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Career path for IT generalist

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by lumbergh77 1 view

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I've done a little bit of everything (programming, networking, databases, tech writing, project management) but not a whole lot of anything in my 10 years of experience in the field. I have a BS degree in CIS and would like to resume my education to maximize future opportunities. I'd like to continue my trying to decide what direction to go:

1) MIS/MBA degree

2) MCSA/MCDBA certifications

3) start side business repairing home user PCs

4) psychology degree

The common answer is to "do what you enjoy". I would enjoy all of them but I'm looking for the option that will open the most doors.

The MIS/MBA will take 4-5 years and the university is nearly an hour away from home. A good way to make contacts. I am still kinda burnt out from my BS degre as I spent more than a few years going to school and working full time. Has anyone quit their IT job to MBA full time?

As for the Microsoft certs, it seems to me that the Microsoft market is oversaturated and questioning whether certifications are worth the time. The certification treadmill seems EXTREMELY boring and repetitive. Can one prosper in an IT career without certs?

Has anyone tried the home PC repair thing? Seems like a good way to make extra income.

I thought about the psychology degree since I've always been interested in the subject (doesn't hurt that there are mostly women in the classes). I never see job ads requiring both a CIS and psych degree though. Would this open any doors?

2 replies

by mberner_learner

Your background seems very much like mine, so I can share what I have been doing to address these issues. Although the certifications are great they have become only a measure of knowledge, BUT, many companies do want to see that you have some it shows comittment.I am currently in my second year of Graduate school at Capella University, one of the best online programs I found after a lot of research. I am working on a Master of Science degree in INformation Technology and specializing in Project Management & Leadership. For me the online program was the only way I could have attended Graduate school, and I am VERY happy with my decision. It would be worth looking at www.capella.edu. As for the home PC thing, that is an excellent source of additional income, I just posted an ad on craigslist and hope to pick up a few extra bucks.

You will need to ask yourself that tough question, what is it that you really want to do in your career? What have you done in the past? What are the opportunities where you live? Are you willing to relocate for better opportunities? I am in the same boat, so if you are interested in contacting me off line, perhaps we can help each other.

Good Luck,

Mike

by surflover

if you like psyc., you might be good in management... then that would dictate the MBA... has your experience been progressively increasing in responsibility? ... have you ahd any leadership roles? direct reports?... I stayed hands on technical for aroun 15 years, and then very involved technical management for another 5 before moving to pure management... it's worked for me (but I did the CIS/EE route)... check my profile if you wish.

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