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Home > Archive > General Discussion > January 2003 > Advice?
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| Trafficstryker 2003-01-07, 11:20 am |
| Okay, just a quick update on my career:
I left a job in law enforcement to work with computers. I have a working knowledge of most Microsoft applications and operating systems. In November, I was hired by an independent internet service provider as a computer tech. I do everything from repairing hardware problems, software issues and I have even set up a couple wireless networks for local clients. Woo hoo! (all you techies are making fun of me now).
Anyway, where I live, Eastern Shore of Maryland, there is not much around here. I have been studying my A+ book and I am looking into taking classes at a local community college. Should I concentrate more on getting a degree in CS or should I take some non-credit classes in what interests me? I am getting a lot of hands on experience here at work, but I am only getting $8.50/Hr (I get a $2.00 raise next month ļ )
For all you smart gurus out there, if you were in my position, what would you do or suggest? I am interested in pretty much anything. One of my thoughts is: With the lowering costs of computers these days, this is going to happen. More computers in homes means the desire for them to be networked together to share internet access and more problems to be fixed.
Or, should I go back to locking people up?
Thanks for your advice,
Sam | |
| ccieToBe 2003-01-07, 11:38 am |
| Do both. See if any of the local colleges offer programs where some of the material that's covered applies to certification exams. | |
| JoniF 2003-01-07, 11:41 am |
| Definitly go for the degree, but both is better. | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-07, 11:43 am |
| First off, in the industry realise than nothing can take the place of a degree. Certs are good, but without a degree, you will eventually reach a sort of "glass ceiling" unless you run your own operation. Most employers where I live won't even consider hiring someone without one. But this may depend on your location and the specific area you wish to work in. Having said that, remember that most Computer Science degrees are not "hardware" or network orinented. DeVry or certain special schools may teach you what you want to know, but your typical computer courses in colleges are likely to be programming langauages, OS design, AI, etc. This may not interest you. Your community college or just taking courses that you like may be more flexible for you personally. In college, you will be forced to take lots of stuff that is not even remotely related to your major. As for dropping law enforcement . . . that's up to you . . . but it may be possible to combine both. Security is a sort of law enforcement and it is becoming more and more an issue in cyberspace. | |
| jonhiker 2003-01-07, 1:55 pm |
| First advice, learn what your most interested in. A degree does get more into programming(not my forte), so if that's what interests you. If you like more the hdwe and networking, then the certs and hands on experience is just as valuable.
Second. Mr. Linux Guy has a great idea in security.
Plus, your law enforcment background would make it easier to get security clearances, so that could open up some different worlds for you as well. | |
| Trafficstryker 2003-01-07, 2:11 pm |
| Thanks a lot, there are sooo many options out there it is nice to get a few opinions.
Sam |
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