Maximum PC

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

Hey everybody... My name is Jason.. Im 24 years old and ive finally made up my mind that I want an IT degree.

right now im taking the prerequisite courses and a class on Web Programming related to the internet. We are learning to make websites using CSS, PHP, frames,....etc. Right now im the 3rd top student in our class Smile

Im just not sure where to go from here. For the Associates degree we can pick 3 different routes.

I copy and pasted the site... as maybe you guys could tell me what would be a good route... Im looking to make a nice salary and have a stable job.

I gotta pick 1 of the 3... either networking specialist, cisco, or data assurance and IT security. Thanks in advance guys. I know it looks like alot below but its just all the crap I copied from their page....too much information isnt bad right? hahaha.

Personal Computer Technical Specialist
The Personal Computer Technical Specialist describes a series of specialized computer-related degree programs in some of the most in-demand career fields. They include Networking Specialist, Cisco Networking (which also has two certificate-level programs) and Data Assurance and IT Security.

The Business/CIS/Engineering and Technology Division also offers degrees in Web site development and programming. For information on these A.A.S. degrees, please see the Web Information Technology and the Computer and Information Systems programs elsewhere in this catalog.

Networking Specialist #3700
Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview
Graduates of this program are prepared for professional careers in the computing network field. The program takes students from the beginning architectural design process through installation, configuration, administration and tuning of microcomputer network environments.

Work and employment
Successful graduates have found work as network support specialists, software support specialists, network administrators, network specialists, help desk/network support personnel, and telecommunications specialists.

CISCO Networking #3750

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview
Graduates of the program are prepared to obtain Cisco’s CCNA certification.
Work and employment

Successful graduates have found work as network support specialists, software support specialists, network administrators, and network specialists among others.

Certificates available
– Cisco Networking
– Cisco Advanced Networking

Data Assurance and IT Security #3775
Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Graduates of this program are prepared for a career in computer network and Internet security. Responsibilities include developing information security strategies, performing analyses, installing security software, monitoring network traffic, and developing emergency plans.

Work and employment
With the increased concern over computer security issues, employers are looking for people with skills in this area. Graduates secure jobs such as security specialists, network specialists, security technicians, security support specialists, and security assistants.

PC Technical Specialist

Course requirements (49 credits)
Required for all three degrees (10 credits)

CIS 102 Introduction to Computers and Information Systems (3)
* WEB 101 Programming Related to the Internet (4)
PCT 270 Introduction to Unix/Linux (3)

PCT Electives (10 credits)
With the approval of the Business/CIS director, select courses with any of the following prefixes: CIS, PCT, or WEB.

Choose one area of specialization (29 credits)

Networking Specialist (Microsoft and Novell) #3700
* CIS 276 Introduction to C/C++ Programming (4)
* WEB 102 Advanced Programming Related to the Internet (4)
* PCT 262 Computer Service and Repair (3)
* PCT 110 Network Essentials (3)
* PCT 112 Windows Server Fundamentals (3)
* PCT 114 NetWare Fundamentals (3)
* PCT 210 Introduction to TCP/IP (3)
* PCT 290 Special Topics in Networking (3)
EET 100 Introduction to Electronics (3)

Cisco Networking #3750
* CIS 276 Introduction to C/C++ Programming (4)
* PCT 112 Windows Server Fundamentals, or
* PCT 114 NetWare Fundamentals (3)
* PCT 120 Cisco Networking I (4)
* PCT 122 Cisco Networking II (4)
* PCT 124 Cisco Networking III (4)
* PCT 126 Cisco Networking IV (4)
* PCT 262 Computer Service and Repair (3)
EET 100 Introduction to Electronics (3)

Data Assurance and IT Security #3775
* PCT 112 Windows Server Fundamentals, or
* PCT 114 NetWare Fundamentals (3)
* PCT 120 Cisco Networking I (4)
* PCT 122 Cisco Networking II (4)
* PCT 124 Cisco Networking III (4)
* PCT 126 Cisco Networking IV (4)
PCT 130 Introduction to Network Security (3)
* PCT 132 Advanced Network Security (3)
* PCT 275 Cisco Firewall Design (4)

that Linux guy · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:10 pm Post subject:

If you're trying to have a pretty resume, then Cisco or IT security are in high demand. "Network Specialist" and "PC Technical Specialist" sounds way too generic.

My only other career advice isn't to do what pays more, or more in demand. If you aren't doing something that makes you happy, then you'll hate your life.

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

i agree. but thats just what they classify it is :\

whats the kinda salary for those jobs?

I see some websites say 30k entry and some say 60k entry lol.

so those salary websites mess with me..

id really like a job with over 50k/year over 60k even...

when I make decent money Im giving my parents some money for always supporting me... so i wanna get them gifts too Smile

that Linux guy · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:36 pm Post subject:

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

well i plan on doing a bachelors, but i wanna get associates first so i can get a job and save up some money and get experience.

i just need to pick classes right now for the 2 year. so thats why im stuck in the whole net spec./cisco/it security.... i just dunno what 2 pick

class registration is on the 5th.

that Linux guy · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:09 pm Post subject:

Honestly, either one would be fine, and I suggest just picking whichever interests you more. If you have no clue, talk to some of the school guidance councelors or the instructors. Tell them what you're thinking, and then listen to them.

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

well so far ive only taken the web programming related to the internet doing css and stuff. and ive had an A this whole semester, so im not sure what to do yet. so maybe try a cisco or it security class this semester?

Jipstyle · Java Junkie Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Posts: 17337

The most crucial variable when it comes to salary is location. A job in NYC or LA will pay much more than the same job in Arkansas. So when you say 'I want 50k', you have to tell us where.

Given that you are getting a generic Associate's from an unknown school, I should tell you that that kind of salary is not going to happen for a good 10 years or so. Having said that, Cisco and security / networking in general will pay the most of the options you've listed. The generic PC technician stream will pay the least and is really a waste of time .. certs will land you the same jobs. Web programming is hit / miss.

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

so i should go with their data assurance and IT securty part then? cause that includes some cisco stuff too.

i live outside chicago right now, but after I graduate id like to move to california Smile

or out west

alan2308 · Team Member Top 1000 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 331

If you're still undecided, perhaps you can at least narrow it down to 2 out of the three? If you can do that, then there will be a few classes common to the two options you can take now and then still have another semester to think it over.

Phroot · 8086 Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 5

I would throw my hat in for IT Security. This field is in such high demand and i think it will only continue to grow with the non stop threats to government and private corporation data. With a four year degree in Information Assurance, work experience and certifications such as CISSP, GIAC or such you can make well into 60-70k a year.

But to get that salary you have to do the time and will not start out at that. Check out this source from CNN Money ( i know every website has different stats ) but it can give you a general idea. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/2009/snapshots/8.html
If you do get a four year degree in this field you will also learn Cisco, MS, and various Nix flavors.

jcollins · Willamette Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 1356

Jipstyle · Java Junkie Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Posts: 17337

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

Im really thankful for everyone that has been helping out so far..

so it sounds like everyone is saying a network specialist is too much of a general name and instead to go for

data assurance and it security or cisco.

after I do this 2 year, I plan on transferring to like NIU or somewhere to get my bachelors. I understand I wont be making 50k my first year, but I just hope it wont take like 5 years to do so.

Im glad Ive finally found what im good at, and can actually start moving forward in life. Its felt like ive been in such a limbo. im 24 now, and have been thru it all.... automotive school dropout.....i graduated truck driving school, but only did that for 6 months and gained 70 pounds

jcollins · Willamette Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 1356

On resumes and interviews, never talk about the automotive school stuff. Don't lie, just don't mention it. If asked, just say you were searching for a path in life or something like that. Highlight the positive, push the negative to the rear. People get get leery if you say you are a dropout.

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

yeah i def wouldnt mention the auto school or truck driving stuff

jcollins · Willamette Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 1356

Truck driving's fine since you passed it and put it to use. It just didn't work out for you (don't mention the 70lbs thing of course). When applying for a job, people mark you down if you look like you can't complete something (like college or trade school or whatnot).

After a point, once you got enough job history experience, you won't need the truck driving job on your resume. But to start off you probably will.

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

yeah right now for job experience i have that truck driving job, and now my current job @ arbys. Yeah i know keep laughing... but i needed something flexible for school.

my teacher told me at the end of this class she might try and get me into this place called trek which is some computer place its like a full-service marketing, communication and promotional agency..

so maybe thatll look good on my resume

that Linux guy · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 6:48 pm Post subject:

djblackout · 8086 Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 64

i hope my IT job wont need work experience from 5 years back. because i have 2 years to go for my associates... so ill have 2 years experience from arbys and also hopefully the IT job ill get as an intern. but i guess i could put truck driving but they fired me for a not at fault accident lol