Late to enter IT?

benworld

Guys, I'm thinking about changing career in to IT and I would like to know if it's late in the game. My background is mostly business management. I'm 32. For last 10 years or so my involvement and expertise is in restaurant operation. I'm starting to realize this is not what i want to do forever and am thinking about entering IT.

I was always interested in IT but never had the motivation in 20's to follow through. But, working in restaurant industry is not what I really want to do at all anymore.


I'm pretty tech savy. I understand and have great deal of low level knowledge (mostly A+ type knowledge). I'm interested in either Web Development / Networking / Cyber security. I can't make up mind. Any help on this?

My subconscious mind is telling me I"M OLD and late in the game, present mind is telling me go for it. ??

Anything helps. Fire away. Thanks. Ben.

Mooseboost

You are not even remotely close to being too old. I would check out some online courses and see what you enjoy the most. https://www.cybrary.it has some great security courses - all free. EdX also some good courses. Check them out and see what appeals to you. You still have plenty of time left to get into IT.

dhay13

I had to change careers after a workplace injury left me unable to return to my laborer position in 2005. At the time I barely knew how to turn a computer on but I feel I am of above average intelligence and knew I could learn anything I wanted to. I also had a few years of law enforcement and actually went to school for criminal justice right out of high school but quit just before graduation. So I found this computer forensics thing at the local community college that sounded really cool and dual majored and then went on to complete my B.S. in 2010 at 41 years old. I now work in computer security making more than I did in the steel mill (and more than I would if I were still there) and I still have a bunch more room to make more. So in short, you are far from too old!

scaredoftests

32. You are a baby! Go for it.

koz24

32 is definitely not too old. Maybe if you were 70 then you would be too old. As far as as Web Development vs Security vs Networking-- I would rule out Security instantly. Why? Well because you usually need the full alphabet soup of security certs and experience to land a security job. It's going to be near impossible to get into security with one or maybe a couple certs and zero experience. Come back to security later if it still interests you, sometime in your 40s.

I would go with Networking because there are plenty of jobs and plenty of self-study resources available. Start with CCENT then get CCNA R&S. After that I would get CCNA Collaboration and CCNA Security. With these 3 you will find someone who will give you a shot in a Junior/NOC role, and from there the sky is the limit. When you get to the interview process you will be asked why you are changing careers. Tell them the truth: Restaurant business isn't for you and you worked your butt off to educate yourself in order to switch careers.

The other option is to go the traditional Help Desk route and get a couple of the CompTIAs: A+, N+, Sec+. These 3 should be a solid foundation for Help Desk. But you're kind of late to the game, and need to play some catch up, so I would just skip this and go right into Networking. Plus, you already have a job to pay the bills while you cert up.

I don't know much about Web Development. Do you like coding?

In any case, hit the books hard and lab hard, and your hard work will pay off eventually.

Hatch1921

benworld wrote: »

My subconscious mind is telling me I"M OLD and late in the game, present mind is telling me go for it. ??

Well if are "old" then I'm a dinosaur for taking the plunge and changing my career to IT at 39-40

Maybe drop in to a local community college and find out what they have to offer in the way of their tech programs. They may offer different programs and career ideas/paths you have not even considered?

Best of luck... but.. you are far from old to enter the IT world.

Best of luck.
Hatch

scaredoftests

70 not old!!

Russ5813

benworld wrote: »

Guys, I'm thinking about changing career in to IT and I would like to know if it's late in the game. My background is mostly business management. I'm 32. For last 10 years or so my involvement and expertise is in restaurant operation. I'm starting to realize this is not what i want to do forever and am thinking about entering IT.

I was always interested in IT but never had the motivation in 20's to follow through. But, working in restaurant industry is not what I really want to do at all anymore.


I'm pretty tech savy. I understand and have great deal of low level knowledge (mostly A+ type knowledge). I'm interested in either Web Development / Networking / Cyber security. I can't make up mind. Any help on this?

My subconscious mind is telling me I"M OLD and late in the game, present mind is telling me go for it. ??

Anything helps. Fire away. Thanks. Ben.

Hey Ben, I'm actually in the same boat. I spent 8 years in the military/LE before deciding I wanted to do something else with my life. Went to college for my BS in IT (college made me feel OLD!) while working an overnight job in security and landed my first IT job 5 months ago at the ripe old age of 30! I get how you feel, but it's not as bad you think. Even with little to no IT experience, you'll still find that employers value the maturity and real life/work experience you bring to the table. You won't walk into a management position but you may find yourself moving up the ranks faster than someone straight out of school. Stay motivated!

NetworkNewb

Mooseboost wrote: »

You are not even remotely close to being too old.

This ^^ and honestly in IT, if you work your butt off for a few years increasing your knowledge and getting some advance certifications. You will be ahead of most people who have been in IT for a lot longer then you. Just going to depend on how much time and effort you put in. Best of luck!

Geek1969

I moved into IT at 37. Best move I ever made. Never too old to learn something new.

Mike R

I'm in the same position as you and practically the same age (30). I've opted for the Comptia A+/N+/S+ route I think. I earned my A+ this month and if work will actually let up a little I plan on working on the N+. You'll find various opinions concerning N+ vs CCENT and all I will tell you is learn the fundamentals. Both certs teach it I believe, perhaps N+ is a little more basic.

You will find this forum full of helpful and knowledgeable people so feel free to ask questions in any route you choose.

benworld

Thank you for the support and thoughts. This week I plan on doing some soul searching to figure out if I really enjoy web development / Network Engineer as a career.

If I understand correctly, security would take enormous time & efforts without any exp and my focus should be networking - CCNA and move up from there? This if choose to make network engineer as a career.

I forgot to ask, should I consider another Bachelor program from WGU? Would another degree give me leg up?


Thank you
ben

koz24

benworld wrote: »

I forgot to ask, should I consider another Bachelor program from WGU? Would another degree give me leg up?


Thank you
ben

Absolutely, since you'd be coming out with a degree in IT and certs. That's the good thing about WGU-- the certs are part of the program.

stryder144

To be honest, there is a huge need for IT pros who can speak to the business. After all, IT supports business outcomes. Unfortunately, a lot of IT folks think that the business is there to support new, shiny technology. You might want to consider adding a "bridge" certification, such as ITIL Foundation. This is a IT service management certification. You can self-study or take a class. That should give your resume a slight boost.

jcundiff

koz24 wrote: »

32 is definitely not too old. Maybe if you were 70 then you would be too old. As far as as Web Development vs Security vs Networking-- I would rule out Security instantly. Why? Well because you usually need the full alphabet soup of security certs and experience to land a security job. It's going to be near impossible to get into security with one or maybe a couple certs and zero experience. Come back to security later if it still interests you, sometime in your 40s.

I am going to respectfully disagree with your statement on Security... I know first hand that there are entry level (straight out of college) Security jobs out there... with the shortage now and forecast for the future of seasoned security resources, many places are hiring associate analysts/analysts straight out of college. While IT will always have a solid demand, the demand for security professionals at all skill levels is only going to increase.

jcundiff

With a background in business management, along with a degree, you should have no problem landing a security job. One of the biggest challenges security guys have is relating risks and security concerns to the business side of the house. Your business experience will be a big plus over the other guys with the same BS degree ( and a few years less exposure to the real world). Security is as broad of field as IT... you can do Operations, Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery (BC/DR), and Threat Intelligence to name a few options

dcarey4698

First off, it's never too late to enter IT. It's a revolving door of knowledge and you are constantly learning. Second, you will be fine to start off with some certs. That degree will definitely help you get into senior positions once you get some experience though. Plus you have a business background. HR loves IT guys with business knowledge. You'll be fine.

E Double U

You're as old as you feel. Do whatever interests you regardless of age.