University/College

[Limewater]

Problemo solvdo.

I have no idea what this post means.

[Markell1991]

It's me not being arsed 'debating' anymore, effectively me saying "ok then" and stopping the conversation without trying to be a bit of a dick.

[casterofdreams]

It's me not being arsed 'debating' anymore, effectively me saying "ok then" and stopping the conversation without trying to be a bit of a dick.

Yeah I didn't like where this was going either. It turned from a fun little topic to a shouting (typing, shut up) match. What ever anyones opinion is keep it reserved to
yourseft. If you feel that college is "mandatory" (whether it'll get you a job or not is beside any kind of point) then go if not then don't.

[Limewater]

Yeah I didn't like where this was going either. It turned from a fun little topic to a shouting (typing, shut up) match. What ever anyones opinion is keep it reserved to
yourseft. If you feel that college is "mandatory" (whether it'll get you a job or not is beside any kind of point) then go if not then don't.

Ironically, the above text expresses multiple opinions.

[casterofdreams]

Yeah I didn't like where this was going either. It turned from a fun little topic to a shouting (typing, shut up) match. What ever anyones opinion is keep it reserved to
yourseft. If you feel that college is "mandatory" (whether it'll get you a job or not is beside any kind of point) then go if not then don't.

Ironically, the above text expresses multiple opinions.

It boils down to "do what you want with your life".

[Limewater]

It boils down to "do what you want with your life".

I'm not going to go back and re-read the whole thread, but I don't recall anyone telling anyone what to do with his life.

[Dakinggamer87]

I've since moved on to the IT field, going for my certifications and seeking a foot in the door at some corp's tech department. Any advice from any Racket-techies here?

I've been considering maybe going the certifications route though for awhile, has anyone here done that? I guess I'd go for the essential A+, and then I'd be interested in like Network+ and probably Cisco. Or maybe I can just find some other alternatives to school, specific training programs and whatnot. Who knows, right now I'm worried about money. lol

Studying for my Net+ right now, actually - test in a week and a half. Passed the A+ exam back in December and interested in going the Security+ route. I'll tell you what I was told - take the A+, Net+, and get your MSCDST (Microsoft's Desktop Support Tech exam.) - Those are the best three to start out with.. Any idea what avenue of IT you're interested in going?

My advice and experience for getting started in the IT field with certifications would be to start with the CompTIA exams A+ and Network+ to build a solid foundation in PC hardware, software, and networking concepts, terminology, and theory. Then go towards Microsoft/Cisco depending on what area interests you whether it's in help desk/ desktop support, Systems/Network Admin, or engineering. I was originally going to do programming but wasn't challenging to me so then I started out as a PC/Network Tech doing desktop support and now currently work in networking as a Systems/Network Admin. Engineer with Cisco routers, switches, Windows/Red Hat Linux Servers, server virtualization, cloud computing, etc. I'm currently on a certification path going towards my MCSA/MCSE which I'm only a few exams from finishing and then my CCNA cert next. I currently have A+. Network+, and MCP certs. Good luck on your Network+ exam make sure you know the OSI model, cable types, ports, and tools/utilities used for network configuration and troubleshooting connectivity such as ping, arp, nslookup, ipconfig, etc.

[casterofdreams]

It boils down to "do what you want with your life".

I'm not going to go back and re-read the whole thread, but I don't recall anyone telling anyone what to do with his life.

Thought I read that in there. It was either implied or I misinterpreted the discussion.

[Rurouni_Fencer]

My advice and experience for getting started in the IT field with certifications would be to start with the CompTIA exams A+ and Network+ to build a solid foundation in PC hardware, software, and networking concepts, terminology, and theory. Then go towards Microsoft/Cisco depending on what area interests you whether it's in help desk/ desktop support, Systems/Network Admin, or engineering. I was originally going to do programming but wasn't challenging to me so then I started out as a PC/Network Tech doing desktop support and now currently work in networking as a Systems/Network Admin. Engineer with Cisco routers, switches, Windows/Red Hat Linux Servers, server virtualization, cloud computing, etc. I'm currently on a certification path going towards my MCSA/MCSE which I'm only a few exams from finishing and then my CCNA cert next. I currently have A+. Network+, and MCP certs. Good luck on your Network+ exam make sure you know the OSI model, cable types, ports, and tools/utilities used for network configuration and troubleshooting connectivity such as ping, arp, nslookup, ipconfig, etc.

Thanks Dakinggamer! Got my A+ out of the way in December, and right now I'm going nuts studying OSI models and port configs.. Just out of curiousity - What would you recommend for the IT guy that's not so much into networking? I loved studying for A+, and breaking open a computer, overclocking processors, and troubleshooting OS problems are an absolute blast for me! In other words - what can I do as far as a good career-path goes, that doesn't dabble too much in networking and server admins?

[Michi]

I graduated last year (loan free, I might add) with a BA in Graphic Design. Thank God for my parents foresight from my birth for college tuition and multiple scholarships or it might have never been possible.

I'm working freelance for one business right now, and another lined up to start soon, which is considerably better than most of the classmates I graduated with. Many of whom do have jobs, but not ones that are in the field they studied.

Back in December I finished my Bachelor's (BS, double major) in Economics and Finance. I'll go for an MBA with a concentration of either one of those two but I want to work for a bit because I got a little burnt out from the schooling (and because you actually need work experience to go for an MBA). I'm 22 so I have time to take a couple of years just to work up some funds and experience.

I don't blame you for wanting to wait. I was so tired by that last semester that I almost thought I wouldn't make it. I may or may not go back to get my own Masters, as it's really not necessary for the Graphic Design field.