B.S. in Information Technology - Career Path

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by Homeland_Security, Jul 21, 2011.

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  1. Homeland_Security

    Homeland_Security New Member

    Situation:
    I have already graduated with a B.A in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak. Additionally, I graduated with a Masters in Homeland Security from American Military University. However, I cannot find a job, which is mainly due to the economy and federal budget. I do not envision the hiring within the federal government to improve within the next 24 months.

    I have decided to change my career path and pursue the IT field.

    Question:
    What regionally accrediated and 100% online university should I attend, for a B.S. in Information Technology?

    What is the best concentration based on the current job market? In other words, what get me a job immediately, upon graduation.

    Cost is not a factor. Name recognition, correct degree concentration and quality of learning are the main factors.

    Please help...

    Thanks
     
  2. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    As opposed to another degree, why not get some certifications (MCSA, CCNA, A+, etc)? Do you have any IT experience?
     
  3. Homeland_Security

    Homeland_Security New Member

    I have no IT experience. I was planning on enrolling in a B.S. in IT to provide a foundation for a new career. Additionally, I want to become certified in every area currently sought after by employers, while the B.S is being pursued.
     
  4. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I still think the certs and experience will serve you better then a degree.
     
  5. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Agreed.

    You are not getting an entry level job in IT with just a degree unless you're college aged and can be paid squat while you learn to be an IT guy.

    If you've got experience doing other things and have a mid range salary already you're going to have a tough fight without doing some contract work first. In these cases the certs count for more.

    Dont take this as a message implying you shouldn't get the degree. Just get it for the right reasons.

    IT
     
  6. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    I would agree with the certs route. Check out the forum techexams.net for some great info on this. You could be ready for employment in 3-6 months going this route.

    Let me also add another point. Personally, I would recomend AGAINST getting another bachelor's degree, and would instead recommend persuing a master's degree. There are several master's programs out their for folks who do not have IT related bachelor's.

    In short, I would recommend the following sequence:
    1) Get a few certs.
    2) Get an entry level job.
    3) Work on your IT related Masters.
    4) Get a better job now that you have certs, an advanced degree AND experience.
     
  7. 03310151

    03310151 Active Member

    You'll find that the IT marketplace has not fully recovered from the 2000/2001 crash and worse yet, still effected by the 2008 crash. Finding a job in IT with no experience and no certifications is about impossible. You might be able to get started on the night shift of a 24-Hour help desk operation, but you'll be nothing more than a call center rep. Go back for another BA degree? You're looking at two more years before you are ready to enter the marketplace.

    Have you thought about joining the military?
     
  8. Lerner

    Lerner Well-Known Member

    National statistics show that unemployment in IT, CS field is lower then in many other fields.

    Also if you do earn certifications initially open your self for travel.
    From what I see mid West seems like a better place to be at this time in this economy.

    Specialized Systems Integrators are still in demand, simply check DICE.com for IT jobs.
    Combines Cert + Experience+ Education is a good formula.

    Also Business Systems Analysts are needed.
     
  9. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    Interesting! Can you name a few? I have that IT itch and would love to look over some of these programs. I'm not looking for to break into the IT field, just want to see what is out there. A good IT program with an e-business/ecommerce focus would be perfect for me.
     
  10. emmzee

    emmzee New Member

    I did a quick search and found this program:

    DePaul University
    MS in E-Commerce Technology

    The admissions requirements just say:
    Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
    Bachelor's degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution

    They have other degree options listed here, tho some of them cannot be completed entirely online: Online Programs ... Note however that tuition is NOT cheap ... $710/credit according to this page :( ADMISSION & AID: Tuition

    There's probably other programs out there that are cheaper, this is just the first one I came across. You may want to check out this thread, many of the schools listed there will also offer non-IA IT programs:
    http://www.degreeinfo.com/computer-related-degrees/36346-ms-cybersecurity-programs.html
     
  11. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    Thanks for the info. I keep forgetting my old school (FHSU) offers some ecommerce stuff. I'll probably go back there and do a cert since I'm already in the system. Not to mention they are affordable.
     
  12. lpatrick036

    lpatrick036 New Member

    If you're looking for an IT career in the U.S. or abroad, staying adaptable and open to possibilities will improve your chances of thriving in an economic downturn. Whether you're a recent college graduate with a BA in computer science or an MBA looking to get involved with a new technology firm or product, the possibilities for growth and employment are as numerous and varied as the fish in the sea. You may need to cast a line out to catch one-the family business that's looking to hire an e-commerce manager isn't likely to recruit on your college campus-but jobs are out there.

    There will be plenty of competition for entry-level jobs in 2008-09, yet the information technology field is rife with opportunity. Because technology is always improving and computers are becoming faster and more powerful, companies will continue to invest in new technology that makes their companies run more efficiently and less expensively, and to replace outmoded IT infrastructures.

    Who Hires People with a Bachelor in IT?
     
  13. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Identical to what can be found at WetFeet - with the exception of the link to aiuniv... Perhaps give credit to whomever wrote this in the first place rather than plagiarize someone else's words.
     
  14. novadar

    novadar Member

    Indeed, I thought the piece "There will be plenty of competition for entry-level jobs in 2008-09" was exceptionally weird.
     
  15. 29palms

    29palms New Member

    You seem to have gotten so used to going to schools and when jobs don't pan out, you spend more money to change careers. It's a viscious circle. The school part is easy. Hitting the books and loafing around college lounges is easy especially with zero outside forces such as paying bills or making a living. Getting jobs is really the hardest thing of them all. Especially ones that pay somewhat decent. I know colleges are comfortable, nice settings and nice air conditioned enviroments but that is not the real world.
    It is comments such as these that reenforces what I truly believe. It's a waste of time and money if you don't achieve the end result, which is finding a career, or a job. I understand the market is down and economy is bad, however, you may want to look into things such as....where do you live? Are you in a city, out in the boonedocks? Do you have prior work experience? Are you disabled? Are you willing to relocate to where the jobs are? Are you willing to start low and prove yourself on a job? Are you being too picky in your job selections? Is your degree a dime a dozen or even worth getting? Do you give up too easily or get easily discouraged?
    Lastly, I may be wrong, and you may be a millionaire with spare time and money to hang out in colleges. I wish I could be financially settled enough to just hang out in Europe and learn French. That's just what I'd do.
     

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