So, let's tackle the big question: Which IT program or skill certification program should you embark on for your chosen IT career? It's not an easy decision or one that can be made quickly, as it's not only a hefty financial investment, but one that will play a critical role when entering the workforce.
Here are five tips to help you make the degree decision:
1. Investigate IT roles and career paths
The first step is to begin by researching the role you're aiming to step into once you've earned the degree. Knowing exactly what skills and aptitude are required is essential to choosing the right school or program.
"Understand, first and foremost, you must first look at the wide spectrum of IT and the types of positions and careers within IT, as well as how companies are structured and what role IT plays within," advises Matt Ripaldi, another senior VP at Modis.
"For example, what does a software engineer or developer actually do all day long? What careers are in application development versus what careers are within infrastructure? Before you can select what direction to head, you need to understand the roads in front of you and where they lead," he said.
2. Create a short list of roles that interest you
Once you have an understanding of the IT organization and the various roles, you need to determine which role or roles you're most interested in pursuing.
"Narrow your focus by defining what specifically do you like within IT and what you want to pursue," Ripaldi said. Is it software or hardware that you're most interested in? Or is networking that's most enticing?
"Do you like being an individual contributor or would you like being part of and/or leading teams? What types of positions/careers are best aligned with your strengths? Researching the different positions and career paths within IT will help you narrow down which areas to focus on and pursue," said Ripaldi.
3. Network to get insight on what's needed skills wise
Now that you've identified a specific position it's time to talk to those actually working in the field. If you want to be an IT project manager, locate one through your network of friends and family or career services programs and talk to them about their work, educational background and what they might do differently if they were entering the job market today, Ripaldi suggested.
"Ask them question like: How did you become a project manager? Where did you go to school? What classes did you take? What programs or schools would you recommend?" He said.
"Understanding how others got to where you want to go will help you move towards the right career direction," he said. "Attend user group events and jump into online communities that pertain to your IT career interest."
"If you want to be a Java developer, find out where Java developers meet. They will give you excellent career advice about different schools and programs and also what to expect or where to go after graduation. These connections will serve as good mentors for you throughout your career and potentially lead to job opportunities as well," said Ripaldi.
4. Assess and investigate educational options
Once you've decided what IT role you're interested in, it's time to figure out whether to enroll in a program, college or certification institution. Education is a key element to career success so determining where to learn is a critical decision.
Ripaldi says there's a wide range of information that you need to gleam about potential school choices before making a decision.
Do you do better in big class settings or more on-on-one environments? Do you crave the theory and philosophy behind technology, or more of the nuts and bolts and learning hands-on? Maybe you want to take general computer science for a two-year degree then move to another educational program for a four-year degree. Choosing the right educational environment requires answers to all those questions and also must take into account the real-life issues of cost and location.
"In-person classes are always the preferred and most effective learning environment," noted Pollock. "Computer science is a very hands-on profession, and students will learn best interacting with their projects and peers at the same time. Flexible online classes are a suitable substitution, allowing the student the time to work part or full-time to help pay for their education along the way."
5. Get enrolled and get the career moving forward
Once you've collected all needed insight and investigated colleges that meet your criteria, make a short list of those offering the educational foundation you need to embark on your IT career.
"Now that you understand IT, you've narrowed down your career and networked with IT people in those roles, the last step is matching your career path to schools that offer programs that suit your needs," says Ripaldi. But before you enroll make sure you investigate the schools' job assistance programs and other career services offered, as they can be potentially vital to finding employment after graduation.
- See more at: http://www.mentorus.co.in
Here are five tips to help you make the degree decision:
1. Investigate IT roles and career paths
The first step is to begin by researching the role you're aiming to step into once you've earned the degree. Knowing exactly what skills and aptitude are required is essential to choosing the right school or program.
"Understand, first and foremost, you must first look at the wide spectrum of IT and the types of positions and careers within IT, as well as how companies are structured and what role IT plays within," advises Matt Ripaldi, another senior VP at Modis.
"For example, what does a software engineer or developer actually do all day long? What careers are in application development versus what careers are within infrastructure? Before you can select what direction to head, you need to understand the roads in front of you and where they lead," he said.
2. Create a short list of roles that interest you
Once you have an understanding of the IT organization and the various roles, you need to determine which role or roles you're most interested in pursuing.
"Narrow your focus by defining what specifically do you like within IT and what you want to pursue," Ripaldi said. Is it software or hardware that you're most interested in? Or is networking that's most enticing?
"Do you like being an individual contributor or would you like being part of and/or leading teams? What types of positions/careers are best aligned with your strengths? Researching the different positions and career paths within IT will help you narrow down which areas to focus on and pursue," said Ripaldi.
3. Network to get insight on what's needed skills wise
Now that you've identified a specific position it's time to talk to those actually working in the field. If you want to be an IT project manager, locate one through your network of friends and family or career services programs and talk to them about their work, educational background and what they might do differently if they were entering the job market today, Ripaldi suggested.
"Ask them question like: How did you become a project manager? Where did you go to school? What classes did you take? What programs or schools would you recommend?" He said.
"Understanding how others got to where you want to go will help you move towards the right career direction," he said. "Attend user group events and jump into online communities that pertain to your IT career interest."
"If you want to be a Java developer, find out where Java developers meet. They will give you excellent career advice about different schools and programs and also what to expect or where to go after graduation. These connections will serve as good mentors for you throughout your career and potentially lead to job opportunities as well," said Ripaldi.
4. Assess and investigate educational options
Once you've decided what IT role you're interested in, it's time to figure out whether to enroll in a program, college or certification institution. Education is a key element to career success so determining where to learn is a critical decision.
Ripaldi says there's a wide range of information that you need to gleam about potential school choices before making a decision.
Do you do better in big class settings or more on-on-one environments? Do you crave the theory and philosophy behind technology, or more of the nuts and bolts and learning hands-on? Maybe you want to take general computer science for a two-year degree then move to another educational program for a four-year degree. Choosing the right educational environment requires answers to all those questions and also must take into account the real-life issues of cost and location.
"In-person classes are always the preferred and most effective learning environment," noted Pollock. "Computer science is a very hands-on profession, and students will learn best interacting with their projects and peers at the same time. Flexible online classes are a suitable substitution, allowing the student the time to work part or full-time to help pay for their education along the way."
5. Get enrolled and get the career moving forward
Once you've collected all needed insight and investigated colleges that meet your criteria, make a short list of those offering the educational foundation you need to embark on your IT career.
"Now that you understand IT, you've narrowed down your career and networked with IT people in those roles, the last step is matching your career path to schools that offer programs that suit your needs," says Ripaldi. But before you enroll make sure you investigate the schools' job assistance programs and other career services offered, as they can be potentially vital to finding employment after graduation.
- See more at: http://www.mentorus.co.in
So,
let's tackle the big question: Which IT program or skill certification
program should you embark on for your chosen IT career? It's not an easy
decision or one that can be made quickly, as it's not only a hefty
financial investment, but one that will play a critical role when
entering the workforce.
Here are five tips to help you make the degree decision:
"Understand, first and foremost, you must first look at the wide spectrum of IT and the types of positions and careers within IT, as well as how companies are structured and what role IT plays within," advises Matt Ripaldi, another senior VP at Modis.
"For example, what does a software engineer or developer actually do all day long? What careers are in application development versus what careers are within infrastructure? Before you can select what direction to head, you need to understand the roads in front of you and where they lead," he said.
"Narrow your focus by defining what specifically do you like within IT and what you want to pursue," Ripaldi said. Is it software or hardware that you're most interested in? Or is networking that's most enticing?
"Do you like being an individual contributor or would you like being part of and/or leading teams? What types of positions/careers are best aligned with your strengths? Researching the different positions and career paths within IT will help you narrow down which areas to focus on and pursue," said Ripaldi.
"Ask them question like: How did you become a project manager? Where did you go to school? What classes did you take? What programs or schools would you recommend?" He said.
"Understanding how others got to where you want to go will help you move towards the right career direction," he said. "Attend user group events and jump into online communities that pertain to your IT career interest."
"If you want to be a Java developer, find out where Java developers meet. They will give you excellent career advice about different schools and programs and also what to expect or where to go after graduation. These connections will serve as good mentors for you throughout your career and potentially lead to job opportunities as well," said Ripaldi.
Ripaldi says there's a wide range of information that you need to gleam about potential school choices before making a decision.
Do you do better in big class settings or more on-on-one environments? Do you crave the theory and philosophy behind technology, or more of the nuts and bolts and learning hands-on? Maybe you want to take general computer science for a two-year degree then move to another educational program for a four-year degree. Choosing the right educational environment requires answers to all those questions and also must take into account the real-life issues of cost and location.
"In-person classes are always the preferred and most effective learning environment," noted Pollock. "Computer science is a very hands-on profession, and students will learn best interacting with their projects and peers at the same time. Flexible online classes are a suitable substitution, allowing the student the time to work part or full-time to help pay for their education along the way."
"Now that you understand IT, you've narrowed down your career and networked with IT people in those roles, the last step is matching your career path to schools that offer programs that suit your needs," says Ripaldi. But before you enroll make sure you investigate the schools' job assistance programs and other career services offered, as they can be potentially vital to finding employment after graduation.
- See more at: http://www.mentorus.co.in
Here are five tips to help you make the degree decision:
1. Investigate IT roles and career paths
The first step is to begin by researching the role you're aiming to step into once you've earned the degree. Knowing exactly what skills and aptitude are required is essential to choosing the right school or program."Understand, first and foremost, you must first look at the wide spectrum of IT and the types of positions and careers within IT, as well as how companies are structured and what role IT plays within," advises Matt Ripaldi, another senior VP at Modis.
"For example, what does a software engineer or developer actually do all day long? What careers are in application development versus what careers are within infrastructure? Before you can select what direction to head, you need to understand the roads in front of you and where they lead," he said.
2. Create a short list of roles that interest you
Once you have an understanding of the IT organization and the various roles, you need to determine which role or roles you're most interested in pursuing."Narrow your focus by defining what specifically do you like within IT and what you want to pursue," Ripaldi said. Is it software or hardware that you're most interested in? Or is networking that's most enticing?
"Do you like being an individual contributor or would you like being part of and/or leading teams? What types of positions/careers are best aligned with your strengths? Researching the different positions and career paths within IT will help you narrow down which areas to focus on and pursue," said Ripaldi.
3. Network to get insight on what's needed skills wise
Now that you've identified a specific position it's time to talk to those actually working in the field. If you want to be an IT project manager, locate one through your network of friends and family or career services programs and talk to them about their work, educational background and what they might do differently if they were entering the job market today, Ripaldi suggested."Ask them question like: How did you become a project manager? Where did you go to school? What classes did you take? What programs or schools would you recommend?" He said.
"Understanding how others got to where you want to go will help you move towards the right career direction," he said. "Attend user group events and jump into online communities that pertain to your IT career interest."
"If you want to be a Java developer, find out where Java developers meet. They will give you excellent career advice about different schools and programs and also what to expect or where to go after graduation. These connections will serve as good mentors for you throughout your career and potentially lead to job opportunities as well," said Ripaldi.
4. Assess and investigate educational options
Once you've decided what IT role you're interested in, it's time to figure out whether to enroll in a program, college or certification institution. Education is a key element to career success so determining where to learn is a critical decision.Ripaldi says there's a wide range of information that you need to gleam about potential school choices before making a decision.
Do you do better in big class settings or more on-on-one environments? Do you crave the theory and philosophy behind technology, or more of the nuts and bolts and learning hands-on? Maybe you want to take general computer science for a two-year degree then move to another educational program for a four-year degree. Choosing the right educational environment requires answers to all those questions and also must take into account the real-life issues of cost and location.
"In-person classes are always the preferred and most effective learning environment," noted Pollock. "Computer science is a very hands-on profession, and students will learn best interacting with their projects and peers at the same time. Flexible online classes are a suitable substitution, allowing the student the time to work part or full-time to help pay for their education along the way."
5. Get enrolled and get the career moving forward
Once you've collected all needed insight and investigated colleges that meet your criteria, make a short list of those offering the educational foundation you need to embark on your IT career."Now that you understand IT, you've narrowed down your career and networked with IT people in those roles, the last step is matching your career path to schools that offer programs that suit your needs," says Ripaldi. But before you enroll make sure you investigate the schools' job assistance programs and other career services offered, as they can be potentially vital to finding employment after graduation.
- See more at: http://www.mentorus.co.in
So,
let's tackle the big question: Which IT program or skill certification
program should you embark on for your chosen IT career? It's not an easy
decision or one that can be made quickly, as it's not only a hefty
financial investment, but one that will play a critical role when
entering the workforce.
Here are five tips to help you make the degree decision:
"Understand, first and foremost, you must first look at the wide spectrum of IT and the types of positions and careers within IT, as well as how companies are structured and what role IT plays within," advises Matt Ripaldi, another senior VP at Modis.
"For example, what does a software engineer or developer actually do all day long? What careers are in application development versus what careers are within infrastructure? Before you can select what direction to head, you need to understand the roads in front of you and where they lead," he said.
"Narrow your focus by defining what specifically do you like within IT and what you want to pursue," Ripaldi said. Is it software or hardware that you're most interested in? Or is networking that's most enticing?
"Do you like being an individual contributor or would you like being part of and/or leading teams? What types of positions/careers are best aligned with your strengths? Researching the different positions and career paths within IT will help you narrow down which areas to focus on and pursue," said Ripaldi.
"Ask them question like: How did you become a project manager? Where did you go to school? What classes did you take? What programs or schools would you recommend?" He said.
"Understanding how others got to where you want to go will help you move towards the right career direction," he said. "Attend user group events and jump into online communities that pertain to your IT career interest."
"If you want to be a Java developer, find out where Java developers meet. They will give you excellent career advice about different schools and programs and also what to expect or where to go after graduation. These connections will serve as good mentors for you throughout your career and potentially lead to job opportunities as well," said Ripaldi.
Ripaldi says there's a wide range of information that you need to gleam about potential school choices before making a decision.
Do you do better in big class settings or more on-on-one environments? Do you crave the theory and philosophy behind technology, or more of the nuts and bolts and learning hands-on? Maybe you want to take general computer science for a two-year degree then move to another educational program for a four-year degree. Choosing the right educational environment requires answers to all those questions and also must take into account the real-life issues of cost and location.
"In-person classes are always the preferred and most effective learning environment," noted Pollock. "Computer science is a very hands-on profession, and students will learn best interacting with their projects and peers at the same time. Flexible online classes are a suitable substitution, allowing the student the time to work part or full-time to help pay for their education along the way."
"Now that you understand IT, you've narrowed down your career and networked with IT people in those roles, the last step is matching your career path to schools that offer programs that suit your needs," says Ripaldi. But before you enroll make sure you investigate the schools' job assistance programs and other career services offered, as they can be potentially vital to finding employment after graduation.
- See more at: http://www.mentorus.co.in
Here are five tips to help you make the degree decision:
1. Investigate IT roles and career paths
The first step is to begin by researching the role you're aiming to step into once you've earned the degree. Knowing exactly what skills and aptitude are required is essential to choosing the right school or program."Understand, first and foremost, you must first look at the wide spectrum of IT and the types of positions and careers within IT, as well as how companies are structured and what role IT plays within," advises Matt Ripaldi, another senior VP at Modis.
"For example, what does a software engineer or developer actually do all day long? What careers are in application development versus what careers are within infrastructure? Before you can select what direction to head, you need to understand the roads in front of you and where they lead," he said.
2. Create a short list of roles that interest you
Once you have an understanding of the IT organization and the various roles, you need to determine which role or roles you're most interested in pursuing."Narrow your focus by defining what specifically do you like within IT and what you want to pursue," Ripaldi said. Is it software or hardware that you're most interested in? Or is networking that's most enticing?
"Do you like being an individual contributor or would you like being part of and/or leading teams? What types of positions/careers are best aligned with your strengths? Researching the different positions and career paths within IT will help you narrow down which areas to focus on and pursue," said Ripaldi.
3. Network to get insight on what's needed skills wise
Now that you've identified a specific position it's time to talk to those actually working in the field. If you want to be an IT project manager, locate one through your network of friends and family or career services programs and talk to them about their work, educational background and what they might do differently if they were entering the job market today, Ripaldi suggested."Ask them question like: How did you become a project manager? Where did you go to school? What classes did you take? What programs or schools would you recommend?" He said.
"Understanding how others got to where you want to go will help you move towards the right career direction," he said. "Attend user group events and jump into online communities that pertain to your IT career interest."
"If you want to be a Java developer, find out where Java developers meet. They will give you excellent career advice about different schools and programs and also what to expect or where to go after graduation. These connections will serve as good mentors for you throughout your career and potentially lead to job opportunities as well," said Ripaldi.
4. Assess and investigate educational options
Once you've decided what IT role you're interested in, it's time to figure out whether to enroll in a program, college or certification institution. Education is a key element to career success so determining where to learn is a critical decision.Ripaldi says there's a wide range of information that you need to gleam about potential school choices before making a decision.
Do you do better in big class settings or more on-on-one environments? Do you crave the theory and philosophy behind technology, or more of the nuts and bolts and learning hands-on? Maybe you want to take general computer science for a two-year degree then move to another educational program for a four-year degree. Choosing the right educational environment requires answers to all those questions and also must take into account the real-life issues of cost and location.
"In-person classes are always the preferred and most effective learning environment," noted Pollock. "Computer science is a very hands-on profession, and students will learn best interacting with their projects and peers at the same time. Flexible online classes are a suitable substitution, allowing the student the time to work part or full-time to help pay for their education along the way."
5. Get enrolled and get the career moving forward
Once you've collected all needed insight and investigated colleges that meet your criteria, make a short list of those offering the educational foundation you need to embark on your IT career."Now that you understand IT, you've narrowed down your career and networked with IT people in those roles, the last step is matching your career path to schools that offer programs that suit your needs," says Ripaldi. But before you enroll make sure you investigate the schools' job assistance programs and other career services offered, as they can be potentially vital to finding employment after graduation.
- See more at: http://www.mentorus.co.in
So,
let's tackle the big question: Which IT program or skill certification
program should you embark on for your chosen IT career? It's not an easy
decision or one that can be made quickly, as it's not only a hefty
financial investment, but one that will play a critical role when
entering the workforce.
Here are five tips to help you make the degree decision:
"Understand, first and foremost, you must first look at the wide spectrum of IT and the types of positions and careers within IT, as well as how companies are structured and what role IT plays within," advises Matt Ripaldi, another senior VP at Modis.
"For example, what does a software engineer or developer actually do all day long? What careers are in application development versus what careers are within infrastructure? Before you can select what direction to head, you need to understand the roads in front of you and where they lead," he said.
"Narrow your focus by defining what specifically do you like within IT and what you want to pursue," Ripaldi said. Is it software or hardware that you're most interested in? Or is networking that's most enticing?
"Do you like being an individual contributor or would you like being part of and/or leading teams? What types of positions/careers are best aligned with your strengths? Researching the different positions and career paths within IT will help you narrow down which areas to focus on and pursue," said Ripaldi.
"Ask them question like: How did you become a project manager? Where did you go to school? What classes did you take? What programs or schools would you recommend?" He said.
"Understanding how others got to where you want to go will help you move towards the right career direction," he said. "Attend user group events and jump into online communities that pertain to your IT career interest."
"If you want to be a Java developer, find out where Java developers meet. They will give you excellent career advice about different schools and programs and also what to expect or where to go after graduation. These connections will serve as good mentors for you throughout your career and potentially lead to job opportunities as well," said Ripaldi.
Ripaldi says there's a wide range of information that you need to gleam about potential school choices before making a decision.
Do you do better in big class settings or more on-on-one environments? Do you crave the theory and philosophy behind technology, or more of the nuts and bolts and learning hands-on? Maybe you want to take general computer science for a two-year degree then move to another educational program for a four-year degree. Choosing the right educational environment requires answers to all those questions and also must take into account the real-life issues of cost and location.
"In-person classes are always the preferred and most effective learning environment," noted Pollock. "Computer science is a very hands-on profession, and students will learn best interacting with their projects and peers at the same time. Flexible online classes are a suitable substitution, allowing the student the time to work part or full-time to help pay for their education along the way."
"Now that you understand IT, you've narrowed down your career and networked with IT people in those roles, the last step is matching your career path to schools that offer programs that suit your needs," says Ripaldi. But before you enroll make sure you investigate the schools' job assistance programs and other career services offered, as they can be potentially vital to finding employment after graduation.
- See more at: http://www.mentorus.co.in
Here are five tips to help you make the degree decision:
1. Investigate IT roles and career paths
The first step is to begin by researching the role you're aiming to step into once you've earned the degree. Knowing exactly what skills and aptitude are required is essential to choosing the right school or program."Understand, first and foremost, you must first look at the wide spectrum of IT and the types of positions and careers within IT, as well as how companies are structured and what role IT plays within," advises Matt Ripaldi, another senior VP at Modis.
"For example, what does a software engineer or developer actually do all day long? What careers are in application development versus what careers are within infrastructure? Before you can select what direction to head, you need to understand the roads in front of you and where they lead," he said.
2. Create a short list of roles that interest you
Once you have an understanding of the IT organization and the various roles, you need to determine which role or roles you're most interested in pursuing."Narrow your focus by defining what specifically do you like within IT and what you want to pursue," Ripaldi said. Is it software or hardware that you're most interested in? Or is networking that's most enticing?
"Do you like being an individual contributor or would you like being part of and/or leading teams? What types of positions/careers are best aligned with your strengths? Researching the different positions and career paths within IT will help you narrow down which areas to focus on and pursue," said Ripaldi.
3. Network to get insight on what's needed skills wise
Now that you've identified a specific position it's time to talk to those actually working in the field. If you want to be an IT project manager, locate one through your network of friends and family or career services programs and talk to them about their work, educational background and what they might do differently if they were entering the job market today, Ripaldi suggested."Ask them question like: How did you become a project manager? Where did you go to school? What classes did you take? What programs or schools would you recommend?" He said.
"Understanding how others got to where you want to go will help you move towards the right career direction," he said. "Attend user group events and jump into online communities that pertain to your IT career interest."
"If you want to be a Java developer, find out where Java developers meet. They will give you excellent career advice about different schools and programs and also what to expect or where to go after graduation. These connections will serve as good mentors for you throughout your career and potentially lead to job opportunities as well," said Ripaldi.
4. Assess and investigate educational options
Once you've decided what IT role you're interested in, it's time to figure out whether to enroll in a program, college or certification institution. Education is a key element to career success so determining where to learn is a critical decision.Ripaldi says there's a wide range of information that you need to gleam about potential school choices before making a decision.
Do you do better in big class settings or more on-on-one environments? Do you crave the theory and philosophy behind technology, or more of the nuts and bolts and learning hands-on? Maybe you want to take general computer science for a two-year degree then move to another educational program for a four-year degree. Choosing the right educational environment requires answers to all those questions and also must take into account the real-life issues of cost and location.
"In-person classes are always the preferred and most effective learning environment," noted Pollock. "Computer science is a very hands-on profession, and students will learn best interacting with their projects and peers at the same time. Flexible online classes are a suitable substitution, allowing the student the time to work part or full-time to help pay for their education along the way."
5. Get enrolled and get the career moving forward
Once you've collected all needed insight and investigated colleges that meet your criteria, make a short list of those offering the educational foundation you need to embark on your IT career."Now that you understand IT, you've narrowed down your career and networked with IT people in those roles, the last step is matching your career path to schools that offer programs that suit your needs," says Ripaldi. But before you enroll make sure you investigate the schools' job assistance programs and other career services offered, as they can be potentially vital to finding employment after graduation.
- See more at: http://www.mentorus.co.in
