Thinking about changing careers and moving into IT

[Doublebase]

What certifications are a good starting point to get? Time is very limited right now with a toddler and another baby on the way. So if I did take courses they would most likely have to be on-line. I know we have a few IT professionals here. What are your guys thoughts? Thanks.

 

[maniclion]

If you have the money buy some study guides for Certs and just cram your ass off then take the tests....it's expensive. Look into an 18 month AAS degree maybe....I learned quick that IT is shit because if you don't have a high degree and a bunch of Certs then you are expendable when money gets tight. I graduated first in my AAS program, had a nice job lined up at a real estate management co. and then 9/11 hit and they decided to trim the IT dept. I went and so did their database admin....Luckily the electronics skills I got in the AAS program transferred to Photovoltaics and I got a sweet job in renewable energy.....

 

[Doublebase]

If you have the money buy some study guides for Certs and just cram your ass off then take the tests....it's expensive. Look into an 18 month AAS degree maybe....I learned quick that IT is shit because if you don't have a high degree and a bunch of Certs then you are expendable when money gets tight. I graduated first in my AAS program, had a nice job lined up at a real estate management co. and then 9/11 hit and they decided to trim the IT dept. I went and so did their database admin....Luckily the electronics skills I got in the AAS program transferred to Photovoltaics and I got a sweet job in renewable energy.....

Yeah I hear yuh. Wish I could get into a place and have them pay for the schooling.

 

[min0 lee]

You have to look 10 or more years down the road if this is something you want to do and if it's still worth it.

 

[Big Pimpin]

My brother was always PC savvy and back during his sophomore year of college he said screw college and did A+, Net+ and MCSE courses/certs and hired on with a locally owned but rather large insurance wholesaler as a 1st line tech support guy for $30K/yr (2001).

Through OJT and attrition, he's now head of the IT dept and I think his title is Senior Systems Admin or something like that. His company's scheduled work week is 35 hrs (though he works early/late when stuff goes down), he works 5 miles from home, spends $550,000/yr on avg with CDW and he usually gets to hop on the Hawker 800XP the few times he has to visit out of state branches. He's 30yo and made $80K plus bonus last year.

That said, there's nothing he hates more than a kid fresh out of college with a 4 year IT degree because they think they know everything but have zero practical experience. He has said over and over it's all about experience.

 

[cappo5150]

What area of IT you looking to get into? Security, web development, virtualization?

 

[min0 lee]

Future Job Outlook IT Professionals: Bad News

 

[danzik17]

What certifications are a good starting point to get? Time is very limited right now with a toddler and another baby on the way. So if I did take courses they would most likely have to be on-line. I know we have a few IT professionals here. What are your guys thoughts? Thanks.

"IT" is a very, very broad statement.

Are you looking to do Helpdesk? Linux/Unix Systems Administration? Windows Administration? Network Engineering? Security Assurance / Engineering?

You get the point, but the answer to your question heavily depends on what you're interested in.

 

[Doublebase]

I was thinking help desk style. Work about a company and be the guy who fixes computer problems and network issues. I'm 29 now. I have an associates in electronic engineering. I was a bench tech for 3.5 years. I now have been working in "live television" for the last 6+ years. I specialize in RF (radio frequency). I'm really good with computers. I can go all the way back to DOS. I play around a lot with my home network. I can flash wireless routers to change their frequency, make them output more power, etc. I have a vizio drawing of my home network that I brag about. Kinda qualifies me as a bit of geek. So I should be just right for IT

 

[danzik17]

An A+ or CCNA might help, but quite honestly just the ability to demonstrate that you have adequate knowledge should be more than enough for that kind of position.

You're located in Philly - you looking around there or willing to move?

 

[Doublebase]

An A+ or CCNA might help, but quite honestly just the ability to demonstrate that you have adequate knowledge should be more than enough for that kind of position.

You're located in Philly - you looking around there or willing to move?

Has to be around here. I have been driving an hour each way every day for close to 5 years now. Another reason why I am looking. I researched the A+ cert. Looks like a lot of time. 500 hours of field or lab experience. Like you said, demonstration of knowledge should be enough. As someone stated above, you learn on the job. Experience is everything.

 

[danzik17]

Has to be around here. I have been driving an hour each way every day for close to 5 years now. Another reason why I am looking. I researched the A+ cert. Looks like a lot of time. 500 hours of field or lab experience. Like you said, demonstration of knowledge should be enough. As someone stated above, you learn on the job. Experience is everything.

Nah that's just suggested time. It's not that hard of an exam. Neither is the CCNA actually, though you'll need to spend some time setting up router/switch emulators.

 

[Doublebase]

Nah that's just suggested time. It's not that hard of an exam. Neither is the CCNA actually, though you'll need to spend some time setting up router/switch emulators.

So do you just buy a book on-line and then when you are think you are ready, spend the money and take the exam? Or do you have to go to mandatory classes and log lab hours?

 

[danzik17]

So do you just buy a book on-line and then when you are think you are ready, spend the money and take the exam? Or do you have to go to mandatory classes and log lab hours?

No mandatory classes as far as I know, you take it when you feel you're ready. Have you tried applying anywhere yet for a job? What feedback have you gotten if you have?

 

[Doublebase]

No mandatory classes as far as I know, you take it when you feel you're ready. Have you tried applying anywhere yet for a job? What feedback have you gotten if you have?

No I haven't tried that yet. That sounds like a good idea though. I just started thinking about this a week ago.

 

[danzik17]

Yup, just start applying to a few places and see what (if anything) they say you lack, then you have something specific to work on.

Can always ask questions if needed.

 

[maniclion]

A+ was a must back when I was looking for a job in 2002 for even the most basic Help Desk position...

 

[BIGBLUECHEVELLE]

My best friend has a 4 year degree he is making good money 85K with bonus comes in about 100K he works for a trading company in Chicago. He is probably the person that knows the most about computers/technology that i have ever met in my entire life. If you got the time and learn your stuff I believe its worth it.