I don't know about IT but if you're interested in Software Development get a 4 year B.S. degree in Computer Science; that's what I did and it has paid off greatly. Only problem is it is a huge time investment and typically have to start working for a low rate. However, at my work we have internships every year that pay around 50k a year. That is always the best foot in the door for our company. Getting a 4 year degree, again, is a huge time commitment; but in my field I wont even look at a resume that doesn't come with at least a Bachelors Degree.
Alternatively IT like what Drake did is another good idea. We have a huge network security group that probably has different requirements.
This. ^^^
going to school liekly won't get you shit either..... i completely disagree with b16. perhaps its a different market.
You can have a doctorate in IT/sys/etc, but if you haven't done anything besides school work, your resume is trash to me.
show me what you've done.
Disagree. IT and programming/development are two completely different things.
I disagree, I'm a Manager who hires engineers, I know what I'm looking for.
Like I said, do the schooling, get in on an internship, get experience, then move to the next job for a great pay rate..
I guess it is based on location. We have a huge talent pool in the silicon valley. I want the schooling and experience and I can get it. But you have to start somewhere and you will need the education if you want to move ahead. Sure there are special cases where dropouts become CEO's but you'll have better luck winning the lottery.
Yup. Programmers are in HIGH demand right now. The pay is good, the need will keep growing, and the market is speeding up more and more every year. When I go hunt for entry-level (college grad) employees, I'm looking for about 2/3 EE/ECE/CS people, and we're a VERY tech heavy company. We haven't slowed down hiring through the economic slump either.
If you're considering a career change by going back to school, go for a job where you NEED a 4 year degree as the basic ticket of entry. That's where the careers really start.