Help-Techies

Hi guys-Need some advice from the technically inclined folks. I find that I love selling computers in my retail job. I'd love to learn more and possibly service networks, etc. I probably need certifications yadda yadda.

So which ones do I go for?

How about finding a starter job where I will learn, take classes and get certified?

Anything else I did not consider?

As a start, approach you local educational facilities. You may only need is something like a Certificate Three in I T (whatever they call it over there) from your local community college.

It really depends on you how far you want to take it i e if you want the full degree.

Thanks-I'd like to start at the ol' help desk (yeah I know-barf)-move onto networks.

Certifications would work fine. Shows I know the stuff, faster and cheaper than a full degree. I already have a BS in a Humanities field, so I don't want to do 60 credits again. Companies may train me on the particulars of the job they want me to know.

Looked at the local community college (it's cheaper to go that way.)30 Credit hours for C++ computer language. I figure MCSE is a good idea too since MS is the dominant platform in most places. I need to look-should be able to find a place that offers MCSE

I looked at websites for local IT firms. Of course they list on their site jobs that require YEARS of experience. Way to make me feel better.

a. Work out what qualification you need.

b. Ask for Recognition of Prior Learning, RPL. It may be called differently in the States. With a prior degree and more importantly some practical experience in the field, you should then not have to complete all units. For example you shouldn't have to do computers 1.01 As you already have a good idea of specs and how they work.

This may involve an interview. When I did my Certificate III in Public Administration, they just gave it to me without any study. I don't think that has happened before or since. lol. A C3 is supposed to be the equivalent of a trade here.

I hope this helps. It may not be technical advice, but this is some of what I do at work.

MCSE's are generally tied in with computer experience, i.e. those who have experience of the Windows Server family (plus a couple of the BackOffice systems - e.g. Exchange Server, etc).

For a starter, I'd investigate the A+ Certification (recognised more in the US, I believe?), or (possibly), a MCDTS (Microsoft Desktop Support Technician). No idea if the MCDTS qualification is "recognised" enough as a starter qualification, so the A+ is probably a good start? Check to see if the job market requests them before starting off, however.

Nothing is guaranteed, however... I started with a Computer Studies Degree, and then into a lowly telephone support role. After an MCP (plus experience in that product), I moved into a desktop support role, gradually studying for an MCSE through various desktop/server support roles (the exams were based on systems that I was actually supporting at the time).

An MCSE is only really required if you have the combined experience, although there a lot of "paper" MCSE's out there - i.e. people who have taken the exams, but wouldn't know how to even log onto a server (yup, I've seen plenty of those around).

Best of luck, though.

Errr... I ran the sales arm for years of a distance learning college, that later went bust. HOWEVER, i did pick up a few tips on the right qualifications to get (i.e. not the ones i use to sell).

It prolly differs in US, but basic 30 hour college courses dont really get you anywhere. Microsoft certification does tend to lead to better employment, but can cost an arm and leg, for often a set of very thick course books.

I'd go along with Nick, in that A+ certification is highly regarded, certainly over here, and you can do it quite cheaply.

Bear in mind though, a qualification is only good for getting you in the door. Despite what training providers say, experience counts for everything.

NOOLigan wrote: As a start, approach you local educational facilities. You may only need is something like a Certificate Three in I T (whatever they call it over there) from your local community college.

It really depends on you how far you want to take it i e if you want the full degree.

This is known as a CLAIT Cert III over here, and doesnt tend to count for a lot. There's an army of unemployed single mothers over here clutching them, because they got it for free, and it got them out the house.

Burt Reynolds wrote:

NOOLigan wrote: As a start, approach you local educational facilities. You may only need is something like a Certificate Three in I T (whatever they call it over there) from your local community college.

It really depends on you how far you want to take it i e if you want the full degree.

This is known as a CLAIT Cert III over here, and doesnt tend to count for a lot. There's an army of unemployed single mothers over here clutching them, because they got it for free, and it got them out the house.

Thanks Burt. I knew I could count on you on some negative personal off topic comment.

BTW I am degreed as well.

NOOLigan wrote:

Burt Reynolds wrote:

NOOLigan wrote: As a start, approach you local educational facilities. You may only need is something like a Certificate Three in I T (whatever they call it over there) from your local community college.

It really depends on you how far you want to take it i e if you want the full degree.

This is known as a CLAIT Cert III over here, and doesnt tend to count for a lot. There's an army of unemployed single mothers over here clutching them, because they got it for free, and it got them out the house.

Thanks Burt. I knew I could count on you on some negative personal off topic comment.

BTW I am degreed as well.

No it was my opinion on CLAIT III. Have you become an unemployed single mother since last we talked?

Get first hand experience by moving to India and manning one of the tech phones... I don't think they need any training or certification... all on the fly, hands on confusion over there

EdelBrock wrote: Get first hand experience by moving to India and manning one of the tech phones... I don't think they need any training or certification... all on the fly, hands on confusion over there

True, Spoke to a guy whose company has a call center in India and he said that Indians will only make 25-30% of what US workers do.

Also saw a few weeks back that 1 of every 5 IBM employees is now in India! I suppose their training must involve how to NOT speak English properly and how to make the simplest task a complete FUCKING nightmare.