Ask IT Career Coach

How To Find Your Passion In Information Technology (IT)

Tracie (Detroit, Michigan) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:51:11 +0000

I would like to get into the tech field but not sure where to start. I know I use to like repairing computer systems when I was in the military.

I got a degree in computer info systems but got discouraged after spending all that time and money only to be told that I didn’t have the up to date skills needed for the jobs.

I took the first job to come along (clerical) after that and have been doing that ever since (8 years now).

I really want to find a career path in Information Technology (IT) that I will enjoy. I was considering getting MCDST certified.

Do you think that is close enough to what I enjoyed doing in this field before or is there another path I should explore?

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Joseph Bell (Waldorf, Maryland) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:31:38 +0000

I am working toward a computer network certification.

What kind of job can get with only a certification?

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How To Ace SAS Programming Interview For Biotech

Rob (Redmond City, California) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:52:51 +0000

I have my final interview as an entry-level statistical programmer 1 for a large BioTech firm. Here is the job description: A beginning clinical programmer is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the flow of clinical data into the computer database. He or she analyzes and evaluates clinical data, recognizes inconsistencies, and initiates the resolution of data problems.
I am a current graduate of Statistics and all my research involved R (in never used a GUI so that’s a plus), and the company is aware of my background, however, I still need to pass the company’s skill test in SAS to affirm my position.
They said to study SASbase and SAS/STAT.
How would you suggest the optimal approach to obtaining enough SAS to pass the exam in the least amount of time.
What are the usual questions for the entry-level sas programmer in a skills test exam?
The company uses Linux, is there other/additional languages that would be helpful?
Any additional recommendations would be appreciated.

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How To Become A Business Intelligence Analyst?

Troy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:25:37 +0000

Can I easily move from BA to Business Intelligence Analyst without a lot of schooling / training?

And if schooling or training is needed, what do you recommend?

I have a BA Degree in Organizational Mgmt & Comm, but have been a BA the past 4 1/2 years and prior to that I was a QA Analyst for 11-12 years. And Prior to that I was a Product Specialist for a large Insurance company for many years.

I’ve had quite a bit of experience with SQL and HTML, and some Relational DB when I was working on my Masters in Software Systems many years ago.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great appreciated!

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Troy

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How To Learn SQL

cleanmedia2 — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:14:14 +0000

I would like to learn SQL. Is there a way I can learn it on my PC (compiler, program, etc)?

http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/05/12/will-better-database-design-improve-sql-query-performance/

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How To Become A Network Administrator

Michael Beyene — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:37:29 +0000

I am a final year BA degree Computer science student interested in developing a career in Network Administrator

Can you tell me the future prospects for NWA jobs and do i need to have a good knowledge of programming like C,C++,java,.net etc to be a Network Administrator ?

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I Want the Hottest Technical Skills Without College!

Kenetia Shackleford — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:49:42 +0000

I need help on how to update my technical skills since I haven’t worked in the field since 2001.

I took a break and just had clerical jobs while my children were babies, but now I want to restart my career but not sure how do it.

I know the skills listed on my resume are outdated and Im not really sure the the Hottest technical skills are at this time.

I found a site where i could learn SQL, VB and some web development tools but Im not sure if this will help me or not.

HOw do I find how whats hot and gain knowledge without having to go back to school.

Heres my career plan…..get an entry level tech support job or implementation specialit job and then work my way up to (1) Software Q&A Analyst, (2) Systems Analyst and my dream job is to become a Project Manager.

Can you please help me. I’m attaching a copy of my resume for you to see my current skills and offer some advice.

KENETIA SHACKLEFORD

QUALIFICATIONS

Analytical Skills, Telephone Skills, Computer Literate, Communication Skills, Organization Skills
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Operating Systems/Networking
Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Windows NT Server/Workstation 4.0, OS/2 Warp 3.0
Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Novell 3.1/4.x

Topology/Protocols
Token Ring, Ethernet, TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and Netbeui

Applications
Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Office 95-2000, Support Magic Solutions, Vantive, Remedy, Microsoft Outlook/Exchange, Quattro Pro for Windows, Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Netscape Communicator, Frontpage 97, Ghost 3.0 – 5.1, FaxWorks Pro for OS/2, MCAFEE, Intel LanDesk Virus, Sytos Plus, Winzip 6.2, Acrobat Reader, Timbuktu Pro and various proprietary software

Hardware
Emachine, IBM, Dell, NEC, Compaq, UNISYS, HPJ4580,

West At Home LLC Carrollton, GA Dec 2008 – Present
Customer Service Agent/Data Entry Clerk
• Answer incoming calls for Conferencing Solutions Client
• Enter client information into conferencing database
• Connect speakers, leaders and participants to appropriate conference call

Randstad Staffing Agency Carrollton, GA Aug 2005 – June 2006
Paint Department Data Administrator
• Prepared, updated and distributed daily reports to management for continuous improvements
• Charted Paint department performance objectives, created new forms, data management spreadsheets and reporting formats as required by the department
• Assisted the Paint Department in clerical functions such as typing and photocopying

Carroll County DFCS Carrollton, GA Dec 2003 – May 2004
Social Services Program Assistant
• Performed clerical duties to assist staff with ongoing/closed case files
• Accepted and recorded cash transactions from clients
• Served as backup receptionist on a rotation basis with other clerical workers
• Maintained services file room, handled customers and typed lengthy narratives for management

Apex Systems Inc. Atlanta, GA Jun 2001 – Dec 2001
Technical Support Analyst
• Provided administrative support for network logins
• Provided technical internal support for 600 employees with TBS applications
• Provided support for MS Office Outlook, Win 95,98, and 2000 issues

Ceridian Employer Services Atlanta, GA Sep 1999 – Aug 2000
Application Support Analyst
• Worked as a team member to provide proactive account management support to Source 500 customers
• Worked with district Production Associates to resolve processing issues
• Worked with CTS to coordinate customer tax filing needs

Sykes Enterprises Atlanta, GA Feb 1999 – Sep 1999
Response Line Analyst
• Accepted inbound/outbound calls, troubleshooting customer products/services and applications in a banking environment utilizing Windows NT
• Skilled in troubleshooting connectivity- Lan problems with NetOp utility

Lithonia Lighting Conyers, GA Apr 1996 – Feb 1999
Implementation Project Coordinator
Systems Support Specialist 1st & 2nd Level
• Handled incoming software support issues for 600+ users with Lithonia Lighting’s proprietary software for: order-entry, order processing and billing applications in a Windows 95/3.1, NT 4.0, and OS/2 environment
• Provided on-site technical support service and troubleshooting
• Implement, set-up, and support Internet connectivity for remote sites
• Provide E-mail Administration support for new users
• Coordinated and scheduled server/client upgrades for over 100 agents on OS/2, Windows 95, and NT platforms
• Conducted training sessions for new employees and team members
• Implemented on site conversions from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and Windows 95 to NT 4.0, also implemented OS/2 server application
• Developed on-site training plans for agency employees
• Performed Q&A testing on proprietary software
• Installed network and stand-alone devices: printers, RAM, system board, network cards and hard drives
• Support LAN/WAN connectivity via Novell and NT

Lithonia Lighting, Conyers, GA
Systems Support Specialist – 1st Level
• Resolved first level issues for Lithonia agents in a Windows 3.1/ 95 and NT environment
• Logged calls in Support Magic call logging system and routed customer calls to appropriate territory representatives
• Participated in on-call rotation and responded to problems which occurred during non-business hours via pager
• Migrated agents from Windows 3.1 to 95 and NT 3.5 to 4.0 operating system by utilizing the Ghost program
• Implemented and supervised the setup of Canadian warehouse facility by configuring IBM computer systems, connecting US Robotics Courier V.32 modem, installing the warehouse software and establishing server connection with the Lithonia agency

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
• Windows 95/Microsoft Word 6.0
• FrontPage 97
• Installing and Configuring Windows NT Server 4.0

EDUCATION
DeVry Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA 1992
BS Computer Information Systems

Thanks

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June — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:42:10 +0000

I’ve been a software developer (Java) for 10+ years, with some years writing PL/SQL, so you can say I have some SQL exposure.

But now I’d like to explore my options in becoming a statistical / data analyst rather than being a coder.

How do I go about to get the training and experience in this field?

Will Java or .NET Enterprise Architect Training or Certification Help?

Neeta — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:37:48 +0000

I am a senior engineer with a product based MNC having 11 years experience in VC++. Before starting my career I had taken the SCJP certification, but have not worked on java.

My role currently is of a developer and I provide enhancements and fixes for a legacy product. The product also has a web interface provided by an asp application for which I provide support in case there are any queries from customer.

All job requirements nowadays require experience in java or .net.

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Do you Offer Java Training?

tann — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:31:55 +0000

I don’t see java mentioned much here. do see lots of .NET.

I’m sure you can see from online ads , java & related agile skills particularly for web at least match if not exceed openings in other languages.

Do you offer java training & in the equally important frameworks & methodologies which are required to get a java developer position ? Not to mention pay.

Java is known to pay more than other languages.