IT Employment

I'm a big believer in the community colleges as a great way to get started in a technical career. Many community colleges have partnered with technical companies and the caliber of the programs tends to be high and the costs are reasonable. Plus, if you plan carefully, credits are generally transferable to a 4-year college or university.

I'm not a big fan of trade schools, especially the for-profit variety. Costs are high and while some schools deliver good value, most deliver just enoughknowledge for you to pass the exam.

Courses? Well, I like to see some evidence of balance between the technical sciences and the art of critical thinking and I think that would be true of most employers. Also, if there is a particular industry that attracts you (e.g. financial services), some classes related to that (e.g. accounting) would be evidence that you would be able to find practical application for your technical knowledge.

regards!

paul

Congratulations, you are a step ahead already by choosing a career in this field. It is my opinion that community college would be the best choice for you. Allowing you the ability to work during the day and taking classes at night. If you are a resident in the area of a community college, the rates are much less expensive as well.
Many community colleges are now partnering with Microsoft and Novell in regards to their certification programs. The AATP (Authorized Academic Training Provider MS) and NAEP (Novell Acedemic Education Partner) are two excellent programs that allow you to receive certified classes at a much lower cost. You can receive information at www.microsoft.com/aatp (Click on the find an AATP at the top) and education.novell.com/locator (watch it refresh and chose your area and click on the NAEP button) it will show you the providers in your area. Both websites also provide excellent marketing information in regards to the best choice of program to take. Hopethis helps.

Nat

Few years ago, I asked myself the same question. Speaking from my experience, you begin by asking yourself LONG and HARD what specific do you want to be?

Although MCSE, CNE, CCNA, Unix are network related, you want to specialize in one area (Microsoft, Cisco or Unix). When you have decided on your goal, you are now focused to be trained.

Next, as to where to get the training, here is my take:

trade school-
ADV- In short time, you will be trained with basic and can start working right away.
DIS- Expensive and no college degree.
comm college-
ADV- Inexpensive way to explore what specific area you want concentrate in you don't already. you will be "taught" with basic materail.
DIS- long and slow process and don't learn in detail.
university-
ADV- in-depth education in fundamentals and focused learning. At the end, a Bachelor degree.
DIS- Expensive. Long and stressful 4 years.

I would recommend:
attend University, get a P/T job to get on-the-job training and ask if com