Where the heck do I start?

[Turbonium]

I'm in my late 20s, undergoing a major career focus shift, and looking to get into IT, or something along those lines.

The problem is, I don't even know what that means. Basically, I just enjoy working with computers, and I'm better than the average person at it, so I figured it's possible.

My experience with computers includes, but is not limited to:

• remotely accessing a Windows environment (my own, and to help others who are having trouble with their systems)
• purging a Windows system of a virus using common tools
• building and configuring systems, and modifying/upgrading systems
• troubleshooting systems (software, hardware)
• basic network configuration (setting up a home network, port forwarding, etc.)
• file transfer via FTP (client, and server)
• setting up backups (automatic or manual), with appropriate redundancy
• building websites using HTML and CSS, and copying and hacking JavaScript code (or "scripts" I guess) to make my websites do what I want them to do
• very minor experience with PHP and databases (i.e. I know next to nothing)
• intermediate programming in Java (I still don't consider myself to know anything about the fundamentals of programming though - I don't even know the real reason why different languages exist, or what an API is)
• learning the skills and tools necessary to mod a computer game (i.e. Warcraft III); this includes triggers, textures edits, model creation, etc.
• installing and running a basic Linux system

Virtually everything I know, with the exception of Java programming, was self-taught.

So basically, I'm a computer whiz compared to the average person (but that's not really saying much). I figure, though, that it means I should be able to make it in IT in some capacity.

TL;DR: I want to get into IT. But what is IT, exactly (from a work standpoint)? And what can I learn on my own to help me break into the field/industry (both in terms of self-teaching, and formal schooling)?

 

[Markbnj]

You need a more specific goal. Then it would be possible to give some relevant advice. Do you want to be a programmer, or get into some aspect of operations? The paths are very different.

 

[Turbonium]

That's the problem: I have no clue. What is "operations"? </newb>

The issue is that virtually all my formal schooling is unrelated to the field (I'm a biology major), so I don't even know what's available. I just haven't been exposed to the stuff.

Any information you can give me would be great.

I'm pretty sure I don't want to be a programmer though. And this is based solely on the assumption that I probably am not very good at it, relatively speaking - and I've heard that even the best programmers don't make that much money, so where does that leave me?

 

[Jaydip]

That's the problem: I have no clue. What is &quot;operations&quot;? </newb>

The issue is that virtually all my formal schooling is unrelated to the field (I'm a biology major), so I don't even know what's available. I just haven't been exposed to the stuff.

Any information you can give me would be great.

I'm pretty sure I don't want to be a programmer though. And this is based solely on the assumption that I probably am not very good at it, relatively speaking - and I've heard that even the best programmers don't make that much money, so where does that leave me?

Programmers don't make that much money because of bug in the code nothing else have you thought about game testing? it can open multiple avenues for you.

 

[smackababy]

That's the problem: I have no clue. What is "operations"? </newb>

The issue is that virtually all my formal schooling is unrelated to the field (I'm a biology major), so I don't even know what's available. I just haven't been exposed to the stuff.

Any information you can give me would be great.

I'm pretty sure I don't want to be a programmer though. And this is based solely on the assumption that I probably am not very good at it, relatively speaking - and I've heard that even the best programmers don't make that much money, so where does that leave me?

First: programmers make plenty of money and the better you are, the better your work environment. I make a bit more money than a friend of mine (like 10k more), but he can wear shorts and flip flops to work and I am in a corporate environment.

I would look into some basic programming guides and see if it interests you at all. If it doesn't, don't bother with programming.

General IT work is usually installing programs and basic support, which you can probably already do from what you've stated. I don't think there is much money in this, but I can't be sure, as I don't do that kind of work. If problem support doesn't involve debugging, I am not interested. >_>

I would research a bit on the IT industry and specialized jobs. See what interests you and what you like to do.

We can probably be more helpful if you can get some general idea a bit more specific than IT industry.

 

[smackababy]

Programmers don't make that much money because of bug in the code nothing else have you thought about game testing? it can open multiple avenues for you.

Game testing is a terrible career field. You make little money and it is not just sitting around playing video games all day. It is a very tedious, repetitious playing of a single part of a game for hours on end. And since everyone wants to be in the video game industry, it is a race to the bottom for salary.

Even game programming is that way. Entry level game programmers make like 60% of the industry standard and work terrible hours, doing code monkey work only to get canned when the project is complete. But, again, since everyone wants to be a game programmer, it is full of college kids who are willing to put up with that kind of environment.

 

[Jaydip]

Game testing is a terrible career field. You make little money and it is not just sitting around playing video games all day. It is a very tedious, repetitious playing of a single part of a game for hours on end. And since everyone wants to be in the video game industry, it is a race to the bottom for salary.

Even game programming is that way. Entry level game programmers make like 60% of the industry standard and work terrible hours, doing code monkey work only to get canned when the project is complete. But, again, since everyone wants to be a game programmer, it is full of college kids who are willing to put up with that kind of environment.

Game testing is an entry point, you can move on to design which probably has the best career path as of now.

 

[Markbnj]

I'm pretty sure I don't want to be a programmer though. And this is based solely on the assumption that I probably am not very good at it, relatively speaking - and I've heard that even the best programmers don't make that much money, so where does that leave me?

Ha, well, good programmers remain very rare, and hands down you make more money writing code than in almost any non-managerial position in operations. I can tell you this much: I'm paying a very good Python programmer a six-figure salary and he's in his twenties. There aren't that many paths to > $100k before you hit 30, so I think programming remains a very attractive path for those who are good at it.

 

[Turbonium]

Ha, well, good programmers remain very rare, and hands down you make more money writing code than in almost any non-managerial position in operations. I can tell you this much: I'm paying a very good Python programmer a six-figure salary and he's in his twenties. There aren't that many paths to > $100k before you hit 30, so I think programming remains a very attractive path for those who are good at it.

Alright, so lets assume I want to get into programming. Where do I start? What language should I learn? What fundamental stuff should I read up on?

I work hard, so I have no problems putting the work in. I just don't want to put work into the wrong direction.

Also: part of the problem is I'm a bit of a jack of all trades, master of none. So while I may be able to program, I'm not entirely sure I will stand out above the crowd, regardless of the fact that I work hard.

 

[smackababy]

Alright, so lets assume I want to get into programming. Where do I start? What language should I learn? What fundamental stuff should I read up on?

I work hard, so I have no problems putting the work in. I just don't want to put work into the wrong direction.

With programming there really is no wrong direction to put in work. Like I said though, if this is just for money, this is not a career path I would follow. I have only met a few programmers who got into this and stuck with it that weren't passionate about actually being programmers and they are not what I would call the best programmers. The technologies used are changing at such a pace, you have to be passionate in learning them or you just get left behind.

There is a wealth of information and tutorials on any facet of programming you could want. Just pick a topic (like web development, embedded systems, game development) and start googling for a primer or beginner's guide.

Also, I don't know your exact situation with school, but schooling will help you a great deal. Not just from a learning standpoint, but from a career standpoint. I, not having a degree, have had to work much harder getting even a technical interview with previous job experience. It is not impossible, but it is much easier and you do gain a lot of knowledge. Also, you will almost always have to do self study to continue learning.

 

[Markbnj]

Try Python and see if you like it. There are a zillion resources out there, and you can do stuff right in the shell without building a whole web stack. When you're ready to do that it sounds like you have enough experience to make it easier. A good path might be basic Python => Django => html + javascript.

 

[Turbonium]

With programming there really is no wrong direction to put in work. Like I said though, if this is just for money, this is not a career path I would follow. I have only met a few programmers who got into this and stuck with it that weren't passionate about actually being programmers and they are not what I would call the best programmers. The technologies used are changing at such a pace, you have to be passionate in learning them or you just get left behind.

I'm not in it for the money. If I was, I would have stuck to pharmacy (I dropped out).

I just want to make a decent living doing something that doesn't totally bore me...

 

[smackababy]

I'm not in it for the money. If I was, I would have stuck to pharmacy (I dropped out).

I just want to make a decent living doing something that doesn't totally bore me...

It can be interesting. At least, it is for me. It involves a lot of problem solving and arguing with users over requirements (you will understand once you get into the field >_> ).

 

[nickbits]

and I've heard that even the best programmers don't make that much money, so where does that leave me?

What do you consider "that much"? My jobs have paid 50-120k.

From what you posted, it sounds like you want (or are qualified) to do desktop support or be the lone office IT guy but that is close to min wage job.

 

[Merad]

Are you wanting to do programming (actually writing code) or IT type work (installing/configuring/supporting computers/networks/etc)?

The programming side is going to be harder to get into. If you already have a 4 year degree and are very dedicated on the learning you can probably get your foot in the door at most places. If you don't have a degree though, you're going to have a very tough time, so you'll probably want to look at going back to school for a CS degree.

IT type work is easier to get into without a degree, but a lot of those jobs are not great in terms of pay or environment.

 

[Turbonium]

What do you consider "that much"? My jobs have paid 50-120k.

From what you posted, it sounds like you want (or are qualified) to do desktop support or be the lone office IT guy but that is close to min wage job.

I'd consider 80k+ very good money. I'd be content with 60-65k.

 

[smakme7757]

I'd consider 80k+ very good money. I'd be content with 60-65k.

If you have absolutely 0 experience with anything other than what you posted in your bullet points then you're a long way from earning that kind of money. I mean, ok you know a bit of this and a bit of that, but I think it's an overstatement to say you’re a "whiz". The difference between you and everyone else is that you want to learn it, they don't (It's important to remember that).

With that being said if you are that keen, then you would benefit from going back to uni and getting a degree in the field you find most interesting. Having a strong drive and focus will definitely make everything a whole lot easier.


Starting from pretty much square 1 without any degree or any prior work experience would definately be a bloody hard way to get into the workforce. Seeing as you got into pharmacy i'd say you should be able to take your pick at something at a local university.

 

[Turbonium]

I mean, ok you know a bit of this and a bit of that, but I think it's an overstatement to say you&#8217;re a "whiz". The difference between you and everyone else is that you want to learn it, they don't (It's important to remember that).

So basically, I'm a computer whiz compared to the average person (but that's not really saying much). I figure, though, that it means I should be able to make it in IT in some capacity.

... :/

 

[smakme7757]

... :/

My bad.

 

[Turbonium]

Try Python and see if you like it. There are a zillion resources out there, and you can do stuff right in the shell without building a whole web stack. When you're ready to do that it sounds like you have enough experience to make it easier. A good path might be basic Python => Django => html + javascript.

Thanks.

I don't really know what the bolded terms are though. This sort of thing has me worried. I'm hoping to learn the stuff though.

 

[Tweak155]

You can make $60k doing support. Your skills cover that no problem. My friend just got hired at Google for right about that doing support.

 

[Tweak155]

Ha, well, good programmers remain very rare, and hands down you make more money writing code than in almost any non-managerial position in operations. I can tell you this much: I'm paying a very good Python programmer a six-figure salary and he's in his twenties. There aren't that many paths to > $100k before you hit 30, so I think programming remains a very attractive path for those who are good at it.

Yeah I'm close to $100k now doing software development. Only reason I haven't hit $100k yet is because I'm trying to stick with this company I'm at for the long haul... lots of opportunities there if I don't want to keep coding.

I got the job doing VBA!!! Yes, VBA. I just received a verbal offer yesterday for $50/hr at another company but passed it up (again, doing VBA!) due to the above.

I'm picking up C# where I'm at now, so if I choose that route I can up my salary even more if I stick with programming. But I'm a big picture kind of guy as far as goals, I can see management in my future. Just too young right now.

 

[Leros]

You majored in biology? Do you have any interesting mathematical/statistical/analytical skills?

My company has been hiring people for our data science team. It's a programming job, but programming is not the main skill. We're hiring people with backgrounds in math, physics, astronomy, etc. They know how to program, but nowhere near the level of our software developers.

 

[beginner99]

I got the job doing VBA!!! Yes, VBA. I just received a verbal offer yesterday for $50/hr at another company but passed it up (again, doing VBA!) due to the above.

lol that actually is funny but since VBA sucks so bad I would also rather earn a bit less and use a real language that isn't a constant WTF. Makes sense you get a ton of money from it because if all those excel spreadsheets fail, probably whole finance and controlling departments will be unable to operate.

It's amazing what excel is used for.

You majored in biology? Do you have any interesting mathematical/statistical/analytical skills?

My company has been hiring people for our data science team. It's a programming job, but programming is not the main skill. We're hiring people with backgrounds in math, physics, astronomy, etc. They know how to program, but nowhere near the level of our software developers.

I have master in biology and CS. But I live quiet for away from texas.


@OP:

As you can read above I once was in a similar boat. I also knew I did not want to do a or continue work in a bio lab. I just never liked that. After quite a while on the job hunt I found my current position. It was for administrating chemistry and biology related applications used by researchers in this company. After about a year I started my CS studies while working, it was at a school were you needed to do most of the stuff by yourself and only had to attend classes once about every 3 weeks on weekends (it was made for people that have a job).

Now I'm also creating very simple web applications for data entry and searching or help with other repetitive tasks that can benefit from automation (speak scripts). Meaning you can evolve in your job if the need is there. And people interacting with IT and researchers are getting more important by the hour.

Personally I would go for such a job. Doing basic IT support IMHO will get boring and annoying very, very quickly. There are just too many stupid users and having people to teach how to bold a font in Word over and over is just not challenging...

I guess I could look at the big pharmaceutical companies or else smaller BioTech or chemical companies (like agriculture) that have their own research departments. Cigarette companies usually have research departments too and AFAIK pay rather more due to moral implications, eg.less people want to work there.

 

[Markbnj]

Thanks.

I don't really know what the bolded terms are though. This sort of thing has me worried. I'm hoping to learn the stuff though.

The shell is like the command prompt in Windows. You can enter simple programs there, or save them in a text file and load and run them from the shell. It provides a simple environment for executing Python statements and learning the language. It is also used by expert Python programmers for quick calculations and other chores.

A web stack is the several layers of software needed to deliver a web page from a server to a client. One of the main uses of Python is for processing requests for web pages on a web server. A typical "stack" for that application might be a MySql database, Apache or nginx web server, Python, a Python-based web framework like Django, html, and javascript.

Eventually you need to understand how all that stuff works and fits into the big picture, but the shell is a much simpler place to simply learn how the language works.