I'm looking into getting into the Information Technology field... was hoping to be MSCE and Networking fields but I've noticed that a lot of positions require a college degree.

If I get certified in all different types of fields will I be doing it in vein? Will someone with a college degree AND certifications beat me out of a job? Does anybody know where I can get a percentage quotes as to how well does someone JUST certified do in the business world VS someone certified and with a College degree in IT?
[This message was edited Sat Oct 19 14:55:37 PDT 2002 by IsayWhatever]

I have been in the IT field for the last 7 years... I can tell you for certain that it is NOT the field to go into right now.

EVERYONE is getting laid off all over the country in this industry. The IT departments in most major companies are being cut heavily and there are tons of out-of-work IT managers out there.

IsayWhatever said:

I say whatever

LICKETY LICKETY LICK

IsayWhatever said:

You can do really well, even without a degree, but only if you're good and if you have the experience on your resume (and since you're only now thinking about joining the field you're at a disadvantage). There's way too many "programmers" out there from the 90's who can't produce a project that actually runs...

And while the IT industry in going through a depression right now, there are actually lots of opportunities still--the internet is real and remains largely untapped. Get educated now and get out into the workforce when the next wave comes!

thank u teller, that was a very realistic answer..

boob, I say Whatever to your majik nipple!

It really depends on where your interests lie. "IT" is a very broad umbrella term that covers pretty much anything Why are you interested in IT, and what areas interest you the most?

Sure, if you want to be a sysadmin type, there are a few routes. If you are into networking, teach yourself about IP networking, network management. Learn to use Cisco IOS - get your Cisco certification if you can get an employer to cover the costs perhaps. It's a very broad area and you need to be versatile with using Windows, Unix, scripting, setting up firewalls, managing mail servers ... blah blah blah. The list goes on. As I say, it's a huge area. You don't always need a degree to get into this field because it isn't "computer science" or "engineering" as such, but without a third level qualification you need to (a) be very good and (b) get as many other qualifications as you can e.g. Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, Sun and others. You don't have to know EVERYTHING - some people earn a good living as an Oracle DBA - all they do is manage Oracle databases. Some people earn a living doing purely Microsoft-related stuff.

If you are into being a programmer, there are many different areas, and career paths. There's more to being a good software engineer than just picking up a book on Java - I wouldn't recommend it unless you know what you are getting yourself into (and you should consider doing a degree or a diploma or some computing course - not having any qualifications WILL hold you back I'm afraid).

Bottom line is: I know many people who don't have degrees yet earn a very good living in IT. However those people invariably ended up in areas such as network security, IT departments, technical support, system administrator roles. Also they had to work their tits off in poorly paid jobs while they clocked up some experience on their CV and "proved themselves". This is a completely distinct career path from computer science or software engineering or mathematics.

Decide what aspect of "IT" appeals to you, and examine why you want to do it, and if you could really enjoy doing it for a living. Consider doing a course of some kind to get you started on the right path. Get some good books. Ask people you know who have taken the similar career path. If you are going into system administration type roles, qualifications help - investigate the certification programmes from people like Cisco, Microsoft, Sun etc.

Ian! u rock! thanks!

thanks 2 everyone else too =)

Been in the field 10 years...

A bit of advice make sure that you have that mcse, and some other certification...

When we interview a college degree, and some of those certifications stand out.

One thing that you could do for yourself is be better than the rest. I kid you not. It is competitive. And make sure that you are a nerd..I am not kidding they get the best jobs, cuz they are sharp as can be.

It's tough out there for anyone in IT.

yeah you better start getting properly nerdy. i'll get you started: 1. read slashdot every day 2. bitch about microsoft at every opportunity 3. get yourself some black t-shirts, or even better order some ultra geek-chic from thinkgeek to prove your hardcore nerd credentials and finally 4. overclock your pc to ten times its rated speed, and boast about to your mates. compare times for a full linux kernel compilation for bonus points

ian said:

Oh, so you are a nerd! Somehow we guessed that..

ian said:

Any tips on learning Java? A good book?

Lleena said:

You came to the right man Orgnote me!

Well it depends on how experienced you are as a programmer already, and what aspect of Java you are interested in. Note me and I'll put some recommendations together for you from my awesome library of hi-tech nerdybooks.

ian said:

Thanks Ian Ive been kind of dreading it!

Make sure that you provide her with some info on J2EE. That is the direction they are heading.

sag10 said:

Who's "they"?

Anyway don't worry I'll cover all bases I used to work in Javasoft / Sun so I'm a total Java nerd.

You can also go to a good Tech School that
has job placement after you graduate or after
going to school look into becoming a contractor
in your field they make good moneeey!!! and
the companies are leaning to this big time. This way
you can get your experience and if your good
the company will make you a offer for a job.

Thanks, Sag and Ian

I will orgnote you Ian!

Lleena said:

2the9s said:

Help me Ian, he is out of control