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Job Prospects After WGU Graduation? Cold Feet wiht Degree Choice!

Spaced

Hi-

I am about to switch to a BSIT degree from WGU and expect to have CCNA, CCENT, CCNA Security, Project +, Linux +, Security +, A+, and MCSA by the time I graduate. I have very limited recent experience in IT (past was Linux and perl/CGI). What are the odds of landing a job that pays $50K with my background, new degree, and certs? I would be looking for desktop support and if I am extremely lucky jr. network admin positions. Keep in mind I live in the Silicon Valley where salaries are relatively high. I have researched this, but the numbers I found have been somewhat all over the map (25K-60K). I am hoping one of you in the industry and area might have more concrete information.

I am also hoping that halfway through WGU - after A+ and CCNA possibly, I might try to look for a very entry level desktop support position so I would have something more on my resume when I graduate, although I really need to not drop below 45K...if that is even possible, but maybe I can scrape by for a year just to get some experience. This will be a career change so the potential salary drop is making me a bit nervous. I can't imagine dropping to less than 45K, as in I don't see how I could live on less than that. Any thoughts on the range I may be able to land (both interim job after a couple certs and after graduation) would be helpful.

Also as an aside, for entry level applicants, is it useful to list CIW certs?

Thank you!

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Comments

wallpaper_01

I'm changing careers, I expect to get £20,000 for an entry job, which works out as $30,000. And I will have similar qualifications to you when I apply.

I know things are different in the US, but in the UK a £35000 job ($52000) is no chance for someone with no prior experience. I think $45000 sounds more realistic, but yeah in silicon valley I guess salaries are higher.

I wouldn't worry about money because I think if you get in with a good company your salary would rise pretty quick anyway.

I would definitely try and get experience before graduating. I didnt do that and it has slowed me down.

jibbajabba

wallpaper_01 wrote: »

I'm changing careers, I expect to get £20,000 for an entry job, which works out as $30,000.
...
in the UK a £35000 job ($52000) is no chance for someone with no prior experience.

When I came to the UK in 2007, the base salary for helpdesk staff in an MSP I worked for was just raised from £20k to £25k.

Teamleader was earning £35k that year. Also depends on the location though .. 1st line helpdesk earns £16k in Glasgow, £25k in London. Senior IT £35k in Cambridge, but £50k to £55k in London...

Initially you really can't be selective as it is hard enough to get a foot into the door - get your first job, take what the are paying and get some years of experience onto your CV / Resume.

Plus, who says you have to stop looking once you signed your first contract ... I was desperate once and signed a new contract and used every opportunity to look for a new job and eventually changed again .. There is the issue with some companies hating the fact that you jump jobs - but it never stopped them for hiring me .. you just need to find a perfect explanation which makes sense