Question:
IT career even though I don't want to study computer science and don't like programming a lot?
That Woman
2012-05-26 14:16:57 UTC
I took a C++ programming class last semester..doing it a little bit was ok but working on big projects was so tedious. And I started another CS course (Discrete Math) but dropped the class because it wasn't for me. However I am still interested in technology. I'm thinking about jobs that describe things like knowing "network topology", or "client server architecture", or knowing "LAN/WAN structure", stuff like that. Maybe even setting up networks and working on them and such. Can you have a good job in IT without having a Computer Science degree?

thanks!
Five answers:
Richard L
2012-05-26 19:08:24 UTC
Join the club of people who figured out Computer Science and its Programming emphasis was not for them. Stop apologizing or feeling like you have somehow failed because in a few years you will be working in the field and receiving equal respect as the programmers do. In fact, they will be calling you asking you to help them.



Many CS grads switch out to other IT majors like Computer Information Systems (CIS) and other IT majors and do very well. Here are just a few of the non-Programming jobs you can do in IT. Others have suggested that you don't need a 4 year degree to go into networking. If you look at many of the job postings you will see a Bachelors degree as a requirement. Also remember that in IT,like in y other fields,you are going to have 50 applicants for every job. Having a Bachelors degree is going to leave you much better positioned to get and keep a job in IT.



Computer Technician - Works on computer hardware at user location or in service center. (entry level IT Job)

Service Center Coordinator - Schedules the repair of user community computers, orders spare parts, schedules staff, establishes priorities, maintains loaner laptops and non-US laptops for travel outside of US.

Help Desk Staff - answer questions and resolve problems for the user community. (entry level IT Job - Tier 1 support)

Storage Administrator - in charge of mass storage servers and devices.

Network Administrator - Works on routers, switches, hubs, cables, load balancers and all the other hardware that handles LAN and WAN network traffic. Also, may be responsible for IP phone service.

Systems Administrator or Systems Engineer- Works with servers, laptops and desktop computers to keep them free of problems and secure the data they contain. Responsible for Security group creation and memberships, server patching, anti-virus protection updates, password changes and any automated mechanisms that make these changes. These positions may be divided into server and desktop teams. Tier 2 support.

Enterprise Administrator - Handles Enterprise support and design issues. Tier 3 support.

Active Directory Administrator - Designs and administers Active Directory infrastructure, AD policies, access permissions, roles, group policies, separation of duties.

Exchange and Messaging Administrator - maintains mail systems servers, other mail related devices and the company messaging infrastructure.

Backup Administrator - Maintains backup devices and determines backup strategies so data that was deleted accidentally or intentionally can be recovered. Design and control how and when data is backed up, where the backups are stored and how long the backups are retained. They will test to be sure backups are valid and usable.

Disaster Recovery Specialist - Plans for disaster events so the company data and infrastructure can be brought back online as quickly as possible after a fire, flood, earthquake, terrorism or other disaster event. Plans for failover of services to alternate locations, if the primary location is not available.

Database Administrator - Maintains the company databases which may include customer and sales records, billing information, inventory and other data.

Computing Security Specialist - A company's biggest asset is its data and the Computing Security Specialist will work to try to keep that data protected from loss. They may be dealing with and defending against viruses, hoaxes, malware, keyloggers, phishing attacks, internal attacks and domestic and foreign intrusion. Develops monitoring and interception systems, filters and strategies and works with appropriate government agencies.

Corporate IT Acquisition Specialist - Works with acquired outside companies to establish migration into the corporate computing infrastructure.

Data Center Administrator - Maintains the data center facilities where the company's servers and other devices reside. They are responsible for physical security and may review badge reader and camera information to be sure that only individuals with proper access are getting close to the company's servers and other critical devices. Also, maintain backup power devices (UPS or generators), climate control equipment, fire suppression equipment, establish access policies, etc.



In a small business the list above might be one or two people doing all these jobs. In a large Enterprise environment this could be hundreds of people.



Best wishes:
The Lone Wolverine
2012-05-26 22:38:44 UTC
You probably should study something like IT at school if they offer it. You don't have to have a CS degree, but some sort of degree would help. You should at least get A+ and Network+ certs if you're interested in networking, and get Server+ if you're interested in servers. You can eventually get a good job in networking or servers, but you will probably have to start out in a crappy entry level job like help desk, desktop support or repair.
rpf5
2012-05-26 21:44:37 UTC
You want to work in a field that you don't want to work in, because you think that is where the $$$ is. It really don't work that way. You need basic skills to work in any part of IT, that includes math & programming Consider taking a CAP test. CAP = Carer Aptitude test. It will give you an idea of what type of work you like. That should give you some direction to go in. Your school adviser can tell you where to find them



p.s. They can be done on-line for free, but the free ones give only basic brake down, the professional ones give more details.
anonymous
2012-05-27 01:10:55 UTC
4 yr comp sci degree is not required for a network admin - 2 yr degree
anonymous
2012-05-27 05:42:31 UTC
IT is a **** field, prepare to get your job outsourced to random people who can't program to save thier life.



Do business if you want money, its not that hard to grasp this concept


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