IT Career Path - advice needed.

ckeogh

Hi guys, I was just wondering about a career path in IT.

Currently am studying coding in my spare time for HTML, CSS, python, java, etc, but i have been offered a interview as a technical advisor for a OS specific role (entry level).

My background & experience is in retail & some accountancy training + work exp.

But I need to know, after this role, which is basically a call centre tech advisor, what can I move forward into if I decide to leave the company after a few years?

I honestly am hoping to get the position with some development opportunities within the company itself, but really need to see what is realistic career path afterwards if it is not an option..

Thanks in advance if anyone can help.

-ck

UDP

From what I have seen you generally need a degree in computer science or something like that to be a developer. It's not just about coding its about planning software development and correct documentation etc. You could ask them if they have an education assistance programme or see about funding doing a part time it degree yourself. You will be severely restricted job wise in that industry without a degree.

Mr. Loverman

When I was a student (95 - 99) I worked part-time in technical support. Then a few years later (post 9/11) when the economy was in trouble, I had another short stint in technical support.

Between those jobs I worked in development, and since then I have worked in development and QA (mostly in QA).

I understand your worries. There are things you can do to help yourself:

* Contribute to open source projects. You don't have to pick something horribly complicated, but find some projects with nice code and start submitting bug fixes or writing modules or whatever. This will prove a) you are genuinely interested in development and b) you can probably code somewhat.
* Create a blog with well written tutorials and/or thoughts about development. For example, if you wanted to get into PHP development, you could write a tutorial on PHPUnit & TDD. This would not only be useful but would show you are probably a thoughtful developer.

Basically what I am saying is don't wait for things to work out for you; it is possible to dictate your future by showing employers you are a low risk employee.

jd80

ckeogh wrote: »

Hi guys, I was just wondering about a career path in IT.

Currently am studying coding in my spare time for HTML, CSS, python, java, etc, but i have been offered a interview as a technical advisor for a OS specific role (entry level).

My background & experience is in retail & some accountancy training + work exp.

Do you have a genuine interest in IT?

Could it be that you are doing the courses to get into IT just for the money

Circa what age group are you?

johnolocher

I am also considering a career change into IT, I know it would be a lot of work but I have a genuine interest I have never cultivated and would like to work with something I have a passion for.

So is it essential to have a degree to get started? I'd love the degree anyway but financially and time wise it's not an option just yet. I'm 28 so any advice would be great.

jd80

johnolocher wrote: »

I am also considering a career change into IT, I know it would be a lot of work but I have a genuine interest I have never cultivated and would like to work with something I have a passion for.

So is it essential to have a degree to get started? I'd love the degree anyway but financially and time wise it's not an option just yet. I'm 28 so any advice would be great.

Which area of IT?

UDP

johnolocher wrote: »

So is it essential to have a degree to get started? I'd love the degree anyway but financially and time wise it's not an option just yet. I'm 28 so any advice would be great.

Certain areas such as software development would need a degree but support areas you can get into without a degree. It may be harder nowadays without a degree for any position as there are a good few graduates trying to get into roles but help desk and junior support roles are possible.

johnolocher

jd80 wrote: »

Which area of IT?

Software development, I am sure there are sub roles within that but I'd need more info.

red_bairn

Here's the course I'm currently taking in UCD and could help those that are interested in Software Development but feel they need a better grasp at IT.

ckeogh

Hey guys sorry for such a late reply,
Partner was in hospital past week so it's been hectic!
But thanks for all the replies!
Basically I've had a genuine interest in IT and technology from a young age.
It's something I have always wanted to do career wise but two factors that were holding me back was that one, i was under the impression programming was a thing that only a modern day genius could understand... So I never went near it. Until recently I found codecademy and khan academy. And to my surprise its been pretty easy to understand.
Second reason was I dropped out of school at leaving cert level and have never had the funds to go to college as a mature student...
Grants etc aside I have a house and young daughter to provide for so college is not financially viable at the moment.

Hence why im here, with the question would a tech support role for an IT company open an opportunity to begin a careerpath in I.T.?

I was looking at a recent email saying intro to php is available on codecademy, obviously these self thought courses are not going to be to the level of a college education, but it has been something I've considered after I get the python course finished.

And also I like the idea of contributing to open source, but I'm not confident I have enough knowledge. YET. ha... I'm literally learning the basics. But any references / links would be really appreciated...

Thanks again for replies guys

red_bairn

ckeogh wrote: »

Hey guys sorry for such a late reply,
Partner was in hospital past week so it's been hectic!
But thanks for all the replies!
Basically I've had a genuine interest in IT and technology from a young age.
It's something I have always wanted to do career wise but two factors that were holding me back was that one, i was under the impression programming was a thing that only a modern day genius could understand... So I never went near it. Until recently I found codecademy and khan academy. And to my surprise its been pretty easy to understand.
Second reason was I dropped out of school at leaving cert level and have never had the funds to go to college as a mature student...
Grants etc aside I have a house and young daughter to provide for so college is not financially viable at the moment.

Hence why im here, with the question would a tech support role for an IT company open an opportunity to begin a careerpath in I.T.?

I was looking at a recent email saying intro to php is available on codecademy, obviously these self thought courses are not going to be to the level of a college education, but it has been something I've considered after I get the python course finished.

And also I like the idea of contributing to open source, but I'm not confident I have enough knowledge. YET. ha... I'm literally learning the basics. But any references / links would be really appreciated...

Thanks again for replies guys

Check up on Adverts.ie for the items necessary to work as a IT Support Technician (if any of those kind of jobs there) or jobs.ie.

Look up CompTIA certifications...A+, Network+, etc.