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Question

How should I begin my career in IT

Nov 26, 2011 3:44AM PST

I have a communications major and have been working as a news director for the last 7 years. For the past six months I've been taking classes towards an associates in applied technology of computer information systems...part time. I am interested in networks, security, programming, and support. Im not really far enough in my courses to know for sure what I want to do. My advisor recommended me to switch to computer information technology which would help me get my a+ certification but that area focuses solely in support and networks, when I also have interest in programming, web design and databases. A few weeks ago I found out my news station is merging with another and we're all losing our jobs. I am wondering what you would do in this situation. I would love to just go get my bachelors in computer science but really need a job to support my family. I'm not really sure where to go from here in order to get into the IT field the quickest.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
You do this by doing this.
Nov 26, 2011 3:52AM PST

Noted at http://mattdeboard.net/2011/11/23/how-i-became-a-programmer/

The same goes for "IT" work. You are never trained in a school to do said job. You learn how to learn and the real learning happens later.

In the world where I work, we don't need IT staffers that can't program. Well, unless you count folk that can replace a mouse.
Bob

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Consider advisor's feedback
Dec 2, 2011 2:21PM PST

A bachelor's in CS is not always necessary to get jobs in IT. If you are close to a certification in CIT, you might want to go for that. It's not easy to break into IT under any circumstances -- as a beginning, make sure you have whatever skillset is most in demand.

Meanwhile if you are not yet ready for an IT job, take some other job in a company whose IT Dept is in the same building. (Big companies offer more opportunities than small companies.) Then you can look around, get to know people, and identify what you might want to do longterm. The company may offer training in the areas which interest you. Or at least you'll know what training to get on your own, in order to take the next step. Whatever job you get meanwhile, even if it is low-level, be motivated to do it to the best of your ability. You need to be hard-working and enthusiastic, in order to get the company interested in furthering your IT ambitions. Best of luck.

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It is not what you know ...
Dec 2, 2011 9:59PM PST
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I thnk you said it yourself...
Dec 2, 2011 10:08PM PST

Congratulations on making the personal effort to learn about your chosen field - or at least, the field you would like to choose. I think that you have correctly identified the main problem, you aren't far enough into your studies to know where you want to specialize and today, especially in the dire economic climate, companies are looking for more specialized skillsets, rather than generalists. Bob makes a good point, formal learned skills are good but you actually learn you trade by real world practice.

I'm thinking that seven years experience as a news director is a pretty valuable asset - I'm sure you can see where technology could improve the quality and efficiency of the "product". So, a news media company might be your best target to get into a supportive IT role. Your existing professional network may be able to help; consider joining LinkedIN, if you aren't already a member and check out the groups related to IT in the news media.

From your background, the entry to IT might be easier as a system designer, rather than a programmer - you can move deeper into the technology once you have a foot on the ladder. As Bob said, you learn to program by programming - the hard bit is getting the initial start, whereas system design relies more on seeing the bigger picture, a skill you likely have from your news directing. Maybe you could build a news website (on your own machine) which would teach design and usability skills. Or maybe your academic institution has access to intern placements with local companies? At least, they should be able to get you an academic price on a copy of Dreamweaver!

The problem is that none of these ideas are likely to generate the income you need to support your dependents, at least for some time. So maybe, you need to stick with news stations while you hone your IT skills. If you can find one where you can move into their IT department, that would be perfect.

I do hope you persist and that it works out for you. Good luck.