How to get into IT if you can't go back to school for a computer science degree (credit, degrees)
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Hello,
I'd like to get into IT (working with databases or software development), but can't seem to find a school for getting a second bachelors or masters in computer science that would fit my work schedule. Can anyone give me some advice as to how to go about this? Would an associates be worthwhile?
Hey, I'm in the same dilemma as you. How old are you? You can start out by attending community college for your pre-reqs for a masters program than take the rest your university or try working with your employers about flexibility in scheduling. Another big decision would be to quit your job and just focus on school of course this depend on your financial situation. Let us know your decision.
Look into getting a leave of absence from work. Then either self pay or get student loans. Also look into taking some classes elsewhere and transferring the credits toward the final school. Then maybe you can get by with attending full time for one or two semesters, which can limit the time you have to get a leave of absence.
Check into IRS tax deductions for tuition, books and mileage. IRS used to have such deduction if your degree was in same subject area as your existing job. Not sure if this deduction still exists or if it covers undergraduate vs graduate degree.
As far as databases go, learn SQL. I used peepcode.com when I was first learning. Then, I'd talk to those departments at work and aggressively network with them.
I would look into a technical school with adult programs, something like ITT tech. Their schedules are more accomodating and many are better suited and targeted to getting people a job. I don't have experience with any of them but know someone who does and it seems they teach more practical things rather than theory.
and I agree that SQL is something you will very likely need to know.
The best way to get into IT is thru your current job by participating in IT projects and being a superuser of the system. Schooling is a waste of time and money. Start going thru those dummy/idiot guide books and add them to your resume. Noone cares how you learned them
I've observed three paths (I'm sure they are not the only ones) for individuals with limited experience and unrelated background.
* Certifications. I high score in letsay Sun Java Certification will certainly help you get your foot in the door.
* Peripheral role. QA, Phone Support role.
* Working startup.
I'm a product of the last two. I convinced a startup to hire me on as a peripheral role in their small but very educated development team. When asked what I knew about Java, I literally held a book up and said I'm on chapter 12. They asked a few questions and I aced it. I volunteered for any and all tasks as well as learned everything I could from them. At some point in time, I started paired-programming with their developers and coding test harnesses. Afterwards, I always targeted QA, IT, and support roles with smaller companies because its generally easier to move around within the organization. Again, volunteering for tasks that are closely tied with development (Defect resolution for example). This also built up industry knowledge (business continuity) that is often just as valuable. Yes.... it took a while but I feel like I'm at least on the right path now. Basically, target development peripheral roles and treat each opportunity as an educational one rather than focus on climbing the ladder.
I would look into a technical school with adult programs, something like ITT tech. Their schedules are more accomodating and many are better suited and targeted to getting people a job. I don't have experience with any of them but know someone who does and it seems they teach more practical things rather than theory.
and I agree that SQL is something you will very likely need to know.
Best of luck.
It's better to go to school at a reputable university online than to go to the very expensive ITT Tech. Its reputation is not that great, and it's not regionally accredited. I've learned from IT experts that IT lends itself very well to distance education. The IT field is also the most open to online degrees, although, your degree won't say "online" in most cases.
You can also self-study for IT certifications or learn how to code for free online at a site like the one below. http://www.codecademy.com/
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