I could really use some professional advice. I need to make an educational/career decision.?

Question

I am a retired 47y/o paramedic embarking on a career in technology. Completed one semester in Computer/Software Support Specialist with a 3.68 GPA. Every advisor advises me to enter their particular program ie: webmaster, networking, programming, computer repair. I may only have a shot at 2 years of college due to financial limitations, and all classes must be taken in Indiana for the same reason, so I want to make it count.

I want to easily find employment, know enough to operate my own business if necessary but could not involve high capital investment, I like hands-on things but also am intriegued by design, e-commerce. My math skills are average but I am above average in comprehension/reading. I took a course in networking & communications, received an "A" but found the subject matter difficult to comprehend and resorted to rote memorization. Web Design was very interesting as well as PC Configuration and received "A's" in both. Open to jobs out of USA. What would you suggest?

Answer 1

There are two sides to the coin here.
1) hardware
2) software

If you prefer to be a hands on hardware and pcrepair are best, but you found this subject matter to be difficult - soo...

Web design is plentiful, however diferent languages may be required - common ones are ColdFusion, Java, and C#

Based on your interests I'd say web design.

I got my degree in computer science from the university of illinois - Online (http://www.uis.edu)
It was completely online and becasue it was online - it was cheaper than attending the local university - not to mention time flexibile (there are no you must be in calss tue/thurs from 10-1pm when the rest of the world is at work)

You can go all the way through a masters online with the univiersity as well.

I don't know your finances - but it might be better than what you are getting locally.

If you have questions and want to bounce ideas back and forth to me via email that's fine.

I used to do tech support for microsoft - and realised that hardware and networking support issues were not for me and went into programming. I've been professionally programming for over 5 years now.

I wish you the best of luck

Answer 2

You have to follow your instincts and choose that which interests you most.

I have been very lucky and discovered my technical ability early yet my life has still been one training course afte another. MCSE, MCSD, CCNA, CCNP are the more well known qualifications but there are many others. This unfortunately costs a lot of money but is a worthy investment. Now I'm a Technical Manager I don't get to spend so much time coding or troubleshooting but it still happens occasionally.

The point is technology will move forward but those who have skill in maintaining that technology will always find employment. The connected world will always need network and equipment engineers, software developers and analysts, trainers and authors.

At an interview I seek knowledge from the candidate, there's plenty of kids that think they know what they're doing but give frightening responses to questions. Just look at some of the garbage that gets written here. Confidence in your ability is key.

If you would like to talk more send me an email.

Answer 3

If you wanted to go for a 4 year degree, wait until you are employed and if they have tuition assistance they pay for you classes. Find out what the pay scale and the actual work needed in each of these areas that you are interested in then make your decision based on those facts. If you work for someone else for a short period of time and have the 4 year degree then the opportunity to start you own business may become a reality. Good Luck

Answer 4

programming is the top dog in the IT field. very lucrative but also the hardest and most likely you will need some heavy course work to be one.

web design is fairly good to get into however there are millions of others just like you doing the same thing. You'd need some work to show people or sites you've made in order to get a decent job.

pc configuration is essentially help desk work. not really IT but more along the lines of entry level. these are hourly jobs usually and sometimes are contract positions. you can get work in a large company doing this sort of work but its kind of difficult. also depends on the area you live in.

Answer 5

Off the top of my head I would say be a freelance emergency equipment technician or consultant. You can work locally while in school and create a website to advertise regionally or nationally after you finish. No other ideas.