New to the IT industry.

[lumen]

Here's my situation, 3 years of art school behind me (no, didn't go into that for the $$, but for the love of it) but to pay the bills I've taken a basically dead-end job with absolute NO prospects. I've been thinking about getting some additional school/training in some field that would yield a decent wage as a day job, something I'd be good at etc. I was thinking IT might just be the ticket. I was contacted recently by one of these boutique tech schools that you go through to get your certs through, but I'm unsure if that's really the best way to break into this industry. From what I gather the IT biz isn't what it used to be, but is stronger than most and the job prospects are pretty good, as well as the pay.

My question is what would you recommend as to the best way to get into the IT industry? Conventional college? One of these boutique schools? Just exeperience alone?

I guess I'm trying to get a feel for what the situation in this career is and the best way to go about getting into it, if indeed it's worth getting into at all?

All advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Imdmn04]

What school did u goto? What kind of focus is your art degree on? If its computer graphics related, then there is a decent job market for it.
Experiences at well known firms is key, do a lot of internships, even if u get no pay.

As for further education, schools like ITT tech or Devry are usually not highly regarded upon by the big compaines, but if you have lots of experiences and if you can somehow demonstrate it to them before they throw your resume away when they see the word ITT or Devry, then it is all fair game.

 

[lumen]

Graphics as in graphic design? I thought that was pretty much a flop industry (i.e. around 20k a year and hard to find a job.) Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

Do what you love, and you'll probably make better money (and be happier) than chasing random "hot" industries and whatnot.

 

[aircooled]

The certs will help get your foot in the door. But experience and "who you know" are more valuable in the long run.

 

[Rapidskies]

I wouldn't go down the IT path for the money. Those days are gone. If you want money go back to school and become a doctor or a pharmacist or get into business. IT will continue to get outsourced as more and more people go into the field.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: Whade
I wouldn't go down the IT path for the money. Those days are gone. If you want money go back to school and become a doctor or a pharmacist or get into business. IT will continue to get outsourced as more and more people go into the field.

true dat....unless you can get into a company that has a really bad history of trying outsourcing (as mine does) IT isn't the market for you....personally I have a poli sci degree and no certs and was able to land a job a while back, now four years in I have the experience i need to remain employed 🙂

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

Advice? Move to India or become a nurse.

USA Today reported two weeks ago that the average salary for a nurse in 2006 will exceed 100k.