Here's my dilemma - I am 39, recently relocated, intelligent and motivated! IT careers and their variations are definitely still growing and probably will continue for a long time.

Now, the best education path to get into IT would be...? Attending a brick and mortar institution for a few years? ONline University? Studying and testing for certifications?

I loved computers and got sidetracked in high school and college. If I only would have known then....

Your thoughts and suggestions are definitely appreciated! :-|

My two cents......If you already have a college degree say a B.S., I would look at a technical college for a 2 year degree. You probably already have lots of work experience, not in the IT field, but you've had employment. Get a 2 year degree and some certifications, and you'd be on your way. If time isn't a problem, then go for a B.S.

Worked well for me, I went to college for buisness and was running retail stores. I hated it, hrs sucked, pay sucked, dealing with peoples bull sucked. Went to a one yr tech school, and now I love my job and I get home by 4 or 5 everyday. While I was in school i got A+ and net+
I plan on getting more.

get both, it doesn't hurt. What you need to do is get as much of the following attributes as possible:

Work expereince (in your related field of expertise)
college education
certifications
A diverse skill set (ie. business skills and computer skills, NOT just one! and diverse computer skill set, NOT just Windows!)

Hello,

I would seriously consider getting OUT of IT. Why? Because of the lack of respect of the position in the corporate world. Take a look at recent articles in Network Computing or Information Week. Articles all over about downsizing, outsourcing, mismanagement and the like. People who are working are busting their cans off, and people who are out cannot seem to get back in.

I have seen too many times in too many places where IT was considered an afterthought in the company -- not represented at the senior levels of management, and yet holding the bag when things happen. I also love it when technically superior people are passed over for the boss's buddy. True, that happens outside of IT too.

I love computers, and love helping people out, and taking care of networks and systems and the whole nine yards. I have certs and a BS. But if I had to do it all over again, I would choose something else.

Christian

Ups and downs to everything my friend. Granted I've only been in IT for less than a yr now but I haven't had one day that compares to my previous positions. I spent 7 yrs in retail managment and sales. These things happen EVERYWHERE people in corp give their friends jobs.

Money goes up, shit goes down.

Ever notice how many ppl in manage positions really don't do anything with there day. Their job is bullshit, especially regional or district managers, they nit pic and put down everyone below them. Why???

It justifies there job, if you're doing everything right why are they drawing 50 or 70k a yr.

It took me a while but I like you enjoy computers and helping ppl. So I can't imagine doing something else anymore. (and I make less money now)

You guys talk as if management is only shitty toward the IT departments lol. Its messed up in all companies, remember power corrupts indefinitely.

I agree with NOT getting into IT. All of the jobs are going overseas. Unless of course you currently live in Bangalore or something!

However, Degrees unpon degrees mean nothing to most IT groups - They want people that know their stuff and honestly, college won't do that for you. College typically teaches theory and while theory is good, hands on is better. I would look into some "hot" certs right now. For example, stuff dealing with VoIP since it's such an up and coming area. Another good one is the CISSP - very hard to get, but once you do, you can write your ticket anywhere.

I have to disagree, If you want to enter a field because it's something you enjoy you gotta go for it. (NO point in getting a job you hate, i did that not worth it) They're jobs out there if you look, especially if your just starting out.

All the jobs can't move out of country, yes it is cheaper there. But there is definately a cultural backlash, thats begining and will continue where ppl don't like talking to ppl of foreign languages.

You are definately right about the college teaching theory. Without hands on experience it is difficult to get a job.

Agreed that not ALL jobs will move, smaller companies will probably stay around will all levels of IT jobs. However if you want to go to a large corporation (IBM, Dell, HP, etc), you will need to start as an architect since those are the only jobs NOT slated to move overseas.