Network+ newby looking for career change advice!
Hello all!
I have been visiting Techxams.net for some time contemplating a career change. I have read about all the different certs and career paths and would like some advice from the people who actually work in IT. I currently do NOT work in IT. I work in production for a large paper manufacturing co. I would like to prepare for a career change to IT. I read hundreds of posts on different career paths and most all started with the Comptia A+. Having never attended college (just the parties) I was happy to pass the A+ last month and get my first cert . I love this stuff I wish I had would have had the thirst for knowledge years ago!
Now I am just starting to prepare for the Network + exam. My plan is to get certifications in the areas I can get credit for at WGU if I pursue a BS in IT. BUT do I need BS in IT ?? I find I can get a lot of study material for not a lot of money on the entry level certs and gain the knowledge at my own pace. I talked with some folks at WGU and I like the program just not sure when or if to jump in. I'm 46, what would be a good path for me? I like the Networking part of IT. I was leaning towards Cisco stuff after A+,Net+ and Security+. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I currently have a decent paying job, but I am looking for something I can really enjoy doing. If I can get a job in tech that would allow me to quit rotating shifts after twenty five years. I need that to happen. Thanks guys!!
I have been visiting Techxams.net for some time contemplating a career change. I have read about all the different certs and career paths and would like some advice from the people who actually work in IT. I currently do NOT work in IT. I work in production for a large paper manufacturing co. I would like to prepare for a career change to IT. I read hundreds of posts on different career paths and most all started with the Comptia A+. Having never attended college (just the parties) I was happy to pass the A+ last month and get my first cert . I love this stuff I wish I had would have had the thirst for knowledge years ago!
Now I am just starting to prepare for the Network + exam. My plan is to get certifications in the areas I can get credit for at WGU if I pursue a BS in IT. BUT do I need BS in IT ?? I find I can get a lot of study material for not a lot of money on the entry level certs and gain the knowledge at my own pace. I talked with some folks at WGU and I like the program just not sure when or if to jump in. I'm 46, what would be a good path for me? I like the Networking part of IT. I was leaning towards Cisco stuff after A+,Net+ and Security+. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I currently have a decent paying job, but I am looking for something I can really enjoy doing. If I can get a job in tech that would allow me to quit rotating shifts after twenty five years. I need that to happen. Thanks guys!!
Comments
Complete: 55/120 credits SPAN 201, LIT 100, ETHS 200, AP Lang, MATH 120, WRIT 231, ICS 140, MATH 215, ECON 202, ECON 201, ICS 141, MATH 210, LING 111, ICS 240
In progress: CLEP US GOV,
Next up: MATH 211, ECON 352, ICS 340
Good luck on the Network+ and Security+ certs.
Darril Gibson
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Also, I can tell you've I've had better getting four-year degree holders to learn how to do entry-level DST and helpdesk jobs than I've had with non-degree holders who had a couple of certifications. Now that was not my path and I've been successful, and I completely agree that most college courses do not impart information directly applicable to most IT jobs. Still, college has value despite the skills it doesn't change, even if that value is lost beyond HR and resume checklists.
Complete: 55/120 credits SPAN 201, LIT 100, ETHS 200, AP Lang, MATH 120, WRIT 231, ICS 140, MATH 215, ECON 202, ECON 201, ICS 141, MATH 210, LING 111, ICS 240
In progress: CLEP US GOV,
Next up: MATH 211, ECON 352, ICS 340
I think often of how I "don't use anything from undergrad", but I use skills from my English classes every day....I use skills from my psychology classes everyday...I use skills from my science classes every...it may not be the explicit content, but there are methods, skills, and processes to be taken from a good bit of undergrad courses that can be applied to IT.
1. Geek Squad/Hardware type of work at a major chain (poor money)
2. Corporate "service desk" type of work sometimes called "network operations" aka NOC. This could be seen as an entry level job but often times having skills from #1 helps. This job is just as much about technology as it is about how you communicate & how you deal with people.
I can't see Security+ being helpful to you at this stage of the game. You need to have a basic grasp of computer hardware & Windows 7/XP to get your foot in the door. It's very unlikely you'll do any type of security related work (even at the desktop) as a junior technician. Further to the above, good communication skills & soft skills like empathy & patience will carry you much farther than knowing how to harden a computer.
Growth in IT takes time..often measured in years, not months. A+, Windows 7 & Network+ make for a great certification base to start. I know it's tough with all this stuff out there, but stay focused.
Thanks for the input antielvis. Thankfully, I have the luxury of having a good job right now and can get a few entry level certifications and get a feel for what I really would like to do. Something I enjoy. I have been building and fixing other peoples pc's since 1996. Its not work to me. So yes, I am sure I will do some Microsoft stuff soon after Net+ and Sec+. I really like switching and routing so I am going to try some cisco stuff also. Its been real interesting reading all the different posts and forum topics. Alot of different points of view. I may have a chance to get a job within the Co. I currently work for if I can get far enough along in my studies and certifications. We still use Xp and as/400. Database knowledge is also going to be a big plus. I have my work cut out for me, but I love it. Thanks again for your input