On Sat, 27 Aug 2016, Louis Kowolowski wrote: > I'm not aware of any easy way to a solution for what you're asking. The > field is very broad, and there are many places you could stop along the > way and specialize.
I am not a computer professional; for me it's a tool, a means to an end rather than an end in itself. I'll build on Louis' comment based on my 25+ years as an environmental consultant. Specialization is the key in a field that covers many things. In my industry there are folks who claim to do everything for everyone. Yet no one can be an expert in everything. The narrower our focus the more we know about it which leads to two (potential) benefits: 1) while not everyone is a potential client or employer who needs our expertise all the time, when they do they'll be more inclined to call for help; and 2) if you're really good at what you do you'll find folks asking if you're also able to resolve another issue they have. You may not promote all the expertise you have but that doesn't mean you can't effectively help in other areas. And, you know how to learn what you need. Another consideration is to be an independent contractor rather than an employee. While not everyone is wired to do this, if you are it opens doors helping a variety of folks who gain value from your expertise while avoiding the shifting needs of a single employer. I read that this is becoming a more common option for companies; they contract for specific expertise when they need it and often pay very well because they don't have the long-term financial obligations they do with full time employees. I've no idea what particular topic in IT might be the best for now and the foreseeable future, but based on what I read in the news and on Brian Kreb's blog (www.krebsonsecurity.com) becoming an expert is preventing penetration of POS systems and corporate networks should be at the top of the list. Rich _______________________________________________ PLUG mailing list [email protected] http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
