[OT] IT field

[SemperJase]

My first OT post.

I'm thinking of changing careers to the IT field and I figured what better place to ask about it than a board of fellow gaming geeks. IT and gamers go together like peanut butter and....more peanut butter.

I seem to have an aptitude for computer hardware, so I'm thinking of trying to break into the network management side of things. I realize IT spending is low, but companies still need to manage what they have, right?

My current position is a call center supervisor. I have a BS in business administration. So training is in order. I've considered going back for an MS in information technology, but I think some more techinical training may be in order first, say an A+ certification to start with, then maybe on to MSCE.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[caudor]

I have noticed that many gamers are computer oriented people and vice versa. I'm one such person, but I haven't really figured out the connection....other than I'm interested in both.

I suggest that you plan well and follow your passion; you'll most likely be a happier person that way.

The IT job market is pretty tough right in this area. Getting A+ certification is a step in the right direction.

I've been in the IT industry for ten years, and don't recall seeing the job situation this sparse. Hopefully, an up tick is just around the corner.

 

[SemperJase]

I've been in the IT industry for ten years, and don't recall seeing the job situation this sparse. Hopefully, an up tick is just around the corner.

I've been checking the job availability here as well. There aren't many, but there are more in IT than in other fields (like mine).

I'm hoping for good timing. By the time I'm ready to change employers, maybe this thing they call an economy will be back on track.

 

[Braxx]

Depends on your local market and how many IT folks are floating in the great pool of the Unemployed Masses.......

Experience is the buzz word in the computer field. Without demonstrable experience, I am afraid that your job switch may not be as fulfilling as you would hope.

Definitely get certified in at least one OS, preferrably one that is in high demand/ high usage in your local market. There is no sense getting Windows x cert if every shop uses Unix...
MCSE training will run you some cash, but can be completed about as quickly as you can schedule and prepare for your exams.
I would skip the prep classes and invest instead in prep books and/or prep exams. You will get the same information and digest it at your own pace, with the added benefit that you may just see an exam question or three that will show up on the cert exam

Leverage all the tech skills you currently posess. You are a call center supervisor : You deal with telephony gear, probably a call taking/queuing system, possibly level one tech inquiries. Target those areas of the market place where you can apply those skills.
I am not sure what your career goal in switching is, but work those companies that have call centers,etc. Breaking into Network admin in an environment where you are comfortable is infinitely preferable to the alternative.

Above all else: stay positive. Remeber that for every position that will come available, there will be a large pool of folks with 5+ years of experience dying to interview. Work your contacts.

Question: Have you considered project management?? Admittedly not a hardware deal, but with a BS/BA and supervisory experience, that would be a path open to you.

Good Luck!

 

[devoblue]

I think regardless of where you are, the IT job market is a bit of a wreck for those trying to get in at the bottom, and for those with low to medium level skills. Experience and certifications are pretty much essential to differentiate yourself from the rest of the applicants. For certifications you should aim for MCSA, CNA, Network+. For experience you need to leverage what you have and aim for a helpdesk supervisor job, or be happy taking a pay cut. To get the helpdesk supervisor job you are going to need to demonstrate your supervision, team building and people management skills. Once you get a position in an IT role you can then focus on where you want to be and maybe look at going for MCSE or CNE depending on your environment.

If you don't think you can get the helpdesk supervisor roles, then take your time getting your certifications and be prepared for a pay cut, because now is not the right time to be trying to start without experience.

Project management could be good later, but there are a lot of unemployed project managers right now due to companies mostly running projects only when times are good.

 

[gariig]

because now is not the right time to be trying to start without experience.

I'll second this. I just graduated with a BS in IT(applicable CS degree with less calculus), can't find a job. Everyone in my classes who didn't have an internship before graduating don't have jobs either. As much as I hate to say it, I'm going to be a desk jockey while I look into at least A+ to start and once I get some money MCSE, too.

I would either do certs in your spare time right now and keep your job. When you get at least A+ under your belt and/or the job market picks up I would start looking. Right now IT market sucks because they get people with medium level experience to take entry level positions right now because everyone is unemployed.

Gariig

 

[F5]

Now is NOT a good time to be an IT person, just starting out. I'm not sure what the market is like in CO, but here in New England, it sucks. I've been out of work, more or less, for almost a year now. I've got 5 years experience in tech support and sysadmin stuff, A+, Net+, MCP, and a chunk of the MCSE exams taken, and I can't get hired at Wal-Mart. (literally. I swallowed my pride and decided to go back to retail and they told me I was overqualified. Oy...)
Since you'll be coming into the field without much direct experience, you'll definitely want to hold onto your current job, and take as many Certs as you can get in the mean time. Mebbe the market will pick up again in the mean time.
Good luck to you.

-F5

 

[Zeddan]

I have two friends in IT that are currently out of a job. One is mowing lawns the other is working retail. Both had 5 years experience before they lost their jobs. Its rough now. Hopefully it's hit bottom and is on the way up.

 

[SemperJase]

thanks everyone.

The market in the call center industry is tough now too, for management that is. It took me about a year to find my current position, and that was a big pay cut from what I had before I was laid off.

I'll be sticking with the position I have while I get some training. If I'm lucky, I can move over to the IT department at my current employer after I get some certs under my belt for some hands on experience. My company doesn't really hire people outside the IT industry, they promote people with other areas of expertise into IT (and it shows).

 

[MarauderX]

Go straight for the MCSE. Once you pass one or two tests you will most likely have enough credit to get a good job somewhere in the field. But don't forget to keep taking the classes. The local paper probably lists some good free lectures (business section) to attend so that you can really look like you are current with the market in an interview. Good luck, but don't burn out on it.