Q&A -Will a 1 yr College Certification get me a Job?

[@slayer93metalful]

Great video once again. If you're looking for video ideas, you could try one on computer forensics if you like. I'm teaching myself and would love your advice/opinions (if any).

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Thanks for watching. Anything specific about forensics that you're interested in? I'd have to research this as I'm not all that familiar with those jobs.

[@agir68]

Hi William, I have gone through a 1 year certificate program here in Canada. The program was awesome and taught us a wide range of material. Some of the things we learned were: Routing and Switching (packet tracer and physical stuff), Server 2k12r2, Virtualization, Linux, and other fun things. I would definitely recommend a 1 year Certificate program (If you know little about Server and Networks). BUT ! As you said, make sure to research the Institute/Collage you are going to. Some of them are just crap, and a waste of time. I once saw a "System Admin" program where they studied MS Office for a semester. Thank you, EC

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Thanks so much for confirming what I said. Glad you found a great school. Any chance you can name the school and location so that fellow Canadians looking have a reference to a good school? Thanks for watching!

[@Sonihowcool]

Which school and the name of the certificate you took in Canada?

[@wiiiz3]

did your program offer internship or placements?

[@K1ddoh]

ok, so, I've recently have done exactly what this video was about. it was an institute for an IT program for 7 months and you would be labeled as a "computer support specialist" after you complete the program on the diploma. all we did is scratch the surface. so I only know about 10% of things like, power shell, VMware, Cisco packet tracer, ITIL management, security+, A+, Network+. Basically I didn't learn a thing, we did small bits of what's required or what it's like if you "had that job". I was not ready to be certified, it wasn't a consistent thing to make you certifiable. After completion of the program I applied to jobs, got nothing because no experience and no real training or understanding. All in all, it's not really worth going to an institute, it DEPENDS, but I could of just picked up a book, watched KZbin all day, and go at it on my own time and saved 12k in loans...just saying.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Thanks for the comment. I really don't remember what I said in this video but yes you do have a good point. It's exactly what my experience was. But it also depends on the school and the curriculum so I would still consider it because some ppl are not disciplined enough to self study and/or NEED a classroom environment.

[@aubelle8250]

With 20 years of IT working experience, possessing a BS in MIS, re-certified in A+, Network+, and a successful student alumni of the Cisco Academy, I have to tell you, as a woman in IT having jumped through all these hoops, and continuing to do so, my experience is that it takes more than just doing what you're. I found I was able to successfully connect in the academic arena of the IT boys club. But in the working environment different story. Regardless of all my perseverance and hard effort I don't even know what to say...for me my observation is, I just don't fit in. I love IT, but it's been a very frustrating journey for me. I've seen a lot of bull shit in my experience. So, I have to say, from my prospective, I can only agree with your advice, to a point. Unfortunately, that is what it is. I don't mean to discourage anyone, again this is just my experience.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

I remember you mentioning some of your frustrations in a previous comment a few weeks back. Sucks to hear that you've had a difficult time. Perhaps a change of career is in order? Sounds like you've got the credentials to do alot of different things. The fact remains however that you have to push through all the obstacles no matter what phase of your career and what profession you're in (no just I.T.). And thanks for your thoughts again!

[@kpbabyyy23]

Hey huge fan man keep up the good work. I have a question. I just landed my first IT help desk job straight from community college And now I'm working on my bachelors in cybersecurity at UMUC while I'm working. I've been there for 6 months now part time. I thought I knew everything about computers but on the job I feel like I know nothing. People are way more advanced than me. Every time the phone ring my heart drops and I can never assist someone without help from a co worker. Is this normal? Do you have any advice? Or does this mean IT is not for me? Please give me some advice.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Oh..nice questions, I'll be certain to put this in a video. Thanks for the ideas! And congrats on the new job...keep at it!

[@learnitfromwilliam]

I just uploaded a video to address your questions. Hope it helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGKop2uJl9yaacU

[@jacobschenher861]

Thanks for the video! I asked you that question and this helped explain it perfectly once again!!

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Yep, the video was inspired by your question!

[@allysaber949]

Also read job qualifications too. What does the employer want from you

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Yes that is true but also remember that the job descriptions are usually flooded with qualifications and "wants" that are irrelevant to the actual job you will be performing. It still baffles me that employers do this but they do. It's also very frustrating as a new person seeking employment because they see this laundry list of qualifications and they run away because its overwhelming. I've actually talked about this on other videos. Anyhow, appreciate your input.

[@allysaber949]

I remember you talking about that in your video. I'm sorry I was talking more about acing the interview and that was my fault for not explaining. Not just alone on listing but they even ask but you never use those skills. My current job I didnt have to do half the stuff I was required but needed to learn other skills that werent on the list. This might be because HR doesnt update/using the same template for the job description. Sometimes they will say you need this certification but if you have 5 years of experience, the certification won't matter as much but still recommended (like you said in the video, sorry if im repeating it has been my rant for years) Overall i agree with you, it is silly.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Alex Saber Gotcha, you're exactly right! Always appreciate the comments.

[@chrisgast]

I have a hard time sitting down and reading books - even if it will help me for a job. It frustrates me like crazy that I can't just get it done. I can read. I just don't have the patience as much as I used to. I did try the exam a couple times, and I thought I had it, but unfortunately not enough.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Have you downloaded and read my short resource guide? If not, you should...it'll help you with this topic. You can get it here: askwilliam.com

[@ChalkboardMom]

Do you still have your Facebook group available?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Yes, c'mon over and join: facebook.com/groups/infotechqa

[@johnnycincocero]

Hey...how are you? Just found your channel. subscribed after I watched one of them. Very informative. Especially the tip you provided in a previous video about writing legibly. I hope you can provide me with some advice. I'm in my early 40s and currently employed with a major telecom and ISP corporation in the Northeast. I've been there for 20 years. It's a good paying job and I don't plan on changing careers anytime soon. As I need 10 more years in the company in order to receive a full pension. I will be around 53 years of age and want to set myself up with an IT career after I "retire". Currently studying for the CompTia A+ exams. Moreover, I plan on enrolling in Western Governors University, a distance learning institution later this year. What advice can you give us older folks who have work experience and want to venture into the exciting world of IT. Also, is there a lot of ageism in the tech field? How can I gain experience while working a full time job. I apologize for the long winded post. Thanks for the Vids and the invaluable advice.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Hello Johnny. I'm assuming you don't already work in the tech dept in this company? BTW, I'm almost 42, so I'm right there with you :) 10 yrs into the future with technology is like ancient history. Things will be radically different when you're ready to jump in and it's hard to tell you right now how to prepare for that. Now, I'm not saying that you shouldn't start but by the time you're ready, the stuff you've learned and studied might be obsolete. Technology is like buying a car..soon as you drive it off the lot, it dropped in value immediately. What areas of I.T. interest you? A+ is a good place to start because it's the very basics of computing which is important. How to get experience while working...that's tricky. If you want real world experience, you'd have to get a second job and that's probably not desirable (it wouldn't be for me either). You can obviously get experience by setting up a lab at home and mess around as well. Maybe eventually you can freelance once you've got some light experience. Is there any chance you can move into the I.T. dept of your company? Have you looked into that. Because if you can, and you gain experience there, you'd be golden once you "retire". I'll leave you with this...Cloud computing is the future. Start looking into that. It's gonna be a big deal in 10 yrs.

[@HALLIWEL07]

Hey man i like your vids, i am looking to do an associate degree in IT NETWORK if i complete that would i be able to start at lets say 55,000 per yr and then work my way up with experience or should i complete more education later

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Hello. If you have no experience at all and just have an AA degree, then 55K might be a bit out of range for entry level work. Depending on where you live, the range will most likely be between 30-45 for entry level.

[@richardwagnerjr]

Ha you Mastermind! Have read it three times yet?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Not sure I follow what you're saying? what did I miss?

[@muhammadatef5918]

it's useful vid thx a lot our teacher hehe

[@learnitfromwilliam]

So glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@faded_mbs593]

what would be the courses I need to work in database administration.

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Depends on which database platform you'll be working with. For example, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle are the two biggest one's out there. So you can take courses offered that are in those two categories.

[@blackturtle9347]

I dont know how can you answer all this questions 😎

[@learnitfromwilliam]

It's what I love to do!

[@Beatreminder]

Sir hopefully you should be fine as before Sir I need your assistance in my career...... Sir please reply me....i want to talk with you directly is it possible???? waiting for your kin reply

[@learnitfromwilliam]

Send me a private message via youtube. On the home page of my channel, click the "about" button, then click the "send message" button.

[@Beatreminder]

Sir I completed my graduation in computer science and in this degree i studies C language,Networking,DBMS and Operating systems ... Sir i would like become a program but right now I am working as a indexer in a company Sir i planned to again start my study to get some degrees in Languages as well in networking Sir what you suggest that which language degree as well as networking degree is benefited to me Waiting for your kind reply

[@SocialFoam]

why do you say 'sir' so many times?

[@Beatreminder]

SocialFoam that's not good to say Sir

[@learnitfromwilliam]

I'm not quite sure I understand what you're asking me. You want to be a programmer? I don't know what an Indexer is.