IT Job oppurtunities? (Raleigh: job market, school, university)

[Vpuccetti]

So basically I live over here in New Mexico and love anywhere farther east. My only problem is that i'm 21 and don't have a degree. I've been working on computers since I was 13 and my current job that I have is a contracted IT guy for an office of 35+ people. Most places that I search online you need at least an associates degree which will probably take me 2 more semesters (i partied too much my freshman year in college and lost track of school).

Are there good places to live that aren't insanely expensive and have good job markets for computer jobs? If I could find a job that pays $15 - $20 and would hire me, i'd move out there in a heartbeat!

[Ascf33]

Originally Posted by Vpuccetti

So basically I live over here in New Mexico and love anywhere farther east. My only problem is that i'm 21 and don't have a degree. I've been working on computers since I was 13 and my current job that I have is a contracted IT guy for an office of 35+ people. Most places that I search online you need at least an associates degree which will probably take me 2 more semesters (i partied too much my freshman year in college and lost track of school).

Are there good places to live that aren't insanely expensive and have good job markets for computer jobs? If I could find a job that pays $15 - $20 and would hire me, i'd move out there in a heartbeat!

I'm only 23 myself, with no college degree but 7+ years I.T. experience and several certificates. I've started low at my jobs and worked my way up to where I am making double where I started and actually manage people now. Unfortunatly... this is in NY. My GF and I are planning on moving down to Raleigh sometime in the near future and I am in the exact same boat as you.

I've looked through plenty of jobs so far and it appears that there ARE jobs, but you will have to start out low. Help Desk positions and some technician positions. Typically making up to $40,000/year TOPS. Experience goes a long way, so do the certifications... but that 4 year degree really does open up many new opportunities.. and almost DOUBLES salary in the I.T. field.

[Vpuccetti]

Originally Posted by Ascf33

I'm only 23 myself, with no college degree but 7+ years I.T. experience and several certificates. I've started low at my jobs and worked my way up to where I am making double where I started and actually manage people now. Unfortunatly... this is in NY. My GF and I are planning on moving down to Raleigh sometime in the near future and I am in the exact same boat as you.

I've looked through plenty of jobs so far and it appears that there ARE jobs, but you will have to start out low. Help Desk positions and some technician positions. Typically making up to $40,000/year TOPS. Experience goes a long way, so do the certifications... but that 4 year degree really does open up many new opportunities.. and almost DOUBLES salary in the I.T. field.

Thats what I hate though. A degree will get me much more and an easier way to get a job, than without. I've been working on networks and systems for so long I can do it with my eyes closed. My experience is far more than most people with degrees, yet... w/out that piece of paper, it's useless. So I might as well finish up my BA and then move somewhere. I really want to go to NC/SC/VA but without knowing I could get a job, i'm not going to pack up and leave.

[groove1]

Certificates are pretty helpful for where I work for our IT positions (we are not an IT company). Ping me if you want a link to our careers website.

[Brian1971]

You will have a tough time in Raleigh. There are already plenty of people here with just as much experience if not more AND a Degree. You are going to be at a Huge disadvantage. Maybe you could take some night courses to catch up and be competetive. Godo luck!

Originally Posted by Ascf33

I'm only 23 myself, with no college degree but 7+ years I.T. experience and several certificates. I've started low at my jobs and worked my way up to where I am making double where I started and actually manage people now. Unfortunatly... this is in NY. My GF and I are planning on moving down to Raleigh sometime in the near future and I am in the exact same boat as you.

I've looked through plenty of jobs so far and it appears that there ARE jobs, but you will have to start out low. Help Desk positions and some technician positions. Typically making up to $40,000/year TOPS. Experience goes a long way, so do the certifications... but that 4 year degree really does open up many new opportunities.. and almost DOUBLES salary in the I.T. field.

[TBLTZ]

This markets are tough to break into espically IT Management and System Administration. You will need at least a 4 year degree and some certs. Mostly CCNA and MCSE. They wanted to make sure you are educated. This is what you are going to have to compete with to get a good job. If You have some experience and no degrees you can probably do help desk. The only way you can get out of a BA is if you have 15-20 years exp or do Unix Administration.

[twintipped]

I made 85k in I.T. working for a Fortune 500 back in the midwest with NO DEGREE. I worked my way up and continued up the chain even after the internet bubble and 9/11. Now I'm back at a Big 10 University finishing up my Bachelors in Finance/Marketing to round out my education and get me the management skills employers are seeking. No one can take away your experience or your degree, so I say go for your degree and you will be so glad you did. I look forward to my prospects on my possible move to NC after graduation here. You will easily double your pay by going for the 4 year. And they will drool on your real-world experience!
Good Luck!

[Ascf33]

Originally Posted by Brian1971

You will have a tough time in Raleigh. There are already plenty of people here with just as much experience if not more AND a Degree. You are going to be at a Huge disadvantage. Maybe you could take some night courses to catch up and be competetive. Godo luck!

Thats the plan. Hoping to get a somewhat decent job during the day and finish my degree up at NCSU at night. I only have about 3 or 4 semesters left.

EDIT: I was really hoping for something higher then Help Desk or Technician though. Its going to be tough to leave my salary up here to work a lower position making less money.

[TBLTZ]

It might not be that bad if you make a little less when you start because the cost of living is a lot lower than NY. At least most parts of NY

[Ascf33]

Originally Posted by TBLTZ

It might not be that bad if you make a little less when you start because the cost of living is a lot lower than NY. At least most parts of NY

Thats def. for sure. My GF and I made the visit this past weekend and were blown away at what we could afford on a 30-40K each budget. Looks like you will have 2 more Yankees heading your way soon.... haha