For those with IT jobs... - Page 2

MorBid · 04-04-07, 07:02

My Almater has a Associates, Bachelors, and Masters Degree in almost every Engineering or Engineering Tech program

Visit Rochester Institute of Technology's Programs of Study and scroll down to where it says College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Under that listing you will see

Information Technology MS
Information Technology BS
Information Technology AAS

Click on one to get the info and the course requirements. Computer Science is there too.

Looks like they added a new program since I left, Applied Networking and System Administration. Glad to see my money from the Alumni Assoc is not going to waste.

The really great thing about my school was that Co-Op is part of your program (that means you have times during each year where instead of going to class you go to work and they help you find a job. So it's not just a internship. Most get their job offers from the places they went to Co-Op.

So you will have at least a year's experience under your belt when you make it to the big stage a G-Day.

Greg

kleraudio · 04-04-07, 08:10

Hey Morbid, thanks for the help! I checked out my local University, they offer a BS in IT! It is a remote campus, kind of far from the house but it may be worth it.

it says i need an AA to get into this program. I wanted to take the AS/AAS in IT and then get into the BS in IT program, but i think i have to go the AA in Computer Information Systems to get into this program.

is that what you had to do, or were you able to get your AS/AAS and use that to get into the BS in IT program??

Thanks for the help again, you have been more helpful in two posts than 10 phone calls to different schools!

I really appreciate it!

MorBid · 04-04-07, 08:22

When I was in Junior College (two year degree AAS) my major was Electrical Enginnering. As it so happened if I had went straight to that 4 year University my first two years would've been in the same thing, Electical Engineering.

So when I transfered into the BS program for Telecommunications Engineering I transferred in as a 3rd year student in a 5 year program (you have to do 1 year co-op).

Basically the way it works is you look at the classes you need to take in the first two years of your 4 year degree and see if the classes from your major in the two year degree will transfer over.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) usually is not the same as Information Technology. You can look at the course requirements for each and see. I would talk to an Admissions Adviser at the school you want to attend for the BS in IT. Their sole reason for being is to "guide" you on what classes/program to take someplace else in order to get the maximum transfer credits into thier program.

That's what my adviser did. Credits transfer based on courses taken not the program in which they were taken.

Usually in Technical Programs if you have a two year degree in the same or related major you can just transfer over to a BS program. As long as the credits transfer. That's the key

kleraudio · 04-04-07, 09:14

hey Morbid, if you wouldnt mind checking this out, i would appreciate it.

Information Technology - USF Lakeland

it says i need an AA degree to transfer which doesnt make sense because the AAS in IT would be more suited to the degree program.

The AAS in IT however doesnt require much gen ed, its more of a technical degree i guess.

I will call the Univ campus that offers that program and try to talk to a more informed adviser because the ones Ive spoken to already really offered no help unless i applied to the school and brought transcripts....

also, do you think it would be wise to get started on my A+/N+ certifications while im not in college just to get a head start?

again, Morbid i REALLY appreciate your help!

Jim

MorBid · 04-04-07, 10:58

No probelm I'm glad to help anyone who wants to better themselves.

First off all let me make something clear so there isn't any confusion. I didn't go to College for a Degree in IT. IT was what I was doing to put myself through College. Actually my degree is in the design and implementation of large scale networks like Telephone systems, Transmission systems, Celluar Systems and the like.

As it happens all those things have their basis in Electronics which have their basis in Advanced mathemtics and physics. So that's why my 2 year degree transferred in so nicely to my 4 year one.

I went to that link you gave and they are telling you basically what I stated before. That is if your transferring from a Two Year College you should take the courses on the second page (on the left) in addition to whatever else it is you need to satisfy the requirements for the two year degree.

That's how transferring credits works. You need to have taken classes elsewhere that the college you want to attend will accept towards a degree from their program. If you don't you'll have to take them when you get there.

Don't get too caught up in AS or AAS like in NYS where I live

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.): one-third of the work shall be in the liberal arts and sciences.

Associate in Science (A.S.): one-half of the work shall be in the liberal arts and sciences.

Associate in Arts (A.A.): three-quarters of the work shall be in the liberal arts and sciences.

That sucks about those advisers you already spoke to. Up here they are more than willing to help anyone out.

Here's where I come down on Certs. I personally know a dozen people of various ages who spent dough on classes and tests for those Certs and never got a job it IT. I also know many people (some are friends from University) that have a 2 year degree and a few Certs and still can't land a job in IT. I guess what I'm saying is taking tests for the sake of taking tests and thinking that's going to get you a job is 50/50 odds at best.

The industry itself is in a state of flux and has been since the Tech bubble burst. People with no experience can't get any, yet people like me are overly qualified (code for companies don't want to pay that much) and can't get better jobs.

Visit the Job Boards (Monster, Dice, Carrerbuilder, etc) and get a handle on what's available in your area and what it might take to get a job you would like. Entry level today is at least a two year degree, some certs and a few years experience. The more experience you have the less the other two matter in many cases.

Dude I'm not trying to dampen your sprirts because you seem highly motivated. But I can tell you from watching this industry almost daily for years things now aren't going to happen overnight. Grab those Certs if you wan't but I'd be looking to get some experience to back those up.

I would also try to hook up with someone you know who can get you any type of job in the field.