IT qualification?

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cloudlover

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# 143432 14-Apr-2014 22:08

Hi all, computer has been my hobby for a long long time, but until recently, I've decided to make it as my career. So though I have knowledge, some not much experience, I couldn't find an IT job. I felt the main problem is I don't have an IT qualification or degree. So I'm asking for advice, what's the easiest and fastest way to get a qualification or degree? Should I go to AUT to get a degree(I'm not sure if they have a short-term degree which only takes like a year, I really don't have several years to stay at campus), or get a Microsoft cetification? Any input appreciated.

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# 1025219 14-Apr-2014 22:11

Which computer was your hobby :P You really need to give us more detail

Are you interested in networking or Application management , System admin , Linux , Windows , Exchange , DBA ....ETC

John

cloudlover

50 posts

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# 1025237 14-Apr-2014 22:29

Thanks, John. I'm interested in Active directory, Exchange, hardware, Windows, etc. I think I'm better to be a system integrator than a programmer. I'm really not good at programming. And I'm not sure which computer job can make good money, this is an important factor to choose getting a qualification :P

timmmay

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# 1025277 15-Apr-2014 06:59

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I think an industry qualification could probably do the job better than a degree. A degree teaches you the theory, but rarely anything practical that would get you a job like that.

My background: IT degree, developer, then solution architect.

xpd

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# 1025344 15-Apr-2014 08:19

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I've found (when talking to work experience guys who have computer science degrees etc) the same as timmmay - that those with degrees know the theory, but nothing practical.

For what youre looking at, I'd look at more along lines of A+ (if you're fairly up to date with technologies etc, you could probably get away with just the exam, dont worry about a full course) for the basic hardware/OS side of things, then look at a Microsoft course in the tech you want to work with. http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/windows-certification.aspx

I'm more of a hands on desktop sort of guy, so I went for A+, then MCDST (XP), then obtained MCTS. I should get around to upgrading my MCDST to MCITP at some point just to keep current... :)
I've also been doing a bit of study for CCNA, just to get a bit of extra networking knowledge behind me, which is not a strong area for me ;)

I've been in the IT game now since..... '99 I think - done the rounds as helpdesk, mobile tech, service desk admin, desktop support - which has included all aspects of IT from mobile phones through to setting up servers - whatever you look at wanting to do, keep in mind, being a jack of all trades to some point always comes in handy :)

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Bee

593 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1025349 15-Apr-2014 08:25

I was in a very similar situation when I started - lots of knowledge and interest but no Qualification so couldn't get a job. I did A+, Network+ and MCDST and then very quickly had to pick which job offer I would take!

It took about a year part time but it was well worth it in the end.

cloudlover

50 posts

Geek

# 1025649 15-Apr-2014 15:49

Thanks guys. I did a quick search and chose CompTIA A+ and Microsoft MCSA Windows 7 to begin with. Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm so new for Qualification things. Should I do both at the same time or which one first to boost my job hunting luck?

cloudlover

50 posts

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# 1066244 15-Jun-2014 22:17

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Hi guys, just want to thank you again for all the advices and a quick update. I passed A+ last month and very soon got call back from job advertiser. Now I'm heading to Network+ and MCSA, hope those certs will make me more marketable. Cheers!

fxhans21

20 posts

Geek

# 1072095 22-Jun-2014 16:49

Hi Cloudlover,

Congrats on the new job!

I actually have got a similar question except I don't have knowledge about networking. I am competent user of computers, and have a basic idea of hardware and how they're put together in theory but no practical experience. I also have no IT qualifications or certifications.

I'm actually thinking of a career change to IT, probably the hardware/networking side of it. My question is, what's the best path to get there? I've visited Unitec, AUT and AMES websites, some degrees they offer come with industry certs while others don't. Do I need to enroll and do a proper diploma, or can I just study and get industry certifications like CCNA, CompTIA A+, etc?

Also, what's the realistic salary range for an entry level network support technician once they have completed their qualification? and in your guys' opinion is there a long term demand for this kind of work in NZ?

Thank you

timmmay

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# 1072105 22-Jun-2014 17:20

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IT Salaries report for June 2014 here. Helpdesk is $42 - 58K, network admin is $50 - $80K. Can't help with the how to get there though sorry.

surfisup1000

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# 1072158 22-Jun-2014 19:02

timmmay: IT Salaries report for June 2014 here. Helpdesk is $42 - 58K, network admin is $50 - $80K. Can't help with the how to get there though sorry.

Try building :) Qualified builders are getting 175k.

fxhans21

20 posts

Geek

# 1072163 22-Jun-2014 19:13

timmmay: IT Salaries report for June 2014 here. Helpdesk is $42 - 58K, network admin is $50 - $80K. Can't help with the how to get there though sorry.

Thanks for the salary source. Yeah, I'm still at the research stage now because I don't want to make any hasty decisions because this is quite an investment both time and financially and am not getting any younger

fxhans21

20 posts

Geek

# 1072169 22-Jun-2014 19:17

surfisup1000:
timmmay: IT Salaries report for June 2014 here. Helpdesk is $42 - 58K, network admin is $50 - $80K. Can't help with the how to get there though sorry.

Try building :) Qualified builders are getting 175k.

I would if I was physically gifted

timmmay

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# 1072211 22-Jun-2014 20:15

Builders ruin their bodies, they can't keep doing that for decades. I know a qualified LBP builder and he's always poor. He's not stupid, just a really awful planner.

Yabanize

2197 posts

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# 1072240 22-Jun-2014 21:07

This sounds like a great thread for me! I have knowledge and interest but no formal qualifications. I kindof dropped out of school so have no NCEA. Comptia a+ looks like a good place to start? It sounds like it is a short course? Does anyone know good places to do it in christchurch?

EDIT: I may be jumping ahead of myself here, but apparently there are no prerequisites?

HiTM4N

255 posts

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# 1072257 22-Jun-2014 22:17

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Yabanize: This sounds like a great thread for me! I have knowledge and interest but no formal qualifications. I kindof dropped out of school so have no NCEA. Comptia a+ looks like a good place to start? It sounds like it is a short course? Does anyone know good places to do it in christchurch?

EDIT: I may be jumping ahead of myself here, but apparently there are no prerequisites?

Go down and have a look at vision college (used to be Electec) on Manchester St, I did the 1 year Diploma in Computer Systems and Network Administration and got a job straight away at the end of it at Datacom. Most of my course group walked straight into jobs, as Electec/Vision College is pretty well regarded in the area.
The course covers it all, A+ Network+ MCSA CCNA

Have a look here: http://www.visioncollege.ac.nz/courses/ict/diploma-computer-systems-network-administration

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