How to build a career in IT with only a degree in Psychology
I have a BA degree in psychology. I’ve never had a job in the IT field. I usually had office jobs or customer service jobs. Here's my question: can I still break into the computer field?
Any certifications you feel someone with little experience in the field could learn?
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ASKED:
April 9, 2009 7:40 PM
UPDATED:
April 23, 2009 5:05 PM
Answer Wiki:
If you are experienced with the installing of the Operating system and know your way around the windows XP or Vista operating system you could study for the XP or Vista MCP certification. That is the easiest one. After that I would suggest the A+ certification. That proves you have a good working knowledge of both the hardware and software (OS) of a PC. The next one which gives you a good foundation would be Net+. Those are three good basic certs you can get that are very helpful in getting started in IT. I broke into the IT field after being a racehorse groom of all things. I had foot problems and needed a job where I was off my feet and I enjoyed working with computers. So I got my A+, then my Net+ then my XP MCP in that order. But if you want to go for the easiest first I suggest the MCP. It really does not matter what your degree or previous jobs were. If you can get the training and certs and are good at working with computers you can get into IT at one level and work toward whatever goal you wish. I started in a call center doing tech support and am now a Network Administrator/Exchange Administrator/DR planner and coordinator.
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I'm not sure how much you know about computers, but a basic computer support job can help you get you some experience. Also getting a degree from an Technical insititution like ITT Tech would help.
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Dear Sir or Madam:
The previous poster is correct to suggest that pursuing some basic certifications is the right way to do–and actually, continuing on from MCP/A+ would not only be a good idea, it might be the ONLY way to establish sufficient credibility to work yourself into a bona fide IT position. He’s also correct to observe that for people who lack an IT degree and/or formal IT experience mostly find entry into the field through the doors of either Technical Support or Customer Service organizations.
Perhaps you’d like to post again here and describe your interests and experience in working with computers. I realize you’ve never held an IT position per se, but it may be you already have some idea about which niche in IT you’d eventually like to occupy, or that you’ve had some significant computer exposure and experience that I don’t know about. If you can help me target your possible “career destinations” in IT, I can probably help you craft a learning/certification plan to help you get there.
HTH, and thanks for posting,
–Ed–