Sunday, April 15, 2012

systems analyst.. 2 yr degree or masters needed

systems analyst.. 2 yr degree or masters needed??
im thinking of a complete career change, i orginally got my associates in science in radiography (im an xray tech) and then immediately went on to a university to get my bachelors of science in health sciences... but my goal is to do something with computers, pref more along the lines of systems analyst, networking, setting up new networks/computers for companies, managing information systems, etc... i have no formal education in computers, but can say that i know id be good at and enjoy the job. i was originally looking to go get my masters degree in information systems or technology somewhere, but they dont offer it anywhere near where i live which means id have to move and pay out of state tuition and grad programs are very expensive. my other option that i just started to consider is this: there is a community college in my state that offers a computer technology degree, not EXACTLY an managing info systems degree, but offers courses on basic networking, programing, microsoft.... operating systems, java, linux.... so is it worth it for me to go get a masters in info systems, or would i be alright just taking this basic courses at a community college and doing an internship/getting a job. i already have a bachelors degree... so could i just take the comm college courses (which would be alot cheaper, although prob not as good of courses as at a grad school) or do i need to move and pay all the money to get my masters.... what would be my best bet??? my aunt has a job at resorts data processing, she sets up new software/networks/etc for hotels/resorts and gets to travel to all kinds of cool places/work from laptop/home. so should i get a 2 year computer tech degree or the masters in info systems?
Computer Networking - 3 Answers

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1
The more you know, the more you can "sell" to a prospective employer. Go for your Masters!


2
Hi, It is good that you are asking these types of questions in planning your career. I personally went for my Masters (MBA in Information Technology at Walden University). I would look to see what level you are trying to take your career and where you want to focus...more technology driven, business processing, enterprise, requirements management. Another option that you have is Certification, in addition to or maybe in lieu of an acedemic degree (although, I am seeing that more and more jobs are looking for bachelors). My suggestion is that you go to the IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) website: www.IIBA.com. This is an organization this is dedicated to raising the professional level of the Business Analyst through education and certification (or BSA, or SA, possibly.) There may be a local chapter in or near your area and if so, you might consider reaching to the group and get acquainted with the benefits. This organization has chapters in over 30 countries, including the US so chances are you will find good contacts in your area. If not, go to our website and feel free to write me at: president@oc-ca.theiiba. Good luck to you in meeting your career goals. Patricia Perry President, IIBA-Orange County Chapter


3
To answer your question, since you already have a BS or BA, you need to upgrade your background with the industry language you are interested in; i.e. organizations of education, technology. I would recommend cisco networking at a tech school or A +, or even network + certifications. Database Structure (tables), Microsoft Access at a minimum, SQL queries for Report Writing. Crystal Reports is an avenue. Information Systems is the master you would want. You have to know the rudiments of servers, connectivity, and data transformation (import, export); file extensions. If you love it, it is easy. Professionally you have to be able to talk in a man's world with women (she never forgets), and you have to be able to talk in a women's world interjecting over and into the conversation with men who will not give you a turn unless you do that. You must acquire this skill and it must be more than on your wish list. If you are a man, learn from women, and if you are a women learn from men professors.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Info about a Computer Information Systems degree

Info about a Computer Information Systems degree?
Hi, I am considering on completing a CIS degree in four years, but I want more convincing information. I'm afraid that when I finish my four years of school that I'm not going to find a job or be stuck doing menial work at a help desk. I know there are supposed to be plenty of career opportunities for CIS majors, but I'm having a hard time pinpointing jobs (a google-search of "jobs for CIS majors" result with relatively nothing, as compared to a nurse or something) -A lot of jobs require a degree in "Computer science or related field", does a CIS degree count in the related field? -I know I'm probably not going to hit the CIS manager job soon after I graduate, but what are some decent jobs I'm likely to get. -What can/should I do while I'm in school to give me an edge over other CIS students and CS majors? (I heard some CIS majors lose jobs to CS) -I'm thinking about getting an Master's of Business Administration in addition to completing the CIS degree. How helpful would that be? More info/questions added if needed
Higher Education (University +) - 1 Answers

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1
Extremely good questions If you can do CIS, you ought to be able to complete a computer engineering degree. When it comes to competition for a job, the Engineer always has an advantage.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Info on a Computer Information Systems degree

Info on a Computer Information Systems degree?
Hi, I am considering on completing a CIS degree in four years, but I want more convincing information. I'm afraid that when I finish my four years of school that I'm not going to find a job or be stuck doing menial work at a help desk. I know there are supposed to be plenty of career opportunities for CIS majors, but I'm having a hard time pinpointing jobs (a google-search of "jobs for CIS majors" result with relatively nothing, as compared to a nurse or something) -A lot of jobs require a degree in "Computer science or related field", does a CIS degree count in the related field? -I know I'm probably not going to hit the CIS manager job soon after I graduate, but what are some decent jobs I'm likely to get. -What can/should I do while I'm in school to give me an edge over other CIS students and CS majors? (I heard some CIS majors lose jobs to CS) -I'm thinking about getting an Master's of Business Administration in addition to completing the CIS degree. How helpful would that be? More info/questions added if needed
Technology - 1 Answers

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1
Well, you may have hit on the problem. I do not know what a CIS degree entails. I know what a CS degree is about and what an IT degree is about, but CIS almost seems to be a hybrid. That is perhaps one reason that you aren't finding anything. And understand that CS and IT, while related, are different. CS tends to be more computer hardware and operating system centered while IT tends to be more info tech use and application, think 'software engineer'. As in any field, a masters never hurts. But you might consider something a little more specialized than an MBA. Everyone has an MBA. Choose a graduate program that sets you a little apart such as a Masters in Information Systems.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Considering joining the FBI, looking for help with decision

Considering joining the FBI, looking for help with decision.?
I am considering joining the FBI, and wanted some opinions. This change, would be a considerable pay cut for me, but I am interrested in a more exciting/challenging career. A little background. I have a masters in Information Systems and about 7 years work experience. I am not worried about the physical aspect as I can easily meet the requirements on the website. My Concerns I want to make sure its not another boring office job in front of a computer etc. Its hard to find a good description of daily activities. I am a little concerned about the hours and travel becuase I have a wife an child. Would I be assigned to something computer related because of my degree/experience? Anyone have any information, or personal experiences from being a Special Agent? Do you think its worth it? thanks in advance
Law Enforcement & Police - 2 Answers

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1
http://911jobforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58 There is a fantastic site you can surf for relavent information. Yes, alot of it is paperwork, but you will also likely be out interviewing alot, maybe arresting some people now and then, testifying in court. The application process takes at best a year, and after that you will have to spend 21 weeks at Quantico training. Hours are long the first 10 years, and you need to be on call 24/7. You will have to move to a different FO at least 3 times in your career. Perhaps.......you don't have much control over that initially. You would likely be assigned to a counterterrorism squad since there is so much emphasis on that after 9/11, but you could do computers there. Good luck if you decide to do it. Yes it would be worth it. Oh on the PFT as well, you only have a few min rest between the events, so take that into consideration. EDIT- Get that eye exam worked out before you start as well, if you have any questions e-mail me, I may have a few more good links for you about Quantico and Agents.


2
One of the first things you are told when applying for government employment is that they can assign you to where they can utilize you the best. This could be in a mundane position in front of a computer for 8 hrs. a day. This could involve picking up roots and being shipped across the nation in a rural area.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

When you start graduate school, do you have to graduate from the school where you started

When you start graduate school, do you have to graduate from the school where you started?
My fiance and I are planning to move out of state early next year. Hopefully by then, I will have only 2 or 3 classes left to complete for my Master's in Information Systems. Do I have to finish the coursework where I am at? Or can credits be transferred somewhere else?
Higher Education (University +) - 7 Answers

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1
It depends on the school. Some schools let you transfer credits back to the original school. That basically means that you would do your last few classes at the new school, but your degree would be from the first school. At my undergrad school, they didn't allow this. They had a rule which stated that your last 15 credits had to be done at that school if I wanted my degree from there. Go talk to an advisor at your particular school to make sure.


2
You can always transfer. Call your potential school and find out. Most schools wont allow you to do that. ss


3
Most schools would allow you to transfer, but they all will have rules that you have to take so many courses at there school. It will most likely be more than 2-3 classes.


4
Most schools have a "residence" requirement. So, while you may only have 2 or 3 classes left where you are now, you'll probably have to take a lot more hours if you try to transfer somewhere else. Better idea -- take your classes at your new school and transfer them BACK to your old one, thus still falling under your current university's requirements. Check with your advisor.


5
More than likely, you won't be able to transfer more than 12 credits or so to a new school. If I were you, Id just stay until you finish.


6
Nope you do not, however each school has their own matriculation requirements. In transferring you may lose credits or you may be required to take additional classes. The best option would be to contact the dean of MIS and discuss the options of doing the required courses at another college, then transfer them back to complete the requirements and get your degree. It is easier than applying and matriculating with another school. Most graduate schools will allow you to transfer 9-12 credits into the curriculum. Good luck


7
The other folks who are advising you to transfer the classes back to your original school are right--that's probably the best plan in your case. The only thing I can add is that graduate programs are more picky about taking transfer credits than undergraduate programs. Some of them seem to believe that only *they* can teach what they teach in the way it needs to be taught. So before you move, make sure that a) your program will take any transfer credits at all (some won't), and b) if you have required courses left to take, that you can take equivalent classes somewhere else that your program will accept. If you can, save your electives for last--they should be easiest to transfer. In any case, you will want to get the classes pre-approved by your old program before you invest the time and energy in taking them anywhere else. To do that, your old school will probably want to see at least a catalog description, and probably a syllabus.




Thursday, March 8, 2012

What level of expertise should I be at in computers for my age

What level of expertise should I be at in computers for my age?
Hi, I was just curious of what other IT professionals around my age know or are expected to know in the general IT field. I am 23, have a bachelors in computer science, and almost have a masters in management information systems. I have years experience with several programming languages, database architecture, etc. Could someone please share some insight on the typical 23/24 yr old IT professional? Thanks!
Programming & Design - 2 Answers

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1
im a 23yr old it computer technician. but i never graduated high school, never got any certifications or secondary education. I am very good with systems and system management. I work for an engineering company for an office of 150 people and im the only IT person there. So umm... you're probably more qualified than me, but i still probably know how to fix a computer faster than you haha. but who knows


2
I think the typical 23/24 y.o. IT professional has a 2-year certificate from some place like NIT and doesn't know what the hell he is doing. How you stack up against others your age is not as important as how you stack up against your goals. Where do you want to be on the day you retire? Is that the direction you are going?

Thursday, March 1, 2012

I am getting ready to start a Master's degree in IT but I have no educational background in IT

I am getting ready to start a Master's degree in IT but I have no educational background in IT...?
I have a Bachelor's in Psychology and have been working in the social services field for the last 6 years. I have been accepted into a Master's program for a Master's of Science in Information Systems and Technology with an emphasis in Computer Security. I feel kind of confident, but of course a little nervous...Is there any site that could give me some crash courses in IT related info??
Teaching - 2 Answers

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1
Yahoo search is still working.


2
make sure the school is accredited firest ands take time out to know the school inside out if there interested in you attending the deeling will hit you if your not fee;ling them or there pushing you into the school then there not for you