Hi guys, I'm trying to figure out what I can expect as a job if I go in for an IT degree. And how getting different degrees (bachelor's, associates etc) will influence the jobs i can get. So far I've found onet, inside jobs, and bls, but none of these are great for degree to job following. Any suggestions on sites to check out?
IT is too generic a term. You need to identify your aptitude - where your heart is. There are many sub-divisions like Hardware(Servers, Desktops etc), Software(mainly development), and Middle-ware(Networks, Security etc). IMHO, for IT jobs a degree in CS/IS/IT majors is only "good to have" most of the times. For example, I only have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, but have about 13 years of development experience, and working as Application Architect for a major county. Many of my friends (working in the above-mentioned IT divisions) have degrees with majors in Science and Engineering, but none have an IT major. Please note, this is not a rule. I am just narrating my experience. Also, many people I knew, who came to IT just for the money-sake, suffered a lot and switched fields during the IT bubble burst. So, as always, do what your heart says.
Unfortunately, I find that many jobs require certification of some sort or other. For example look at the following for CISSP: "Candidates for the CISSP must meet several requirements: Possess a minimum of five years of direct full-time security work experience in two or more of the ten (ISC)² information security domains (CBK). One year may be waived for having either a four-year college degree, a Master's degree in Information Security, or for possessing one of a number of other certifications from other organizations.[9] A candidate not possessing the necessary five years of experience may earn the Associate of (ISC)² designation by passing the required CISSP examination. The Associate of (ISC)² for CISSP designation is valid for a maximum of six years from the date (ISC)² notifies the candidate of having passed the exam. During those six years a candidate will need to obtain the required experience and submit the required endorsement form for certification as a CISSP. Upon completion of the professional experience requirements the certification will be converted to CISSP status.[10] Attest to the truth of their assertions regarding professional experience and accept the CISSP Code of Ethics.[11] Answer four questions regarding criminal history and related background.[12] Pass the CISSP exam with a scaled score of 700 points or greater out of 1000 possible points. The exam is multiple choice, consisting of 250 questions with four options each, to be answered over a period of six hours. 25 of the questions are experimental questions which are not graded.[12] Have their qualifications endorsed by another CISSP in good standing. The endorser attests that the candidate's assertions regarding professional experience are true to the best of their knowledge, and that the candidate is in good standing within the information security industry.[13]" It seems that the more education that you have the easier it is to qualify for certification. Otherwise you need the experience. This leads to the old problem of getting a job in the 1st place.
The biggest problem I see in talking about IT careers is that it is like talking about healthcare careers. The industry is so vast that no single rule applies to every aspect of it. For example: 1) In system and netowrk administration, certifications are absolutely critical. In the programming/development world they are almost worthless. 2) In the programming/development world a college degree is VERY important. Amongst web designers, a college degree isn't as big of a deal.
The problem with a career in IT is also the good thing. The myriad choices in terms of career choices is what attracts people to IT in the 1st place. It is correct about the specialization. It is like a doctor. You can be heart surgeon or family practice doctor. It all depends on how much specialization you are interested in. I started out taking courses as Math major. This lead to my deciding that I wanted to get into computer programming. I then was able to get into application programming. I decided that I wanted to become what was known at the time a systems programmer on IBM mainframes. I was able to get into Communications Systems Programming. Today I have gotten into network security. The world of computer programming has expanded from simple programming to many levels of specialization. I find that specialization leads to job security. The more that you know that others don't is what keeps me working, after over 30 years in IT.
I think employers in IT field are mostly looking at Experience, Training, Certifications, and also Education. Working for name recognized company for number of years in the IT field will count more then having degree from name recognized university. I as many other professionals noticed that Professional = Education + Training + Experience With years as you gain more experience then maybe the order changes to Experience + Training + Education Many colleges and universities offer combined IT programs, they charge more for certifications that one can get for less if they are achieved outside the college. Colleges award academic credit toward a degree for the certifications.
