Does anyone work in IT?

[PowerPigeon]

I've been doing some research into college programs that would help me get into IT (helpdesk, networking, and that kind of thing is what I'm interested in) and I've discovered a few different options. The ones that I would be able to get into with my current courses leaving high school are diploma or industry partnership certificate programs.

 

The industry partnership one specifically would allow me to get certified with CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012, as well as optionally Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 (LPIC-1) and Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP). The length of this program is just under a year. Another school offers a diploma course in Computer Science and Information Systems.

 

The other program I've found is a two-year program in Computer Information Technology that can lead into another two year program to get a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems. I can't see any informations of IT certifications on these programs, so I assume that I would have to go and get those elsewhere. In order to enter this program I would need to take a prerequisite math course before I start as I would not be able to take it before graduating high school.

 

Is a degree really important in IT, or should I be more concerned with certifications like CompTIA and such? Math is not something I enjoy too much when it's difficult, so I would like to avoid anything too advanced if possible. What would be a better option, a certificate or diploma or a degree?

[givingtnt]

to me a degree is more important. then you get qualifications (if you go to say university after wich is reccomended)

[Unhelpful]

If it is general IT support certs alone can be fine, the A+ can get you a help desk job. For most other things it isn't certs OR a degree, it is certs AND a degree.

[ChineseChef]

What schools are you looking at? 

 

I would suggest getting the 2 year degree first.  And get some basic certs while you go to school for that.  Get your CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, and get some MS certs too.  The key with these first certs is to show that you can get certs and have started your personal and profession self improvement.  Getting the certs shows motivation to be better.  You don't have to have any fancy or expensive ones, just get the cheap ones.  I recommend getting CISCO CCENT as well, it is relatively easy to get, and looks good.  The key about a lot of the big certs, is they show you know something, but a lot of them take some real on the job exposure to be able to pass the tests, unless you are great at studying and understanding things you haven't used before.

 

Your goal at first is to get enough education to show that you are trainable and teachable.  While going to school you should get a part time job that has something to do with IT, like try to find a help desk job if you can, otherwise maybe some kind of BestBuy Geek Squad type job or whatever stores are local to you.  Don't be worried if you can't find anything.

 

After you get your 2 year degree, you should be hardcore job hunting.  Try to find a job in IT somewhat related to what you want to do, but don't hold out for the "dream job".  The key at this point is just to get your foot in the door.  Once you get in, you can work on improving your skills where you work.  Focus on being good at your job and learning as much as you can at first.  After you feel comfortable enough with your work, you should start looking at continuing your schooling to get a 4 year degree.  Take night classes or online courses as you are able.  Get some more certs that are in whatever area you want to go to.  Don't be afraid to change your mind about what you want to do. 

 

I started off wanting to get deep into networking, gave it a try, didn't really like it.  Was able to move over to server admin side, like it much more.  So go in with an open mind and let your experiences guide your direction and feel out what you actually like, as apposed to what you think you will like.  Also, don't get discouraged if you can't find great jobs.  Experience yields opportunities.  And friends in the field can be the best way to get good jobs or at least get you that introduction. 

 

Also, here is some key professional advice.  DON'T EVER BURN ANY BRIDGES.  You never know when someone will be in charge of your future and remember something you did in the past.  Going out in a blaze of glory is fun to do, and looks great on TV, but it can ruin your future career prospects.

[techguru]

I find that IT is a bad thing to get into...the jobs pay crap..and are hard to get

if you really want good money in computers

its all in programming...

in fixing computers...theres no money...or atleast in my city theres not

[techguru]

theres to many people "fixing" computers these days....

[ChineseChef]

IT is a great career field, PC repair is a small subset that has no real career path.  If all you plan to do is fix computers for people, yah, that's a bad career goal.  But IT as a whole is a great career field.  You just need to focus on working on the backend, not on customer interaction.

[BOT Edward]

I work as a "Computer systems officer" at my states fire service.

It's basically a glorified helpdesk role, it's a 2 year position but it's a great stepping stone as working at a helpdesk shows future employers that you can deal with people and have good troubleshooting skills.

 

OT: Go for the certifications, I got my job straight out of year 12 (aus) 

[harrynowl]

IT is a great career field, PC repair is a small subset that has no real career path.  If all you plan to do is fix computers for people, yah, that's a bad career goal.  But IT as a whole is a great career field.  You just need to focus on working on the backend, not on customer interaction.

I agree, I work in PC repair (as I'm a student still) and I'd say the most valuable thing I've taken away with it was transferable skills (teamworking, customer service etc), as career progression is basically none.

[ChineseChef]

I agree, I work in PC repair (as I'm a student still) and I'd say the most valuable thing I've taken away with it was transferable skills (teamworking, customer service etc), as career progression is basically none.

 

Yah, it is a fantastic stepping stone, great place to be "in the career field" while getting paid and getting experience.

[DuckDodgers]

The real money is in software development sphere (Maintenance, QA, Debugging, etc.) only if you have steady experience and a good portfolio. A degree is mostly useless and certainly won't impress any employer by it's own merit. A good start to look for are the Web Development/SaaS companies -- lot's of opportunities there and a good environment to acquire real teamwork skills.