Hi Everyone - Wanting to move into IT

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KiwiSpyGirl

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#171777 30-Apr-2015 20:10

Hi Everyone,

Obviously I am new here... I have signed up to look around and hopefully get some advice from other experienced people.

I always loved Computers and Technology my whole life and wanted to go there as my tertiary qualification but due to family pressure (wanting me to do business instead) I took HR and 5 years later I have qualifications that haven’t got me anywhere.

It has come to the stage now where I really want to do something I would actually enjoy and move into IT and I don’t really know where to start. I don’t want to have to go back to university but I would consider taking one or two papers if I have to.

I wanted some advice on what you think is the best way to move into the industry. What sort of training do people look for? Where is a good place to start? Should I learn a programming language and if so which one? I knew HTML as a kid but that’s about it.

I have also done basic IT stuff like teaching people how to use office and making detailed step by step manuals for people on how to backup/defrag computers and such.

I am 28 next week and I am hoping it isn't really to late to make a change like this..

Any suggestions you have would be grateful.

Thanks everyone,

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#1294525 30-Apr-2015 20:10

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#1294526 30-Apr-2015 20:10

Welcome to Geekzone!

Lias

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#1294535 30-Apr-2015 20:19

Welcome, no it's not too late to move into IT, some people don't come to the dark side until they are nearly twice your age :-P

The industry is big and many faceted, advise on what to do may well depend on where you see yourself going. Support? System Administration? Development? UX? BA? etc.

I'm a geek, a gamer, a dad, a Quic user, and an IT Professional. I have a full rack home lab, size 15 feet, an epic beard and Asperger's. I'm a bit of a Cypherpunk, who believes information wants to be free and the Net interprets censorship as damage and routes around it. If you use my Quic signup you can also use the code R570394EKGIZ8 for free setup.

KiwiSpyGirl

11 posts

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#1294541 30-Apr-2015 20:30

Lias: Welcome, no it's not too late to move into IT, some people don't come to the dark side until they are nearly twice your age :-P

The industry is big and many faceted, advise on what to do may well depend on where you see yourself going. Support? System Administration? Development? UX? BA? etc.

Hi Lias

Thanks, I am not really sure... I was aiming just to start in the support/Technician or maybe system administration area then once I find my feet then specialize. Would this be the best way to go about it? I actually never thought of this before you asked it so you have helped.

The design area i.e websites is really not for me as i have no artistic flair in the slightest. I could see myself going in development maybe but would have no idea on which languages would be best to start learning.

timmmay

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#1294548 30-Apr-2015 20:49

Welcome to GZ :)

If you just want to do basic support, that's easy enough, go in via a helpdesk position, but do know that's the bottom rung and you might never move up too much further unless you really go out of your way. If you want to do system administration, that's actually a complex position that requires a lot of knowledge. For that you'd probably want industry training. If you want to get into development you need either experience or a qualification to get a grad position.

You could also consider business analysis, which is an IT position that you get a lot of women in, because of their stronger communication and negotiation skills. You'd want to learn something about it then get a grad position.

Either way training is in your future, possible months, possibly years. Good luck :)

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#1294561 30-Apr-2015 21:02

Lias: Welcome, no it's not too late to move into IT, some people don't come to the dark side until they are nearly twice your age :-P ...

I went into IT at exactly twice your age and ended up as CIO of a software development company (50 employees).

The company died in the recession, but it was fun while it lasted :)

Sideface

KiwiSpyGirl

11 posts

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#1294562 30-Apr-2015 21:04

Thanks Timmmay, I will check that out also...

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Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

KiwiSpyGirl

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#1294563 30-Apr-2015 21:06

Sideface:
Lias: Welcome, no it's not too late to move into IT, some people don't come to the dark side until they are nearly twice your age :-P ...

I went into IT at exactly twice your age and ended up as CIO of a software development company (50 employees).

The company died in the recession, but it was fun while it lasted :)

Where and how did you start?

gzt

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#1294621 30-Apr-2015 22:26

KiwiSpyGirl: I have also done basic IT stuff like teaching people how to use office and making detailed step by step manuals for people on how to backup/defrag computers and such.

Your existing skill set is perfect for IT (applications) training roles. Ie; showing/training users in new business applications like stock control or client management or whatever. Pay is good to excellent and you already have experience you can genuinely call IT training. You will be in.

I get the feeling your long term aim is something more technical. This is a good way to meet some people and find out more about the industry and move into other roles.

Where are you based?

KiwiSpyGirl

11 posts

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#1294638 30-Apr-2015 22:41

gzt:
Your existing skill set is perfect for IT (applications) training roles. Ie; showing/training users in new business applications like stock control or client management or whatever. Pay is good to excellent and you already have experience you can genuinely call IT training. You will be in.

I get the feeling your long term aim is something more technical. This is a good way to meet some people and find out more about the industry and move into other roles.

Where are you based?

That sounds good something I could have confidence in. Do you know what exact type of experience people are generally looking for? For example, I have never had an official role teaching people anything. I was just the person that wound up doing it because I knew the stuff and they didn't.

I am based in Auckland, I live in Central/East Area.

gzt

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#1294673 30-Apr-2015 23:19

Exactly that type of experience : ). It is very common in I.T to take on additional responsibilities that way and transition to new roles.

Eg; this one is relatively broad for a training role but I suggest you apply for the experience and discussion:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/jobs/it/training/listing-867784356.htm

I suggest focusing your CV on achieving a training role and talking to growing companies like Xero , Orion Health, Software of Excellence etc to see where you might fit in.

CLewis

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1294680 1-May-2015 00:08

Suggest going to the CompTIA.org website which gives a great road map of IT career paths as well as many certification possibilities. I found it very useful, so much so I start my new IT career in a few days and I AM twice your age!
Good luck!

Brian

KiwiSpyGirl

11 posts

Geek

#1294878 1-May-2015 10:47

Thanks for your advice everyone you have all given me some great directions to head into... IF you have any more advice keep it coming and looks like I have lots of work to do.

khull

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#1294948 1-May-2015 11:43

KiwiSpyGirl: Hi Everyone,

I wanted some advice on what you think is the best way to move into the industry. What sort of training do people look for? Where is a good place to start? Should I learn a programming language and if so which one? I knew HTML as a kid but that’s about it.

If there is one thing the industry is bad in, is the fact that they are extremely poor in the HR/soft skill side. A career in IT does may always require technical skills unless that is the direction you want to be involved in - if it is then you need to spend a couple years learning the concepts or more for a Bachelors given your age

Those who start of from a technical background end up moving out to go up the management ranks for better compensation, however do not confuse that technical skills are not valued - otherwise it becomes a sales centric organisation with no delivery people.

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#1294970 1-May-2015 12:07

Testing is an overlooked career path into IT, there are graduate entry roles with companies like Assurity, PlanIT, IAG, Orion Health.

There is a great scene in Auckland to experience different parts of the industry, for free, from people doing Meetups.

Go to Meetup.com and join some of the groups - Agile Auckland, Auckland Software Craftmenship, NZ Big Data, WeTest, Microsoft Cloud and Infrastructure user group, etc.

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