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skinsguy · 10-17-2007, 01:46 PM

I work in the IT field as a software specialist/programmer. I don't care where you go or how much experience you may have initially, you're going to start at entry level...at least 9 times out of 10...UNLESS you "know" somebody. The real money comes into play after you have reached a senior level...such as senior programming. That takes a few years to reach, unless you're really, really good! Also, with my experience, I can tell you that 90% of what you learn to do on the job comes from the job itself. The "book" training helps, but never really, fully, prepares you for the career.

My advice to you is if you're unsure about which area of IT to go into, then just look into an overall Computer information systems degree. Don't worry about shelling out money on certifications up front, because most places are going to want you to have on the job experience first and foremost!

This is a very wild range field. It's also a crap shoot. You might focus your study in Windows operating systems, just to find out the the majority of IT positions in your area deal with Linux or Unix mainframes....or the other way around. Get your general IT degree first, and land an entry level position...even if it's just a help desk position. Networking and programming are usually the two most popular choices in IT.

10-17-2007, 01:46 PM	#10
skinsguy Pro Bowl Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Posts: 6,766	Re: IT Professionals Please Help I work in the IT field as a software specialist/programmer. I don't care where you go or how much experience you may have initially, you're going to start at entry level...at least 9 times out of 10...UNLESS you "know" somebody. The real money comes into play after you have reached a senior level...such as senior programming. That takes a few years to reach, unless you're really, really good! Also, with my experience, I can tell you that 90% of what you learn to do on the job comes from the job itself. The "book" training helps, but never really, fully, prepares you for the career. My advice to you is if you're unsure about which area of IT to go into, then just look into an overall Computer information systems degree. Don't worry about shelling out money on certifications up front, because most places are going to want you to have on the job experience first and foremost! This is a very wild range field. It's also a crap shoot. You might focus your study in Windows operating systems, just to find out the the majority of IT positions in your area deal with Linux or Unix mainframes....or the other way around. Get your general IT degree first, and land an entry level position...even if it's just a help desk position. Networking and programming are usually the two most popular choices in IT. __________________ "Fire Up That Diesel!"