Massa you couldn’t be more wrong yourself…
Yes programmers are harder to find so I agree with you on that.
As far as certifications go… Most IT jobs couldn’t give 2 shits about college etc…
but lets do this scenario
I just finsihed my first year at a real IT job, and am applying to a new company, your applying tot he same company but have a couple more years than I do… I have my MCSE and CCNA… chances are Ill get the job over you
A lot of places the first question they ask is did you get your H.S. Diploma/GED and what certifications you have.
Yes someone without certifications and a few years of experience will be okay in the IT field as you have experience and references to back up your knowledge, but someone with certifications will tower over you. I have talked to many employers and many state workers and they all want certifications, if you dotn have any and you but you still have the experiance they will send you to get your certifications as it looks good to have someone with them in the company.
but as far as job security in the IT Field… don’t coutn on it… MVP just got rid of 90% of their IT guys to hire newer people at half the wages they were paying the previous people… something to think about.