5 answers
Thaddeus
Student
Paterson, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
418 views
Going further in a field of study with no resources?
How do you further in your field if not given the resources to pursue further education?
5 answers
Zach Kaylor
Systems Development Engineer II
6
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Zach’s Answer
From the tags, it looks like you're interested in a technology-focused career field.
I'd do what you can to learn and create with the resources you have. For example, you don't necessarily need a college degree or other formal education to learn a programming language and contribute to open source software projects.
Additionally, not everyone in a "technical" software/computer science role started out there. A lot of us start small, like IT support at a local small business and work our way up. My first tech job was as a junior networking admin in a warehouse.
I'd do what you can to learn and create with the resources you have. For example, you don't necessarily need a college degree or other formal education to learn a programming language and contribute to open source software projects.
Additionally, not everyone in a "technical" software/computer science role started out there. A lot of us start small, like IT support at a local small business and work our way up. My first tech job was as a junior networking admin in a warehouse.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
461
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
When you state no resources is not clear.
Do I gather that you are still in the high school?
You can go to Community College with focus on Computer Science.
Many community college credits can be transferred to the state univ (Rutgers).
When you refer to resources I am assuming it is financial where the community college could be a good option for the first 2 years.
Score well (GPA) to get transferred to Rutgers or Rowan Univ.
Do I gather that you are still in the high school?
You can go to Community College with focus on Computer Science.
Many community college credits can be transferred to the state univ (Rutgers).
When you refer to resources I am assuming it is financial where the community college could be a good option for the first 2 years.
Score well (GPA) to get transferred to Rutgers or Rowan Univ.
Christopher Pardue
Cloud Email Security Engineer
5
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Within 3 years, I went from KNOWING NOTHING, to becoming a HIGHLY VALUED IT PROFESSIONAL. I used to be a security guard with no future.
I primarily use FREE RESOURCES to learn my cybersecurity and IT knowledge.
###########################
I mainly use Youtube videos.
WANT TO LEARN Powershell? Then FIND an hour long powershell video and WATCH it over and over again. Then I find a way to TRY IT for free and PLAY AROUND with it a lot.
WANT TO LEARN networking? Then FIND hour long videos about it and WATCH them over and over again. Then I find a way to TRY IT free and PLAY AROUND with it a lot.
WANT TO LEARN programming? Then FIND hour long videos about it and WATCH them over and over again. Then I find ways to TRY IT out for free, PLAY AROUND with it, get stuck, find videos about what I'm stuck on.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
###########################
A couple example playlists I've made and follow along with:
1. Break Into Cybersecurity playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMBj4zK9MZo2HlyBEvpCvka4tZOAJ8kx
2. Watch Over & Over Again playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMBj4zK9MZoeXcjXcshNqpGpMVDT-heL
###########################
Some free platforms with lots of free learning and lab environments:
1. https://www.netacad.com/
2. https://checkout.ine.com/starter-pass
3. https://overthewire.org/wargames/
4. https://tryhackme.com/
5. https://www.hackthebox.com/
###########################
You will find that the real trick is learning what words to Google. Once you can google it, you can find a ton of info about it, read the info, and learn it.
###########################
As long as you can get your foot in the door for a first IT job, and do the above, you will have no problem out-learning your co-workers, moving up to better positions, better jobs, and better companies. Once you are in a better company, you can get access to more learning platforms and lather/rinse/repeat for the rest of your career.
Figure out what you WANT TO LEARN next.
FIND long videos about it and WATCH them.
Find free resources to TRY IT out. Free lab stuff is everywhere for everything.
PLAY AROUND with what you're learning. Get creative, get cool.
Once you land an entry job in your field, the above is exactly how you will grow, so GET GOOD AT IT!
I primarily use FREE RESOURCES to learn my cybersecurity and IT knowledge.
###########################
I mainly use Youtube videos.
WANT TO LEARN Powershell? Then FIND an hour long powershell video and WATCH it over and over again. Then I find a way to TRY IT for free and PLAY AROUND with it a lot.
WANT TO LEARN networking? Then FIND hour long videos about it and WATCH them over and over again. Then I find a way to TRY IT free and PLAY AROUND with it a lot.
WANT TO LEARN programming? Then FIND hour long videos about it and WATCH them over and over again. Then I find ways to TRY IT out for free, PLAY AROUND with it, get stuck, find videos about what I'm stuck on.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
###########################
A couple example playlists I've made and follow along with:
1. Break Into Cybersecurity playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMBj4zK9MZo2HlyBEvpCvka4tZOAJ8kx
2. Watch Over & Over Again playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMBj4zK9MZoeXcjXcshNqpGpMVDT-heL
###########################
Some free platforms with lots of free learning and lab environments:
1. https://www.netacad.com/
2. https://checkout.ine.com/starter-pass
3. https://overthewire.org/wargames/
4. https://tryhackme.com/
5. https://www.hackthebox.com/
###########################
You will find that the real trick is learning what words to Google. Once you can google it, you can find a ton of info about it, read the info, and learn it.
###########################
As long as you can get your foot in the door for a first IT job, and do the above, you will have no problem out-learning your co-workers, moving up to better positions, better jobs, and better companies. Once you are in a better company, you can get access to more learning platforms and lather/rinse/repeat for the rest of your career.
Christopher recommends the following next steps:
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
92
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Thaddeus,
Please know that you do have resources. If your concern is financial, and you are still in high school, go to your counselor. They have lots of financial options that are available to students. There are loads of grants and loans available. If you are not in high school, go to your local community college and talk to an admissions counselor. Many community colleges are free or very inexpensive for local students. Many universities have a lot of grants available. Also ask at your church or religious institution. Many have grants to help their members in school. Most are small amounts but every little bit helps. Check with your parent's workplaces. Some have available scholarships or paid tuition for employees and their dependents. Also, any institutions that your parents are involved with might have scholarships. And, if all else fails, look for a job that has paid tuition as part of their benefits package. That will allow you to get a degree and grow in that company. Many companies offer in-house training as well.
If your concern is limited availability of technology, you can go to your local library. They have computers and Wi-Fi there and you can check out notebooks and access points for connectivity.
If your concern is time, I can't help you there. I will just say that if it's important to you, you will make the time! It's all about priorities!
Other than that, I can't think of any other limitations. If I missed your concern, let me know and I will be happy to try and address it.
Good luck!
See your counselor, or community college admissions conselor
Please know that you do have resources. If your concern is financial, and you are still in high school, go to your counselor. They have lots of financial options that are available to students. There are loads of grants and loans available. If you are not in high school, go to your local community college and talk to an admissions counselor. Many community colleges are free or very inexpensive for local students. Many universities have a lot of grants available. Also ask at your church or religious institution. Many have grants to help their members in school. Most are small amounts but every little bit helps. Check with your parent's workplaces. Some have available scholarships or paid tuition for employees and their dependents. Also, any institutions that your parents are involved with might have scholarships. And, if all else fails, look for a job that has paid tuition as part of their benefits package. That will allow you to get a degree and grow in that company. Many companies offer in-house training as well.
If your concern is limited availability of technology, you can go to your local library. They have computers and Wi-Fi there and you can check out notebooks and access points for connectivity.
If your concern is time, I can't help you there. I will just say that if it's important to you, you will make the time! It's all about priorities!
Other than that, I can't think of any other limitations. If I missed your concern, let me know and I will be happy to try and address it.
Good luck!
Jeff recommends the following next steps:
Omolola Oluwadara
Chemical Engineer
2
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Omolola’s Answer
The specific resources are not clear, but if you are concerned about financial resources you could apply for a scholarship in your area of interest. You could aslo talk to your school advisor. All the best.
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