If you really want to get into IT then start out as a computer tech. Whether its on a large companys Help Desk or a small computer store. Once you get the basics there then start making your way up. There is a lot out there to learn and only experience will allow you to eventually get the job that you want (and be able to keep it). Its worked for me.

 

Well Ive got an associate in computer science and an associate in computer programming and am now finishing up my bachelors in computer science possibly with a minor in phyics. Ive been coding in C and VB for a while now (also familiar with RPG COBOL and C++) and I still cant find jack shit. Ive got about 20credit hours left before I finish up my degree and DESPERATELY need to get some work place experience so I can actually be competetive. If any of you guys know a place hiring part-timers for coding or hell even running test scripts Id be very happy.

 

I have been doing this for 7 years. I plan on at least getting a second level CISCO cert. CCNA is for chimps really....equaly to MCP but more diffuicult than MCSE in my eyes.

 

How the hell can you get a 4 year degree in computers. 4 years ago we were running windows 95..... Can college courses actually keep up with the pace of the computer world?

Bleh I am going to try and specialize in security. Very interesting stuff. Firewalls etc.

 

Computers are not just languages and platforms its a science. There is data structuring logic design algorithm study chip design etc. Thats basically what USF does it teaches the basics of computer software and hardware and leaves the language/platform selection to yourself. Ive been programming in C and VB for about four-five years now and thought I knew alot...well I was wrong. USF really taught me a lot about the fundamentals. Anyone can pick a language go to the bookstore buy a book and in a month know how to make programs but its a lot more in depth than that. And just because technology is changing and languages/platforms are constantly being upgraded doesnt mean that the fundamentals are changing.

 

The problem with USF is that everything they teach (or used to) is so out-dated. I have an AA in pre-engineering and transferred to USF to major in Computer Engineering. I ended up changing over to Computer Science when electronics class was teaching a capacitor as a calculus function not a piece of electronics. Comp Science classes then focused strictly on software. Which I find extremely boring. I have about 10 classes left should I decide to finish my B.S. degree. Everything else Ive learned has been pretty much for trivia purposes. I havent used one thing from my computer classes in any of my jobs. I wish they had a major in networking because I would definitely switch to that. Because not everyone wants to know how to build a CPU or write an operating system.

 

Thats what Im saing. I worked with a guy that had a BS degree at USF for Comp Science. I asked him to swap a power supply out of a workstation and he looked at me like I had and arm growing out of my head. WTF good is that? I dunno there is no replacement for experience in any computer field.

 

My Certs:
MCSE
CCNA
A+
N+
Compaq Certified Technician
Dell Tier 1 & Tier 2 certified Technician
Hewlett-Packard Certified Warranty Repair Technician
IBM Factory Trained Technician

So what Do I do? I repair and Program Restaurant Computer Systems.(like Taco Bell to Houlihans) Could I make more money elsewhere? HELL YEAH! But do I want to? nah. Its not about money its about Job satisfaction. Anybody who knows me knows that my job IS THE SHIT!

my .02
Charles

 

I can put the disk in the drive..click start.....