ITSM - IT Service Management/ Manager

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by mel.net, Sep 26, 2016.

Loading...
  1. mel.net

    mel.net New Member

    What is the best School (online and or on Campus (Seattle WA)) to earn a degree in ITSM - IT Service Management?
    Will IT certifications suffice? If so, which ones?

    ...before I decided to consider a degree in IT Service Management, I was going to go with WGU for a degree in IT Networking.
    I have 8 years’ experience as a IT specialist/ System Admin. in the US military but lack certifications and have only attained a Associates degree in GS.

    What is the easiest/ fastest way to get my foot in the door and start a career in IT Service Management (entry level)?

    When I look for jobs in ITSM, it seems that I only get hits when looking US wide. When I narrow it down to WA State it gives me very few.
    Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    My sense of this general career track, based on reading this board for some time, is that there are multiple paths to careers. Degrees are one path, certifications are another. Others seem to be largely self-taught. So that's both the good news and the bad news. On the one hand you can approach it as you'd like. On the other, there is no blueprint to follow. If I were you this is what I would do: find a company that hires people to do what you want to do. My guess is that most large corporations have a department that hires IT service people. Contact them to schedule an informational interview. Typically I would say don't go to the HR people, go to the people who actually make the hiring decisions. These are the people who can tell you what they look for when hiring people. What qualifications are essential and which are just fluff? Some you'll need on day 1 and some you can pick up as you go. Talk to 3 or 4 companies in this manner. At the end you should have a clear idea of how to proceed.
    Here's a link to a school program that might be relevant:

    Online Computer Technician Career Diploma | Penn Foster Career School
     
  3. jamesb

    jamesb New Member

    Most large organizations use ITIL framework, so a certification in ITIL would be beneficial if that's the career path you are interested in. Also what Kizmet has said is a very good approach as what you say about IT Service Management can mean many different things. Personally, I haven't seen a job posting requiring a bachelor's in IT Service Management. Most entry level jobs will be more about certifications versus the degree and those that want a degree will prefer computer science over IT Service Management.

    To answer your question, fastest way is to simply apply. Your 8 years of experience trumps any certifications for an entry level position. If that doesn't work, get certifications specific to the jobs you are applying for. A degree won't be the fastest, but you should consider getting it after you get your foot in the door. Hey, you might even get lucky and work for a company that pays for your BS/BA.
     
  4. mel.net

    mel.net New Member

    Hey Kizmet, thank you so much for your input. I really appreciate it. I'll give it a try.
     

Share This Page