# Continuing Education Inquiry (Computer "geeks" specifically) **URL:** \ **Category:** Lounge\ **Created:** [May 12, 2007, 6:17am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617 "2007-05-12T06:17:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mindset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mindset](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mindset)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2007, 6:17am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/1 "2007-05-12T06:17:25Z")
Hey, I know there quite a few computer “geeks” on this forum, and some who are even employed into the field. I am thinking about getting a trade with a program in computer repair/networking - [Computer Repair/Networking (A+, Network+, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 Infrastructure, Windows Wireless) (Full-Time)](http://erwin.edu/ClassDetail.aspx?ClassId=486). Do you know if this is worth pursuing? I was reading up on [Bureau of Labor Statistics Home Page](http://www.bls.gov) OHH Handbook that most companies require a Bachelors degree, but certifications are essential in the absence of a degree. I do plan on obtaining an MBA in Accounting/Finance, but wanted to take on a trade in order to supplement my way of living - if that makes any sense. Anyways, if you have any advice or knowledge concerning this topic, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![MuskCloud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@MuskCloud](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/MuskCloud)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2007, 9:17am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/2 "2007-05-12T09:17:24Z")
I used to be a computer geek too. Network+ certification, degree, and yet more paper qualifications than you can shake a stick at. Employers don’t care so much about your pieces of paper. What they care about is actual work experience, often demanding years of narrowly focussed experience. Get the experience by whatever means possible, and you’ll be laughing. If you don’t, be prepared to fight the Catch-22 of needing years of experience to get the job, but needing the job to build up that experience. It took me years of drifting from one temporary contract to another to build it up. I’m now giving serious thought to changing career paths. You just grow weary of fighting the war. Good luck in your chosen field. Musk ---
**Author:** ![mindset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mindset](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mindset)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2007, 9:44am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/3 "2007-05-12T09:44:50Z")
> [@MuskCloud](#): > > I used to be a computer geek too. Network+ certification, degree, and yet more paper qualifications than you can shake a stick at. > > Employers don’t care so much about your pieces of paper. What they care about is actual work experience, often demanding years of narrowly focussed experience. Get the experience by whatever means possible, and you’ll be laughing. > > If you don’t, be prepared to fight the Catch-22 of needing years of experience to get the job, but needing the job to build up that experience. It took me years of drifting from one temporary contract to another to build it up. I’m now giving serious thought to changing career paths. You just grow weary of fighting the war. > > Good luck in your chosen field. > > Musk Hmmm, what kind of jobs did you apply for? I would assume that you would need to start small with entry level positions, possibly at computer related retail stores in order to gain experience that way. The program I’m choosing claims that I will have 6 months working experience upon graduation, although I’m not sure how truly credible that is. I also currently work for a fairly large company that I intend on applying for upon completion of my studies, although I’m unsure if promotion with certification is possible if you’re working in two different branches. In other words, I now work for the distribution center in my current company, and plan on applying for an I.T. position upon completion of this program. I wonder if that will be an advantage, or if that is irrelevant altogether? ---
**Author:** ![MuskCloud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@MuskCloud](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/MuskCloud)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2007, 10:11am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/4 "2007-05-12T10:11:19Z")
> [@mindset](#): > > Hmmm, what kind of jobs did you apply for? I would assume that you would need to start small with entry level positions, possibly at computer related retail stores in order to gain experience that way. That is what I did. Started small, instead of immediately charging after the big guys. What I found was that even the little guys demanded a minimum of one years experience in a specialised area before they even looked at you. I eventually got a foothold in the field by exploiting personal connections and friends in high places. I used the “old boy” network to my advantage, and even volunteered to work for them for nothing. It was the only way I could get started. Once I got started, everything else took off from there, although I’m still running into the Catch-22 every now and then. Musk ---
**Author:** ![bronzie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@bronzie](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/bronzie)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2007, 2:02pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/5 "2007-05-12T14:02:59Z")
try a computer related forum or education and/or careers forum ---
**Author:** ![SteveO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/87869e/32.png) [@SteveO](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/SteveO)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2007, 4:43pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/6 "2007-05-12T16:43:06Z")
I re-entered school at 38 to earn my BS in Computer Science so I know how you feel. One suggestion would be for you to obtain your certifications like you mentioned. You can always go the EASY route and get your MCSE, which you will need as a start, but is not valuable anymore. Then I HIGHLY suggest obtaining you CCNA (Cisco) which is very valuable. As far as experience goes with CCNA, it is in demand and companies will hire you, but only as a entry level working under a pimply faced 18 year old. Who cares it’s experience and then build it from there. It also depends on where you are planning to settle. Just like a RPN, location is everything. In Memphis they are begging people to attend school and paying for it since it is so high demand. Of course you can do like I am doing and surround myself with people in the industry. I have friends and family very high in management in Microsoft and Intel. Most of my friends are geeks and reputation is powerful. Someone is always willing to get the guy who isn’t yet job conditioned (cheaper pay) to work. Good luck ---
**Author:** ![mindset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mindset](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mindset)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2007, 11:10pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/7 "2007-05-12T23:10:34Z")
> [@steveo](#): > > I re-entered school at 38 to earn my BS in Computer Science so I know how you feel. One suggestion would be for you to obtain your certifications like you mentioned. > > You can always go the EASY route and get your MCSE, which you will need as a start, but is not valuable anymore. Then I HIGHLY suggest obtaining you CCNA (Cisco) which is very valuable. As far as experience goes with CCNA, it is in demand and companies will hire you, but only as a entry level working under a pimply faced 18 year old. Who cares it’s experience and then build it from there. > > It also depends on where you are planning to settle. Just like a RPN, location is everything. In Memphis they are begging people to attend school and paying for it since it is so high demand. > > Of course you can do like I am doing and surround myself with people in the industry. I have friends and family very high in management in Microsoft and Intel. Most of my friends are geeks and reputation is powerful. Someone is always willing to get the guy who isn’t yet job conditioned (cheaper pay) to work. > > Good luck Thanks Steveo, that advice is gold (reps for you). I really do not intend on making IT my career path, but more as a fall back job while I’m going to college to obtain my MBA in Accounting/Finance, although that is not to say I will not change my mind afterward and go for a degree in Computer Science instead. With the program I mentioned, I do not intend on getting anything higher than a help desk/pc tech position, although I would not limit myself to just those options. I’m going to explore the opportunities with the company I’m with now (Media General), and see what requirements they are looking for in their I.T. department before I make any final decisions. I really don’t think I can go wrong, and I’ll be better off than where I am now - absolutely nowhere except for retail management experience. EDIT: I owe you reps. I cannot give you any until I “spread some more around.” Thanks again, man. I appreciate it. ---
**Author:** ![Mtnjim](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/mtnjim/32/2010_2.png) [@Mtnjim](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Mtnjim)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 5:36pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/8 "2007-05-14T17:36:45Z")
> [@mindset](#): > > …but more as a fall back job while I’m going to college to obtain my MBA in Accounting/Finance… Getting the degree you’re looking at and spending time getting progressive IT experience puts you in a good place for a CIO position, probably much better than just getting the degree putting you in position for a CFO position. ---
**Author:** ![mindset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mindset](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mindset)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2007, 8:45am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/9 "2007-05-15T08:45:22Z")
> [@Mtnjim](#): > > Getting the degree you’re looking at and spending time getting progressive IT experience puts you in a good place for a CIO position, probably much better than just getting the degree putting you in position for a CFO position. Interesting feedback… I would imagine by progressive I.T. experience that you mean I acquire other certifications ala 0racle/PeopleSoft/Siegel. ? When I get my MBA focused on Accounting/Finance, I will undoubteldy pursue becoming a CPA, and possibly a CMA. Of course, this is just my forecast/career path. Anything can change between a) and b), but I’m certain about my pursuit in Accounting/Finance, but I’m debating whether or not I should get those certifications first as a “cushion” while I’m going to school. I’m just unsure whether or not it will do me any good as I’m getting mixed messages about qualifications in experience, etc. ---
**Author:** ![MuskCloud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@MuskCloud](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/MuskCloud)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2007, 6:32pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/10 "2007-05-15T18:32:01Z")
> [@mindset](#): > > Interesting feedback… I would imagine by progressive I.T. experience that you mean I acquire other certifications ala 0racle/PeopleSoft/Siegel. ? From experience at interviews, Mindset, I think Mtnjim means actual work experience. I walked into an interview once, and was able to prove that I knew how to troubleshoot a PC that couldn’t talk to the network. I was put on the spot there and then. The competition knew how _in theory_. He was a very smart guy. But it became obvious that he had the paper knowledge, but not the skill. I wiped the floor with the poor bloke, and got the job. He was more highly qualified too. This is just my personal opinion, but paper qualifications come second to experience. A very low second. Musk ---
**Author:** ![Mtnjim](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/mtnjim/32/2010_2.png) [@Mtnjim](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Mtnjim)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2007, 6:33pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/11 "2007-05-15T18:33:39Z")
“Paper” certifications, that is taking the test but having no experience is worthless. What I meant was working in IT, as well as getting the certs. would place you favorably for that CIO slot. ---
**Author:** ![SteveO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/87869e/32.png) [@SteveO](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/SteveO)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2007, 10:17pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/12 "2007-05-15T22:17:31Z")
Yes Mtnjim, very truth, but all the same a vicious cycle. One normally cannot work in an IT profession without the certificate either, nor gain the experience needed. You could always go work for the Geek Squad, but they won’t hire you without at least an MCSE certification. You are still more than likely to get hired with the certification backing you than without though. ---
**Author:** ![mindset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mindset](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mindset)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2007, 10:22am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/13 "2007-05-16T10:22:12Z")
> [@steveo](#): > > Yes Mtnjim, very truth, but all the same a vicious cycle. One normally cannot work in an IT profession without the certificate either, nor gain the experience needed. > > **You could always go work for the Geek Squad, but they won’t hire you without at least an MCSE certification.** > > You are still more than likely to get hired with the certification backing you than without though. That was something I was considering. Isn’t Geek Squad affiliated with Best Buy? In any case, I contacted my HR Representative at my company to see if he could refer me to personnel in I.T. management that could advise me on what particular training they look for in their applicants. I did get a contact, so I will be giving her a call soon enough. If I do not decide to follow through with I.T. training, then the associates degree that I plan on acquiring starting in August should give me opportunities in the Accounting/Finance department ala A/P, A/R, Full-charge bookkeeper, junior accountant, and night auditor. I did job searches to see what the requirements are for in this area, and there are a slew of entry-level accounting-esque jobs, mainly bookkeeping and/or night auditor/guest host, albeit a lot of the bookkeeping jobs require certification/experience in Quickbooks and/or Peachtree - so I may just shoot for a P/T course at the local vocational school in getting situated with one or both of those programs. Thanks for better clarifying that Mtnjim. I also did a job search on CFO’s in my loca area, and it appears that a MBA with a CPA/CMA title will atleast place me in the brackets for consideration if I were to apply for such positions. Of course, experience is always a factor as well as referrals/references. Thanks again. I just want to pick the brains of the people who know something about this field before I plunge into it blindfolded. ---
**Author:** ![bosshank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@bosshank](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/bosshank)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2007, 4:27am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/continuing-education-inquiry-computer-geeks-specifically/3617/14 "2007-05-17T04:27:36Z")
We are computer heavy although I am an end user and not an IT guy. That being said the primary thing we look for hiring IT people is their experience and knowledge in the specific areas we need. And oh, by the way, the certifications are nice, but some of the people we hired who had the experience but not the paper went back and got the paper but more for future leverage (contracts, raises, possible future employment elsewhere). So my experience seems on track with evryone else. I know it is tough when you are first starting. But doing the dual track - experience and paper trail - works best. See if your college has a work/study program with local firms.