IT Professionals Please Help

EternalEnigma21 · 10-17-2007, 12:27 PM

Allright,

I'm looking to further my education and break into the IT field. I've spoken briefly (actually exchanged msgs) with a friend of mine, but still need some advice...

1) I don't have an idea of a career path.

2) Where do I learn?

I know there are a few places that offer things like Linux and MCSE programs that you can take, but what I need to do is find something extremely flexible, with being a father of 2, working nights and having a wife in real estate whos schedule is not set...

I also have to take into consideration cost. I will be paying upfront, as I do not want to take out a student loan.

Are there any fields I could "break into" rather cheaply that may offer the opportunity for further training and career advancement?

Please make reccomendations, guys and gals... THANKS!

MTK · 10-17-2007, 12:43 PM

I'm interested in hearing more about the IT field too.

I briefly looked into it but I found that the programs aren't any cheaper than traditional college courses.

Southpaw · 10-17-2007, 12:47 PM

Just about everything IT related is expensive when it comes to formal education. Usually in the 20K + range for a full complement of classes.

If you're going the Microsoft certification route, you can save yourself a ton of money by just buying the books and studying your ass off. I have an uncle that did it with no prior IT knowledge, so it is possible, but you have to be willing to put in a LOT of study time. And you can also take practice tests so that you don't go into the official test, not knowing what to expect.

jdlea · 10-17-2007, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southpaw

Just about everything IT related is expensive when it comes to formal education. Usually in the 20K + range for a full complement of classes.

If you're going the Microsoft certification route, you can save yourself a ton of money by just buying the books and studying your ass off. I have an uncle that did it with no prior IT knowledge, so it is possible, but you have to be willing to put in a LOT of study time. And you can also take practice tests so that you don't go into the official test, not knowing what to expect.

Yeah, you're definitely going to have to put a ton of time in if you don't want to take the class. Also, I would recommend starting with an "easier" certification if you're unfamiliar with the IT field. I recommend A+. It doesn't mean much to have, but it can get you an entry level job as an IT guy while you work toward learning more and getting more experience and certifications. I would say that A+ is a good way to go early. It will definitely help you get a desktop support type job.

TheMalcolmConnection · 10-17-2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdlea

Yeah, you're definitely going to have to put a ton of time in if you don't want to take the class. Also, I would recommend starting with an "easier" certification if you're unfamiliar with the IT field. I recommend A+. It doesn't mean much to have, but it can get you an entry level job as an IT guy while you work toward learning more and getting more experience and certifications. I would say that A+ is a good way to go early. It will definitely help you get a desktop support type job.

Most definitely. If you know just a basic amount about computers, a little studying will make this certification almost automatic.

cpayne5 · 10-17-2007, 12:52 PM

Take some IT classes somewhere. If you're still in Warrenton, check out GMU's Prince William campus, canthetuna. The entire IT department is located there now.

Take enough classes to where you feel like you know something. Databases, Java, MS/Linux admin, etc etc.

Apply for an entry level job that will sponsor you for a clearance. Once you have a clearance (and experience) in this area, you're set.

FWIW, I tend to value experience over certifications, when I'm looking at a resume.

Southpaw · 10-17-2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpayne5

FWIW, I tend to value experience over certifications, when I'm looking at a resume.

I wish more employers had your attitude. I've been trying to get a government contract position for years now, and since my degree is incomplete, I rarely get to the interview stage. Apparently the piece of paper is more important than my ten years of database experience.

jamf · 10-17-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southpaw

I wish more employers had your attitude. I've been trying to get a government contract position for years now, and since my degree is incomplete, I rarely get to the interview stage. Apparently the piece of paper is more important than my ten years of database experience.

I have the piece of paper and when I went to interviews, they said I needed experience!

Is there any particular area of IT you are interested in?

I have alot of the certification books in PDF format, Let me know what areas and I will send you what I have. If you need a specific book, I will try to find it for you.

I would read up on the basics:
IP addressing( Binary code, IPV4, ip address, subnet, gateway...)
OSI Model
Basic routing
and other stuff like that.

I work for a small networking company that sells and installs new and refurbished networking equipment. I design and Install networks for small to medium size companies. While I have no idea what to recommend on the client side, I know that IP telephony, IPS, and Storage are booming right now.

724Skinsfan · 10-17-2007, 02:44 PM

Most of the installation and setup type of work, in my experience, involves traveling. If you need family flex time, my suggestion is to learn software applications like Java or SQL. Database administration is always a good hot job.

I wanted more time with my family so I started a job recently working for the school system as a pc tech. Pay's not as good as it is in the public sector but I like the benefits and flexible hours.

TheMalcolmConnection · 10-17-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpayne5

Take some IT classes somewhere. If you're still in Warrenton, check out GMU's Prince William campus, canthetuna. The entire IT department is located there now.

Take enough classes to where you feel like you know something. Databases, Java, MS/Linux admin, etc etc.

Apply for an entry level job that will sponsor you for a clearance. Once you have a clearance (and experience) in this area, you're set.

FWIW, I tend to value experience over certifications, when I'm looking at a resume.

This is the most important thing. If you're a hard worker and a quick learner, you'll rise up quicker than you think.

TheMalcolmConnection · 10-17-2007, 02:39 PM

To be honest, if you're good with technology, just find a place to get your foot in the door, even part-time. Like cpayne said, nothing replaces experience.

My degree is in Graphic Design, but I do IT for a living. I had an interest in college, and basically got the job I currently have from learning on the part-time job that I got here. If you can find a place that'll let you learn, a lot of them will pay for certifications. Pretty much where I am, the University has paid for me to get a number of certifications and I only learn more every day.

skinsguy · 10-17-2007, 02:46 PM

I work in the IT field as a software specialist/programmer. I don't care where you go or how much experience you may have initially, you're going to start at entry level...at least 9 times out of 10...UNLESS you "know" somebody. The real money comes into play after you have reached a senior level...such as senior programming. That takes a few years to reach, unless you're really, really good! Also, with my experience, I can tell you that 90% of what you learn to do on the job comes from the job itself. The "book" training helps, but never really, fully, prepares you for the career.

My advice to you is if you're unsure about which area of IT to go into, then just look into an overall Computer information systems degree. Don't worry about shelling out money on certifications up front, because most places are going to want you to have on the job experience first and foremost!

This is a very wild range field. It's also a crap shoot. You might focus your study in Windows operating systems, just to find out the the majority of IT positions in your area deal with Linux or Unix mainframes....or the other way around. Get your general IT degree first, and land an entry level position...even if it's just a help desk position. Networking and programming are usually the two most popular choices in IT.

TheMalcolmConnection · 10-17-2007, 02:54 PM

Definitely. I'm not going to get into detailed salary crap, but I'm in a small town in Virginia and make well over 40+ at 25 just doing normal desktop support.

TheMalcolmConnection · 10-17-2007, 02:55 PM

Just in my opinion, desktop support (especially if you get in with a higher ed type place) lets you walk around a lot during the day and you get SCADS of free time (hence the reason I have all the posts I do).

EternalEnigma21 · 10-17-2007, 03:23 PM

how do you get into desktop support?

10-17-2007, 12:27 PM	#1
EternalEnigma21 Assistant Regional Mod Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Carbondale CO Age: 44 Posts: 2,958	IT Professionals Please Help Allright, I'm looking to further my education and break into the IT field. I've spoken briefly (actually exchanged msgs) with a friend of mine, but still need some advice... 1) I don't have an idea of a career path. 2) Where do I learn? I know there are a few places that offer things like Linux and MCSE programs that you can take, but what I need to do is find something extremely flexible, with being a father of 2, working nights and having a wife in real estate whos schedule is not set... I also have to take into consideration cost. I will be paying upfront, as I do not want to take out a student loan. Are there any fields I could "break into" rather cheaply that may offer the opportunity for further training and career advancement? Please make reccomendations, guys and gals... THANKS! __________________ I am the brute squad.

10-17-2007, 12:43 PM	#2
MTK \m/ Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NY Age: 51 Posts: 99,411	Re: IT Professionals Please Help I'm interested in hearing more about the IT field too. I briefly looked into it but I found that the programs aren't any cheaper than traditional college courses. __________________ Support The Warpath! \| Warpath Shop

10-17-2007, 12:47 PM	#3
Southpaw The Starter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: So. MD Age: 46 Posts: 1,319	Re: IT Professionals Please Help Just about everything IT related is expensive when it comes to formal education. Usually in the 20K + range for a full complement of classes. If you're going the Microsoft certification route, you can save yourself a ton of money by just buying the books and studying your ass off. I have an uncle that did it with no prior IT knowledge, so it is possible, but you have to be willing to put in a LOT of study time. And you can also take practice tests so that you don't go into the official test, not knowing what to expect.

10-17-2007, 12:52 PM	#6
cpayne5 Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,807	Re: IT Professionals Please Help Take some IT classes somewhere. If you're still in Warrenton, check out GMU's Prince William campus, canthetuna. The entire IT department is located there now. Take enough classes to where you feel like you know something. Databases, Java, MS/Linux admin, etc etc. Apply for an entry level job that will sponsor you for a clearance. Once you have a clearance (and experience) in this area, you're set. FWIW, I tend to value experience over certifications, when I'm looking at a resume. __________________ "It's not about what you've done, but what's been done for you."

10-17-2007, 02:44 PM	#9
724Skinsfan Playmaker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 3,508	Re: IT Professionals Please Help Most of the installation and setup type of work, in my experience, involves traveling. If you need family flex time, my suggestion is to learn software applications like Java or SQL. Database administration is always a good hot job. I wanted more time with my family so I started a job recently working for the school system as a pc tech. Pay's not as good as it is in the public sector but I like the benefits and flexible hours. __________________ "I hope I'm getting better. I hope you haven't seen my best." - Jim Zorn

10-17-2007, 02:39 PM	#11
TheMalcolmConnection I like big (_\|_)s. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lexington, Virginia Age: 43 Posts: 19,225	Re: IT Professionals Please Help To be honest, if you're good with technology, just find a place to get your foot in the door, even part-time. Like cpayne said, nothing replaces experience. My degree is in Graphic Design, but I do IT for a living. I had an interest in college, and basically got the job I currently have from learning on the part-time job that I got here. If you can find a place that'll let you learn, a lot of them will pay for certifications. Pretty much where I am, the University has paid for me to get a number of certifications and I only learn more every day. __________________ Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

10-17-2007, 02:46 PM	#12
skinsguy Pro Bowl Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Posts: 6,766	Re: IT Professionals Please Help I work in the IT field as a software specialist/programmer. I don't care where you go or how much experience you may have initially, you're going to start at entry level...at least 9 times out of 10...UNLESS you "know" somebody. The real money comes into play after you have reached a senior level...such as senior programming. That takes a few years to reach, unless you're really, really good! Also, with my experience, I can tell you that 90% of what you learn to do on the job comes from the job itself. The "book" training helps, but never really, fully, prepares you for the career. My advice to you is if you're unsure about which area of IT to go into, then just look into an overall Computer information systems degree. Don't worry about shelling out money on certifications up front, because most places are going to want you to have on the job experience first and foremost! This is a very wild range field. It's also a crap shoot. You might focus your study in Windows operating systems, just to find out the the majority of IT positions in your area deal with Linux or Unix mainframes....or the other way around. Get your general IT degree first, and land an entry level position...even if it's just a help desk position. Networking and programming are usually the two most popular choices in IT. __________________ "Fire Up That Diesel!"

10-17-2007, 02:54 PM	#13
TheMalcolmConnection I like big (_\|_)s. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lexington, Virginia Age: 43 Posts: 19,225	Re: IT Professionals Please Help Definitely. I'm not going to get into detailed salary crap, but I'm in a small town in Virginia and make well over 40+ at 25 just doing normal desktop support. __________________ Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

10-17-2007, 02:55 PM	#14
TheMalcolmConnection I like big (_\|_)s. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lexington, Virginia Age: 43 Posts: 19,225	Re: IT Professionals Please Help Just in my opinion, desktop support (especially if you get in with a higher ed type place) lets you walk around a lot during the day and you get SCADS of free time (hence the reason I have all the posts I do). __________________ Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

10-17-2007, 03:23 PM	#15
EternalEnigma21 Assistant Regional Mod Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Carbondale CO Age: 44 Posts: 2,958	Re: IT Professionals Please Help how do you get into desktop support? __________________ I am the brute squad.

IT Professionals Please Help

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