Operaghost
[H]ard|Gawd
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2004
- Messages
- 1,315
I'm not exactly sure where I ultimately want to end up in the IT field. I'm leaning towards Network Systems and Data Analyst. What I do know, is I've always loved working with computers. I'm pretty good with general hardware, and have a very basic understanding of networking.
I have a small amount of help desk experience from the dial up days. Other than that I don't have any IT work experience. I work full time in another field at the moment and have a 10 month old daughter. That should give you an idea of what kind of schedule I have.
I'm confident in my knack for this field, and I'm dedicated to accomplishing my goals.
Some questions/feedback request.
p.s. Out of curiosity, if I were to minor in a language, what would be the most beneficial I guess you would say, for the IT field? Chinese? Hindi? For example, if I were going for a culinary arts degree, then I would consider a minor in spanish, since there are so many spanish speaking cultures working in the food industry.
I have a small amount of help desk experience from the dial up days. Other than that I don't have any IT work experience. I work full time in another field at the moment and have a 10 month old daughter. That should give you an idea of what kind of schedule I have.
I'm confident in my knack for this field, and I'm dedicated to accomplishing my goals.
With this said my plan thus far goes something like this:
- Work on some basic certifications geared towards networking/data communications
- Hunt for any type of entry level job. (I'm going to need to earn at least $15 am hour for me to financially be able to accept this position)
- Begin career "networking" to establish potential job leads, etc (my mother in law works with cisco so this is probably a good place for me to start)
- Once I have my basic certifications complete, begin some practical experience at home, such as setting up different networks with different configurations, software, securities, etc. Then try to "hack" these networks/systems for kind of an opposite angle of learning.
- After I have my entry level position and/or practical experience I want to start working on an associates degree.
- Continue to gain certifications (hopefully paid for by employer) and work experience
- Pursue BS degree in Computer and Information Systems Management
- Celebrate, that should pretty much put me in good position to excel in this field
Some questions/feedback request.
- Would you change anything in the "plan" above? If so, why?
- What "basic" certs should I start out with?
- What types of degrees should I be looking at for networking & data systems, security, etc?
p.s. Out of curiosity, if I were to minor in a language, what would be the most beneficial I guess you would say, for the IT field? Chinese? Hindi? For example, if I were going for a culinary arts degree, then I would consider a minor in spanish, since there are so many spanish speaking cultures working in the food industry.