advice for IT support roles

[paulbrogden200]

hello guys my name is Paul and I am trying to decide what to do in regards to training I am thinking of doing a course in computing and trying to decide what to do given tuition fees are going sky high from know to the future I am unsure how to retrain so I can get a decent pay packet and train up. To give a back ground I currently have a btec national diploma in photography an hnd in communications which included graphic design video production and photography and art.

I failed to complete a degree in TV production due to finding it difficult getting my head around cultural studies. So what I did get was credits for 10 modules which worked out at 10 credits per module which worked out at 100 credits I needed 120 credits to pass but I did gain some credits I do believe all my qualifications is easily equal to a degree which out having the degree title. I am considering doing some sort of top up degree to top up my hnd into a degree some how doing a 1 year top up course I guess having a degree no matter what it is in a degree means some thing.

At present I am located in the UK near Leeds. Any way I have been looking at computer courses like some sort of top up degree however it has suggested its not worth doing that it has been suggested doing a certified Microsoft course is a better route I want to get some sort of IT technician job doing technical support for servers I work for asda online shopping sorting out the orders I am thinking of doing some sort of IT job so I could work in the IT department but feel to be able to do such a job.

I will need to do some sort of training. I am also been looking at the online degrees you can do does any one know any thing about these are they worth doing or is it better to go to a college in person and get your hands on the gear in person better.

I need some advice from some IT professionals out their. The problem is I work from 2pm to 9:30pm so only get Monday free so my hours make it difficult for me to do a course.

Is their any professionals out their who could advise me any comments and advise would be appreciated please post reply’s if you have the time.

Regards Paul.

 

[hybrid572]

Have a look at doing a Foundation Degree in Computing part time. They are designed to be done one day a week in college, with four days a week spare, preferably to do some kind of IT-related work.

It takes 3 years to complete and tuition fees are minimal. They must be paid upfront, but the govt will consider your financial circumstances and possibly pay some (or all) of it for you. In addition, not only does it count as a qualification on its own, but you can complete 1 extra year to top it up to a full degree if you wish.

Have a look at local colleges in your area to see whether they offer the course.

 

[Sin_Chase]

Go into support for a foot in the door, DO NOT go in with the aim of making a career out of it.

You do not need a degree or any real qualifications to get started in a support role capacity, even if it means starting on help desk. Experience is more key.

Aim to get a foothold, build your experience and train in something specialised.

Microsoft exams are not worth the paper they are written on (imo) and will not help you if you are not working with the stuff it is teaching.

TRY to get some kind of job where you can build experience as opposed to sitting in a classroom no doubt learning stuff you will rarely apply. Support is mostly a trial and error process anyway, you don't need to be qualified for that.

 

[hybrid572]

I'd have to disagree about the MCSEs- regardless of whether you use them, they are worth their weight in gold in terms of getting into IT jobs. Degrees and such are not the only way in, but they're a good way of getting into IT without having to do support/help desk.

The one thing to bear in mind is that nobody will hire you for any kind of IT job without previous experience, so you've got a bootstrapping problem to deal with there. Either go in through a help desk / phone support job as Sin says, or do some kind of formal qualification as I suggested and find a company who are willing to take you on as an apprentice, or as a normal employee while you gain your qualifications.

 

[Sin_Chase]

I feel you cannot study for and pass any of the decent MCP exams without being on the job.

Desktop exam for an easy pass perhaps, but exchange/messaging and security, AD etc? Will go in one ear and out the other. (Even if you manage to pass).

 

[daman2k]

I also disagree with the microsoft exams not being worth the paper they are written on. I was made redundant in November but got a job the next day and have had quite a few calls since and im pretty sure its due to having the server 2008 quals and now studying towards exchange 2010.
Granted, experiance is also key but having some quals wouldnt hurt and someone might give you a chance, maybe you should have a look into the MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician 7.