Ok , I have decided i dont want to be doing my current job for much longer and quite fancy being a msce IT bod, what im trying to find out is .

 

1, Is it the right thing to train in for a decent career in IT

2, Is there still demand for this job role

3, Is it worth speaking to someone like computrain?

 

Many thanks peeps

I can give some good advice here mate. I've been beasting it for 2 1/2 yrs now. Got my MCSA,security +, Cisco CCNA, and just finishing my Cisco CCNP which has taken a year and a half, and half a nervous breakdown :)

 

As for what to do it depends on how commited you are:

 

MCSA/E - £20-35,000 6mths or less of training for certification. A lot less if you boot camp it, but a lot of people are aware of the amount of 'paper MCSEs' that are out there. Ie no experience and a 1 week exam cram paper pass. The hardest part of the industry is the initial rung of the ladder so you need to really impress that even though you havn't got experience you have the knowledge to learn the job and gain experience. Microsoft is a common entry into the IT world and often used as a step off to other areas. Most areas of the country have call for microsoft certified bods, but money varies depending on area and the job.

 

Unix/Linux - £25 - 40,000 Similar to MS but more specialised so more money but maybe not as much of a call in the outer areas of the country.

 

Database, SQL,etc - Can't really comment on these areas as I don't know anything about them but there seems to be quite a call. I think there was someone on here that does SQL?

 

Website stuff - As above , several people on here do it though.

 

Programming - try Skyline Dave :)

 

Cisco networking - CCNA £25-35,000 CCNP £30 - 55,000+ CCIE £50 - 100,000

This is what I do now. It can be one of the highest paid areas if you can gain the CCNP or higher. The reason its well paid is because of the time and commitment needed to do the certification exams. The CCNA is roughly equivalent to the MCSA/E. The CCNP is 4 exams that each take 3-6mths each. CCIE is a ninja certification and probably the hardest in the IT industry to pass. Job prospects are good but you need to be in the city areas, although a lot of work can be done remotely so you can work from home. I'm hoping to move back to the SW at some point over the next few years. I've worked my arse off studying and doing silly hours for the last 18mths and its just starting to pay off now. For me its very interesting. I find microsoft server work very brain numbing as I don't like wrestling to make software work, programming is too abstract for me, networking is perfect because I can design/build things and then do the configurations so its kind of inbetween.

I can give some good advice here mate. I've been beating it for 2 1/2 yrs now. Got my MCSA,security +, Cisco CCNA, and just finishing my Cisco CCNP which has taken a year and a half, and half a nervous breakdown :)

 

As for what to do it depends on how commited you are:

 

MCSA/E - £20-35,000 6mths or less of training for certification. A lot less if you boot camp it, but a lot of people are aware of the amount of 'paper MCSEs' that are out there. Ie no experience and a 1 week exam cram paper pass. The hardest part of the industry is the initial rung of the ladder so you need to really impress that even though you havn't got experience you have the knowledge to learn the job and gain experience. Microsoft is a common entry into the IT world and often used as a step off to other areas. Most areas of the country have call for microsoft certified bods, but money varies depending on area and the job.

 

Unix/Linux - £25 - 40,000 Similar to MS but more specialised so more money but maybe not as much of a call in the outer areas of the country.

 

Database, SQL,etc - Can't really comment on these areas as I don't know anything about them but there seems to be quite a call. I think there was someone on here that does SQL?

 

Website stuff - As above , several people on here do it though.

 

Cisco networking - CCNA £25-35,000 CCNP £30 - 55,000 CCIE £50 - 100,000

This is what I do now. It is one of the highest paid areas if you can gain the CCNP or higher. The reason its well paid is because of the time and commitment needed to do the certification exams. The CCNA is roughly equivalent to the MCSA/E. The CCNP is 4 exams that each take 3-6mths each. CCIE is a ninja certification and probably the hardest in the IT industry to pass. Job prospects are good but you need to be in the city areas, although a lot of work can be done remotely so you can work from home. I'm hoping to move back to the SW at some point over the next few years. I've worked my arse off studying and doing silly hours for the last 18mths and its just starting to pay off now. For me its very interesting. I find microsoft server work very brain numbing as I don't like wrestling to make software work, programming is too abstract for me, networking is perfect because I can design/build things and then do the configurations so its kind of inbetween.

 

All sound advice...

 

I dont count exams when I interview people, its experience that counts - but there are still some people who require it as an entry requirements for interviews..

 

to answer your questions:

1, Is it the right thing to train in for a decent career in IT

Hell yes, if this is your first job in IT - after that, it becomes less so.

2, Is there still demand for this job role

There is still a shortage of good people. I would rather employ someone with 1yr experience who can show a good head on their shoulders than a lazy know it all who wont listen.

3, Is it worth speaking to someone like computrain?

I like HOST for training, but any of the large recognized trainers will do a good job.

 

I have been working in IT for 9yrs now and have done most jobs at one stage or another from server engineer (mcse) to currently a data architect (SQL server 2005).

 

If you want any direct advice, pm me and I will send you my mobile number.

 

Steve

Places like Computrain can be good and often have links to employees, but you pay a lot of money for usually a short 'bootcamp' course. IMO the local colleges are very good places to do the courses. I did my MCSA with Cornwall College in Saltash whilst I was still in the Marines. I did the CCNA at the same time. They were a lot cheaper than the bootcamp places and I could take as little or as much time as I needed and had plenty of access to their equipment if needed.

thx peeps , and royal thx for the college advice, will check it out.