Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries

Author

Advice

Trafficstryker

2003-01-07, 11:32 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 ƒº )

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

Mr. Linux Guy

2003-01-07, 11:42 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.

Matt1999

2003-01-07, 1:26 pm

Also remember that credit classes cost less than the non-credit classes. I think the county helps pay for the credit classes but not the non-credit.

fishfat3

2003-01-07, 4:24 pm

Advice,
If you asked me, and oh, by the way, you did.
I would not even think of fixing computers or networking them in someone's home. Trust me there's no money there. If you want to stay with hardward maybe you should look toward the Cisco certs. I don't have any certs yet, but I've worked in the computer field since 1981, yea that's right 1981 and have seen just about it all. But next I will be setting for the SQL 2K pt.1 and them pt.2

Good luck & hold the force by the horns.

Fishfat3

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