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Career Change Advice

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by guyinhoutx

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I've been working in the service industry as management for 19 years between 2 companies. It's time for me make a change. At all times during my career, I've been told by many that I should stop wasting my time doing what I do now and be in IT. Mycurrent company would require a cross-country move that I just can't make now.

I'm looking into a combined MCSE/MCDBA certification through HOTT.

What advice do y'all have for a Guy in Houston, Tx?

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by ghstinshll

Make a plan on how to achieve this over time...

What kind of experience do you currently have that relates to teh IT field? None, or years worth of doing it yourself? Make sure you ahve contacts in the area who are in the area you'll be in once you do change, and get an idea for what salary you'll be able to get once the change comes, for it might be lower than your current salary, pending your experience and training.

The MCSA takes a long time of studying and practice to get. MCSE, even longer... MCDBA? Wonderful certification, but after MCSE would take FOREVER to learn and gain enough experience to master. WHatever program you do, it should last over a long period of time, have a great reputation from ALMOST ALL former students,ask around, don't ask the program director... Also, make sure that you have the equipment at home to practice this, which will take a HUGE investment, but is possible...

We can help you along the way with questions and managing your path, but becausious and have a realistic plan, then excute with some assurance that it'll be good in the end, not some blind attempt to pull down big bucks, etc... Too many fail at that...

by guyinhoutx

Thanks for the frank and specific advice.

I'm looking for a career change, not the quick bucks aspect you mention. I'm realistic there... I enjoy this and am told repeatedly that I am wasting my abilities doing what I do now.

I do have several years of computer experience, although all of it self-taught. I already have built a small network in my home with several self-built PCscomputers, diff OSs, etc. I run a Win2K server, host a part-time biz site using IIS, etc. I'm been doing this kind of thing for 10+ years and have been the local "computer guy" for work/friends since my teens.

I've been doing self-study part-time for 3 years, taking practice exams and scoring 70-80s and am working for that "extra" to get over the "hump".

Any other recommendations to get that "break" into the field?

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