Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

Anyone work in IT?

Posted on 11/23/21 at 7:15 am
Posted by DeafJam73
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2010
18487 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 7:15 am
I figured maybe I could get some bites here. I’m thinking of making a move to work in the IT field, but I really wouldn’t know how to start. Can anyone offer some advice on what kind of certification I might need and who I could see about getting that?
Posted by Jax Teller
Member since Aug 2018
3930 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 7:52 am to
What specifically do you want to do in IT?
It's very broad.

For example:
I work in IT, but I'm an MBA with a career in business process improvement etc. That has led me to ERP system implementations and other system technologies as they pertain to business improvement.

Actual IT support is totally different, but we are in the same group.

Posted by FuzzyBearE
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2016
451 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 8:40 am to
I will echo the above...

What type of IT work do you want to do?

Networking, Programming, Support...Those are all VERY different disciplines. Sort of like saying you want to be a doctor. What type of doctor?

I would suggest you talk to some people and decide what TYPE of work you are interested in...then look into some training for that field.

I myself am more of a developer/programmer, but I do a lot of network setup, server setup, development. It's not ideal because everything is constantly updating/changing so I can't really focus on one area...but it works for me.



Posted by TigerinATL
Member since Feb 2005
61560 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 8:54 am to
Your posts makes it sound like you're interested in IT because you think the grass is greener than whatever industry you're working in now, not that you have genuine interest in it. I also suspect you're not a young college kid based on your user name, so even entry level positions to gain experience will probably harder to come by for you. To get a job in IT you probably need to start off by making IT a hobby.

Many computer skills that don't involve dealing with hardware can be self taught at home for free. You just need to pick an area of focus, start working on projects you find in online tutorials. Then make up your own projects, build a website tied to some hobby/passion you have. Or maybe you can think of a program to write tied to that.

Once you have a handle on what part of IT you like and are good at then you'll have a better idea of how to target jobs. Whether that's going to school, taking tests for certifications, or just building a portfolio of projects.

You should also try to think of any ways what you currently do ties into IT. Building reports is the obvious one that will have tie ins to most industries. Then instead of starting from scratch with no experience, you have all the experience from your current industry to help you stand out from people that may only have an IT background.
This post was edited on 11/23/21 at 9:10 am
Posted by Vrai
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2003
3897 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 9:30 am to
Everyone's comments are correct, which area are you interested in? If tech is a passion, there are lots of areas outside of tradition IT work. Tech has always been my hobby and my career is as a solution consultant for an enterprise low code/no code platform
Posted by LSU316
Rice and Easy Baby!!!
Member since Nov 2007
29311 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 9:58 am to
quote:

What specifically do you want to do in IT?
It's very broad.


This....what do you do now? Can you transition some of that into a IT field? Would you want to?

I was a code monkey in MS programming technologies for several years before I got into my current career which is implementing, supporting, administering, customizing, etc HRIS systems. It gives me the ability to do some of the coding that I love (although not with MS tools) yet it also affords me the upward trajectory in career advancement and salary that I was looking for in my career.

I didn't hate coding by a long stretch, but I didn't like it as much as what I do now. I get to dive into and solve very different problems in a multitude of ways using a multitude of technologies almost on a daily basis.

I'm also getting into RPA now since it is pretty much all the buzz. That is another option look at your current job and figure out what all the mundane stuff is and get into RPA and see if you can figure out how to to build synthetic workers to automatically process the mundane tasks to save time and money.
This post was edited on 11/23/21 at 9:59 am
Posted by fallguy_1978
Best States #50
Member since Feb 2018
48670 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 10:27 am to
I've been in IT for 21 years.

Cloud architect or cyber security are some of the best areas of concentration now outside of development.

Posted by TigerFanatic99
South Bend, Indiana
Member since Jan 2007
27657 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 10:42 am to
quote:

I work in IT, but I'm an MBA with a career in business process improvement etc. That has led me to ERP system implementations and other system technologies as they pertain to business improvement


I had to check to make sure I hadn't already posted in here. You literally described me perfectly.

What erp do you focus on? I'm in SAP.
Posted by Jax Teller
Member since Aug 2018
3930 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 11:05 am to
quote:

What erp do you focus on? I'm in SAP.


D365 currently. But I've done SAP among others including some smaller ones that focus on Manufacturing environments.
Posted by SG_Geaux
Beautiful St George
Member since Aug 2004
78037 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 12:20 pm to
Most people in IT don't just suddenly decide they are going to "Do IT"

Most grew up with IT and live and breathe IT.
Posted by hometownhero89
Center of the Earth
Member since Aug 2007
1581 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 12:24 pm to
Get Comptia A+ to open some doors, but usually you will start in help desk.

From there you can get Sec+ or Net+ then move to bigger certs from there.
Posted by hometownhero89
Center of the Earth
Member since Aug 2007
1581 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 12:26 pm to
quote:

Cloud architect or cyber security are some of the best areas of concentration now outside of development.



TryHackMe is a great place to learn more specific skills for cybersecurity.

Posted by DeafJam73
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2010
18487 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 5:22 pm to
I don’t have a passion for IT, per se, but I’m interested in learning. I also don’t have a passion for what I do now, but I’m good at what I do and am a competent person. I didn’t know jack about jack about what I do now (print shop), but I learned quickly and became a good employee. I’m looking for a field where
I have a chance to advance and have a good career, but right now I don’t have that. I know that IT and working with computer software and systems is a good line of work to get into. I know some people who have done well for themselves. Which is why I’m here. I know IT is broad field with a lot of sub fields. I also know it’s a useful skill to develop and hopefully land a good job where I’m not working for nothing. I also don’t want to end up working construction or wind up in a plant.

I’m a new father trying to get into a better line of work so I can give my daughter a good life. I’m hoping maybe IT can give me that.
This post was edited on 11/23/21 at 5:27 pm
Posted by jefforize
Member since Feb 2008
44119 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 6:41 pm to
What are you good at
What are you interested in
What are you passionate about


Determine that and start from there

A+
Net+
Sec+

Nice starter kit

Learn SQL if you like data
This post was edited on 11/23/21 at 6:47 pm
Posted by angry_german
BFE
Member since Jun 2018
15 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 7:12 pm to
The advice I usually give to people just starting out or are thinking about getting into IT is to be open to moving out of the area. At least temporarily. I can only speak from personal experience, most people I went to school with went somewhere pulling cable or doing help desk type stuff for a small company starting out.

I decided to move to Tennessee and go work for Dell. It was tech support stuff, the money was lousy and benefits were non existent, but I stuck it out for a year and then moved back home. Having that on my resume got me the job I'm still at almost 20 years later.

You may not have to do this depending on where you live, but opportunities were limited for me at the time and by doing what I did it allowed me to kind of get a jump start on my career.

As far as certs I'd say anything security related would be very valuable. The A+, NET+ may be good places to start like others have said to see if you really have any true interest for it.
Posted by DeafJam73
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2010
18487 posts
Posted on 11/24/21 at 6:55 am to
I live in Baton Rouge. We just had our daughter. I couldn’t move. Our families are here, and putting distance between them and my daughter is not something I’m willing to do unless I have absolutely no choice. I know that limits things, but I’d like to think anything is possible.
Posted by Vrai
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2003
3897 posts
Posted on 11/24/21 at 8:06 am to
You need to look at TraceSecurity if you are unwilling to move and have any interest in cyber security. Local company who will hire and train novice analysts.

ETA - they hire folks right out of school and who are very green, but there are basic IT aptitude questions they will ask. You can't just know nothing
This post was edited on 11/24/21 at 8:08 am
Posted by FuzzyBearE
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2016
451 posts
Posted on 11/24/21 at 9:29 am to
If you want to stay in Baton Rouge, you could apply for a state job - you'll have to go through the civil service website to apply. Most of the sites are downtown.

Go through some of the online certifications first others mentioned, as they will want some sort of qualifications.

You most probably will have to start in a helpdesk type role - but once there can move to other areas. Starting pay isn't great for helpdesk, but it will be steady and benefits are good.

If you have time - retirement is very good - one of the few that places you can still earn a pension. Bobby Jindal changed some of the rules - so it's not as good as it used to be...(screw Bobby)

Also no crazy hours and good amounts of leave - personal and sick.
Posted by DeafJam73
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2010
18487 posts
Posted on 11/24/21 at 9:34 am to
quote:

but there are basic IT aptitude questions they will ask. You can't just know nothing


Can you give me an idea of what they will ask?
Posted by PersonataNonGrata
Member since Aug 2021
47 posts
Posted on 11/24/21 at 10:24 am to
quote:

I’m a new father trying to get into a better line of work so I can give my daughter a good life. I’m hoping maybe IT can give me that.



Best of luck to you, if you run a print shop then you can be useful for social engineering engagements to a cybersecurity firm, but you should start studying for a cert like yesterday if this is the case.

ExamTopics is a good platform for this, IMO. I would recommend that you jump into the questions then review with ProfessorMesser videos on youtube.

Just decide what field you want to jump into and start taking certs. Without those previously mentioned certs in that earlier post, the more someone will have to be willing to take a chance on you. Also if they are taking a chance on you, the less you will be paid. So getting one of those as soon as you can is your best bet to make the jump.

Best of luck.
This post was edited on 11/24/21 at 10:25 am
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram