On Tue, 16 Jul 2002, Richard Chonak wrote:
>
> I'm looking for some advice about computer training programs
> (no, not for me this time :-) ) .
>
> A family member who is currently not in the computer field is
> interested in seeking training to enter it as a W2K sys-admin or
> desktop help-desk specialist, so she wonders which programs tech
> folks and managers find effective. At present, she's an
> experienced and capable office worker who knows her way around
> Windows and Office, and sometimes gets called upon to solve
> other users' problems.
>
> I'd be interested in your thoughts about:
> * the demand for operators, help-desk staff, and sys-admins;
> * the value and role of certifications;
> * which computer jobs are more open to career-changers
> (as opposed to people with tech degrees and
> experience).
Actually, I would direct a family member away from
computer field nowadays. There are computer jobs
available, but the plank is relatively high and
there is a considerable surplus of
"just-above-entry-level" candidates. I doubt, it
will be easy to convert a power user to sysadmin
at this point in time. I would rather find a
position first and then do a conversion.
Besides, if this is not only a memeber of your
family, but also a memeber of your budget, it is
not really prudent in a long run to have two
income-producing family members in the same trade.
There is only one thing worse than that: to work
together in the same trade and in the same
company. In that case you have a good chance to
get axed together. (I presume you are sysadmin
yourself).
A new expression, currently popular in my company:
"He was RIFed" (Reduction In Force -ed)
If you do want to change a career, I would advise
something in more hot field, like services. Drop
me a line, I have a good lead in financial
services.
Of course, if you are determined, I am sure, we
can think of something... :-)
--------------
Dimitri (Dima) Shcherban
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