Should I change my degree from IT to something else?

[LW07]

I'm currently in my 4th semester of college, pursuing an IT degree.

However, I've been wondering if I should change to something else, since the IT-related certifications, such as A+ and other such things are expensive and from looking at some A+ certification practice questions, the test looks really hard and seems to just nitpick. I currently have no certifications(Is it expected for a second-year college IT student to have any).

Also, even if I did get certifications, I still don't know how I would get a job.

Should I stick with IT or should I switch to something else?

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

You should try getting an internship first and see if it's what you like.

 

[Nintendesert]

If you think A+ is hard, you just might want to change career choices. :|

 

[SandEagle]

if i could do it all over again, i'd look into health administration or nursing.

 

[preslove]

You should try getting an internship first and see if it's what you like.

This, plus get a part time job either as an IT monkey on campus (depending on the size of your, there could be many IT monkey positions there), at Best Buy, or in low level IT somewhere else. This way you will have experience on the resume, in addition to a degree. It's shitty experience, sure, but it's better than nothing.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Go with your strengths. I know listening to us geezers is lame but, if you are unsure what your strengths are, ask someone who knows you well. Like your <cough> parents.

 

[guyver01]

If you think A+ is hard, you just might want to change career choices. :|

This.

A+ is like entry level grunt work. If you think it's "nitpicking"... please... choose something easier... like.... "writing" ... or "creative thinking" .... or "farmer"

 

[Rumpltzer]

This.

A+ is like entry level grunt work. If you think it's "nitpicking"... please... choose something easier... like.... "writing" ... or "creative thinking" .... or "farmer"

Farming is hard work.

There's a reason that UIUC has a huge, huge business school.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

This.

A+ is like entry level grunt work. If you think it's "nitpicking"... please... choose something easier... like.... "writing" ... or "creative thinking" .... or "farmer"

If you think those are "easier," you've never done any of them, especially farming.

 

[LW07]

I guess it could be because I haven't really studied any preparation or anything.

Anyway, I just went on the CompTia website and now they require you to get the certification renewed every 3 years unless you participate in a "continual education" thing, which irks me.


Anyway, is it required to get certifications like the A+ in order to get even the "crappy" help desk jobs? Or could I just start at the "crappy help desk" jobs and just work my way up from there?

 

[MarkXIX]

If you think those are "easier," you've never done any of them, especially farming.

MFT on farming. Farming will break a foot off in your ass any day of the week.

 

[guyver01]

If you think those are "easier," you've never done any of them, especially farming.

You've obviously never had to troubleshoot a network with a rat's nest of wires and no configuration documentation

 

[LW07]

So does a 4-year degree in IT, but with no certifications or work experience, put me totally out of the prospect of getting anything other than flipping burgers at McDonalds or would I still be able to get an entry-level job and then work my way up from there?

 

[skim milk]

what are your career interests? have you really spent some time thinking about that?

any positions/companies you have interest in working for out of college?

 

[MarkXIX]

Go to dice.com and take a look at what's out there. You have plenty of opportunity in the market, especially if you're willing to move right away to take the job.

By the way, I think every college graduate should be required to attend a class in their last semester for job hunting, resume creation, etc. I see so many college student ill-prepared to enter the work force today that it is really troubling to me.

 

[Elbryn]

I guess it could be because I haven't really studied any preparation or anything.

Anyway, I just went on the CompTia website and now they require you to get the certification renewed every 3 years unless you participate in a "continual education" thing, which irks me.


Anyway, is it required to get certifications like the A+ in order to get even the "crappy" help desk jobs? Or could I just start at the "crappy help desk" jobs and just work my way up from there?

most certifications will "expire" or require continuing education to maintain the cert. get used to that fact. if you've done a base amount of computer software/hardware troubleshooting/repair, then A+ should not be much of a challenge. it's also a test that's easy enough to pass if you study, take enough practice tests, and apply common test taking techniques.

That said, the cert itself doesnt mean a whole lot unless you plan on working at geek squad or some other commerial repair shop. it might be of use to get a helpdesk job.

you say you're getting an IT degree. in what? dont those usually have a specific field to go into? network, security, programming?

i stake is your best bet is to do your best to get an internship in a decently sized company, make friends and do a great job while you're there. That way you'll stand a good chance to get hired on.

 

[Elbryn]

So does a 4-year degree in IT, but with no certifications or work experience, put me totally out of the prospect of getting anything other than flipping burgers at McDonalds or would I still be able to get an entry-level job and then work my way up from there?

what's a 4 year degree in "IT" mean? isnt there a specific field that comes along with that? IT is a relatively diverse field these days.
you got IT management, helpdesk, field support, network engineer, server teams (windows, unix/linix/aix), programers, Information warehouse, database (oracle/sql), storage engineering, Project management and so forth.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

You've obviously never had to troubleshoot a network with a rat's nest of wires and no configuration documentation

That's a tricksey job no doubt but, farming (and being successful at it) requires bringing all your brains and your back to the table. It ain't for the weak of mind or heart.

 

[Nintendesert]

So does a 4-year degree in IT, but with no certifications or work experience, put me totally out of the prospect of getting anything other than flipping burgers at McDonalds or would I still be able to get an entry-level job and then work my way up from there?

I'm a broken record on this, but join the military and get a contract for IT. You'll get 5 years of actual work experience and they'll make you get a ton of certifications. Then when you get out you look a whole lot better to the job market than someone with just some college. And if you're really dedicated you get out with a college degree as well. You also get preferential hiring consideration for government related IT jobs.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I'm currently in my 4th semester of college, pursuing an IT degree.

However, I've been wondering if I should change to something else, since the IT-related certifications, such as A+ and other such things are expensive and from looking at some A+ certification practice questions, the test looks really hard and seems to just nitpick. I currently have no certifications(Is it expected for a second-year college IT student to have any).

The A+ test is one of the easiest certs you can get. I don't think it is that expensive either.

Also, even if I did get certifications, I still don't know how I would get a job.

Certs don't guarantee a job. Don't get an MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, A+, etc. and expect to start out at the top of the pile in IT, for example. You'll have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I guess it could be because I haven't really studied any preparation or anything.

Anyway, I just went on the CompTia website and now they require you to get the certification renewed every 3 years unless you participate in a "continual education" thing, which irks me.

The A+ is the bottom of the barrel in certs. You might consider getting it to put on the resume, but if I were you, I'd immediately move on to bigger and better certs. It isn't worth 30 seconds of your time or a dime of your money to renew it every 3 years. Unless, of course, your employer wants you to have it and will pay for it.

Anyway, is it required to get certifications like the A+ in order to get even the "crappy" help desk jobs? Or could I just start at the "crappy help desk" jobs and just work my way up from there?

It will probably help you get a help desk position.

 

[iGas]

if i could do it all over again, i'd look into health administration or nursing.

If I could do it again, I wouldn't have gone to University for a BA & a BS because it was the thing to do at the time.

I should have stuck it out as a construction worker (started at 17 year old), and go for instrumentation, HVAC/refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing certifications. Then open my own mechanical company and mow over all local engineering firms that run by incompetent ahole architect/mechanical engineers/electrical engineers.

Get in construction, degree in bio/mech engineering, or electrical/power engineering.

 

[Zee]

if i could do it all over again, i'd stay the hell away from IT

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

if i could do it all over again, i'd stay the hell away from IT

This.
Although if I had experience I could have put towards another profession, I would have gone in a different path as well.

If you have more experience you could better put to use in another field, that would be great.
Sometimes I wish I would have went to school for business or project management instead. I've had alot of fun any time I've picked up management duties, and a path I'd like to take with my career. Whether in or out of IT.
I'd rather be a boss, than a minion. :awe:
But for the time being I'll just go with whatever path works the best.
No more contract work. Fuck that noise. I'm 25, it's time for a career.

 

[msw1382]

This, plus get a part time job either as an IT monkey on campus (depending on the size of your, there could be many IT monkey positions there), at Best Buy, or in low level IT somewhere else. This way you will have experience on the resume, in addition to a degree. It's shitty experience, sure, but it's better than nothing.

A lot of people may hate on Best Buy but I can speak from personal experience that it CAN be a good stepping stone.

It may not be ultimately the kind of work that you want to do later in life, but it will at least get your foot somewhat in the door and you get some hand on experince.

Working at Best Buy while going to school was beneficial for me. It enabled me to land a job that fit what I was looking for out of the gate.

So my advice to you? Get a job at a place like Best Buy and see how things go. They also may offer to pay for your cert IF you pass. I know they were talking about making A+ a requirement 5 years or so ago.