Lauralarry
New member
I want to get into the IT field if you're in the field please tell me what I need to do after I get my highschool diploma or equivalent!
What is compTIA?
- Thread starter Lauralarry
- Start date
SEBAR
New member
CompTIA is a certification program for computer technicians. It stands for Computer Technology Industry Association. The standard certifications are A+, Network+, AND Security+. You can usually find the study books for these exams at the bookstore without any problem. If you can get your certification out of the way prior to finishing school you will be able to find a job as a technician no problem. Start off at geek squad. As you get experience and knowledge you can easily work your way into a much better position with Microsoft or Sony.
KING_OF_SAND
New member
GO TO COLLEGE!
I am in the IT field and ready to get my CCNA. I already have an associates degree in computer science and going for my bachelors degree in Network administrations with a minor in network security. Certifications wont land you a job as easily as a degree.
I am in the IT field and ready to get my CCNA. I already have an associates degree in computer science and going for my bachelors degree in Network administrations with a minor in network security. Certifications wont land you a job as easily as a degree.
They also expire every 3 years, they are what most IT companies (in the UK at least) consider must have initial certifications, i got my A+ and N+ shortly before christmas.
As for "go to college" based on my experience and feedback from people who have been to college / university it really helps having hands on experience, instgead of just theory as by the time you have been through all that what you have learned has most likely gone out of date anyway.
KING_OF_SAND
New member
It is easy to land a job IF your certificate belongs to that company. Like a CCNA is something Cisco would like. But most fortune 100 companies that may use Cisco equipment don't give a rats ass. And I can see why. A degree shows you are willing to work hard and stick with something that takes years to accomplish. All a certification shows is how much you can jam in your head the night before.
I know plenty of people with CCNA and Microsoft certifications who don't know squat and just spent a few days remember specific questions and answers. And guess what... neither of them have a job yet, neither of them have degrees either.
I don't know many people who starting in IT with a few years or no years experience land straight in with a fortune 100 job though. I agree a degree is always preffable but at least here in the UK getting started in IT experience is prefered. Everywhere unfortunately you get those who 'think' they know what they're doing or think by reading a book or doing a short course on a subject makes them a pro.
Nothing stops anyone from getting there foot in the door, gaining experience and doing an degree in their spare time though! Thats the route I took anyway.
Im on an apprenticeship, got my A+ and N+, currently studying towards MCTS in server 2k8 Active directory, im in an excellent position atm, one i wouldnt had the opportunity to be in had i decided to study at college or go for a degree. These days (in response to king of sand) employers tend to look atr experience before qualifications. Qualifications just help
dipzy
Active member
I agree with this, even while i was doing the courses and after i finished, i helped my tutor who was also the IT technician in the College. A few hours after school and in the school holidays, i went to college, help setup computers on the network, run cables from one room to another and test the connection, configure routers etc. At the same time, repairing computers and even imac's. Did this for a just over a year, got some real world experience out of this as well as learning things not part of the course. I can add this to my CV and also get a good reference from my tutor when i need it
