ITs, Network and System Admins - I need your input Please 8-)

[plucky duck]

OK, I'm @ the point in my life where I have to make one of those gut-wrenching forever-change-my-life decisions http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

I'm going back to school this fall in October.

The thing is I want to try out for this *Computer Network Technology* Program rather than the *Business Admin* course I had previously in mind. I have a general love for computers and am only a novice with regards to computer networks, how they run, how they work and such. I have a general interest but am afraid I may be in over my head.

The program is 1 1/2 years in length and I understand that with such education, the jobs available are entry-level.

Here's a link to the description of the program and its related courses: www.herzing.edu/winnipeg/networktech.htm (http://www.herzing.edu/winnipeg/networktech.htm)

Please those that are in the field give me an idea of what the demand is like for people with such an education, specifically in USA.

Also, if possible, the possible titles, the expected salary/wage, working conditions and such.

I've already made one wrong move in the past and that had costed me 3 yrs dearly. This is my second attempt to get my life straightened out and I really want to get the done right this time around.

Up here in Canada, there are often ads posted by high-tech US firms looking for Canadian ITs and such. I'd thought by choosing this route the chances of me ditching Canada and moving to the States may be a wee bit higher. Of course, I'm not counting on it though...

But that is my only option if I wanna flee Canada http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif Family doesn't wanna move, so I gotta move meself http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

All input are greatly appreciated.

Plucky Duck (Tai)

[atari2000x]

There is demand, but demand for experienced people--which is hard to find--so entry level positions are available...expect low 5 figures for entry level...what u need to get is hard, hands on experience...after about 5-7 yrs, expect about 45-60s salary range...go for Sys Admins--but DO NOT count out technical hardware know how...
hope this helps....

[plucky duck]

Yeah, that's what I figured also.
Experience is weighed heavily.

Thx.
Plucky (Tai)

[HfdWolfPack]

Experience is KEY. Seems like nobody wants ya without it.Im 6 months into it now working for a small design firm.The pay is low 30's. Although Im only 6 months into it and "entry" level,Im setting up MS Exchange 5.5 already and have to teach people things Ive never used much myself.I got my MCP in NT server and workstation but doesnt mean much without.......you guessed it, experience.Good luck and stick with it if ya like PCs

[c0r3file]

I had about 6 college computer courses and no real world experience when I got my first computer job with Lockheed. After 2.5 years I've gone from about 32K to 45K doing basic SysAdmin work at NASA. I have a degree but its only in Anthropology / Psychology, so maneuvering into positions where I could learn was crucial, and I still do that. Learn learn learn. Never substitute classrooms for real world experience, ideally seek both... I'm half way thru my Masters in MIS and hopefully that will yeild a little more earning potential.

c0r3file

[MadMatt]

Here in NorCal the demand is still very strong! I have entry level hardware techs making $40k and entry level help desk people making $35k. With A+, Network+, MCSE, and 2 years experience, you could be making $70k+ out here. Of course, the cost of living is pretty insane...

[qball]

First, you absolutely have to find your own path in life. Iffin you make decision for money or convenience, you WILL be miserable sooner or later. End diatribe.

I took a look at the course listings. Could be very impressive if you really learn each one (don't cut corners, you will only hurt your own knowledge), but each course could be a career, so you will get concepts and some hands-ons stuff.

Upon graduation you should be able to get a entry-level position in the $30-$40k USA (dependent upon location). Don't sweat the money, get the job that will offer you the most experience, the quickest and training is a good thing. If you are any good, you should enjoy yourself and soak stuff up like a sponge. If you a not good, well...

After time you will gain experience and knowledge, from there you will most likey refine your skill set and find out what you enjoy the most.

For me;
Fun tasks
Systems Architecture
Systems Development
Application Development
Solutions

Not so fun tasks
Systems Admin (they only know you when things break)
Debugging (especially other's stuff)

[shadow]

Hey Plucky...good luck with the course, education is never wasted and real life experience counts for something. That course looks good, very similar to the one I am now in at CDI - Regina, taking their MCSE course, one year long. It's been tough, lots of reading and you have to resign yourself to some frustration and lotsa work. I'm almost thru the A+ section and plan on going for the cert. when I'm thru it in a week or so.

Good people are always needed and wanted in the workforce, whatever the job.

Pay close attention to your unix section, it's still very important and if you by chance love it and become good at it it may get you in some doors. A guy who just finished recently was hired by MS in Seattle mainly because he was great at Unix. He is also the only student from this college to have his MCSE certification before he was done the course. As he finished a section, he wrote the cert. and always said they were easier tests than at school.

Feel free to write if you have any questions, advice, etc.

[Amarok]

Plucky, YGM in regards to this particular institution.