Looking for a career in IT

mlgreen

Okay I'm new, so be easy on me guys. Currently I'm a journeyman skilled tradesmen but I'm ready to get out of the trades, I've come to the conclusion that I don't wanted to be crippled and deaf by the time I'm 45 LOL. I'm registering this winter for classes working towards finishing up my degree. I've always wanted to do something with computers, but more on the hardware aspect rather than the software. I have decided to get my Network Specialist degree (associates) along with basic certs (CCNA, etc.). This career seems more hands on. I've done searches on the net and it seems that job is somewhat in demand. Are there any IT professionals out there that want to comment? What is the general salary in your area for this job with little to no experience? This degree will be a stepping stone for me to get my B.S. in Management of Information Systems. Also, what about the IT Systems security specialist degree? Is this really the next big career in IT? Thanks!
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IT Man

hello mlgreen and welcome to the site.

IT is a very broad field so you need to figure out which area interest you. As far as salary, I am in the Baltimore/DC area so an entry level helpdesk position falls between 30K - 40K on average. Its good you are getting back in school but with certs, I would recommend starting with the A+ and then Network+. The CCNA is a little more advanced and the Network+ would be a good foundation to have.

While security is a huge part of IT and is in demand, you typically need have been in the industry a while before getting more into the IT Security area. If you are interested in security, the Security+ certification is another good one to get that will give you a well rounded look at the different security topics. From there, you can earn more advanced IT Security certs.

Good Luck with your job search.

mlgreen

Thanks for the quick reply IT Man. Would you recommend I go for the Network Specialist degree as opposed to the Information Security Specialist degree? Keep in mind these are the A.S degrees I am going for at the moment.

IT Man

Others may have another opinion but I would go for the Network Specialist Degree. I say this because you will probably get a network admin/engineer role before you get a more security related position. I would also look at the curriculum laid out in both programs and see if I could handle the security program. Obviously, to secure a network, you must first know how one works and with you being new to the field, the Security program may want you to know some things coming in. I just know when I was looking at graduate programs in IT, I decided on the one that was more network focused vs. the security program for that reason. I was still new to the field and didn't want to get in over my head. Hopefully others will chime in with there opinions as well.

Aldur

Hi mlgreen and welcome to the forums!

Your experience sounds alot like mine. I did cabinetry work for 13 years before deciding to make the jump into IT. I had the same reasons as you, I knew people who had worked their whole life in construction and they did not fair well. My experience has been a rewarding one so far, full of certs and many learning opportunities. I hope to be finishing up my BS in computer science and getting my JNCIE in november, yes you could say my plate is full.

I would agree with IT Man and I would recommend going for the Network Specialist degree because of the networking knowledge it will give you. Then once you understand the basics of a network then you can learn to secure it.

As far as certs go A+, as anybody will tell you, is a great place to start, then to the Net+. Keep in mind however that you don't have to certify that way. I started by first studying the CCNA, was about to take it when I got on the router team at JTAC, now I'm going for a expert level cert in a few months and then plan on picking up the cisco stuff again. Granted the route I took was a serious struggle, but it can be done. Even at that I would still recommend getting your A+ and Net+ first

mlgreen

Thanks for the replies guys. Network Specialist major it is! I'm excited about starting this career, and i'll be glad to be out of doing ironwork too!