Getting into an IT field

Despite having both a Bachelors and a Masters in Computer Science and Information Systems, I scored a job at Johnny Rockets. My mom would like to see me in the field but as I said i found, the IT job market isn't really hot. She thinks I have lost interest or aren't trying both of which isn't true. I started thinking about how I should be in some field of computer science by now at 34. I have seven years of college(went part time) but the IT job market isn't panning out for me.

I have computer repair/configuration skills and basic web design, I am going to design a site using wordpress(I heard that is in demand and I can even start computer networks. I know C++ but I haven't really practiced it in a while, I know web design like CSS and HTML, I know how to design web site schemes since I am also an artist. At this time I am working on getting a CompTIA A+ certification. I should have done that in 2000.

Also I really need to get cracking on programming. What programs do you suggest I would learn in order to be competitive, it just seems programming languages are going hot or cold randomly.

Another question is how do I convince my mom I am looking for a job in the IT field and haven't lost interest. How do I convey to her that the economy is so bad right now there is no demand for overqualified persons like myself. I just don't think she understands that America is in a condition where you'd be lucky to get a restaurant job that keeps bills paid and a roof over your head.

Just needed to get this off my chest.

hi

a couple of free dinners, the vip treatment at johnny rockets and she'll change her tune pretty fast

@Startrekman: I sympathise with your situation.

I sent you an email.

My general advise is to find something you feel passionate about and see how you can fix, improve or add to that with your programming skills, or potential programming skills. Create some type of value for yourself and your skills. So, say you enjoy music, look into solving a music problem on the Web. Start small and work your way up. If anything, this passion will serve as a drive for you to learn programming languages that might get you a boring, but highly paid office job.

I think generally databases and Java are in demand in North America; as is web development, but I think pay range in this is pretty wide. It depends on where in the world you're located, as well, I believe.

Again, best of luck!

Currently I am building a website to promote art and my technological inventions and I will build a wordpress site for my mom's sewing business. I am also currently building a cell phone controlled robot and an object avoidance one.

I hear the drone business is booming

everyone hates reddit, but... http://www.reddit.com/r/cscareerquestions/

also depending on where you are located the market is actually relatively good (at least compared to how terrible lots of other job markets are)

I'm kind of surprised to hear that the job market isn't really hot for IT. It seems to be hot for IT everywhere these days.

the market is definitely hot if you are a mid-level developer or a senior architect

my company has lots and lots of analyst positions open atm

Good call, call all destroyer.

Business Systems Analysts, Business Analysts, Software Architects, and jobs that require you to think critically and do some numbers to display dull corporate info (graphs, metrics, etc.) is also an option, but I realise many programmers don't like the business side (as opposed to developer side) of things.

If you have good social skills, you might also want to try entry level Project Management. I know big companies have entry-level jobs for CS grads that want to get into the business side of things.

Which reminds me, if you're not so much into the business side of things, you may want to start your search by first looking at companies you like, and see if there is something you can do there related to IT. Otherwise, being a developer for Johnson & Johnson, Accenture or something can bring you down.

Certifications are _really_ important. People can lie on their resumes that they know this language and that language and all that, but certifications are the only way to really know. Right after I added the A+ cert to my resume was when I got hired (after being out of work for nine months after college).

Do some volunteer work. Contribute to an open source project. You have some web experience, put the URL of your website, your blog, your Facebook page, and your Twitter feed all in the body your resume. I know it's goofy, but if I'm an employer and I'm looking for someone to hire, the more information I can get about you the better. Just for God's sake whatever you do, make sure you have PERFECT spelling and grammar.

On your resume, suggest changing stuff like "C++" to "C++ (Visual Studio 2012)". Makes the companies know you stay current with the latest and greatest. Just download their express edition trial software or something.

Programming languages: bash. definitely definitely bash. And regular expressions. All that automating scripty stuff will always be needed.

Good luck.

the startrekman
Crimson hexagon
Frogbs
Mr Snrub

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

I was against the wall, I feel I am 34 and should be doing something in IT after 7 years of college including getting a masters.

I also have set up a linux server but I need to get a new CPU, the thing I have is a 2000 dell running 335 MHZ. I am going to use it as a PHP or SQL server so I could practice my server side programming.

I could do the business side of IT as well, I am good at taking data and turning it into readable metrics.

A question about the A+ certification.

I am currently studying it and I would like to know what do I need to concentrate on. I know I do not have to read that entire book.

Update, I just finished reading the whole damn book and feel I am ready to take the test. I will get vouchers July 1 and take the test

Good luck! In the meantime, there are tons of test exams and study guides all over the internets. I recommend ProProfs.

good luck from me too - always get a warm feeling seeing 'the startrekman' name pop up, from the mid 00s days of you asking ilx about synth sounds on 80s disco tracks. i know it doesn't mean much but on that basis alone i'm rooting for you!

hi

― velko, Tuesday, March 26, 2013 2:50 AM