Careers in IT

[fixME]

Anyone on this forum work in the IT industry and are there specific jobs in real demand?

 

I love computers, been building them since I was 12 and using them since I was 4.  I am always helping friends with computer problems and I am always told I should do something in IT.  Problem is I don't know what.

Another problem is that I live on my own and I cannot afford school.  Maybe if I got some good answers hear and really got serious I could do a student loan. 

 

There are some computer shops in my town but those are not really careers.  They build computers, which I have done for a long time, and troubleshoot.  They don't pay much more than what I earn now.

 

I took programming in school but it pretty much went through my head.  Although I did well it was really boring and my teacher was not great.  I don't think that is something I would want to pursue.  I don't even remember most of it.

 

I have read that network system jobs such as working for in a hospital are good pay and enjoyable.

 

thanks

[Facety]

It all depends on what you like doing the most and what you find most fulfilling.

 

I was in your shoes not too long ago until I decided to enroll in a Cisco Networking Academy, they taught me alot about network design and troubleshooting, although I knew other computer related stuff beforehand like a bit of programming (didn't spark my interest) and PC building/repairs (saw this more like a hobby).

Once I completed that I took a shot at one competition and things just changed for the better since then.

 

I love networking and I'm still studying and practicing to get better, even though some of my friends say I know enough but when you have an itch for knowledge who else is going to scratch it for you?

 

Right now I'm a system admin, with hopes of becoming a network admin/engineer so I can focus primarily on networking and security.

 

I hope this helped you in some way.

[IdeaStormer]

Learn all OS's not just one, the more the better. Best of all learn to learn and teach yourself and read read and read up on tech, tech moves fast and something you learned in school might be outdated by the time you get out and find a job. Sure most basic theory stands but it also changes if a little bit and you need to keep up with it. Learn to be flexible, just because you are an OS expert don't get huffy if you are asked to install a ton of desktops one week. Be able to work with people even if you have 0% in common outside the workplace. Scripts are your bread and butter, make them do your repetitive tasks or even non-repetitive tasts, point and click gets old fast. Build your knowledge base into something you can reference at a later date, you're going to forget those small things that will make you valuable so write them down because you will forget, a personal wiki or database of some kind. Don't get bent out of shape if an employer asks you to do something you may not like or favor, they're paying you so if they want it in red so be it. Of course you can advise them but in the end if they want it their way do that or just quit, don't waste your time fighting the inevitable.

[bart man32]

I'm currently studying Networking and i am in the Cisco Networking Academy and it's probably the best thing i have ever done. Only problem with IT you will defiantly be starting at the bottom (you'll probably be working in Helpdesk for the first year or so)

[Derranged]

You have a couple of options:

 

1: Put up advertisements on public noticeboards about building computers; maybe you could make some money from this which could help you go to College or University.

2: Try and get a job at one of the local computer stores and save up the money, which later on you could go to College or University.

[bradscoolio]

Get a part timer or just something to save up enough to move to Australia. Over here tertiary education like university or collage is paid by the government and added to what's called a hex debt. Your hex debt is paid off after you join the work force like a small automatic deduction from your income.

If you're over 21 you can apply as a senior student and you don't need the atar score or if your an international student your atar equivalent will be taken into account when applying for a course.

No need for a massive college fund you have to pay up front :)

RMIT & Monash Clayton in Melbourne are both good universities for IT.

[TommyHItmarkers]

I work in a brokerage firm in NYC and am the telecom manager there. As the name states, I do all of the telephone related stuff, but we have an IT/PC tech on site as well. If you live in or near a big city such as NYC, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles I would suggest looking for work at a brokerage/trading firm. Maybe have a look on Monster.com or something. It can be crazy at times with brokers/traders screaming at you because they can't find their files and whatnot, but the pay and benefits are typically worth it. I wouldn't worry too much about a degree if you know some people. I got my position now (and started off in this line of work 20 years ago) by knowing someone.

 

Good luck :)

[bradscoolio]

I work in a brokerage firm in NYC and am the telecom manager there. As the name states, I do all of the telephone related stuff, but we have an IT/PC tech on site as well. If you live in or near a big city such as NYC, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles I would suggest looking for work at a brokerage/trading firm. Maybe have a look on Monster.com or something. It can be crazy at times with brokers/traders screaming at you because they can't find their files and whatnot, but the pay and benefits are typically worth it. I wouldn't worry too much about a degree if you know some people. I got my position now (and started off in this line of work 20 years ago) by knowing someone.

Good luck :)

I think America's a little different in that sense. Australia you need to have a degree to do anything but you can do anything without one in America. Am I correct on this? I hear a lot of waisted collage degree stories coming from over there :P

[TommyHItmarkers]

It's all who you know here in the states. At least here in NYC from what I've seen over the last 20 years in the business. :)

[Kotobars]

It really depends on where you are - the demand for specialist differs so much from place to place.

 

What i would always advice tho is to find a tech support spot in some big office, junior spot for system administration (aka helping an experienced sys admin) etc. Its not really gonna be fun at start, you would prolly be called to an office desk to "press any key" cause manager cant find a key named "any" or just to reboot a PC or uninstall some porn banner, but if you will constantly be visiting lectures, courses, conferences and get certifications, you would be able to get a promotion and learn some professional administrating.

 

The best option is always to work in a team of professionals, so you could learn real world experience with hard/soft-ware which you cant really get in any uni or college

[CrzyChinook]

certs certs certs!!.. start with A+,N+, Sec+,Etc... with good computer skills and know how.. you can study and take these on your own with out formal school...

[Guest Teddybear]

certs certs certs!!.. start with A+,N+, Sec+,Etc... with good computer skills and know how.. you can study and take these on your own with out formal school...

Are certifications really all that useful? (I will soon go to uni)

[CrzyChinook]

in the US... certs can make getting a Job in IT....WAY EASIER as oppsed to having a Degree and zer0 experience.. of course.. the best sernio is to have a computer science degree and certifications!

[Facety]

in the US... certs can make getting a Job in IT....WAY EASIER as oppsed to having a Degree and zer0 experience.. of course.. the best sernio is to have a computer science degree and certifications!

 

I second that, that's how it works in Jamaica as well.

 

If your fresh out of college with no certifications or experience its going to be very hard for you to find a job.

Its hard to get experience when companies DEMAND that you to have experience to get a job in the first place  <_< .....

So getting the certs during your college run would be the best option.

[fixME]

I live on Vancouver Island.

 

What exactly made you choose networking?

A friend of mine is taking programming in college.  He knew very little about computers before starting.  He really is not enjoying the course either he says it's boring.

[MzCatieB]

i know there is allot of work in games design... you do need allot of skill to do it though but there is allot of work in it

[fixME]

i know there is allot of work in games design... you do need allot of skill to do it though but there is allot of work in it

game design was something that made me take programming in the first place.  I have lost interest in that however.

 

You really have to have some great ideas for a game first of all.  Then there's having people do animations, graphics, models, and such.  None of that interests me anymore.

[MzCatieB]

game design was something that made me take programming in the first place.  I have lost interest in that however.

 

You really have to have some great ideas for a game first of all.  Then there's having people do animations, graphics, models, and such.  None of that interests me anymore.

i have a friend who is doing a game entirely based on PhysX simulations. it looks awsome and not allot behind it

[IdeaStormer]

I think America's a little different in that sense. Australia you need to have a degree to do anything but you can do anything without one in America. Am I correct on this? I hear a lot of waisted collage degree stories coming from over there :P

 

It all depends on where you end up working, all is possible, from needing every cert/degree imaginable before you are let in the door to not having any of them and still getting the job if you know what you say you do, of course for both they'll know pretty quick if you can do it once they let you loose.

 

It's all who you know here in the states. At least here in NYC from what I've seen over the last 20 years in the business. :)

 

Yes and also if people know you can do the work by word of mouth.

 

certs certs certs!!.. start with A+,N+, Sec+,Etc... with good computer skills and know how.. you can study and take these on your own with out formal school...

 

 

Are certifications really all that useful? (I will soon go to uni)

 

I would say yes and no, as listed above depends on where you are applying to work, some won't even interview you without the required whereas others will give you the job if you have the right references. Or have contracted for them before and have proven your worth/knowledge. For you I suggest getting your learning on and if you can get a summer job that might also get you certifications along the way, that's how you should do it. Don't pay for the cert's yourself, make the employers do it or at least pony up some of it. Even if you have them don't be so fast to show them, find out if they will offer training if they want you and try to move up.

[fixME]

i have a friend who is doing a game entirely based on PhysX simulations. it looks awsome and not allot behind it

I don't know anything about that.  Is it a good paying job?  What certifcations does he have and how long has he been in school?

[dylandylandylan]

I'm currently studying computer science at university. My university also allows us to sit cisco certs on campus and paid for in our fees, so I'm super stoked with that. It was the best thing I decided to do. When I was 16-17 I left high school, and completed a diploma in web design, but It never sparked my interest that much.

 

Networking is awesome and I hope I can make a career out of it. I'd love to work in a data center as a starter job while my business gets off the ground! Nothing beats working for yourself!

[TheYonderGod]

I'm sort of in the same boat as you but I'm taking a bunch classes for a 'PC Support Management' degree.

 

 

CIS: PC Support Management Degree
The CIS: PC Support Management degree covers the use and
maintenance of a microcomputer’s hardware, software and
network connections in today’s business environment.
Course work includes learning basic computer skills in
configuration, use, and troubleshooting major hardware
components, different operating systems, and applications
in a standalone and network environment. Additionally,
the degree introduces basic business and project
management skills. This program covers all the objectives
of the Computing Technology Industry Association
(CompTIA) A+ certification exam.

 

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
• identify the names, purpose, and characteristics of
system components.
• evaluate and demonstrate basic procedures for adding
and removing field replaceable components for
desktop computers.
• analyze and demonstrate the installation and troubleshooting
of current operating systems, applications and basic
networking technology used in industry.
• formulate back-up, recovery, and system protection plans for
the operating system in a network environment.
• develop proficiency in customer service skills to effectively
diagnose and communicate microcomputer software and
hardware-related problems and solutions at the user level.
• demonstrate the techniques to manage a project, control costs,
and schedule resources employing management software.
• recognize within the information technology (IT) field the
diverse business environment associated with support issues.
• configure and implement data security methods for protecting
computers and networks from unauthorized access.

 

Requirements for Degree 31 Units
BUS 300 Introduction to Business..............................................3
BUS 310 Business Communications............................................3
CISA 160 Project Management Techniques and Software.............3
CISC 310 Introduction to Computer Information Science..............3
CISC 320 Operating Systems..................................................... 11
CISC 350 Introduction to Data Communications..........................1
CISC 351 Introduction to Local Area Networks............................1
CISC 361 Microcomputer Support Essentials -
Preparation for A+ Certification...................................3
CISC 362 Microcomputer and Applications Support.....................2
CISC 363 Microcomputer Support Technical -
Preparation for A+ Certification...................................3
CISS 301 Ethical Hacking...........................................................2

 

And a minimum of 6 units from the following:....................................6
CISA 126 Outlook: Basics (1)
or [ BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics (1)
and CISA 127 Outlook: Tools (1) ]
or BUSTEC 127 Outlook: Tools (1)
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing (2)
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2)
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management (1)
CISA 340 Presentation Graphics (2)
CISC 306 Introduction to Web Page Creation (1)
CISC 323 Linux Operating System (1)

1Taken on the Windows operating system.

Associate Degree Requirements: The CIS: PC Support Management
Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree may be obtained by completion of the
required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient
electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

 

I don't really know if the degree is good for anything, but it seems interesting so I'm just doing it. The cost really isn't bad at community colleges if you live(with your parents) close enough. I have my class fees waived, and you can get even more financial aid for books and stuff. At least here it's like this, I don't know if it's different in other places.

[MzCatieB]

I don't know anything about that.  Is it a good paying job?  What certifcations does he have and how long has he been in school?

you dont need any qualifications to do games design, you just need a portfolio and a demo.

download udk and just learn how to use it, make a game then give it some story or just do an all out title.