Trade school vs bachelor's degree for IT jobs: which is better?

I'm interested in a career in IT, but I'm torn between attending a trade school and going for a bachelor's degree. For IT jobs, what are the main differences in job opportunities and salary prospects between the two paths?

Both trade school and a Bachelor's degree can lead to rewarding careers in IT, but they offer different experiences that may be better suited to different individual's needs and aspirations. Let's look at each path separately to help you make an informed decision.

Trade Schools:

Trade schools or vocational schools tend to offer focused programs specifically aimed at preparing students for a specific job or trade. If you're interested in a particular aspect of IT, such as network administration or cybersecurity, a trade school might go in-depth into that particular area faster than a traditional degree program. The courses are generally shorter (often 2 years or less), allowing you to enter the workforce quicker. A downsizing to this path could be the potential limitations in employability and advancement, particularly in larger organizations or roles that require managerial skills, which are often fostered in degree programs.

Bachelor's Degree:

A Bachelor's degree in IT or a related field like computer science often provides a more broad-based education. The curriculum typically includes a mix of general education requirements and major-specific coursework. This exposure to a diverse range of subjects may help develop analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, which can be valuable in any job. These programs usually take 4 years to complete, which is longer than most trade school programs.

In terms of job opportunities, some organizations, particularly larger and more traditional ones, may prefer or even require applicants to have a bachelor's degree. This may result in more job opportunities and potentially higher salary prospects for those with degrees compared to those without.

However, remember that the IT field is renowned for valuing skills and experience as much as, if not more than, formal education. Certifications (such as CompTIA, Cisco, AWS, etc.) are also heavily valued in the IT industry, and may matter more for certain roles than whether your education came from a trade school or a university.

In conclusion, neither path is inherently "better" than the other — it largely depends on your specific career goals, your preferred learning environment, and the amount of time and money you're willing to invest in your education.