Is experience more important, when it comes to C++ and coding?

My husband has been a C++ programmer, he also knows linux, SQL, Java, running a pc virtual machine, pretty much everything there is to know about computers, this guy knows it. hes self taught, and is thinking about going to get his A.A, problem is, is spending 40 grand on a peice of paper worth it? is that what employers look for instead of his 5 years of experience and 13 years of coding? please tell me what you think.

Is experience more important, when it comes to C++ and coding?
His expirence seems flawless, and any employer will be looking for that. Allot of us out there have tons of knowlege about computers, but can't get jobs or careers, or even afford to go to college. His knowlege is very useful and he has several areas of expertiece. If he wants more, which most programmers, and coders do, then he should goto school and get it over with. He just might run into that certain employer that wants to see that $40,000.00 piece of paper. As long as he balances the thin line of Experience with education you can't go wrong.
Reply:I failed out of college and manage to keep getting jobs in the programming industry. If I can get into the interview, it's all downhill from there cause I know my stuff. Most places won't look at me though without it. It's there loss, although I will be getting my degree soon so I can increase my earning power and avoid being rejected by someone's bias against my lack of a degree.





The piece of paper really is worthless, most colleges don't even teach you enough to get out in the field programming, just the basics.
Reply:The "piece of paper" shows commitment, persistence and trainability. All good traits for a prospective employee. It shows an employer that someone was committed to a task and followed through.
Reply:Getting an associates degree in CS shouldn't cost that much. I got a 4 year degree (in Oklahoma) and my TOTAL tuition cost was $16,000.





Experience is gold, but a degree can get you in the door so that people will let you show off that experience.





Could he do online courses or get mondo-certifications: A+, C++, etc? A bunch of accrediations might also open doors.
Reply:As an alternative to a degree, he could instead take standardized tests offered by IEEE and similar professional organizations to get certified.





If he has only his experience, most software development forms won't be interested unless he can demonstrate his skills first.
Reply:Experience in the IT/computer programming field is very important. Almost every employer is looking for at the very least 1yr experience but usually they want 5+ years. Some companies will hire somone that has the equivilent amount of experince to a 4 year degree. It really depends on the employer.





Before he goes to get a degree, get on monster.com, carreerbuilder.com and look for programming jobs, apply to a few even if they are asking for a BS in computer science. You may also want to contact a potential employeer and ask if they except years of experience in leu of a degree.





Good luck!
Reply:Experience is important and it shows the difference between senior developers and junior developers. However, nowadays certification is the most important thing for the employer. Certification is like a proof of skill and expertise.