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  • #2230749

    Should I enter IT and if so what’s the best way?

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    by drymtime ·

    I have a bachelors degree in Labor & Industrial Relations, which I have never used and have become a jack of all trades and master of none, since graduating from college in 1987. I’ve considered a career in IT several times, but cannot seem to determine if it is a career for me or how to go about getting into it. I’ve read many of the posts on here related to this. Most recently I read that getting an A+ cert and MCP cert would help get my foot in the door for an entry level position, but experience is the most important thing to get, so the other certifications can be done later when you determine the path that you want to take. I’ve also read that getting the MCSE should be a priority. My only experience is with my own computer systems. I have built two of them and gained some wireless networking experience connecting a laptop to my main computer, but that’s about it. I’ve begun studying for the A+ exams, but I’m not sure this is the path that I want to take. I really enjoy helping people and being part of a team. I’m also very mechanically inclined and do not need to be working with people all of the time, but need to be able to bounce my ideas off others from time to time and feel like a valued member of the team. I guess this may be a lot to ask for in any career, but can anyone tell me if it sounds like I might enjoy working in IT/networking/network security/etc?

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    • #2555522

      My question to you…

      by fregeus ·

      In reply to Should I enter IT and if so what’s the best way?

      …is how aggreable are you to IT? In other words, when you are working with computers and when you are studying for your A+ certification, does it come easy for you? Do you find the answers easily, without much effort of thought? Do you always go above and behond when doing homework? MOST IMPORTANTELY, when you are working in IT, are you truly enjoying yourself? I mean like, a lot?!?!?

      If you answered yes to all these questions, then my answer would be, yes, IT sounds like a good fit for you career wise. Now if you graduated with a BS in 1987, your age will begin to be a major factor in your decision. If you have a family to support, I’m afraid your chance may have come and gone. You will not be able to get a decent salary until you get 5 to 7 years of experience under your belt.

      If you are single and willing to work the needed hours (long and difficult) then go for it now. Don’t wait another minute.

      If not, then I suggest you look somewhere else. You would probably regret going into IT if you do.

      Good Luck

      TCB

      • #2550282

        Thank You

        by drymtime ·

        In reply to My question to you…

        Yes, my age is something to think about. I am a very analytical thinker and enjoy fixing things and trying to figure them out. What kind of long and difficult hours are we talking about? Would they wreck my marriage? LOL I truly do enjoy working on my own computer and figuring things out, but I can also be a bit obsessive about it. I’m sure that I would not have the luxury of time in an IT job and would be much better at time management and getting necessary results. I would assume that you are only as good as your ability to get results and get them quickly, because downtime is money and quite possibly more. I’m sure it is a quite serious job that isn’t for the faint of heart. I would want to work with hardware and networks. The five to seven years that you are talking about, before you can make serious money, what kind of money are we talking in those years, low to mid 30’s? Thanks for all the great input on this. I’m know that I’m the only one that can decide, but this is helpful.

    • #2555519

      Only enter IT if you DREAM of nothing else

      by locrian_lyric ·

      In reply to Should I enter IT and if so what’s the best way?

      If you would do it without being paid if you could, then yes.

      otherwise no.

      • #2552278

        dreaming of nothing else

        by paper.bill ·

        In reply to Only enter IT if you DREAM of nothing else

        I dream every night of unfinished screens and incomplete database links, and wake up sweating. And I’ve been in IT for 30 years. Must get a life…

    • #2555507

      The many flavors of IT

      by ed woychowsky ·

      In reply to Should I enter IT and if so what’s the best way?

      Well, from what you’ve written software development can be ruled-out. Try you’re local community college, they should have an overview class where you can see what you like. If you don’t want to take the class you could try and get the text book. I’ll warn you though, don’t get the book from the college book store, there’s no discount.

    • #2555480

      One question.

      by charliespencer ·

      In reply to Should I enter IT and if so what’s the best way?

      Do you enjoy solving puzzles or playing strategy-heavy games? I don’t think there’s an aspect of IT that isn’t somehow related to problem solving. If you enjoy beating your head on a wall and don’t mind regularly scheduled frustration, this may be the field for you.

      • #2576043

        don’t really agree..

        by shellbot ·

        In reply to One question.

        all depends on which area..ok, this guy not exactly going for development or whatever..
        but i HATE puzzles..and really couldn’t be bothered to put much effort into them..
        strategy games..ugh…again not my thing..

        yet i love my SQL server…

        • #2575899
          Avatar photo

          Hum I think you’ve answered my Question Shelly. :p

          by hal 9000 ·

          In reply to don’t really agree..

          Now what was that about…..? :^0

          Edited so I can survive today :_|

    • #2806821

      If you’re looking for money…

      by rsaulpaugh ·

      In reply to Should I enter IT and if so what’s the best way?

      …then consider that the IT industry is under pressure from outsourcing. I’ve seen two companies undergo an IT outsourcing (One was a Fortune 500 company the other a newspaper). Consider also that the best IT people are self-taught and that perhaps more than other industries there are a LOT of people out there who will take your money for a couple of weeks of dubious boot camp-like training.
      Consider that you shall need good study habits, or at least a regular pattern of weekly or even daily study of new technology. Example – MS releases a major something every three years so if you’re going to be an MS guru that’s about how often you’ll have to update your MS toolbox of skills. If nothing else you will almost be forced to go back to Grad School to keep HR from filtering you out.
      Finally consider that if you get really good you will always have a job.
      These are my observations and now its up to you to solve your issue.

    • #2806810

      No you shouldn’t

      by highlander718 ·

      In reply to Should I enter IT and if so what’s the best way?

      Given the fact that you are asking yourself, it means you do not have THAT attraction, you do have doubts. As previosuly mentioned that is reason enough not to do it. It also seems to me that you are not familiar with the “perks” (stress, long hours, blame it on the system attitude).

      Last but not at least and with all respect and honesty, (it might sound politicaly incorrect)I think you are not young enough to start an IT career now.

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