InsideTech

Hello,

If I have anything to contribute to this discussion it would be keep an eye on where technology is headed. Look for jobs that can't be outsourced. If it looks like your job is open for telecommuting, then it will also be a candidate for outsourcing. If you have interest in Networking at all, then the Cisco and Juniper certification routes are likely the most bang for your buck, and because an engineer has to physically prep, and install new equipment, it is fairly outsource-proof.

A CCNA, can be picked up with a modicum of self-study for less than $300 if you are a self starter at all. The CCNP, a requirement for many actual "Network Engineer" positions is a 4 test suite that will likely get you to six figures in 5-10 years. A CCIE, is easier to obtain, if you continue straight from the CCNP studies directly to the written and then much more difficult Practical. Once a CCIE, your IT ticket is pretty much written. You are the GURU !

I am currently a CCNA, trying to get the studying done for the BSCI portion of the CCNP, while also taking a full class load as a senior to be in a BBA in MGT program at a Texas State University, while also working 3rd shift as a Network analyst for a Cell Tower Back Haul provider.

I have picked my jobs carefully, from working in Cisco's DSL infancy, to Alcatel's more developed approach to Metro-area Ethernet. As the next bit of the Broadband puzzle has been worked out, I've seen to it that I've been in the right place at the right time to progress and stay in the Technology mix.

One just has to think about where tech is going, and the only problem I see with developing, is that it changes SO often, that it must be hard to keep up, whereas Cisco IOS, TL1, and most networking processes have stayed relatively static. I have had the benefit of being on the installation side as well, and so have been able to learn how to splice, terminate, test, and turn up service on most of the major platforms in use today. If the opportunity to work on the physical layer presents itself take it ! It can be invaluable in the long run.

Good luck to us ALL !!!

well, I have tried google for "without degree" jobs in the it field.  I don't know any programming languages beyond a rough working of VB (which doesn't really count), so there really isn't much I can do, other than help desk positions since I don't have much "experience".  I have recovered a failed drive without using a recovery disk.  I have put together my home network.  I have assisted others with computer malfunctions on help desk for 8 months with HP/Compaq.  I have built computers from scratch, & am aware of what is compatible & not compatible with most "PCs".  Im familiar with whats compatible for macs, but don't have any experience fixing it's hardware beyond taking apart the one I owned that died.  

As for computer applications, when applying for business positions no one believes me when I tell them how many apps I'm familiar with.  I'm willing to prove it, but they generally want me to go somewhere that requires money & a piece of paper to prove it, instead of just giving me a "test" project to do.   I've been using computers since 1991, so it's actually not that hard to believe if you actually use your brain to think about it. 

I once went to an interview where the guy hiring told me to get a certification, which they would pay for, from a company they normally do office application certifications through, & he would hire me.    When I did go talk to them that very same day, the company he sent me to told me they had no idea what I was talking about & that they had no such agreement with the company I had been applying for.   I would have to shell out $160 for the cert this guy wanted from me, which I didn't have & wasn't likely to have until I was hired somewhere. 

honestly, what incentive do I have (other than the job itself) to shell out 150+ dollars per computer application & waste weekends I will never get back just so I can wave a paper proving I know what I already knew before I had the paper, in front of a person who may not even give me the job?

meh...I rant.  I will stop now.  maybe someone has some insight?

I've been in IT for 4 years and I learned a lot of things especially the evolution of the technology.

I love to collect gadgets and I was so curious about anything that relates to electronics and computations.

That encourage me to study IT 'coz I wanted to get updated always and be competitive to others.