Advise on my current situation.

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Hello everyone. I studied computers back then in 1999. In 2005 I completed a degree in Digital Microprocessors and Computers. I never worked back then in the IT field and i made a career change into public safety. Through the years I learned how put a computer all together, setup a router, install hardware and software. Those are my strengths. I was back then super motivated and learned a lot on my own but never went back to school.

To this day I still have passion for IT and I am still itching work in this field. I decided I want to get back into it and learn more. My current job is shift schedule so I work 24 hours on then 48 hours off and repeat. It limits me on attending an actual college campus. A few years ago I learned about CompTIA and other certifications that I can earn. I talked to a few people in the IT field. They told me i should start by studying and getting my certifications done. I'm motivated to get certifications done and even want to do online college certificate courses if it a good choice for me based on my situation.

I will appreciate some guidance and/or advise from you educators and other fellow members. With the knowledge that currently have, Would it be a good idea to study for some certifications like CompTIA ITF+ , CompTIA A+ to get me started? Should i do some online college certificate like Cybersecurity? I am very interested in the cybersecurity field but I know there is a lot of studying involved.

My plan is to get educated and get some certification(via CompTIA or college) and look for either a part time job or even volunteer internship to start getting experience. I have about 8 years left before I can retire of my current job and would love the be able to work in the IT field full time then. Honestly if an opportunity comes and I can make the change to get started in this field I will seriously consider it but it will be wisely for me to retire from my current job 1st which a smart choice. I just don't want to start studying and getting IT certifications when I retire when I can get ahead of the game.

Is it doable to learn certain fields or certifications by online courses or online services like ITProTV? Sorry for the long post but I wanted to put it all out there so I can get the best advise from you. I am a believer that it is never too late start learning and if I don't start I will never find out how will this career venture will go for me.

Thank you so much in advance.
Juan.

@Juan-Colon said in Advise on my current situation.:

Is it doable to learn certain fields or certifications by online courses or online services like ITProTV? Sorry for the long post but I wanted to put it all out there so I can get the best advise from you. I am a believer that it is never too late start learning and if I don't start I will never find out how will this career venture will go for me.

Welcome to ITProTV and thanks for the question.

Doing the schedule that you're talking about is hard work, no doubt and considering the goals you have are a worthy pursuit. With your background, you definitely have an affinity for what you're trying to achieve and do. So your background will help but where you may find challenges is in the change of terminology and the expansion of technologies at the current rapid pace. So, this is to say you're step ahead of where most career-changers are when they decide to pursue a career in IT.

The workplace challenge you'll face are not difficult and your goal is achievable and not out of reach. The fact that you're willing to start with entry level will help you for your next career. Now, onto the question!

Is this doable with ITProTV or other online services? Yes and no.

I will speak only of ITProTV since it's not fair for me to judge anyone else's service (I'm a bit biased). Yes: if you're self motivated as you sound and can use your time wisely: Learn from the shows the content--take notes, write questions, learn and use technology; use the labs if applicable to apply what you've learned. Take advantage of the practice exams available. Ask questions in the Q&A forums we have.

The other aspect of ITProTV is that we also have a Career Coach, Andrew Winchester on our team that can help you to map out your certification goals and even help you with resume and possibly with job opportunities that are available in your areas. My suggestion is that you contact him, if you're a premium member he'll assist you with no additional fee to help you succeed.

Even with all the benefits available, there is a chance for the individual to not be able to do it with all the benefits and great shows available for a few reasons. So there is a no that is possible. If someone chooses to believe simply watching a show is the same learning the subject matter; If they do not spend time in the technology and believe book knowledge is enough. If they race through thinking that they spent time wisely. Then the chance of failure is higher.

If WHEN you're ready to start, we are here for you!

I buy the CompTIA books and their Practice Exams and study on my own.

Hi Juan,

Getting into the IT field can be the biggest hurdle, but once you get there, I assure you that your options will open up greatly. You are on the right path - start with the entry-level certifications to get a solid foundation of computers and IT. CompTIA A+ and ITF+ are good certifications to get started. You can hopefully do this while you keep your current job. Once you have these certifications under your belt, start applying for Help Desk positions. Like many folks here, we started on the Help Desk and moved our way up the career ladder.

If you do not have the experience, I would recommend a combination of reading certification books (i.e., Kindle books so you have 'em anywhere...study during your time waiting at the doctor or on break at work, etc.)...and download the MP3s/Videos from ITProvTv and put 'em on your phone - watch them/listen to them on your commute to work (I call my car a "university on wheels"...it is the only thing I listen to on my commute to and from work). You'd surprised how much you retain by this simple strategy. You can buy a $15 Bluetooth receiver for your car's radio on Amazon if you don't already have one.

Reading is an activity that uses different parts of the brain than listening/watching MP3s/videos. As such, reading the material first, then watching/listening to the material will reinforce the material.

You can do this! Good luck!

Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate Ronnie bringing up the positive and negatives aspects and mentioning the carrer coach option.

I am almost done with the CompTIA IF+ videos and soon will take the test.

I do hear ITProTv videos in my vehicle as well so thank you for that suggestion as well.

I am also registering for some networking fundamental classes with SPC and eventually get some certificates from them since it is online. I figure more classes will help me get more knowledge.