technologystudent
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Hello all!
I'm a new forum member. I joined this forum because I need career guidance. I'm new(ish) to information technology and I can use all the help, suggestions and recommendations I can get! But before I ask any questions, I'll share a bit about my background. I'm a full-time college student and full-time employee working in retail. I spent my first four years of post-secondary education pursuing my BS in Communication (electronic media / journalism). I currently taking my last class but I've decided the field just isn't for me because (1) I no longer enjoy the work like I used to and (2) it is not a financially viable option. The current economic outlook for those in the field of Communication is dismal at best. Jobs are sparse, workloads are over-the-top, and there's little room for advancement. Ironically, much of this is due to the proliferation of technology, especially mobile. It was inevitable technology would overhaul the field of Communication. Moving forward, I've always been fascinated with technology and how it's intertwined into almost every facet of daily living. From microcomputers to corporate data mining, I enjoy it all. So, I've decided to make a career for myself in IT. And to get started, I've jumped straight into another post-secondary program - Bachelors of Applied Science in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (aka Networking Engineering). Here's some more info about the program: Program: Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (S300) (B.A.S.) - Florida State College - Acalog ACMS It's an accredited program that utilizes Cisco, Inc course material. A requirement of the program is one must complete and pass the CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCNP exams before receiving a degree - this was a big plus for me.
Now, here's where I'm having trouble. Along the way, I've asked various IT professionals, some with 30+ years of experience, "Am I choosing a good career path?" and I always get different answers. My career goal is to become an IT professional in some capacity - and I'm really enjoying networking. My program adviser is an IT guy with a 20-year background. He says networking is the way to go because there's presently an increased market demand for network professionals. Besides, the work is challenging, versatile and exciting. On the flip side, one of my professors worked IT management for 30 years and says the least opportunities are in hardware-based fields such as networking. And he made some darn valid points. He said companies do whatever is more cost effective and increase ROI. After all, most companies sole existence is to produce profits at the least expense. He said for example, if ten machines for ten employees making 50k annually stopped operating, is it cost effective to hire a technician or replace the machines? He said replace the computers. And of course, because broken computers need time to be repaired, which means the company loses money to idle employees and non-productivity plus the added cost of a technician.
So, I'm wondering "where do I go from here?" I know there are those that say "do what you enjoy" but I want to do something viable.
Is networking a good IT career path?
How can I make myself a worthy asset to prospective employers in this field?
Should I expand by learning programming, completing certifications, etc?
And while money is not the most important aspect of a career for me, making more than I make working retail would be a plus. Some other things I've considered:
Programming (eg, C++, MySQL, Java, etc)
Data Mining
Network Security
Thank you! Any thing is appreciated!
I'm a new forum member. I joined this forum because I need career guidance. I'm new(ish) to information technology and I can use all the help, suggestions and recommendations I can get! But before I ask any questions, I'll share a bit about my background. I'm a full-time college student and full-time employee working in retail. I spent my first four years of post-secondary education pursuing my BS in Communication (electronic media / journalism). I currently taking my last class but I've decided the field just isn't for me because (1) I no longer enjoy the work like I used to and (2) it is not a financially viable option. The current economic outlook for those in the field of Communication is dismal at best. Jobs are sparse, workloads are over-the-top, and there's little room for advancement. Ironically, much of this is due to the proliferation of technology, especially mobile. It was inevitable technology would overhaul the field of Communication. Moving forward, I've always been fascinated with technology and how it's intertwined into almost every facet of daily living. From microcomputers to corporate data mining, I enjoy it all. So, I've decided to make a career for myself in IT. And to get started, I've jumped straight into another post-secondary program - Bachelors of Applied Science in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (aka Networking Engineering). Here's some more info about the program: Program: Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (S300) (B.A.S.) - Florida State College - Acalog ACMS It's an accredited program that utilizes Cisco, Inc course material. A requirement of the program is one must complete and pass the CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCNP exams before receiving a degree - this was a big plus for me.
Now, here's where I'm having trouble. Along the way, I've asked various IT professionals, some with 30+ years of experience, "Am I choosing a good career path?" and I always get different answers. My career goal is to become an IT professional in some capacity - and I'm really enjoying networking. My program adviser is an IT guy with a 20-year background. He says networking is the way to go because there's presently an increased market demand for network professionals. Besides, the work is challenging, versatile and exciting. On the flip side, one of my professors worked IT management for 30 years and says the least opportunities are in hardware-based fields such as networking. And he made some darn valid points. He said companies do whatever is more cost effective and increase ROI. After all, most companies sole existence is to produce profits at the least expense. He said for example, if ten machines for ten employees making 50k annually stopped operating, is it cost effective to hire a technician or replace the machines? He said replace the computers. And of course, because broken computers need time to be repaired, which means the company loses money to idle employees and non-productivity plus the added cost of a technician.
So, I'm wondering "where do I go from here?" I know there are those that say "do what you enjoy" but I want to do something viable.
Is networking a good IT career path?
How can I make myself a worthy asset to prospective employers in this field?
Should I expand by learning programming, completing certifications, etc?
And while money is not the most important aspect of a career for me, making more than I make working retail would be a plus. Some other things I've considered:
Programming (eg, C++, MySQL, Java, etc)
Data Mining
Network Security
Thank you! Any thing is appreciated!