Q&A - IT Manager, Sys Admin, MIS Degree? What should I do?

In this episode, I address questions from a viewer regarding getting an MIS degree, getting certs, and working as a Sys Admin.
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Thanks for Watching!

[@MrCholoPants3415]

You're a hero, dude... This is so helpful. Subbed, and can't wait to watch your other content. Thank you!

[@learnitfromwilliam]

I wouldn’t quite say hero, just trying to help where I can. Appreciate the love thought.

[@bridgetonature5305]

Internships are a great way to get some "Experience" employers are looking for. MIS is a great mixture of the two disciplines and with certs you could be the IT professional and have core business knowledge.

[@aubelle8250]

I appreciate your response.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Anytime!

[@EastCharmer]

Hello thank you for sharing this. Very helpful. I'm also in the field, I started as an IT support for a hotel and now I got promoted as an IT Manager. Now I'm not sure if I would wanna continue this job for a long time because in the job we need to work minimum 10 hours a day and we only get paid 55 grand a year as Managers. We also do pretty much everything in the hotel including user support, networking etc.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Welcome to the world of I.T. :) But also realize that you work in the hospitality business so it's very demanding because business never closes.

[@markdietrich6020]

If your health is at risk with all the stress, then don't do that job. I know the feeling. If you have enough manager experience then leave. You can do better.

[@EastCharmer]

mark dietrich thank you so much. Yes I am thinking about it and I'm gonna save enough money so I could quit soon. Thank you appreciate it

[@aubelle8250]

I have a degree in MIS. I have certs A+, Network+ re-certified up-to-date. 4 years Windows Sys admin. Some experience as DBA. I'm also a successful alumni of the Cisco Networking academy. I'm also a MS Office Specialist. So, I've jumped through all the hoops discussed here. Make sure you know where the opportunities are, and be prepared to understand it can be very frustrating dealing with gatekeepers who are responsible for getting you in front of a hiring manager you will find most of them are clueless beyond a keyword search on a resume. Remember while your dealing with this run around in search of employment, your degree, and skills are depreciating as software and platforms keep upgrading, and you also have the competition of students behind you coming out of schools and colleges in the mix of competition for the same jobs you're applying for. I love IT. But unfortunately, you will find, many of the decision makers and purse holders in the IT industry are technically challenged and typically clueless. I'm not saying you won't be successful. I am saying, be prepared to spend a lot of time, money, and effort, in staying current on your IT skill sets to keep your career sustainable Regardless of your EXPERIENCE. My point is, from my perspective, having an education, EXPERIENCE, and certifications have not improved or given me any competitive edge in gaining employment. Does anyone agree with what I'm saying? Yes, No?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Do I agree with you? YES, on every point! I have a video dedicated to talking about "how to stay relevant". If you don't keep up, you'll end up out of a job because tech moves so quickly and so do companies. Appreciate you watching and for commenting on such great points!

[@tazrinahmed5326]

what about a business technology management degree for becoming a business analyst and which certificates are needed for becoming a business analyst?

[@allysaber949]

I'm considering going back. Still doing research on different administrators. My problem is lack of experience while working a full time job. I'm considering working on certifications and then look into volunteer positions/ maybe my job. I work in higher education with some tuition reimbursement however I rather go to a technical school since technical focuses more on certifications vs getting a masters.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Hi Alex. I'm guessing you already have a BA? I would just start studying for the certifications while you're working. You don't really need to go back to school unless you really need instructor time and peers to help you get through it.

[@allysaber949]

Thanks! Yes, I finished my BA and working in higher education makes it easier to take classes but they don't offer a lot of IT options for people going back into the field unless you get a masters. I'll take note of it and worst comes to worse just take a class to help get the certifications.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Wish you lots of success! Let me know if I can be of any more help. You might also want to join the facebook group that we have going on. facebook.com/groups/infotechqa

[@markdietrich6020]

When I first worked at Microsoft I had no degree but I had buckets of certifications and knew their product in and out. They hired me after one interview. If you have a degree, then it could be old and meaningless but certifications are almost always fresh off the boat.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Yep. I’m not a big fan of degrees. Certs are more credible in some instances. Not always though. Thanks for watching!

[@xavierfragoso736]

Certs expire degrees dont. Degree + experience and your set for good

[@jshackelford31]

Great advice. I waited several years before getting my MSIT degree. I have been working in the AV/IT field for eight years before I went for the degree. I was in a similar situation you address in this video. I worked at my job for four years, found a way to move into my current role as an field agent internally. Then learned on the job aspects of AV/IT. It gave me insight on networking, pc and printer setups, troubleshooting, basic programming, etc. It also was a good way for me learn how to communicate with clients/end-users and build on breaking down technology into simple terms. Lastly, you will learn if you like IT. There is one thing liking computers and networks, however you will be put into uncomfortable or pressure situations that only live experience will get you. I would suggest all follow your advice. Since finishing this fall I am in the certification stage due to me knowing what I want to do and what I need to advance. Only go to school if you feel its right. Just ensure you can speak to the technology and find hands-on tools or online platforms that simulate the equipment used in today's modern IT environment.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Thanks as always for commenting James. Much appreciated!

[@edwardjaycocks5497]

I would say go down offensive- de fences security route....but iif it's a business degree . Make sure it has plenty of IT content, otherwise it may be hit and miss. To be really honest and this is my professional opinion in the industry. Unless it's very niche stay away from IT . There's better professions with better kudos recognition and what's good about other professions. A bachelors degree is always going to be a prerequisite or even Masters. IT i full of anybody that thinks they know something about IT-Like I say , Specialize n the up-and-coming don't bother with helpdesk Unless is helping you get through school, then yes

[@learnitfromwilliam]

The dynamics of the I.T. field are changing rapidly for sure. Gone are the days of specializations in the field. They are very rare. So yea, you find alot of "jack of all trades, master of none" and that's not our fault, it's the employers who are trying to squeeze every ounce of juice from LESS ppl. It's all about the budget and bottom line. It'll be interesting to see where we are in the next 5-10 yrs.

[@edwardjaycocks5497]

Completely agree

[@D12345]

What are some east coast technical colleges.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

thats a good question. Unfortunately it's not something that I can answer because I really don't do that type of research. I also don't feel comfortable recommending or referring ppl to specific schools. My apologies for the shitty answer, but I do appreciate you watching.

[@justwyatt27]

I am currently in the process of switching my major and have decided on Information Systems Management. At the university I am currently attending the degree is a bachelor of science in information systems management, and I was wondering if you could tell me the advantages and disadvantages of this degree vs a typical bachelors in this field?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Hello Wyatt. I'll be straight up. I have no clue what all those degrees are. I love how universities make up these fancy degree names that are so meaningless to people wanting to pursuing a career in I.T. Case in point is your question to me. You have to seek out information about these degrees because the schools can't even explain them! Sorry, I get a bit heated about this stuff sometimes. Let me ask you a question. What part of I.T. do you want to be in? Then I can give you a better response.

[@xxxduycao]

It's worth getting a bachelor degree if I'm getting a full-ride through scholarships and grants right? I'm going for a Computer Information System (CIS) degree at the moment.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

In that scenario, then hell yea. Take advantage of it. But like I said in the video, don't wait to graduate to look for work/experience. Get an early start.

[@xxxduycao]

How do you recommend I get an early start? I'm from the Houston area where there isn't much volunteering opportunities. I also can't work for checks because if I work, then they'll reduce the amount of money I'll get for school.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

It depends. What type of work do you want to get into once you graduate?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

+DuyHD So you can't earn any money at all while in school? You can possibly work at the school in the computer lab as a volunteer. Also check into non profit organizations.

[@xxxduycao]

I'm not really passionate about anything at the moment, kind of like you at the start. I'm just jumping on it to see where it will take me, I didn't get accepted for a job at my school as a PC tech so I've just been looking around for ways to get my foot in the door.

[@fgc_7433]

I hope you can reply to this but here we go. So im 26 never went to College I took the Get married and have a child route and I know I need to go to College to better myself. My Idea is to do the MIS Degree and as you said wok on the Certs while I am in school and then in order to get more on the IT side Ill just find the Best electives to further my knowledge in that area of study. In your Opinion does this sound like a good plan. And I am grown so no parents will be mad with your opinion of my question haha..

[@learnitfromwilliam]

hahahaha, I love your last sentence! I don't want any hate mail from young ppl's parents regarding the college advice :) What part of I.T. interests you the most? And what type of work are you doing now?

[@fgc_7433]

Information Technology Q & A Show Currently Im a Warehouse Lead ive worked in this profession for 10 years and I hate it. My passion has always been computers ever since I was little. I would be happy in Software Development/Engineer, Network Engineer, IT Manager, or starting my own IT business. Basically what I want with my life is to be able to design and create something for the world weather it be alone or on a team and if that wont work Id like to start my own business. Then if all else fails I guess settling for a decent paying IT position in general which would be my last option that I could be happy with. I would like not to settle and try to become what I dream of. I just want to be something not a low level job like Help desk. I could start there just saying I dont want that to be my end result. So any opinion you might have will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

So basically you've been doing the same job since you were 16 so you really have no other work experience on your resume. You've got big dreams and I admire that, but in this scenario, you've got to have a ton of patience. Why? Because you're starting from scratch my friend. You're gonna have to continue to work your job WHILE studying for an I.T. certification. I would consider the Comptia A+, Network & Security certs. You can self study for all of them. If you need classroom time, then you can take classes for this. Once you have at least one cert, then you can start looking for entry level positions using the various methods I've discussed in previous videos. And I'll tell you that most likely you'll be starting in some type of help desk position and the pay isn't all that great. But we all have to start somewhere. Don't get discouraged..you're only 26. That's the same age I was when I started and I've done quite well. Don't SETTLE!! I like how you corrected yourself on that...hope that helps. Have you downloaded and read my resource guide? This will help get your mindset on track. Get it here: askwilliamc.com

[@fgc_7433]

Thanks this is a lot of help. Ill definitely get your resource guide. Also this is perfect I have already been self studying for the Comptia A+ as we speak and plan to have the Certification within a couple of months. Another great thing for me is my wife is finishing Nursing school this December so it will be fine if I need to drop a couple Dollars per hour to start getting my foot in the door. I have to say you have been amazing help and I want to thank you a lot for all your responses.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Anytime my friend. Wish you a ton of success!

[@muhammedsaman3999]

Is a degree in technology management worth it? What work I can do with it? I will be so happy if you enlighten me.

[@maximax2397]

Hi man i am 32 with no background in IT or coding. I find coding interesting, and want to enter that world(to have a job i mean , and make a living). Would you suggest a CS degree or should i just enter te coding world? Considering my age, what would your advice be? Thanx a lot

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Great question Massimo. I'll address this in a video and post it soon.

[@uria702]

Go to a coding bootcamp. It's much better than a cs degree in terms of employability

[@Router994]

what made you want to get a job in IT

[@learnitfromwilliam]

James. I started playing with computers in late 80's then took a class in 94 on Windows 3.1. But then really didn't do much with it for the next 5 yrs (worked dead end jobs). Then me and my buddy decided to go to tech school on a whim and that's how it started. It wasn't something I was passionate about or loved, we just saw that technology was moving fast and thought we'd jump on the train. 18 yrs later and I'm still here.

[@tejavs9252]

Am working as MIS excutive am planning to change to finance because i done bcom in finance & accounts please suggest me .which one is good for career furtur?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Sorry, really not sure I understand what you are asking.

[@ouija8498]

Hey I am a junior in High School wanting to go into IT something with computers. I sorta know coding but I know a lot about computers. What field could I go into and where could I get a job. Also, for college getting my bachelors what field of computers should I go for?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Thanks for watching. What area of IT interests you? Once you determine that, we can then figure out what to study.

[@Stox_intake]

Guys i would kindly really like to know if a degree in bcom information systems management is a good degree? The modules that the university i enrolled in do are software development, information systems and business management. Do u think this degree is worth doing? REPLY

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Hello. Is "bcom" Business Communications? It really depends on what area of I.T. you want to work in. Then you know which degree to pursue.

[@asima4464]

Can you please make a detailed video on MIS degree, I wanted to know what knowledge I should have prior to applying for the degree and what kind of jobs we get. I have an IT engineering background but I'm more of a management person, is this right for me?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Hi, I don't recall exactly what I discussed in this video but I think I talked about an MIS degree, no? So you want to become a manager in the I.T. field?

[@richardwagnerjr]

I've heard there is a lot of age discrimination in IT. What do you think about that? True or False?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

You're the first person I've heard that from so I really don't have an opinion other than to not believe it. Where did you get this info from?

[@richardwagnerjr]

Information Technology Q & A Show Just various blogs and vids. But it's nice to know that it's not an issue. Thanks for the reply! Great vid!