I'm currently looking for a career change (or more truthfully a career beginning). I have some college, but no degree from a community college I attended after high school. Since then I have been working in Law Enforcement, and hated every minute of it. My wife and I just had a new baby so it reminded me that I would like to have a better career with better pay. I would like to go after a career in Networking, but I don't have the time or financial resources for a degree. I saw that Strayer offered a Diploma in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis on Networking. They also offer some other diplomas in IT. I don't have any work experience, but I have always found it interesting. With my zero work experience and my limited college credits, would going after a Diploma do me any good?? Would I find a job with just a Diploma and no experience? Many Thanks
It has been my experience that it is hard for someone to break into the IT world without any experience or education. If you have one of the two, it makes it easier. A certificate or diploma in IT would help, as would any type of certification (A+, MSCE, Cisco, Sun, etc).
Given that you have experience in law enforcement and an interest in a career transition into technology, perhaps studying towards a certificate and/or degree (associate or bachelor) in computer forensics might be an optimal solution. There are a number of schools offering on-line certificates and degrees in this area. This way, you could leverage your law enforcement background and contacts to partially overcome the no experience issue. Forensics is equally viable as a career whether in the public or private sectors.
Hi Brian, You may be closer to an Associate degree than you think. Contact the admissions department at Charter Oak State College. They have very relaxed requirements for accepting transfer credit, so you will be able to transfer everything you did in the past, and perhaps get college credit for your work in law enforcement. In addition, if you seek computer certifications like MCSE, A+, abd the like, you can get college credit for them there. I have a Bachelor's degree from them with a concentration in Information Systems, and much of my technical coursework was covered by certifications. Two birds with one stone, and all that. Note that you can think about them as a second step even if you start with a diploma from Strayer. Good luck, -=Steve=-
It is hard to break into the field without experience, education, or certifications. I would self-study for the A+ exam and start there. As mentioned, you can use the A+ as credit towards a degree.
I know very little about IT, but if I can offer a suggestion, make sure you have your ducks in a row before you leave your law enforcement job. You may hate the job, but besides a steady paycheck, there is also health insurance to think about, especially important with a new baby. You'll soon wish you had reserved parking outside your pediatrician's office, trust me. I wish you the best in your new career, but be sure you're able to provide for your family, before you leave a secure job.
