program at my local community college that will prepare me for the A+ cert, Net+ cert, and one other certification test.

Are you taking classes that teach you about these certs?

Member Avatar for soccerrm1

Are you taking classes that teach you about these certs?

yes, that what the classes are

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