I'm a 48 year old broadcast television "Engineer". No certifications or
diplomas, just 2 years in a tech school and 24 years on the job. I have a
user-level knowledge of Windows 3.1 through Windows 98, as well as
dabbling in Linux a bit.

If I wanted a piece of paper that proved I knew my job, where should I
start? I've heard of something called "A+" but don't know what it is, same
with the various arcane numbered levels of MCSE. At one time I understand
I had a Associate level Certified Electronics Technician card, but the
teachers at the tech school never explained what that was. It's long since
expired, anyway.

So, I can fix a 30Kw UHF transmitter or a digital-format VCR, but all I've
got is an FCC General class license, an Amateur Extra, and a lot of years
making not much income.

Any hints, tips, or flames?

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A+ is a vendor neutral (hahaha) basic computer technicians certification.
It is administered by Comptia (The Computer Technology Industry Association)
and covers hardware and software. http://www.comptia.org/ There is also a
Network+ certification along with Server+, i-Net+, Security+, Linux+ and a
few others.

Microsoft certifications cover a very wide range and it woul be better
visiting their site http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/ to get a better
idea.

MCSA = 4 exams (usually 70-210, 215, 216, 218) but Comptia A+ and Network+
can be used in place of 1 elective.
MCSE = 4 exams - (4 OS and 1 design)

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"Karl S." <null_dev@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> Any hints, tips, or flames?

Why enter what has become a low-paying, very difficult to enter, low job
security, field? I hate to say it, but at 48-years-old, no employer is
going to touch you without a college degree in MIS or CIS. Yeah, there are
age anti-discrimination laws, but that's never stopped Corporate America
before.

Don't jump on a sinking ship. That's my advice.

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>"Karl S." <null_dev@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> Any hints, tips, or flames?
>
>Why enter what has become a low-paying, very difficult to enter, low job
>security, field? I hate to say it, but at 48-years-old, no employer is
>going to touch you without a college degree in MIS or CIS. Yeah, there are
>age anti-discrimination laws, but that's never stopped Corporate America
>before.
>
>Don't jump on a sinking ship. That's my advice.
>
>

So what field DOES one move sideways into at 48?

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<john63401@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> So what field DOES one move sideways into at 48?

I don't know. That is a really tough age to be switching fields, especially
given the current economic and political climate. If he had a college
degree, he would stand a much better chance.

The best way around all of this is to start your own company. But that's a
TON of work, but it can be done. All those guys at ENRON who nobody would
hire have done pretty well starting their own companies. I read about them
in a recent issue of either Inc. or Entrepreneur magazine...

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><john63401@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> So what field DOES one move sideways into at 48?
>
>I don't know. That is a really tough age to be switching fields, especially
>given the current economic and political climate. If he had a college
>degree, he would stand a much better chance.

Yes..... it IS a tough thing.

Is it too late to go back to college and even get a
degree at that age.... a degree in ANYTHING?

I mean.... given that age would he re-coup his tuition
and college money in time?

>The best way around all of this is to start your own company. But that's a
>TON of work, but it can be done. All those guys at ENRON who nobody would
>hire have done pretty well starting their own companies. I read about them
>in a recent issue of either Inc. or Entrepreneur magazine...

Interesting. I didn't know that abt them.

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<john63401@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> Is it too late to go back to college and even get a
> degree at that age.... a degree in ANYTHING?

No, I don't think so. I wouldn't get a technology degree, though, as the
government and Corporate America are clearly in the process of moving all of
those jobs offshores, or bringing in the cheap labor to supplant American
workers. Whether this is right or wrong we can debate elsewhere, but the
fact is, the days of making a living by working with technology is coming to
a rapid and abrupt halt.

I'm anxious to see the next revision of the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

And keep in mind folks, this is a newsgroup which used to generate hundreds,
if not well over a 1000 new messages a day. That number is now less than
two dozen. If you can't see the writing on the wall based on that alone,
then I guess you're going to find out the hard way. Microsoft certification
is WORTHLESS. I'm a long-time MCSE+I saying this. None of the other
certifications are any better.

The fact that Microsoft itself is offshoring so many jobs should also tell
you something... Hopefully!

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>> Is it too late to go back to college and even get a
>> degree at that age.... a degree in ANYTHING?
>
>No, I don't think so. I wouldn't get a technology degree, though, as the
>government and Corporate America are clearly in the process of moving all of
>those jobs offshores, or bringing in the cheap labor to supplant American
>workers. Whether this is right or wrong we can debate elsewhere, but the
>fact is, the days of making a living by working with technology is coming to
>a rapid and abrupt halt.

I see Bob....and I tend to agree

But say he DID go back to college at 48. WHAt filed of
study WOULD you NOW recommend given the shape of the It
industry?

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<john63401@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> But say he DID go back to college at 48. WHAt filed of
> study WOULD you NOW recommend given the shape of the It
> industry?

I'm struggling with this, myself, John. I'm trying to figure out a career
that cannot easily be sold out by Congress, or offshored by Corporate
America. A career in sales, perhaps, or marketing, or any type of a job
where the customer wants to see a friendly face that can speak the language.
The net effect of the offshoring and H-1B/L1 stuff is that it will drive
down ALL salaries in the USA.

I'd say a degree in management, human resources, and the like would be
valuable. Forget about accounting and finance -- those functions are headed
offshore, too. Again, this is a dilemma I'm working on myself.

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>I'm struggling with this, myself, John.

Well....so am I Bob. Haha

Serious.... Im thinking of going back to school at age
45..... and was thinking IT originally. Or maybe a
combo IT and business degree.

But.....Im also asking for my 18 yr old nephew....soon
to go to college.

>I'd say a degree in management, human resources, and the like would be
>valuable. Forget about accounting and finance -- those functions are headed
>offshore, too. Again, this is a dilemma I'm working on myself.

Yep.....Ive heard that accounting and finance may go
offshore as well also.

Hadn't thought abt human resources. There is actually
a degree to be had in that??

And of course I know the health care field is booming
right now..... but I have zero interest in that myself.

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