Confused in life. IT vs. Business Jobs. Advice..

laptop

From 2004 to 2007: I completed a Business Administration - Information Systems diploma
From 2007 to 2009: I completed an Information Technology Management degree

In high school, my dream was to find a career in the IT industry after I complete my education. I completed a college diploma from 2004-2007 which didn't specialize in anything. It consist of IT and Business courses that prepare students to become a "Business Analayst". I graduated in 2007 and it was difficult for new grads to find such titles such as Business Analyst.

I decided to further my education and took Information Technology Management (Bachelor of Commerce). Again, the program consists of IT&Business courses. I learned computer networks, computer security, database SQL, etc. But, it was just intro. It wasn't enough.

After I completed both diploma/degree, I finally realized that I wanted to get into Network Security. But, I sort of wasted my time pursing a diploma and degree when I could have spent all those years hammering out Comptia certifications and focused on specialization courses. Or I should have taken a program that focuse into IT. At this point, I have 50% skills in IT and 50% skills in Business. It's hard to find a job in IT due to the fact that I came out with a Bachelor of Commerce, where I compete with others who majored purely in IT.

However, I don't have much time. I'm getting old and don't have time to take another college/university program in Infomatic Security or Computer Networks Technology. I never thought about my potential career until I recently graduated.

I need some advices. I'll be applying to IT jobs.
Anyone have recommendations? Suggestions?

1. Pursue Certifications (I'm currently starting CompTIA A+, but it appears that I am late?)
2. Start all over from fresh start (another 3 years in College/University)
3. Find a job and hopefully the employer is willing to train a newbie that knows only IT/Business

I'm lacking technical skills. It's very difficult for a B.Commerce student to prove that I know the tech-skills. I just don't know what to do since I graduated with a B.Commerce. I just want to start off with a basic IT analyst or IT Desk Specialist job.

Thanks

ULWiz

Another college degree is not going to do you any good. You needs to start working on certifications and getting your foot in the door somewhere. The A+ and Network+ is a good start. From there i would expand your knowledge in either the Microsoft and Cisco Direction. Juniper is another good choice if your interested.

But please dont get another degree the first one you got would have done enough for you. Also any college degree is only going to touch a little on each topic you study. Its up to you to continue to learn more about a specific software or hardware.

Also this is a field where constant certifications are needed to keep in touch with new technology. These certifications can take months if not years to complete depending on your knowledge and determination.

Hope this helps a little and enjoy the forum.

Bl8ckr0uter

laptop wrote: »

1. Pursue Certifications (I'm currently starting CompTIA A+, but it appears that I am late?)
2. Start all over from fresh start (another 3 years in College/University)
3. Find a job and hopefully the employer is willing to train a newbie that knows only IT/Business

1: I could be wrong but where I am from, most employers don't care if your BA isn't exactly in Computer Science or Engineering. Alot of people just want you to have a Ba in something. I think that you should get A+, Net+ and then from there decide where you want to go in terms of certifications are concerned. Most people (including myself) would say the for the here and now MS certs are important but Linux/virtual will be very important now.

2: I am not sure how old you are but can you go for a Certificate rather than a degree.

3: I think this is somewhat likely.

dynamik

It seems like you're lacking real-world experience more than anything. I think working towards certs and an entry-level position should both be made a priority for you. With all those credentials, it will probably be humbling for you to start at the bottom and work your way up. However, that's more than likely what you're going to have to do.

If you do want more formal education, a few places, such as Capella, offer online infosec-related graduate degrees. That might be something else you would want to consider (but this alone won't land you the job you want, you're still going to have to build up that experience).

ipconfig.all

Dynamik is correct,you need to find a computer job and gain real world experience.Do computer certification courses part time if you find a good computer job.

Microsoft and Cisco ones are in demand now.

Hallucinate

dynamik wrote: »

If you do want more formal education, a few places, such as Capella, offer online infosec-related graduate degrees. That might be something else you would want to consider (but this alone won't land you the job you want, you're still going to have to build up that experience).

If you choose to pursue a higher education through distance-learning, I would advise you to be a bit cautious. Often, these courses can be more demanding than one initially thinks when signing up.

I was able to take two classes at a time, while working full-time; however, they consumed much of my free time. It is easy to fall behind in the curriculum if you don't keep yourself motivated.

phantasm

Case in point. We have a guy starting at my work on Monday. He has a Masters degree with a specialty in Information Technology. He'll be doing the same work as I for less pay. Experience vs. education. While education will have you in the long run, experience pays off now. Get into the work force and work of a few certs. You need to put your nose to the grindstone and work hard. Don't stop either, it took me about 5 years to get an entry lvl job.

laptop

Thanks for the replies.
Really appreciate your suggestions and opinions.

ULWiz, Knwminus: Yes, I'm working on my CompTIA A+ right now. Hopefully I can finish reading this gigantic Mike Meyers All-In-One textbook by next month and write the real exam around mid-July. BTW: I'm 23 and turning 24yr old soon. No time for me to retake another program.

Dynamik, Ipconfig.dll: You are right. I am lacking real work experience. In this type of economy, it's very challenging for a new grad to find a company that is willing to train a newbie who just graduated from University. How can I get experience when job advertisements want someone with experience? I can't get experience if employers don't want someone with no experience. It's hard to step my foot into the IT industry. But I'll try. I just need a good employer + good colleagues that is willing to teach.

Hallucinate: You're right. Online education can be stressful if you have a full time job in place. I probably won't be taking anymore school. Except doing certifications and learn on the job. And hopefully have an employer that is willing to train me for a few weeks.

Phantasm: Interesting to hear about a Master degree person working with you. Hopefully you'll be nice and train that person. Everyone needs training.

To sum up, I'll be working on CompTIA A+ and Network+ this summer. I'll be sending out resumes once I've obtained the A+ certificate. I guess everything is learn on the job + luck + an employer willing to train me.

Thank you for helping me out.
Feel free to provide suggestions. Willing to hear more feedback.