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Don't get me wrong, I'd love to go for a Bachelors, but I work a 9-5 office job, and a school that is does NOT accommodate people who work anything but evenings and weekends 20 hours a week at the undergrad level, it's really not in the cards.
But I still feel like I can do something. The local CC has classes all days and at all times. But are there jobs you can actually get, here in the DC area where I am, with only an associates and Certs? Hell, actually, jobs anywhere in the country. Doesn't just have to be DC/Nova.
At least just to get my foot in the door. Preferably with a lean towards Data Analysis.
And please, don't tell me to just go for a bachelors no matter what it cost, because it will cost me being able to afford my rent, which obviously is not an option.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to go for a Bachelors, but I work a 9-5 office job, and a school that is does NOT accommodate people who work anything but evenings and weekends 20 hours a week at the undergrad level, it's really not in the cards.
But I still feel like I can do something. The local CC has classes all days and at all times. But are there jobs you can actually get, here in the DC area where I am, with only an associates and Certs? Hell, actually, jobs anywhere in the country. Doesn't just have to be DC/Nova.
At least just to get my foot in the door. Preferably with a lean towards Data Analysis.
And please, don't tell me to just go for a bachelors no matter what it cost, because it will cost me being able to afford my rent, which obviously is not an option.
Microsoft SQL Server for one. I don't want to do network related work, I know that. God I don't want to do that.
OK, well I guess I won't be hiring you then....lol.....
Do you have Certs, (freaking iPad keeps capitalizing that word, it must think we're talking about breath mints) or are thinking about getting them? With MS-SQL you'd probably want to try for server admin jobs, but probably would need more than just the one cert, or experience. If you want to be a DBA or database programmer you'll also need some specific training or experience.
I would consider starting in tech support; I don't mean call center work, I'm referring to desk side support. Call center work typically leads nowhere (been there for a time) but it can possibly lead to a desktop role eventually.
If you land in tech support and prove yourself as competent, most organizations will give you a shot as a server admin when something opens up (including DBA work, Exchange/SharePoint administration, etc). This is typically how it works if you have no experience.
As for the 4 year degree, I would finish it someday if you could. I didn't and I am in my 40s now. I am happy where I wound up (and am not done yet) and wouldn't change a thing but looking back now I feel like I could have advanced a lot further a lot faster with that piece of paper. Food for thought.
Good luck!
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