In 250 words or more, answer the following,

For the past several years employers have started to give a lot of weight to applicants who not only have a degree, but who also possess one or more IT certifications. Engage in research on the Internet and discuss whether you feel having both a degree and certification(s), or just one but not both, can affect your career in technology.  Examine some online job boards such as Dice.com, Monster.com, and your local newspaper/want ads to determine the nature of IT certification needs for IT positions in the want ads.  Report your findings.  Based on your research, what are some examples of IT certifications that you might wish to pursue?