No Degree yet, but planning to get CompTIA Sec+ & Net+ this year. Will these certs land me an entry-level IT job.

Good morning everyone,

I’m looking for some honest advice from the Ghanaian tech community or anyone who has been in a similar position.

I don’t have a university degree yet (planning to start next year), but I have a strong interest in cybersecurity and IT infrastructure. I’ve set a goal to study hard and write the CompTIA Security+ and possibly the Network+ exams before the middle of this year. I have started learning for both

My goal is to get an entry-level role (maybe IT Support, NOC Technician, or Junior Security Analyst) early next year before I begin my degree.

For those working in IT in Ghana (Accra, Tema, Kumasi, etc.):

1. The Reality Check: If I ace these two certifications (Sec+ and Net+) but have no degree yet, will local employers actually look at my CV? Or will HR filter me out immediately because of the degree requirement?

2. The Value: How much weight do CompTIA certs carry in the Ghanaian job market compared to something like a Cisco CCNA?

3. The Gap: Is it realistic to go straight into Security+ without a degree or work experience, or should I definitely do Network+ first to build the foundation?

I am willing to start from the very bottom (help desk) just to get my foot in the door and get that local experience. Any advice on specific companies that hire based on skill/certs rather than just paper qualifications would be a huge help.

Thanks in advance!