For all you guys that work in IT:...

**inheritmylife** · 11-09-2009, 11:09 AM

I just took a look at the occupational outlook for the computer sciences, and it looks very sweet indeed.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm

My current job is physically demanding and stressful and it also barely pays the bills. I'm sick of it. According to the statistics for database administrators on this page,

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151061.htm

if I was only in the 25th percentile (50k), it would still be a drastic improvement to my quality of life. So that may give you an idea of what I'm working with.

I've put aside money for school and have found this so far:

http://bulletin.ipfw.edu/preview_pro...3&returnto=333

I'm thinking the informatics and network computing concentrations would be the best route as they seem to apply more to database administration, which it seems is projected to grow the fastest as well as offer the most and well-paying jobs.

Is this going to get my foot in the door at a decent company or govt department?

I like computers and don't mind the corporate environment. I don't mind busting my ass or having to participate in continuing education. 50k per year would grant me the means to do everything I want to do in life that requires money. More is always better, and like everyone else, I'd like to put my girl in a range rover and own a nice home, but I'm saying that it's not just about money.

For those of you who work in the field, do you like it? Are you stressed out all the time or work 60+ hr/week? Does it pay the bills? Given a do-over, would you go into the same thing?

I'm still young, but this will probably be it for me until the kids are out of the house. Once I'm in, I need to be commited fully. I'm just trying to figure out if this is the area for me.

Thanks guys.

**energizer bunny** · 11-09-2009, 11:56 AM

im very interested in this thread....im also planning on a career change to ICT...

**energizer bunny** · 11-12-2009, 08:57 AM

no opinions on this??

**spywizard** · 11-12-2009, 09:02 AM

get the mcse cert.. here it can be done in 6 months..

doesn't make you a "network guy" but it does get you a job that's for sure..

then go to a "service network provider" they sell service and equipment to companies, you'll be installing all that.. after a couple years you can go to a fortune 500 company and kick back.. so side jobs etc..

better is you do this, then get our 4yr degree in computer science.. the fortune 100 companies require it..

good luck..

***El Diablo*** · 11-12-2009, 10:23 AM

Database Administrators is a very technical job.. (NOT) , i have been a Senior DBA for 5 years, good money if ur willing to work hard

**energizer bunny** · 11-12-2009, 11:26 AM

spywizard...el diablo.......cheers for the replys.....i thought there would of been a few more IT guys on here.

**energizer bunny** · 11-12-2009, 11:28 AM

ive been doing a lot of research into this...and shit the bed there are so many different certs..courses..degrees..jobs etc etc.....it confuses me a lot..lol

**EZ E** · 11-12-2009, 01:48 PM

If your not sure which direction you want to go check out what your local community college offers in the way of IT. Mine offers Windows/Linux server admin, Cisco Network Academy, Database, and security. You will be able to get a taste of each and decide what you enjoy the most. After that, depending on what you like, you can take more classes and get the certs you need.

The college degree never hurts, especially if you are young. College degrees are going to become more the norm in IT as the field matures. Also, if you want to be able to move up into management it will be a necessity.

**energizer bunny** · 11-12-2009, 03:33 PM

EZ E.....thanks for the reply (even tho its not my thread LOL but i think me and the OP are after the same)...

ive allready been to my local college (im from the UK)..and there is a 2 year ICT course or an access course(the access course gets you prepared for University) i dont know which one to choose..

**inheritmylife** · 11-12-2009, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by spywizard

get the mcse cert.. here it can be done in 6 months..

doesn't make you a "network guy" but it does get you a job that's for sure..

then go to a "service network provider" they sell service and equipment to companies, you'll be installing all that.. after a couple years you can go to a fortune 500 company and kick back.. so side jobs etc..

better is you do this, then get our 4yr degree in computer science.. the fortune 100 companies require it..

good luck..

Thanks for the reply Spywizard.

Are you saying that it is best to just dig in and knock out the CS degree?

That is a better route tahn focusing on the mcse and job experience?

**inheritmylife** · 11-12-2009, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

EZ E.....thanks for the reply (even tho its not my thread LOL but i think me and the OP are after the same)...

ive allready been to my local college (im from the UK)..and there is a 2 year ICT course or an access course(the access course gets you prepared for University) i dont know which one to choose..

I'd talk to the counselors at the respective schools and find out which route will get you there the fastest and cheapest. That's what I plan on doing as that is also the way it works at the schools here in the states.

I'll probably end up going to the community college for the 2 year, then transferring. It's cheaper and classes are smaller and much easier to schedule. It may end up taking a few more credits with the transfer being messy, but it'll probably end up being cheaper in the long run.

**energizer bunny** · 11-13-2009, 07:32 AM

yeah thats what ill do....if i do the access course ill be able to start a foundation degree within a year....if i choose the ICT national Cert itl take me 2 years but ill be learning about IT from the begining and i might evn get a job??.....ahhhh confused lol..

inheritmylife.....how old are you if you dont mind telling me?

**inheritmylife** · 11-14-2009, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

yeah thats what ill do....if i do the access course ill be able to start a foundation degree within a year....if i choose the ICT national Cert itl take me 2 years but ill be learning about IT from the begining and i might evn get a job??.....ahhhh confused lol..

inheritmylife.....how old are you if you dont mind telling me?

I'm 29.

**energizer bunny** · 11-15-2009, 09:10 AM

well im 28.....still young LOL

**inheritmylife** · 11-15-2009, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

well im 28.....still young LOL

That's what I tell myself, lol.

Sometimes life has a way of making 28 or 29 feel pretty damned old though.

**energizer bunny** · 11-15-2009, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by inheritmylife

That's what I tell myself, lol.

Sometimes life has a way of making 28 or 29 feel pretty damned old though.

sure does....especially when youve got younger brothers.......the way i see it.....just gota do the best you can with what youve got....plus i look young for my age.........how many years do you think itl take you to be earning good money from IT?

**inheritmylife** · 11-15-2009, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

sure does....especially when youve got younger brothers.......the way i see it.....just gota do the best you can with what youve got....plus i look young for my age.........how many years do you think itl take you to be earning good money from IT?

I'm lucky enough to be living in an area that has done well even through the current recession that we're experiencing here in the States. Salaries outpace cost of living here compared to other metropolitan areas, so that's good. I don't think finding a job will be a problem, especially given the projections for growth in the field. My town is a huge regional hub for rail freight also. Rail freight is the highest paying sector for IT. Over 100k mean annual wage.

With my previous coursework, I can have a CS Bachelor's in just about 2 years. I don't see any reason why I can't be earning 50k or more by the time I'm 35. There's a lot of very successful people on this board that wouldn't consider that much, but to me it is. I would work my ass off for that kind of money.

**energizer bunny** · 11-15-2009, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by inheritmylife

I'm lucky enough to be living in an area that has done well even through the current recession that we're experiencing here in the States. Salaries outpace cost of living here compared to other metropolitan areas, so that's good. I don't think finding a job will be a problem, especially given the projections for growth in the field. My town is a huge regional hub for rail freight also. Rail freight is the highest paying sector for IT. Over 100k mean annual wage.

With my previous coursework, I can have a CS Bachelor's in just about 2 years. I don't see any reason why I can't be earning 50k or more by the time I'm 35. There's a lot of very successful people on this board that wouldn't consider that much, but to me it is. I would work my ass off for that kind of money.

yeah 50k is a great amount of money especially in £..i dont know what 50k in $ is......from were im at itl take me 4 years to get my degree..

**energizer bunny** · 11-15-2009, 10:28 AM

just checked.....$50000 is just under £30000....that would suit me

**fig** · 11-15-2009, 12:48 PM

I posted in another thread not too long ago similar to this, which prompted me to talk to a DBA just out of curiosity. So not sure if you're aware...I know I had never really thought about it...but getting to be a DBA is not so straight forward. According to this guy, you usually have to be a programmer or something similar to get noticed by a DBA and then you work your way in like that. There are not very many Jr. DBA jobs out there. Everyone wants experience.

This is not to discourage you at all and this is only coming from one guy. I think it's a great position and definitely pays well. Just takes some time is all...can't walk in straight out of college unless you have certs and went to a real good school. Otherwise, you might need to start out doing something else.

**inheritmylife** · 11-15-2009, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by fig

I posted in another thread not too long ago similar to this, which prompted me to talk to a DBA just out of curiosity. So not sure if you're aware...I know I had never really thought about it...but getting to be a DBA is not so straight forward. According to this guy, you usually have to be a programmer or something similar to get noticed by a DBA and then you work your way in like that. There are not very many Jr. DBA jobs out there. Everyone wants experience.

This is not to discourage you at all and this is only coming from one guy. I think it's a great position and definitely pays well. Just takes some time is all...can't walk in straight out of college unless you have certs and went to a real good school. Otherwise, you might need to start out doing something else.

This is something I kind of expected. I think once I get into the program and get a feel for the different sorts of jobs offered and maybe intern a few places I'll have a better idea of how to get where I want to go, like EZ E said. DBA was just the one that stood out to me. I have really no idea what I'm getting myself into here, hence the thread.

Are you in IT? If so, what do you do? How is it?

..and thanks for the reply man, every insight I get helps a bunch.

**inheritmylife** · 11-15-2009, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by *El Diablo*

Database Administrators is a very technical job.. (NOT) , i have been a Senior DBA for 5 years, good money if ur willing to work hard

As far as education and experience are concerned, how did you get to where you are?

Thanks.

***El Diablo*** · 11-16-2009, 01:53 AM

Originally Posted by inheritmylife

As far as education and experience are concerned, how did you get to where you are?

Thanks.

I first did my A+. followed my MCSE, Then done my MSCD and started programming, i done Javascript and Oracle 10G and decided that im getting tired of programming, then i applied for a DBA position in my company and got it, its pretty easy to catch but ull have to put in some long hours, coz ull be on standby every so often, its not that technical at all, i also have my Business Analysis diploma, U can do all of the above in 5 years.........While earning a very good income if ur willing to work hard mate... thats all

**energizer bunny** · 11-16-2009, 11:00 AM

what do you guys think of the CCNA cert?..........

***El Diablo*** · 11-16-2009, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

what do you guys think of the CCNA cert?..........

Ofcourse its good. Its a step in the right direction, Cisco is well known. U can do A+ ,MCSE and MCSE and CCNA in 2 years..

**energizer bunny** · 11-16-2009, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by *El Diablo*

Ofcourse its good. Its a step in the right direction, Cisco is well known. U can do A+ ,MCSE and MCSE and CCNA in 2 years..

thats good....i ask because 1 of the degrees im looking at has this cert as part of the course....

what degree would you pick..

computing and networking (this one has the CCNA)

or

internet computing for business

thanks

***El Diablo*** · 11-16-2009, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

thats good....i ask because 1 of the degrees im looking at has this cert as part of the course....

what degree would you pick..

computing and networking (this one has the CCNA)

or

internet computing for business

thanks

Fvk thats a tough choice mate, ull always have work once u have ur computing and networking Dip, but i think ull become more specialized in the I.Net computing for business, and once u specialise ull earn more cash.... Just do both.

**energizer bunny** · 11-16-2009, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by *El Diablo*

Fvk thats a tough choice mate, ull always have work once u have ur computing and networking Dip, but i think ull become more specialized in the I.Net computing for business, and once u specialise ull earn more cash.... Just do both.

BOTH!! LOL.....mate that would be imposible (well not imposible) but just about.....i could if i wanted to....do one then the other.....but im not accademically gifted...im a good grafter but doing 2 courses would ruin me...id prob fail both....

im confused now on what to go for....

well ive got a full year to choose...because i have to do an access course, that will take a year..

**inheritmylife** · 11-16-2009, 05:50 PM

This is great info Diablo, it's a big help. Thanks bro.

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

.....but im not accademically gifted....

Ahh that's bull EB. You're already doing all my homework for me! lol

**spywizard** · 11-16-2009, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by inheritmylife

Thanks for the reply Spywizard.

Are you saying that it is best to just dig in and knock out the CS degree?

That is a better route tahn focusing on the mcse and job experience?

i'm saying that is the coarse of action for the fastest employment and a path to a better job through employment and advanced education..

**inheritmylife** · 11-16-2009, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by spywizard

i'm saying that is the coarse of action for the fastest employment and a path to a better job through employment and advanced education..

Clear enough. Thanks again.

**energizer bunny** · 11-17-2009, 03:00 AM

Originally Posted by inheritmylife

This is great info Diablo, it's a big help. Thanks bro.

Ahh that's bull EB. You're already doing all my homework for me! lol

lol.....i know we both are looking for the same type of answers..but were never online at the same time LOL....

**energizer bunny** · 11-17-2009, 03:59 PM

ive just passed my basic ICT course tonight...its very basic and a monkey could prob do it LOL........but i needed it to do the next course.....has anyone ever heard of ECDL/ICDL? european/international computer driving licence?

cheers

***El Diablo*** · 11-18-2009, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

ive just passed my basic ICT course tonight...its very basic and a monkey could prob do it LOL........but i needed it to do the next course.....has anyone ever heard of ECDL/ICDL? european/international computer driving licence?

cheers

No, but do it. Let me know how it went..

**energizer bunny** · 11-18-2009, 06:59 AM

most definately going to do it and ill let you know how it goes mate....but ill have to wait till next september, the course is only run once a year at my local college....so ill do it along side whatever course i choose.

cheers again...

***El Diablo*** · 11-18-2009, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

most definately going to do it and ill let you know how it goes mate....but ill have to wait till next september, the course is only run once a year at my local college....so ill do it along side whatever course i choose.

cheers again...

So what have u decided to study now?

**energizer bunny** · 11-18-2009, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by *El Diablo*

So what have u decided to study now?

im going to do an Access course i think (ive got till maybe next May to fully make up my mind).....it gets you ready for uni...like how to write out essays and do presentations and stuff........you do study skills....IT....Maths....English...and Project........and you get to choose 2 from these options....Biology....history....Health Promotion...Psychology...Sociology and Geography......along side the ECDL/ICDL..

***El Diablo*** · 11-18-2009, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

im going to do an Access course i think (ive got till maybe next May to fully make up my mind).....it gets you ready for uni...like how to write out essays and do presentations and stuff........you do study skills....IT....Maths....English...and Project........and you get to choose 2 from these options....Biology....history....Health Promotion...Psychology...Sociology and Geography......along side the ECDL/ICDL..

Sounds good to have, MS Office is used all around the world, it can just be of benefit to u.

**EZ E** · 11-18-2009, 04:08 PM

The CCNA is a great cert to get, it is one I see asked for on a lot of job postings (well actually CCNP but you need to start with CCNA). Regardless of what your school does to prepare you, you still need to take the test from Cisco; it won't be given as part of the degree.

**inheritmylife** · 11-18-2009, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by EZ E

The CCNA is a great cert to get, it is one I see asked for on a lot of job postings (well actually CCNP but you need to start with CCNA). Regardless of what your school does to prepare you, you still need to take the test from Cisco; it won't be given as part of the degree.

I'm guessing that goes for many of the other certifications as well.

School prepares you, but you need to be awarded the cert directly from Microsoft or whoever.

Is that about right?