Career Advice

[musclecrew]

I know a lot of you guys work in I/T, so I thought maybe you could help me out. I am thinking about a career change. Was recently laid off as a Buyer from a Fortune 100. I was thinking of taking a ten month series of courses that will result in an MCSE certification. I don't have a lot of background in I/T, and I have BA (Libral arts). DO you think it's possible to get a job starting out at 45K with this cert (keep in mind little experience), or is this 8K program a waste of cash? Tell me what you think.

 

[kunta]

if your gonna do that make sure you get some kind of job in IT while your taking that course, cause some experience is better than none, BELIEVE ME!

 

[enrage]

an A+ and Net+ certification will get your foot in the door but those certifications are looked at being too easy. Getting MCSE will greatly help with getting a salary increase as well as getting Cisco certified. Certifications pretty show the employer that your serious about learning and that you have dedication.

 

[musclecrew]

Bump. Thanks Guys, good advice. Anyone else have an op on this?

 

[1911]

I know a lot of you guys work in I/T, so I thought maybe you could help me out. I am thinking about a career change. Was recently laid off as a Buyer from a Fortune 100. I was thinking of taking a ten month series of courses that will result in an MCSE certification. I don't have a lot of background in I/T, and I have BA (Libral arts). DO you think it's possible to get a job starting out at 45K with this cert (keep in mind little experience), or is this 8K program a waste of cash? Tell me what you think.

I would never discourage you (or anyone) from any educational path and yes certifications are well received depending on market conditions/business climate. But...would I spend $8K for an MCSE today? No.

Like any other industry, the real money positions in IT go to those with high-end social and communication skills.

Later,

 

[r00+]

Ok, here's the skinny...

I have an IT manager under me, and he and I agree on the following:

Guys with ONLY certs and power-user experience are good entry-level workers. Meaning here in the Bay Area they get paid no more than 40K.

The reason I feel this way is simply because I have found that guys with certs have a very limited scope of knowledge and fall into a category I call "role players". By this I mean these people serve a single role, mostly because if I put a Sun box in front of an MCSE he freezes up. When I ask an MCSE guy to trouble-shoot our frame relay he freezes up.

And even worse, most cert people have no idea how to write white papers or develop project time-lines.

I have seen some exceptions. But generally speaking, they need a lot of mentoring and a great deal of hand-holding.

My advice to anyone wanting to ump into the IT field by way of DeVry: in this market you won't get serious job offers.

Right now, I can grab a BSCS with a couple certs and 3 years experience just as easily and nearly as cheap as a DeVry grad.

 

[CONTRACTION]

Certs will help to get you in the door at an entry level. Hands-on experience is valuable. There are some private IT training schools that offer courses involving a lot of hands-on in a lab environment. Look for some of those. They can be expensive however, but think of it as an investment in your future. Buy a lot of books, make sure you understand theory and you have book knowledge. When you get your hands-on, things will click quickly...most of what you read previously will make a lot of sense later. Also, think about going back to school for a BSIT or BSCS. It will help and since you have your general taken care of already, you will only need the core classes. IT can be lucrative though...I know! Hee, hee!

 

[CONTRACTION]

Re: Ok, here's the skinny...

Right now, I can grab a BSCS with a couple certs and 3 years experience just as easily and nearly as cheap as a DeVry grad.

Man, times are tough! Thank God my company is stable and I still have my salary. I couldnt afford my new home if I had to go somewhere else at a lower salary.

 

[r00+]

you said it...

Times are indeed rough.
I have four positions open right now, and I have over a hundred resumes per position.

It's an employer's market.

 

[nitlyan]

Re: Ok, here's the skinny...

The reason I feel this way is simply because I have found that guys with certs have a very limited scope of knowledge and fall into a category I call "role players". By this I mean these people serve a single role, mostly because if I put a Sun box in front of an MCSE he freezes up. When I ask an MCSE guy to trouble-shoot our frame relay he freezes up.

roo+, how extensive is your Frame Relay Network? Why are you still on Frame? Cost? I am sure your data network needs a good audit done. Which provider do you purchase your frame circuits from r00+? I can help you all get the best rates from any provider. I can help you guys save a lot of money for your company. PM me if you are interested in my CO??