Thinking of changing careers to IT

[thestrangebrew1]

Been thinking about switching to IT after a few years of doing other things. Mainly interested in networking and hardware stuff, not so much programming etc. I've got a BA in Geography with an Empasis in GIS & Environmental Studies and I'm thinking of a fresh start into IT.

I know basics with PCs, I can build them and troubleshoot them no problems, and I know a little about networking. But where would be a good place to start? I don't think I'd be able to afford to go back to college at this time, so I'm thinking maybe it's better to get certs. If I absolutely had to, I'd prob go to something like ITT tech for the accelerated learning. Any tips on good resources to look into as far as certs go before I look into the ITT thing?

 

[talion83]

"IT" is a very general title which covers a LOT of ground. You probably want to find an area to focus on. Such as: Networking, Servers/infrastructure, Databases/DBA, Desktops/Device support, Security.

Once you have an area you want to focus on, it is easier to give an idea of where to start.

A possible thought would be to look into what sort of role you would want to have within a company to help figure out the above - and possibly even the type of company. If you want to do Servers for a company like Google/Facebook you would focus more on Linux and HPC's. If you are looking at working for a company like Sun National Bank then going down a Microsoft Server route would be better.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

I was thinking primarily about networking and infrastucture & possibly security. I also like to build & troubleshoot hardware problems. I'm a complete noob to linux and more familiar with windows environment. But I'm currently learning on my own linux, just not a lot of time invested in it yet.

 

[AD5MB]

many butchered wireless installations, in need of the tender ministrations of a CWNA

 

[mammador]

Maybe helpdesk, or a network engineer.

I'm not sure about helpdesk (re certs), but for networking Cisco is generally deemed the gold standard. There is CompTIA, which has the same basic syllabus, but Cisco is more highly rated.

 

[drebo]

Stay out!

There aren't any jobs in IT right now.

 

[talion83]

As mentioned for Networking you can look into certs such as CCNA, though you probably want to start with just the generic 'Network+' as this will help you get the basics of networking.

For Windows Server environment look into something like the MCITP. This exam series is going to expire in about a year I believe because it is based on Server 2008/2008 R2 and Server 2012 is going to be coming out which will replace it with a new exam series. However that does not mean that you should wait for 2012 - most companies upgrade slowly (most of my core servers are still on 2003 R2) so certs for 2008/R2 are still going to be a good thing to have.

I am not certified in Security so I can't offer much help there, perhaps someone else can weigh in on that area. Though chances are you will want to become knowledgeable about either Networking and/or Server OS before you start working on Security.

 

[theevilsharpie]

Stay out!

There aren't any jobs in IT right now.

lulz

 

[thestrangebrew1]

As mentioned for Networking you can look into certs such as CCNA, though you probably want to start with just the generic 'Network+' as this will help you get the basics of networking.

For Windows Server environment look into something like the MCITP. This exam series is going to expire in about a year I believe because it is based on Server 2008/2008 R2 and Server 2012 is going to be coming out which will replace it with a new exam series. However that does not mean that you should wait for 2012 - most companies upgrade slowly (most of my core servers are still on 2003 R2) so certs for 2008/R2 are still going to be a good thing to have.

I am not certified in Security so I can't offer much help there, perhaps someone else can weigh in on that area. Though chances are you will want to become knowledgeable about either Networking and/or Server OS before you start working on Security.

Thanks for the info. I'll start looking into some of these options.

 

[Emulex]

Get a CCDA with wifi specialization and you will have a job guaranteed.

No BG or D test. No experience Necessary. i'd put $500 to my word.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

I'm looking into some of the CCNA stuff offered by Cisco as well as CompTia. I was told by some of the network guys here in my office to start with A+ and .Net. This is going to be a bit of a long haul as some of these prices are more than I thought they would be. I'm not complaining, just didn't realize the cost.

@ Emulex, I'll look into the CCDA stuff too. Thanks.

 

[HKSturboKID]

From talking to some folks I had taking a boot camp with, they mention taking CCNP is a bit better and easier then CCNA. Its more focus. If you have funds, you might want to take a bootcamp course on that.

 

[pwnagesarus]

In recent years, Cisco has basically divided the CCNA up into two tests, ICND1 and ICND2. The ICND1 is what's known as the CCENT. Passing both the ICND1 and ICND2 gets you the CCNA. Or you can take the composite test. If you are interested in the CCENT/CCNA, Wendell Odom's books are highly recommended.

I remember flipping through the Network+ 2010 (or whenever they had revamped the test) book at a store and saw they covered topics that were not part of the CCNA curriculum, such as wiring closets. While it's dry, some sections of the book could supplement the knowledge gained from the CCNA books and better prepare you for walking into a real network closet.

Get a CCDA with wifi specialization and you will have a job guaranteed.

No BG or D test. No experience Necessary. i'd put $500 to my word.

As far as I know, there is no specialization for a CCDA; do you mean CCNA Wireless?

From talking to some folks I had taking a boot camp with, they mention taking CCNP is a bit better and easier then CCNA. Its more focus. If you have funds, you might want to take a bootcamp course on that.

CCNP is the next step up and requires a CCNA.

For someone who is brand new, I'd advise against a bootcamp course. They are great once you are at least familiar with the material and you just need an extended cram session before the test. This is because they cover a ton of material in a set amount of time.

 

[FLegman]

For Windows Server environment look into something like the MCITP. This exam series is going to expire in about a year I believe because it is based on Server 2008/2008 R2 and Server 2012 is going to be coming out which will replace it with a new exam series.

I don't think that Microsoft will retire MCITP exam series anytime soon.
The exam(s) contents will be updated to reflect the evolution of their platforms and the current industry needs (regarding the skills to master).
__-__

If as stated your target is Networking & Hardware building/maintenance, you will need to know in which context you will be exercising all what you have learned and get certified for.
Its a crucial point, it comes before you even look for a suitable learning path.

Are you planning to work for a company, setup a computer shop/service, work part time as a consultant for other companies while still have your own business...

Based on the answer from the above question, you will then focus on some particular courses : A+, CCNA, MCTS...
For the requirements to achieve your goal could scale from "soft" to "heavy load" depending on your answer to the very first question.

Next, chose the learning path. Self study, attend a school. A Bootcamp training will be a waste of money in your case, as its rather something for the seasoned IT specialist.

For the other 2 scenarios, you will need to devote time and be passionate about what you will be doing; otherwise you will drop out before the finish line; specially if working for an Enterprise is what your aiming at.

Why am i saying this ?
The stuff to learn will be plenty and the time "compressed".
Unless you are living off of a capital, you will feel the urge to quickly put into practice your new skills and get some financial rewards in return.
And as you are a profession switcher and not a "fresh student", there won't be an internship period where you could inadvertently wreak havoc at your work without penalty.

The catch here is learn fast and learn good.

Aside the theory, you will need machines to practice. So prepare to invest or fetch some of your oldies from the attic.
Even if you have some machines in your classroom (in case you go that way), you will still need to work some more at home; at least 2 more Hours a day.

IT industry, as someone already pointed out, is very large.
So when choosing a particular course, you will realize that you will also need to touch some side-by fields in other to carry out your main task.
For instance, if you are a Desktop Administrator or into Virtualization, you will need to know things about Networking without necessarily being a Network Admin.

As long as there will be some machines to look after, there will be work for those who know how to carry out the task.

Virtualization is Hot nowadays and probably for many years ahead.
So despite the gloomy economical stand/projection, i encourage you to continue with your initial plan for a career in IT. Forecast have it that in 15 years, 75% of any type of job will require a minimum knowledge in the usage of a computer.

_-_

 

[theevilsharpie]

I don't think that Microsoft will retire MCITP exam series anytime soon. The exam(s) contents will be updated to reflect the evolution of their platforms and the current industry needs (regarding the skills to master).

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcitp.aspx

MCITP certifications will not be updated for future versions of Microsoft products. . . . This certification will no longer be available to earn as of July 31, 2013.​

 

[FLegman]

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcitp.aspx

MCITP certifications will not be updated for future versions of Microsoft products. . . . This certification will no longer be available to earn as of July 31, 2013.​

I don't think that Microsoft will retire MCITP exam series anytime soon.
The exam(s) contents will be updated to reflect the evolution of their platforms and the current industry needs (regarding the skills to master).
__-__

The point here being the acquired skills, retiring the MCITP will not harm those who successfully passed the exam.
In other words Microsoft will be updating the content of its exams as i stated (without emphasizing the main point).

 

[talion83]

The point here being the acquired skills, retiring the MCITP will not harm those who successfully passed the exam.
In other words Microsoft will be updating the content of its exams as i stated (without emphasizing the main point).

The reason I mentioned it is because while you can list the individual exams, if you do not finish the MCITP certificate prior to the expiration you can no longer earn the actual Certificate. You can of course list that you took the individual courses that you did pass.

I personally find it a bit ridiculous that they expire the exams when a new Server OS comes out, especially if the new OS is so drastically different from the old one. Most companies don't update very quickly, so allowing people to certify in the older OS that more companies are still using would make sense.

Yes there needs to be a cut off date of at what point do you stop offering it - it just shouldn't be so quickly into 2012's release.

 

[FLegman]

I personally find it a bit ridiculous that they expire the exams when a new Server OS comes out, especially if the new OS is so drastically different from the old one. Most companies don't update very quickly, so allowing people to certify in the older OS that more companies are still using would make sense.

Microsoft is probably planning ahead for the take off of the Cloud(y) business and also catching up with the current big Virtualization Solutions companies like VmWare.

A revamp of the complete Certification programs will help them in many aspects:

1) As you said, companies are not prompt in changing their habit, so this is a subtle way to push them into that direction.

Your MCITP certification will remain valuable as long as companies are using the technology on which it certifies.[Microsoft]

2) Regain "Prestige" as the new MCSE will be just like CCNA in terms of validity period : 3 years.

3) Keep competition at Bay (hopefully)

All this serves Marketing objectifs first. I haven't study and/or sit for the New MCSE yet to compare the content with the current MCITP, but my believe is that there will be no major "discrepancies" in the way AD users & groups config or performance monitoring is carried out.


_-_

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Well I think for now I'm going to go for my A+ with CompTIA. It's a litle more affordable and I can do the lessons online (I couldn't find anything about online courses with CISCO) and then start working on the CCNA part (I'll prob take both courses).

What I'm planning on doing is this:

Get my certs and hopefully find a job doind networking. I'm going to try specializing in wireless but I think I just need to get some experience under my belt any way I can. After a few years, I'd like to start consulting. Managing networks with the local governments and different agencies that don't have their own IT staff or very few staff. I live in a small town and I know there are a few facilities out here that contract out of town for their IT needs. It'd be better if they could get someone local who can be there on the spot when things go down.

I'm def. going to focus on networking as mentioned above though. If this is the case, should I skip A+ flat out?

 

[OVerLoRDI]

I really have been thinking of doing the same thing. My current job was actually supposed to be more IT related, but management changed and now I'm banging on doors trying to bundle software into copiers. You can imagine how I feel waking up every morning.

Networking, and wireless in particular has always interesting me. An earlier poster mentioned that jobs are there for wireless focus of ccna. If so I'm tempted to order books today and start studying.

It looks like CCNA is the place to start. From there, CCNA wireless.
Then CCNP and CCNP wireless later down the road.

I have signed up for a Pearson Vue account and am looking to see how much these tests cost.

 

[AD5MB]

the CCXX certs are about Cisco; only Cisco

do not discount the CWNP certs:

http://www.cwnp.com/certifications/

 

[JBT]

I have used these guys for MS and comptia certs. They also have Cisco vouchers. http://www.getcertified4less.com/mobile/default.aspx#Home

 

[HKSturboKID]

I have used these guys for MS and comptia certs. They also have Cisco vouchers. http://www.getcertified4less.com/mobile/default.aspx#Home

Yup, I use them awhile back. You get great deals on the soon to expire vouchers.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Stay out!

There aren't any jobs in IT right now.

There are tons in healthcare

 

[Oyeve]

There is a lot of money to be made in DB administration. Boring as hell but hey, it pays well.