I've been working as a software engineer for a large defense company in the Dallas area for the past 6 years since graduating with a BS in computer science. Recently I've found that I've become increasingly unhappy with my work and not being in the Houston area, which I still consider home. The life of a programmer is one that is not going to be compatible with me longterm, and I have no desire to enter a software team management role. The primary reason I continue to do my job is because I enjoy the salary. I've decided that it's in the best interest for my personal happiness to seriously consider moving back to Houston and trying my hand at a new career path. I'm interested in entering the IT support industry as I am still passionate about computers and technology, and would welcome a chance for more "hands on" work. Is there anybody out there that has made a similar leap? What certifications should I pursue to bolster my credentials (I have limited system/server admin experience from performing security custodian duties for some small networks)? What type of entry level job would I realistically be able to obtain with my current lack of experience? How do I get taken seriously (I realize that I will be taking a severe salary hit)? Would love to hear any advice. Also, I'd love to hear from you if you're hiring for an entry level IT position
I would like to hear some answers as well. I'm going to school in Dallas, and I will graduate next summer. Most likely I will get an offer for a programming job from my current internship employer. But I really want to move back to Houston. And like AGBee, I don't see myself doing programming for the long term.
ummmmm. This is somewhat relevant. I'm going to graduate in MIS from UH in May. The prospects and offers right now are great. The consulting firms are picking up loads of people and same with the energy companies. I have no idea what your salary was before, but for me, my offers have been 60k+
How about a career working at NASA? Jacobs and Lockheed Martin are hiring like crazy right now for the CEV (Crew Exploration Vehicle ) contract.
Wow. I realize that some people aren't cut out for programming, but....wow. I respect your willingness to give up money to be happy - not many people will make that kind of long-term choice. Are you any good on the database side? That would be a smoother transition (at higher pay level) that would have you being less of a code grunt. How about network administration? Would you consider utilizing your strengths and learning something like windows scripting host so you could differentiate yourself to a company? I don't know what the latest version of that technology is, but my network admin friend used to work wonders with it and saved a lot of time for the company. I'd have to check, but I might know someone who would be interested in someone like you - email me through the board and tell me more of what you are looking for and then I can tell if you might be a fit.
I applaud you for making a change for happiness. Money ain't everything. I did the same thing in 2000 and moved into IT, and while I now make about 65% of what I did then, I'm happy now. What exactly is it you do now? Software Engineer is a very generic title, much like 'System Analyst'. You should try to segway into IT using your current skillset to break in. Since you have the luxury of not having to get a job right away, you should start combing the Houston markets for jobs that fit your need. I reccomend getting a job at a smaller IT shop where you have to do a little of everything to help out the team. That way you get your feet wet in different aspects of IT and can truly figure out what direction you want to go in. I've been in smaller shops for the past six years and I can put lots of stuff on my resume that my counterparts in larger orginizations can't because they were so specialized. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the posts Gutter and Xero. Yes, software engineer is the fancy term for programmer. Basically, I participate in all stages of software development - requirements, design, coding, testing, integration, maintenance, etc. - for image processing simulations, tools, and real-time software. Mostly in C/C++. I'm finding it difficult to find the overlap between my current job and a potential new position in IT, other than the small type of system admin type stuff I did while I was doing security. I enjoy the problem solving involved in developing software, but at the same time would like to work at a higher level - I studied computer science in college because I enjoyed playing with computers in high school, making them work, helping people use them. I like the advice about being well rounded - I don't want to fall into a situation similar to the one right now where I've become over-specialized.
hmm, Im doing MIS as well, and plan to graduate in December 08... What type of positions are you getting offers for?
