Recovering from a lack of career planning

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by jts, Apr 28, 2011.

Loading...
  1. jts

    jts New Member

    Hi!

    Although I just joined the forum today, I've been lurking here for a couple of months. The information I've learned from this board's members so far has been quite valuable, both for myself and others, and I now often find myself searching here first when I have a question about my career goals.

    My question today is concerning my "career path" such as it is, and whether my current plan is a decent one. I've made many mistakes along the way and, although I think I've got things nailed down at this point, I could probably benefit from some objective input.

    The Facts:

    I'm 10 years into an IT career. The first 8+ of these were spent at a school district, where I was the network admin. There, I taught myself quite a lot: I cracked software and reported the vulnerabilities to vendors; I also ran several computer forensic investigations--one in cooperation with the police. There were 1400 workstations, 3400 users, and 80 servers (a majority virtualized) on the network. Eventually, political disagreements forced me to leave. (School districts can have very interesting politics.)

    The next year and a half was spent with a small consulting firm (I was the only employee other than the owner). The owner basically took complete advantage, financially speaking; I resigned from that job at the end of January. At that job, I did physical to virtual migrations (VMWare vSphere), and migrations from NetWare to Windows 2008. (Generally with minimal third-party tool support. I wrote scripts in Python, PowerShell, and AutoIT (GroupWise migration... don't ask) to do the bulk of the work.) I also did a bit of what I'd have to call management consulting, in addition to network design, server installs, router config, and so on. I've been into Linux since 1995, and a great deal of my practice involved installing and configuring Linux VMs with various open-source packages and integrating them into customer environments. (Moodle, Nagios, NetDisco, Cacti, RT, etc.) Linux-based firewalls are another of my specialties; I know 'iptables' like the back of my hand.

    I earned a BSBA from Herzing University in April of last year. I'm in their MBA-Technology Management program now. I also am certified to administer an obscure internet filtering product found only in schools... and that is the full extent of my credentials.

    The Plan:

    I would probably enjoy (and excel at) a business analyst position. To that end, I've enrolled in Western Governors University. WGU's BS-IT program, to be specific. My BSBA from Herzing knocked out the majority of the liberal arts portion, so I basically just have to pass the core exams (which are certs). My expectation is that my experience, combined with a BSBA, a BSIT, the pile of certs earned through WGU on the way to a degree, and my 4.0GPA in the Herzing MBA-TM program should be enough to land me a good gig.

    Reality check, please.

    Thank you,

    Tom
     
  2. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    Honestly you seem well qualified to do a lot of things already. I think going from an MBA program back to earning a second BS degree would be a mistake. It wouldn't really add value and it would look odd on a resume. Maybe you would be better off with an MSIT or MSMIS with an emphasis in IT. At the very least it would add more value and look progressive on a resume.
     
  3. jts

    jts New Member

    Hi friendorfoe,

    Thanks for the input; I appreciate it.

    I haven't quite earned the MBA (tech. management concentration) yet. April '12 is the ETA on that.

    I agree with you that I'm qualified (modesty isn't my strong suit... :), but all of the jobs I'm interested in seem to be requiring relevant degrees. Since I'm unemployed and only have 11 months of cash, I need to look at the time factors involved in earning a relevant degree.

    An MBA-TM may be relevant enough, but there are two concerns: (1) It's a 10,000 ft view, and some may not consider it relevant. (2) Graduation is 12 months from now (I'm 18 credits into the program).

    Concerning (1), I might agree. I would not want someone taking a leadership role in IT without a solid understanding of the details. My experience and skills should definitely count, but I need to get an interview (past the HR screening) first.

    As for (2), I could accelerate the MBA-TM by loading up on classes. I considered that, but for various reasons it's not a particularly good choice for me right now.

    You bring up an excellent point about degree sequence. I intend to accelerate through the WGU program such that I earn the BSIT this year. WGU is competency-based, and I saw nothing in the program that should be a problem for me. That would make the sequence:

    2010: BSBA
    2011: BSIT
    2012: MBA-TM

    Which I didn't think would look so strange.

    I considered going for WGU's MSIA program. While I could probably accelerate though it as well (I'm good at taking tests, and have significant experience with security tools and concepts), I didn't want to subject myself to two concurrent master's programs. Maybe later...


    Tom
     
  4. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    Honestly since you're working in IT then you already know that getting and keeping the job is more about what you "know" and what skills you bring to the table, not your academic credentials. For proving technical prowess I'd lean on non-academic certifications and certificate programs, they're quick, inexpensive, teach you a lot of information relatively fast and highly tactical in application compared to a degree program.
     
  5. jts

    jts New Member

    A big part of this is that I need something new. If it were just about getting another IT job, I could probably do that. I interview really well. But I need interviews for real jobs. I have the skills and knowledge to be CIO. My resume, however, is crap.

    I now see the BSIT as a bit of a mistake. Too conservative. I do that sometimes.

    The appealing thing about the WGU programs is that they incorporate certifications along the way. In earning the BSIT, I'll also be picking up CompTIA Project+, Network+, Security+, and CIW Database design specialist (among others). I was thinking that a degree and certs was better than one or the other alone.

    I spent the weekend thinking about this, and I've all but decided to go for WGU's MS-ISA degree after the BSIT, and then probably Capella's PhD in Information Assurance. Go big or go home. :pirate:

    I hate to specialize at all, but I'm not getting any younger and it's time to get in the driver's seat.

    Wish me luck! :)

    Tom
     
  6. Lerner

    Lerner Well-Known Member

    Do you want to be Business Analyst or Business Systems Analyst?
    They are related but one is more general and the other is more specialized.

    For the first time ever, business analysis is achieving worldwide recognition as a profession in its own right.

    Based on what I see I think BSA is more comparable but BA has its own rewards.

    Now I would list on your resume the experience that brigs to light your BA capabilities.
    Start looking for job.

    Check also

    About the ASPE-SDLC Training Division

    International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), “A Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) is a recognized expert in identifying the business needs of an organization in order to determine business solutions.

    Also Executive Certificate in Business Analysis could be something that may provide a age over competition.

    Online Courses from ASPE-SDLC - on line training in Business Analysis

    Name recognized University such as Boston University can help you train for the Business Analyst:

    http://www.butrain.com/BusinessAnalyst/knowledgebase.asp

    http://www.butrain.com/BusinessAnalyst/certification.asp#1

    Another way is via Job Placing Training

    http://www.protouch.net/BA/Y/BA-Training.htm
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 2, 2011
  7. jts

    jts New Member

    Hi Lerner,

    Thanks for the resources!

    I've pretty much decided to focus more on information assurance, as I'm more interested in and passionate about it. BA came to mind because I enjoy working with people to help them fully describe and solve their problems with technology. My view of IA is in that same vein--properly executed, IA is a very consultative process that involves the entire organization.

    Tom
     
  8. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    If you're wanting to be a CIO I don't know that I'd spend a whole lot of time on technical certifications. Contrary to what many people believe, I do not see the CIO as a highly technical role. I've spent a moderate amount of time with 2 CIO's and noticed a few things they have in common. First, they are well spoken, very outgoing and get along with everyone. Second, they always, always, always see the big picture and bring a unique perspective to any conversation or decision process. Sometimes I like to think I can see the big picture but I honestly couldn't compete with either of the two I know. Third they have decades of management experience...not just a few years. In fact I don't think either of them spent more than about 5 years in actual technical work before assuming some sort of management or project management position and worked their way up from there. Food for thought.

    If I eventually wanted to be a CIO my aims would be to work in IT management and/or project management. If I took the PM route I'd eventually try for program management (usually executive level work) and perhaps even portfolio management (senior executive). The only certifications I've seen any executives actually disclose on their profiles (in my organization) are project management or certified accountancy. I have seen a couple of auditor certifications as well but that was in our audit department. I work with more than one CPA in IT (for some reason).
     
  9. jts

    jts New Member


    Thanks for the insight!

    I don't know if it's a case of wanting to be CIO, exactly. I could see doing that down the road, but I'm not sure I'd regard it as an immediate goal. (My immediate goal is not to lose my lunch at the thought of re-entering the workforce.)

    Just being treated with respect, being fairly compensated, and having opportunities for advancement would beat the ever-loving doo-doo out of both IT jobs I've held thus far. (The customers loved me; both employers used/abused me in ways that are contraindicated by every book on organizational behavior and HR that I've ever read, and that's more than a few. I did mention my bad career choices, didn't I?)

    I need some time to re-think and get my head on straight. Part of seeking a second/third degree is having something to say about "what I did over summer vacation." Otherwise it might be hard to explain an 8-12 month hole...

    I'm also looking at it as a chance to document what I know, gain new knowledge, better myself, figure out what I want to do (which I think I've pretty much accomplished), and position myself for a good career from here on out (in progress).

    Tom
     
  10. Woho

    Woho New Member

    For the CIO perspective maybe an in-person executive MBA from a high profile school (e.g. Top10) would probably work best. As friendorfoe pointed out, networking and leadership aspects might be most important towards this goal, and both is in my opinion not a strength of online education. You clearly have the dedication and brains towards this job, so maybe look at other areas you can improve towards the c-level position. For example for myself I take an hour with a professional speaker every other week to constantly improve my communication skills.
     
  11. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    You have mentioned being abused by employers a couple of times. I highly recommend you do not say that during an interview. You will be seen as playing the victim regardless of whether it is true or not.
    Why not send some resumes to the Tampa FL area? We are having a very tough time hiring people right now. There are too many jobs and not enough applicants. People are getting two or three offers and as a result, employers like my company, are losing candidates after the second phone interview.
     
  12. jts

    jts New Member

    Hi ryoder,

    That's definitely good advice: I would not say that in an interview.

    "The places I've been have been fantastic, in the sense that I've had the opportunity to acquire a great deal of in-depth experience that may not have been as easily accessible in more conventional environments. That said, now that I have the experience, I would prefer an employer with more opportunities for advancement and professional growth." (I would say something closer to that, depending on the audience.)

    Tampa, FL is quite the hike from where I am presently. That said, I find your ideas intriguing: Moving to find a new opportunity is certainly on the table. I'm adding that to the list of ideas.

    Many thanks,

    Tom
     
  13. Beagle412

    Beagle412 New Member

    Good thread here! I'll offer my $0.02 from the IT field. This is my 15th year in IT coming from an undergraduate BA in Biology and working my way up through the ranks from PC support all the way through infrastructure management to my current role as a senior enterprise architect. Earlier in my career it was much more beneficial to capitalize on the short-term gains from acquiring certifications (vendor and industry certs) to give credence to what I had learned and more importantly could practice. As my career trajectory has continued, I've found it significantly more valuable to capitalize on busines skills, soft-skills, and strategic career development efforts because they seem to hold more value, particularly in the job interviews for more advanced roles. I think you're on the right track to developing and focusing on those aspects of your experience to advance. You and I have similar goals right now - I feel like I'm in the same boat for different reasons. My current plan is to do an MBA to counter the fact that I do not have a formal business educational background (yet my role is VERY business centric - the technology designs I come up with have to either save money or make money, and I have to be able to explain the financials, the marketing, and the operations behind my designs - I feel a little out of my league at times). I am also focusing more on industry certs like Six Sigma, project management, and my business continuity planner certs to better round myself out as someone who sees the "big picture". If you're looking to get into IA, I'd definitely shoot for the CISSP cert. It's becoming a baseline requirement for many infosec and IA positions, or even analyst positions that deal with information assurance or continuity/risk management. There are a lot of good programs out there for graduate IA education - try to stick to the NSA centers of excellence as most of them provide the necessary CNSS certificates that are prerequisite to any government work in info. assurance. Good luck to you! You sound like you've got a good head on your shoulders and a great attittude!
     
  14. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    I have a CiSSP and it's cool but you need five years of security experience to get one. Information assurance jobs typically are not offered to new grads. You will most likely have to rise up through the ranks to get there. You will find that most of the people you work with in IT have a minimum of ten years of experience here in the US. You will have to compete with them so definitely bone up on something technical as your first job will not be to manage a five to ten person team.
     
  15. Zara Mari

    Zara Mari New Member

    I agree with this feed. I also want to share, I got lost somewhere on my career path and slowly reclaiming my right direction. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. I was employed to companies related to that during my 1st three years then moved to an IT career – more like SEO and now I’m into analyzing websites using numbers (analytics) which is somehow, I believe, is related to what I took in college.

    I think it’s normal for young people to get lost somewhere because you’re still learning and deciding which path you want to take.
     
  16. jts

    jts New Member

    Hi ryoder,

    By my reading of the experience requirements, my net admin and consulting gigs should qualify me to sit for the CISSP exam (I have a job description document for the long-running net admin job to substantiate my official responsibilities). I just signed up to take it in November; I guess we'll see if the ISC^2 people agree with me.

    I've had a CISSP study guide for almost a year. It was absolutely on my radar, but I only made the decision to move forward with IA as a career path quite recently. (However, my interest and professional experience go back quite a ways.)

    Tom
     
  17. jts

    jts New Member

    Hi Beagle412,

    Thanks for the commentary and advice!

    I think I've got a basic plan down, at this point:

    1. Finish the BS-IT @ WGU. (Should be done by the end of Sept...)
    2. Take (and hopefully pass) CISSP in November (it was on my radar--now it's a big part of the plan).
    (**At this point, I'll have a relevant degree, many foundational certs, and a professional cert to go with my experience.**)
    2.5. Find a job... (all good things have to end).
    3. Graduate HU MBA-TM program in April.
    4. Enter WGU MS-ISA program in June(?).
    5. ?
    6. Profit.

    It's a ton of work, but it's a plan; it's good to have a plan. :)

    As far as business education goes: I don't regret the BSBA, or going for the MBA. IT is a business support function and, as you point out, an understanding of the business is paramount to supporting it properly (at least, in a leadership-style role within IT).

    I still have a lot of thinking to do, in terms of my future career goals. I have a general direction, but no true focus. IA is a huge field, comprising a number of my interests. I don't like specializing, but at this point I feel like it's healthy and I should force myself: My knowledge-base is broad enough, and it's time to go deep. (Even choosing IA was not an easy decision, but now I have to push myself even harder.)

    Tom
     
  18. jts

    jts New Member

    I'm 31!

    I can give myself a pass, somewhat: I just kind of fell into a situation, at age 21, where I was "living the dream" of running a massive network with thousands of users. Who needs career direction or credentials when every work-day is a trip to Disneyland?

    No way that could last, though. The job changed a little over the years, but I changed a lot more, and eventually the negatives were no longer outweighed by the positives.

    Tom
     

Share This Page