5 answers
Michael
Student
Bear, Delaware
1
Question
Asked
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what is the best IT certification for a 55 year old with a high school education
Am 55 and I have previously worked as an Admin Assistant, Caregiver and a warehouse Associate. Am thinking of starting an IT career, which is the best one for me? #careers #IT
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5 answers
Velma Schwien
Freelance Writer/Editor/Proofreader/Student
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Velma’s Answer
Hello Michael,
First, it is awesome you are daring to try something new! GREAT JOB! You will find there are many fields to choose from in the field of IT. It would depend on the field of IT you would like to get into there are many different focuses in this field but a popular one right now is network security, this might be something you would be interested in. There are also areas in architecture if you are interested in that, or computer technical support specialist, or analyst. Some of the higher paying jobs are in Data and Database areas of IT. Data Security analyst is another one or software engineer is another. I hope this was helpful in your search for a new career. Best of luck to you!
First, it is awesome you are daring to try something new! GREAT JOB! You will find there are many fields to choose from in the field of IT. It would depend on the field of IT you would like to get into there are many different focuses in this field but a popular one right now is network security, this might be something you would be interested in. There are also areas in architecture if you are interested in that, or computer technical support specialist, or analyst. Some of the higher paying jobs are in Data and Database areas of IT. Data Security analyst is another one or software engineer is another. I hope this was helpful in your search for a new career. Best of luck to you!
Thank you very much, Velma, I do appreciate your taking the time to respond.
Michael
Hi Michael,
I might have some insights for you, but it seems to me your question title and then the description seem to be pointed in two different directions. Which are you asking about: Information technology career options, or certifications in IT?
Bonnie Taylor, EdD
Luis Mario Sarmiento Cid
2
Answers
Updated
Luis Mario’s Answer
Hi Michael,
Great to know people is still preparing and challenging themselves to explore new horizons, kudos for that! I have been working on IT industry for almost 7 years and in my experience I can tell you there are different branches when it comes to IT so it is more a question of what area is the one that interests you.
For instance, you can get a certificate on IT infrastructure (we can think of this like routers, switches, configuring servers, etc) or Administration (more in the application layer, like Windows Admin, Linux Admin, AWS Admin, etc).
In my case I have been involved on the infrastructure side and if you decide to go on that path, I would recommend Cisco certifications. CCNA and then CORE exams for the Professional certifications. Routing and Switching technologies are the ones that most of the people start with because it does not matter whether you are interested on Data Center, Security, SD-WAN, at the end all of those technologies are based on the knowledge you can get from CCNA R&S (200-301).
Cisco certifications also provide you the credentials to work on medium/large enterprise which will give you the opportunity to also get to know other technologies/vendors since medium/large companies have a more complex setup.
From there you can lean towards DataCenter, Security or any other path, even start exploring certifications from some other vendors like VMWare, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, etc.
Identify a path, either infrastructure or application
Look for the vendors used by large companies since those will provide you the ability to participate on complex projects
Certify as Associate (Entry-level) and then Professional(Intermmediate-level)
Gain some experience
Based on the experience you gain, decide which other vendor you would like to try or know more about.
Great to know people is still preparing and challenging themselves to explore new horizons, kudos for that! I have been working on IT industry for almost 7 years and in my experience I can tell you there are different branches when it comes to IT so it is more a question of what area is the one that interests you.
For instance, you can get a certificate on IT infrastructure (we can think of this like routers, switches, configuring servers, etc) or Administration (more in the application layer, like Windows Admin, Linux Admin, AWS Admin, etc).
In my case I have been involved on the infrastructure side and if you decide to go on that path, I would recommend Cisco certifications. CCNA and then CORE exams for the Professional certifications. Routing and Switching technologies are the ones that most of the people start with because it does not matter whether you are interested on Data Center, Security, SD-WAN, at the end all of those technologies are based on the knowledge you can get from CCNA R&S (200-301).
Cisco certifications also provide you the credentials to work on medium/large enterprise which will give you the opportunity to also get to know other technologies/vendors since medium/large companies have a more complex setup.
From there you can lean towards DataCenter, Security or any other path, even start exploring certifications from some other vendors like VMWare, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, etc.
Luis Mario recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca Reynolds
Asst. Dean Advising and Mentoring
18
Answers
Highland Park, New Jersey
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
I am not an IT expert: this website seemed to be helpful:
https://www.comptia.org/career-change/switching-career-path/get-into-it-without-a-degree#:~:text=Job%20Stats%20for%20IT%20Professionals%20Without%20Degrees.%20According,candidates%20do%20not%20hold%20a%20four-year%20college%20degree.
It gives you a sense of where to begin if you are starting out with a HS diploma or GED, but no college experience. I would look at various certification programs for cost, and if possible, job placements. Otherwise, a lot of the IT certification programs are created for people already in IT, and you don't want those. You might want to take a basic coding course at a local community college to get a feel for it, but check out the certification options offered on the CompTIA site first. They may include all the training you need.
Google also has some opportunities: https://www.fastcompany.com/90527332/no-college-degree-required-google-expands-certificate-program-for-in-demand-job-skills
However, make sure they don't first require basic coding skills.
Good luck!
go to the CompTIA website listed above
Look at their certification programs
Compare the costs to other IT certification programs
https://www.comptia.org/career-change/switching-career-path/get-into-it-without-a-degree#:~:text=Job%20Stats%20for%20IT%20Professionals%20Without%20Degrees.%20According,candidates%20do%20not%20hold%20a%20four-year%20college%20degree.
It gives you a sense of where to begin if you are starting out with a HS diploma or GED, but no college experience. I would look at various certification programs for cost, and if possible, job placements. Otherwise, a lot of the IT certification programs are created for people already in IT, and you don't want those. You might want to take a basic coding course at a local community college to get a feel for it, but check out the certification options offered on the CompTIA site first. They may include all the training you need.
Google also has some opportunities: https://www.fastcompany.com/90527332/no-college-degree-required-google-expands-certificate-program-for-in-demand-job-skills
However, make sure they don't first require basic coding skills.
Good luck!
Rebecca recommends the following next steps:
Thank you very much, I appreciate your advice
Michael
Kevin Lam CISSP, PMP, ITIL
Sr. Manager, Incident Response
35
Answers
Santa Clarita, California
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
For foundation, I would recommend starting with the CompTIA A+ and Network+ Certification as a start. I would then move onto a cyber security curriculum, Security +. Cyber security is a growing space and there are lots of jobs available.
Thank you very much
Michael
I agree! Lots of demand in the IT security area. Good luck!
Kathy Cortez
Calvin Saboorian
Director - Real Estate
34
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Calvin’s Answer
Hello Michael,
I am glad to see that you are willing to venture into new things. I am several years older than you and believe that we can learn something new everyday.
I am not an IT expert, but I am told that anyone can learn to code. There are so many ways for virtual learning and most are free. I know Microsoft has a site for that. Check out Azure on Microsoft site. I agree with Kevin, Cyber Security is huge.
Hope this help and best of luck!
I am glad to see that you are willing to venture into new things. I am several years older than you and believe that we can learn something new everyday.
I am not an IT expert, but I am told that anyone can learn to code. There are so many ways for virtual learning and most are free. I know Microsoft has a site for that. Check out Azure on Microsoft site. I agree with Kevin, Cyber Security is huge.
Hope this help and best of luck!
Thanks a lot
Michael