IT professional questions.
Author
Just wondering if there are any IT professionals in this forum that could help me with a few questions. I was thinking about becoming an IT professional. I was wondering what exactly do they do, I know they maintain networks / databases for businesses. But what is there actual role? What do they do on a daily basis? How much do they make annually on average, lowest, and even highest annual makings. Is it over the top to get a computer science degree or just go to a technical college? Reason why I'm asking is if a technical college is good enough to get into the field, because usually a technical college is about 2 years and a computer science degree will probably take 4 years. Not that I'm lazy it's just I don't see the need in getting a 4 year degree when I can get a 2 year degree. Thanks in advance! (I know that I said I was asking for people already in the field, but any input or help from anyone would be a big help for me).
Well, the reason you don't know what their role is exactly is because an "IT Professional" is a rather generic title. It could mean lots of things.
Because of this, i have no idea which market you're wanting to get into.
But to give you an idea:
I wouldn't call myself a professional but i am the head of our IT Department where i work. My roles vary from simple pc repair/building, management of our mail/DC (domain Controller)/dns/dhcp/database/backup...etc server's. I also manage the network and subnets for optimal performance. Deal with network security. Work with computer virtualization, data recovery...etc. Though, since this is also a smaller company, i also take on the roles of web dev/design, and graphic artist too, but these are not really required by an IT worker.
Your roles will depend on the size of the company you're working for. Smaller companies tend to have people group roles together, while larger companies specialize workers.
p.s. generally the longer the degree takes to get the more credence it has. Though, being truthful, companies really look for certifications more than degrees in this particular industry, but of course a degree doesn't hurt.
Because of this, i have no idea which market you're wanting to get into.
But to give you an idea:
I wouldn't call myself a professional but i am the head of our IT Department where i work. My roles vary from simple pc repair/building, management of our mail/DC (domain Controller)/dns/dhcp/database/backup...etc server's. I also manage the network and subnets for optimal performance. Deal with network security. Work with computer virtualization, data recovery...etc. Though, since this is also a smaller company, i also take on the roles of web dev/design, and graphic artist too, but these are not really required by an IT worker.
Your roles will depend on the size of the company you're working for. Smaller companies tend to have people group roles together, while larger companies specialize workers.
p.s. generally the longer the degree takes to get the more credence it has. Though, being truthful, companies really look for certifications more than degrees in this particular industry, but of course a degree doesn't hurt.
Author
Wow thanks for your reply. That does sound like the job you have is something I would like. Just off the top of your head which do you think would suit me better a:
*computer support specialist in associates - http://www.columbustech.edu/business-technology/programs/microcomputer-degree.htm
*networking specialist in associates - http://www.columbustech.edu/business-technology/programs/networking-degree.htm
Theres also another type of degree that you can get in both of those which is only 12-15 months while the associates in those are 2 years. On that website.. I didn't want to link them as I didn't think they are relevant. You don't have to look, but it would be a help. = )
Sorry I have to go to class. Hope to see your response when I get back!
*computer support specialist in associates - http://www.columbustech.edu/business-technology/programs/microcomputer-degree.htm
*networking specialist in associates - http://www.columbustech.edu/business-technology/programs/networking-degree.htm
Theres also another type of degree that you can get in both of those which is only 12-15 months while the associates in those are 2 years. On that website.. I didn't want to link them as I didn't think they are relevant. You don't have to look, but it would be a help. = )
Sorry I have to go to class. Hope to see your response when I get back!
Theres really two different types of place you will end up. One is working as an IT guy within a company looking after their internal stuff, and the other is at an IT consultancy where you will go out to other companies and deal with their IT for them.
They are fairly different, most people I've met who work as internal IT are either incredibly lazy and do the minimum possible, or seem to have massive enthusiasm and are always tinkering with new bits and pieces when things are slow. If you want to set your own pace then it can be good, and you'll even get to steer some of the important decisions in the company if you put in enough effort.
A consultancy is a bit different, its more focused on getting contracts and then implementing them without messing things up. There's a lot more politics involved and it can be a harsher environment to work in, but also very rewarding when you get things right. You'll get exposure to a lot more technologies even if you aren't working on them yourself. Just be prepared to have to balance your time on your own between multiple projects.
For internal IT you don't need a huge amount of qualifications, but don't expect to well paid either. Consultancies will generally expect a degree, and are better paid. Basically the more qualifications and experience you have, the better paid you will be. Like Jarrod mentioned, the exams don't end after a degree, you will also have to get professional qualifications in order to advance up the ranks. Google MCSE, CCNP, RHCE for some examples.
What I would suggest though is that you get a degree. You don't seem to know much about the area you're going into, so it seems a bit unwise to specialise so soon. You might end up hating it and wanting to move on after a few years, and this will be a lot easier with a degree. You'll also learn how to program, which is a huge advantage when you consider that most of the people who are going for the same positions won't have that skill
They are fairly different, most people I've met who work as internal IT are either incredibly lazy and do the minimum possible, or seem to have massive enthusiasm and are always tinkering with new bits and pieces when things are slow. If you want to set your own pace then it can be good, and you'll even get to steer some of the important decisions in the company if you put in enough effort.
A consultancy is a bit different, its more focused on getting contracts and then implementing them without messing things up. There's a lot more politics involved and it can be a harsher environment to work in, but also very rewarding when you get things right. You'll get exposure to a lot more technologies even if you aren't working on them yourself. Just be prepared to have to balance your time on your own between multiple projects.
For internal IT you don't need a huge amount of qualifications, but don't expect to well paid either. Consultancies will generally expect a degree, and are better paid. Basically the more qualifications and experience you have, the better paid you will be. Like Jarrod mentioned, the exams don't end after a degree, you will also have to get professional qualifications in order to advance up the ranks. Google MCSE, CCNP, RHCE for some examples.
What I would suggest though is that you get a degree. You don't seem to know much about the area you're going into, so it seems a bit unwise to specialise so soon. You might end up hating it and wanting to move on after a few years, and this will be a lot easier with a degree. You'll also learn how to program, which is a huge advantage when you consider that most of the people who are going for the same positions won't have that skill
Quote:Original post by Vyper_uk
They are fairly different, most people I've met who work as internal IT are either incredibly lazy and do the minimum possible, or seem to have massive enthusiasm and are always tinkering with new bits and pieces when things are slow. If you want to set your own pace then it can be good, and you'll even get to steer some of the important decisions in the company if you put in enough effort.
I do agree here. I'm lucky enough to be hired for more than one job. When things are slow on the IT end i can pickup on my other duties, so i'm always busy doing something, i can't say the same for all internals i've met.
Quote:I was thinking about becoming an IT professional.
Why did this thread make me think of Cobol?
Hello
I'm working as a consult for a large company, the company got around 65000 employees so we're in different "departments"( we even have our own firefighters and a station and trucks :O ). I'm doing mostly hardware/software maintenance, installing new computers, helping people on-site etc. There's also an entrance to a warehouse where I receive new computers/parts to install so I receive/send parts too.
Most of my "experience" comes from just having an interested since early age. And you also learn alot when you actually work and encounter new problems.
I'm working as a consult for a large company, the company got around 65000 employees so we're in different "departments"( we even have our own firefighters and a station and trucks :O ). I'm doing mostly hardware/software maintenance, installing new computers, helping people on-site etc. There's also an entrance to a warehouse where I receive new computers/parts to install so I receive/send parts too.
Most of my "experience" comes from just having an interested since early age. And you also learn alot when you actually work and encounter new problems.
Author
Quote:Original post by Matenrou
Most of my "experience" comes from just having an interested since early age. And you also learn alot when you actually work and encounter new problems.
Same. I started repairing computers for family and friends at the age around 11. At the age 14 I had no problem taking apart computers and building them. Because I knew what each part did. I'd look around everywhere for computers that nobody wanted because they either wouldn't start up or some other major issue. I would end up taking it apart, putting better parts in it, and putting it back together. I was like newegg.com I had my own warehouse lol. At the age 16 I started getting into programming my first language I dove into was C/C++. I learned pretty quickly at the beginning but then I had real life troubles. Like dropping out of school and getting my GED(because I found school useless, I pretty much learned everything at home and all the rest was lame). Anyways I was thinking about going to a college to get a degree at full sail or some highly specialized college for programming but I learned quickly that it was too far of a stretch for me. With being a computer or network specialist I could get the education locally and hopefully the job relativly close to home.
But of course as always that presents another problem in of itself. College, degrees, blah blah blah. I don't want to go for a 4 year degree when I can get it in 2 years. Due to my situation more then likely everything they will teach me at a technical college will already be in my base of knowledge. And getting a computer science degree will be irrelevant as it's more about logical programming. So that would be a waste of 4 years. Yea you can tell someone else that's not a waste and give them advice on telling them to get 4 years. But when you put yourself in that same situation, and start looking at the big picture. It would be more relevant to my situation to get a 2 year degree. But anyways I've been yapping for too long. I was looking at my local technical college which I threw a link up to earlyer in this thread. It scares me when it talks about how I will be ready for a "HELP-DESK" job. No offense but I don't want to be working at a help-desk. Anyways like I said I been yapping too much.
Quote:Original post by Roberts91
But of course as always that presents another problem in of itself. College, degrees, blah blah blah. I don't want to go for a 4 year degree when I can get it in 2 years. Due to my situation more then likely everything they will teach me at a technical college will already be in my base of knowledge..
If i may offer some advice, not meant to be an insult, but don't be too cocky. Its great to have confidence and enthusiasm for your work, but you only limit yourself if you overestimate your knowledge. Number 1 rule of anything in life, you can never learn enough and you never know enough.
Having knowledge to build computers is the bare minimum imo. It can be easily done if you know what is compatible and what is not. It gets trickier when you must troubleshoot and/or build fast and advanced computers on a set budget. And even crazier when it comes to advanced networking.
Though you can get by with the bare minimum, but you'll have difficulty down the road. The two year will probably teach the minimum needed, and the 4 year will probably give you comprehensive knowledge on the subject. While i said degrees matter less in this industry, that does not mean they're not important. A degree helps you get the job, and the degree, if in the appropriate subject, will help you gain the knowledge needed to pass the cert tests you're bound to take. The tests for the certifications are no cakewalk either.
Author
Yea your actually right about the cocky attitude as it did come off to sound that way. I do feel like I have already learned a lot but at the same time some of the people that I meet online seem to have so much more knowledge then me, which in return just makes me hungry for more :P. I'm just comparing college to my current knowledge and see which program is best for me, and which would benefit me most, time and efficiently wise.
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