I could use some input on which direction to take for securing a position in the IT field, particularly in networking.
I have enrolled in a community college to obtain a certificate in Cisco Router Networking. But I am having second thoughts and considering obtaining an associate degree in Network Administration.
I realize that it seems obvious to pursue the AAS degree, but I have a few concerns which I would appreciate being addressed.
The first concern is my age. At 40 years of age, the clock is ticking and I worry that an associate degree would take a little over 2 years to get into the IT workforce. A certificate is only 9 months of college. I need college experience because I don’t have any hands-on experience in enterprise networking. I am willing and able to obtain several CompTIA certifications in the future, once I have some hands-on experience in IT. In my opinion, any amount of college is worth the hands-on experience.
My second concern is my lack of a work history. I was fortunate enough to become a capital gains investor in my 20’s, and lived off of the returns for nearly 20 years. I acquired an inheritance in my 20’s and was under the delusion that the market would sustain my financial needs indefinitely. Well, we can all see what the stock market is doing right now. So I am motivated to enter the IT field. I do not have any educational experience beyond high school. So this is my first time enrolling in college.
I do have a fair amount of experience in computers and home networking, whcih I continue to enjoy learning. So I am interested and enthusiastic about the entire IT industry. I fully understand the the hard work and continuing education involved in staying in the IT industry.
Finally, the hardest part to discuss.
I have 2 felony convictions from 21 years ago. One was for sale of marijuana and the other was for auto burglary (man, was I stupid). I have done a background search on myself (through U.S. Search) and those convictions still come up.
Are those criminal convictions a complete deal breaker in becoming employed in the IT industry?
I would appreciate some feedback on the above issues, especially from Tech Republic members that may have overcome some of the issues I’ve written about. Also, if there are members that hire networking professionals, would you consider hiring a person with a limited work history and criminal convictions, provided that their college transcript indicated a high aptitude toward IT?
Hopefully, with a certificate in Cisco Router Networking or an associate degree in network administration, the issues I’ve listed above could be discussed in an interview with a positive outcome, but not a bar to entering the IT field entirely.
I look forward to your responses.
Sincerely, Bill J.