So I'm a recentely graduated liberal arts major, but always been interested in technology and computers. Took a couple of programming classes in college, and really enjoyed them, but there were way too many required classes for me to change to a major (or even a minor) and to do so would have required me to take an extra year (and a half, for a major), which I just couldn't afford.

Anyway, I'm out and about now, scouring for work, and the one thing I see almost everywhere is a need for IT people. Setting up networks, network security, web development, etc etc (this isn't even listing more advanced topics like software development, etc etc). Sure I got jobs I'm qualified for with my liberal arts major, but I figure now's the time to get in something that I'm interested in.

I'm just wondering how to do it. The thing I see pop up a bit is certifications. CompTIA has a bunch of certifications, and judging by their practice tests and what knowledge I've got, they don't seem too bad. Which on the upside means they're easy to get, but on the downside means.... they're easy to get. Still good for resume padding, I suppose. Then there are certifications like CCNA, which seem a bit more thorough, but I've read a few comments that they are fairly specific to Cisco, and unless you're planning to work with them, don't really do much for you.

I also keep seeing commercials everywhere on tv for various technical college courses that stress hands on learning in computer related fields. I'm looking around at some of those, and they look neat, but a lot of summer classes have already started, or won't start again till the end of next month of even the end of August. Those might be good ideas later on the horizon.

I figured I'd ask here, to see what ideas and suggestions people had. In the meantime (between job hunting!) I'm freshening up on some programming and general computer know-how. I've started to work in Arch Linux, which has done a lot to increase my general knowledge (steep learning curve, but it's fun to tackle).

Thanks for hearig me out!

IT is certainly a steady industry. You actually don't hear much of it in the mainstream media because not many people are qualified to work in it to begin with, but an http://www.cnbc.com/id/46902840 is that the unemployment rate in the USA for high-tech workers like programmers, computer maintenance, network specialists, etc. is only about 4% - easily half the level of general unemployment in the country.

Anyway, I'm impressed with your industriousness. There's really nothing I can tell you besides the advice that you should definitely try to get good credentials before you look very hard for any work in this industry. Good luck!

You could try to get an IT or tech related job in the military. Free training and a steady job for 4 or 6 years. Just an option, not for everyone, but I've been in only since August and all I need for an associate's degree (on top of my BA in English) in applied science in avionic systems technology is to go through Airman Leadership School to get 6 credits in leadership / military studies. Associate's degree in 10 months isn't bad, which included a lot of hands on training.

Add to that 100% tuition assistance while serving and the GI Bill and you can not only get a lots of quality hands on experience and training, but also continue your education. Also veterans are supposedly more employable after service.

Just my sales pitch of the day. Good luck.

Well that's part of the reason why I'm inspired to really pick up on my interest. Everywhere I look, on top of varying need for other jobs, almost everyone needs a couple extra IT people. That's an interesting article, thanks for the link!


I certainly thought about that. I noticed that the Air Force has an Officer Training School for those who already have a college degree. But I've also been reading that the retention rates in the military (especially officers) is actually really high (thanks to a downed economy), so it's harder to get in, and the officer slots are all really competitive.

But I'm still keeping the option on the table, and have talked to a recruiter about preparing for the Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT). I looked at some of the sample questions, and I think I'd do all right on it. But in the meantime I'll get some certifications, and that should hopefully make me look better to the review boards, and thus a more viable candidate.

You could always go the networking route if you're interested in that. That's my area of expertise. At least, the one that I'm able to make money from.

Just read your post and you do mention Cisco. That would be a good route if you like to learn and really tackle challenging things. I'm currently about to take the CCNA monday and study for the CCNP after that, while maybe getting an internship with a local ISP.