Formal education is important in IT, but it is not the only factor that determines success in the field. There are many self-taught IT professionals who are highly successful, and there are also many people with formal IT degrees who struggle to find jobs.

That said, formal education can provide a number of benefits for those who want to work in IT. Here are some of the advantages of formal IT education:

• A strong foundation in the fundamentals of IT. A formal IT education will give you a solid foundation in the core concepts of IT, such as networking, programming, and system administration. This knowledge will be essential for understanding the technologies that you will be working with in your career.
• The ability to learn new technologies quickly. The IT field is constantly changing, so it is important to be able to learn new technologies quickly. A formal IT education will teach you how to learn effectively, so that you can keep up with the latest trends.
• The ability to think critically and solve problems. IT professionals need to be able to think critically and solve problems. A formal IT education will teach you how to do this, and it will also give you the opportunity to develop your problem-solving skills through hands-on projects.
• The opportunity to network with other IT professionals. A formal IT education will give you the opportunity to network with other IT professionals. This can be invaluable for finding jobs, getting advice, and staying up-to-date on the latest trends.

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to formal IT education. Here are a few of the drawbacks to consider:

• It can be expensive. The cost of a formal IT education can be a barrier for some people.
• It can take time. A formal IT education can take several years to complete.
• It can be challenging. Formal IT education can be challenging, especially for those who are not naturally gifted in math or science.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue formal IT education is a personal one. There are many factors to consider, such as your financial situation, your learning style, and your career goals. If you are considering a career in IT, I recommend that you weigh the pros and cons of formal education carefully before making a decision.