IT Jobs Without a Degree? (Chesapeake, Hampton: credit, job market, theatre)

[psatm]

Originally Posted by Wi_Girl

My husband and I are both going for IT degrees but dont have them yet. Are there any places around here in Hampton Roads that will hire without a degree? I'd really like to get experience in the field instead of wasting away in the job I am in. We've both applied for IT jobs that dont require college and so far no luck. Any comments would be appreicated.

I know many, many IT pros (myself included) that don't have a degree or have a degree in some completely unrelated area. Most companies really don't care about that, they want someone who has the following:

- Knowledge in a given discipline
- Drive
- Great attitude
- Strong work ethic
- Good with people (IT generally serves the company, therefore users in a company become an IT professionals 'customers'.

Have you and/or your husband decided what area of IT you'd like to pursue? Basically it boils down to two areas - programming and networking, each with its own disciplines. I am in networking and in that area, there are some disciplines very much in demand:

- Microsoft AD (many people already in this, but still in demand)
- Cisco (same as Microsoft)
- Security - VPN/SSL, Firewalls
- Voice over IP (VoIP) - growing demand but requires networking and voice knowledge.
- Storage (EMC, Dell, etc.)
- Wireless - somewhat a commodity now but there are specialized areas.

My advice is to look into programming vs networking and decide which of these you'd want to do. Then, choose a discipline within one of these and throw everything you have into it.

Whatever you do, learn the basics of networking and all you can about TCP/IP. Learn how the Internet works (how does a PC connect to the Internet and find websites?). Know firewalls. This knowledge transcends whatever you do in IT.

You can always start as a PC/Help Desk Technician and go from there. Many have started that way (myself included). It is probably the best way to go if you're going into networking.

Good luck!

[lmjohnson123]

I can agree with psatm above. The IT field is vast. You have to specialize in something to earn a high paying degree. For example, I specialize in web services engineering with a clearance and 10 years experience, NO degree and my salary is over $85K.
I have trained many friends on how to make money in IT, and they have.
1. Get a job that will apply for a security clearance for you, THIS IS KEY! (at least in this area).
2. Define yourself as a subject matter expert in a specific niche ( ie. Web, MS Windows, Programming, UNIX, databases, Router/Switches, etc.)
3. I actually recommend getting an industry certification before a degree, degrees are for management, certifications are for technical experts. If you have both you can position yourself for a technical manager in 5 - 10 years.

Good Luck.

[Avinash.V.Sharma]

Hi

I am from India.

I dont have a degree but I do have experience of 1 year and 4 months in IT.

Is it possible for to find a job in US?

Please let me know if there are any options available.

thanks and regards
Avinash Sharma

[Erma]

Originally Posted by Avinash.V.Sharma

Hi

I am from India.

I dont have a degree but I do have experience of 1 year and 4 months in IT.

Is it possible for to find a job in US?

Please let me know if there are any options available.

thanks and regards
Avinash Sharma

Contact Dell....most of my tech support is either from India or IN India.

[Avinash.V.Sharma]

I have worked as a business analyst, as a database designer, as a system integrator in XML and XSLT approach and have worked as a Quality tester and last but not the least I was a leading a team of 15 members as a team leader.

Well with such rich experience don't you think I will be wasting my talent and knowledge if I work as a tech support.

[gallowsCalibrator]

Even with "rich experience," if you find that being a tech support is more fulfilling and makes you happier, then go for it.

[Avinash.V.Sharma]

Originally Posted by Avinash.V.Sharma

I have worked as a business analyst, as a database designer, as a system integrator in XML and XSLT approach and have worked as a Quality tester and last but not the least I was a leading a team of 15 members as a team leader.

Well with such rich experience don't you think I will be wasting my talent and knowledge if I work as a tech support.

Like I mentioned earlier that I dont have a degree and I am looking for a job in US.
If there is anyone here who can help me in anyway please let me know.

[psatm]

The best thing to do is first decide if you want to keep doing the same type of IT work you were doing before. Then decide where in the U.S. you want to live. Then send your resume to job placement companies. They are a great source of employment, especially for people transferring in or learning a new career. They know everyone and they get your name out. The demand for IT jobs is still strong, in spite of the economic problems the U.S. has been having.

I would guess that if you continue doing the same work here that you have been doing (dbase design, XML, XSLT, etc.) then you will get more money than if you decided to do something new in IT and started at the bottom.

[Barneyman]

I recommend looking into getting a job at KIS (Knowledge Information Solutions). I used to work there back in 2002 and loved it. That is where I gained the majority of my IT experience. They are based in VA Beach but do work all around the Newport news, Hampton Roads area. Good luck.

[Erma]

Alot has to do with experience as well. Our son has a degree and had a hard time finding entry level just to pay his school loans. He ended up going into the Air Force (which in our opinion was a smart idea for him) and does his job there.