Back to school

[Octopod]

So I registered for school. The last time I was in college was 10 years ago but I never finished. I want to get out of residential construction and into IT so it was either a certificate course of an associates degree program and I decided on the latter. My father-in-law and brother-in-law both do very well for themselves in the field and they think its a good move and I agree. Problem is Im so rusty with math that Im not doing very well on the practise exams for the aptitude test and Im probobly going to have to take an uncredited course to catch up. Ohwell. As I am sure you all are aware my writing and spelling also suck lol. Im excited though...I expect it is going to be fun. Anyhow and advice or words of encouragement are welcome.

[the King]

[otaku]

the guys I know who went into IT make incredible money for people our age (early 20s) however they work on call and it can be challenging work (which can be a good thing) I recall them having to study a great deal and spend alot of time in hands on classes to in addition to all the reading. I'm registered for school next year as well (year 2 but new school) still an english major. Nice laid back work just read and write some BS about what you read

[PharmaceuticalCowboy]

I'm registered for school next year as well (year 2 but new school) still an english major. Nice laid back work just read and write some BS about what you read

Meh, this is the thinking I had throughout college, and guess what, no job for me! In this downturned market I believe Octopod's idea to get a skilled associates degree is worth far more than going to 4 year school. You can always transfer your credits later if you decide you want to do more with your degree (or the economy bounces back).

[Ack]

I have to agree with Pharmaceutical. I managed to get a BA in English with a minor in History, and I'm back in school again to get a Master's degree in Library and Information Studies because I can use it to get a job. Unfortunately even that field is feeling it right now, so I may still not have a job once all this is over.

[deathred]

To really get into a good IT position and make good money, all you really need is luck and something to set you apart. But honestly, luck.

Just about any Joe can hook up a PC, but you need to find something particular you can master. Hardware is garbage, because people opt to buy a new PC instead of repairing or buying new parts.

Back on the luck part. I'm an IT, or Technical Support Associate, for a growing Medical Billing company out in Nassau County, NY. Lucky thing for me is that the only other IT there is my brother in law, which is how I ended up there. He ended up there because his brother worked there before. And his brother got that job because he convinced the Owner to start the business. It's really hard to just jump into the business, especially in an over crowded job market as it is in NY. You need luck, maybe someone to push you in. Every other Joe thinks that they can be an IT, and just buy certifications and that makes it all the harder for us true IT's to get good jobs.

So my advice is to go back to school, brush up on math, find something specific to delve into (I finished my Associates Degree in Computer Technology, but did a ton of Java Programming, Engineering, and plenty of Networking) so that you can say "Yes, I can fix that PC, but I can also ---" filling in the blank with something that will make you irreplaceable.

[Octopod]

Last time I was going to school I was going for History and Id still like to get a four year degree one day. My father-in-law was the systems administrator for Boston area Ritz-Carlton properties but he recently went to another company. My brother-in-law works for the small US branch of a UK company that make surveys or some such thing. Im hoping they can hook me up when Im done with my schoolin' lol.
My father-in-law also pretty much told me hardware was useless.

Edit: Here is a peak at the course down at the community college...
http://www.necc.mass.edu/programsassoci ... ions.shtml

[deathred]

Yeah, finish school, and see if you can do something else as well, don't just settle for the simple IT.

My school offered Computer Technology + Networking and Telecommunications. I didn't take that route cause I am more into engineering than networking.

[Zeonik Freak]

Back to school, Back to school, to prove to dad, that im not a fool...

[MrPopo]

I'm registered for school next year as well (year 2 but new school) still an english major. Nice laid back work just read and write some BS about what you read

Meh, this is the thinking I had throughout college, and guess what, no job for me! In this downturned market I believe Octopod's idea to get a skilled associates degree is worth far more than going to 4 year school. You can always transfer your credits later if you decide you want to do more with your degree (or the economy bounces back).

To be fair, there are some 4 year degrees that will serve you well, like engineering degrees. But you are right that compared to an English degree an good associates degree will do you far better in this market.