ne1 work in IT? and/or network security?

[pstarlord]

I'm looking into a career change, and since I've always been interested in tech, I like working on/solving problems, the world of IT is an option I'm exploring.  I've done some web research, i think networking or networking security might be the fields that most interest me.  

 

I'm a full on adult, in a full on adult schedule so I'd have to be taking my classes on line.  Does anyone have any recommendations for a good place to get started?  Maybe and online school you've attended?  I know a few programs like for their students to have either some experience or a selection of IT certificates.  Is it possible to get into the IT field with just a series of certificates, or is the degree a necessity.  

 

I'm looking into the career swap mainly because I'm 35, and I've worked in the music industry in one capacity or another for about 25 years and I'm just ready for a change.  The bump in salary is pretty appealing as well. 

 

Any little tips are greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

[Arika]

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 I'm 35

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and I've worked in the music industry in one capacity or another for about 25 years 

 

35 - 25 = 10

>working at 10 years old

 

 

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You would be far better off with a degree, while you might be able to get away with certificates of completion, you will always be second choice to someone with a degree especially when it comes to networking and security

[pstarlord]

51 minutes ago, Arika S said:

35 - 25 = 10

>working at 10 years old

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You would be far better off with a degree, while you might be able to get away with certificates of completion, you will always be second choice to someone with a degree especially when it comes to networking and security

haha, not as a performing artist.    I've been a professional musician for 25 years.  Not like I was bringing in a livable salary when I was 10, but I was being paid to perform.  Started producing bands and working live sound in high school.  Been working in the music industry in one way or another since.    

[Canada EH]

42 minutes ago, pstarlord said:

-snip-

Well actually it was a legit question, we are just trying to gauge your age, if you are 60 yrs old, 50, 40, 30 or 18 then maybe we can direct you in the right direction.

 

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I'm looking into the career swap mainly because I'm 35, and I've worked in the music industry in one capacity or another for about 25 years and I'm just ready for a change.

Not sure why I missed that. That is a good age to get into the industry.

Seattle, ok I will look for schools for you.

https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/ looks promising.

Quote

Information Technology
Applications Support	C
Computer Support Technician (I-Best)	S V
Computing Technology	S
Database Administration & Development	C
IT Controlled Electronic Systems	N
IT Systems Specialist	S
Mobile Product Development Specialist	C
Network & Server Adminstration Specialist	N
Network Administration	S
Network Design & Administration	C
Network Design & Administration CISCO	C
Programming	C
Web Design	C
Web Development	C

 

[pstarlord]

40 minutes ago, Canada EH said:

Well actually it was a legit question, we are just trying to gauge your age, if you are 60 yrs old, 50, 40, 30 or 18 then maybe we can direct you in the right direction.

 

Not sure why I missed that. That is a good age to get into the industry.

 

What country, state are you in?

Direct you to schools and such.

No worries.  I'm in Seattle, WA.  US.  Pretty good tech part of the world, plenty of opportunity for sure.  I know it's going to be pretty competitive, but I like that aspect of it. 

[Teddy07]

I think the USA is one of the easiest western countries to start a new career without a degree. Part of it seems to be that the American apprenticeship system isn't as developed as other western countries. Just opinion from a foreigner.

 

My strategy would be to look for vacancies where you would like to apply in the future. Look at the requirements but don´t be intimidated because some companies treat like it more like a wishlist. You will get the gist after reading a few vacancies.

 

I was a few years ago in a similar position and age and went for a degree but I am from Europe where a degree is kinda required to do anything.

[imreloadin]

7 minutes ago, Teddy07 said:

but I am from Europe where a degree is kinda required to do anything

That's an over-exaggeration if I've ever seen one

[pstarlord]

9 minutes ago, Teddy07 said:

I think the USA is one of the easiest western countries to start a new career without a degree. Part of it seems to be that the American apprenticeship system isn't as developed as other western countries. Just opinion from a foreigner.

 

My strategy would be to look for vacancies where you would like to apply in the future. Look at the requirements but don´t be intimidated because some companies treat like it more like a wishlist. You will get the gist after reading a few vacancies.

 

I was a few years ago in a similar position and age and went for a degree but I am from Europe where a degree is kinda required to do anything.

that raises a good point.  I have looked into going to school in Europe, if I could figure out the financial side and scheduling side of course.  Education seems to be much more affordable when I look into certain schools there. Especially in Germany.  Is there something I'm missing, is this frowned upon for an American to essentially take advantage of Europe's more reasonable education pricing?  

[Teddy07]

2 minutes ago, pstarlord said:

that raises a good point.  I have looked into going to school in Europe, if I could figure out the financial side and scheduling side of course.  Education seems to be much more affordable when I look into certain schools there. Especially in Germany.  Is there something I'm missing, is this frowned upon for an American to essentially take advantage of Europe's more reasonable education pricing?  

1

I would only consider if you think that you need a university degree.

 

You are probably looking at a total of ~1100 Euro monthly. Keep in mind that students in Germany over 30 years have to pay 185 Euro monthly for healthcare which I think is ridiculous. 

I had a Hawaiian English teacher who told us that he tells his friends to send their children to European universities because of the price.

 

Feel free to ask if you have any questions. 

 

  

[pstarlord]

5 hours ago, Teddy07 said:

I would only consider if you think that you need a university degree.

 

You are probably looking at a total of ~1100 Euro monthly. Keep in mind that students in Germany over 30 years have to pay 185 Euro monthly for healthcare which I think is ridiculous. 

I had a Hawaiian English teacher who told us that he tells his friends to send their children to European universities because of the price.

 

Feel free to ask if you have any questions. 

 

  

Oh great.  Thank you very much for the information.