Some trades can be outsourced, witness drywall installers in LA. Immigrants moved in and killed the US citizen jobs.
I snuck into IT. As a mechanical engineer I was exposed to IT tools that were of interest. I got good and picked up in the ERP industry, eventually working for Oracle, a key player. Most Oracle ERP consultants were engineers or accountants first.
Retiring (I think) in a year or so.
Get a Linux or networking certification. Computer security is also a hot field right now.
Possibly. Let's review some questions.
The physical layout of computers, cables, and other components on a network is known as which of the following?
A. Segment
B. Backbone
C. Topology
D. Protocol
Which network architecture is defined as the IEEE 802.3 standard?
A. Token Ring
B. FDDI
C. Fiber
D. Ethernet
Is AppleTalk a routable protocol?
Is TCP/IP is a routable protocol?
Is NetBEUI a routable protocol?
What layer of the OSI model initiates request?
What is the difference between the MAC address and the IP address?
What layer of the OSI model Are TCP and UDP protocols?
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
Essay question for extra credit:
In your own words explain the difference between a connection communication and a connectionless communication?
The fact you have so many degrees in fields you ended up not liking is disturbing.
The question is : What experience do you have in IT that leads you to believe it is a better course than the other fields you studied?
I believe that your question was - how to best enter into the IT field”. What you need first is EXPERIENCE, so look for a job where you can gain it. Does this job look interesting to you? Check out the skills they want and get a job where you can get them.
PURPOSE:
Solves organizational information problems and requirements by analyzing requirements; designing computer programs; recommending system controls and protocols.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
•Determines operational objectives by studying business functions; gathering information; evaluating output requirements and formats.
•Designs and/or leads development of new computer functions by analyzing requirements; constructing workflow charts and diagrams; studying system capabilities; writing specifications.
•Improves systems by studying current practices; designing modifications.
•Reviews and manages implementation and reporting for Medicaid EHR Meaningful Use.
•Monitors and provides system improvements for users of the agency EHR and financial computer systems.
•Manages data requirements by payors, including (but not limited to) data submissions, reports and agency communications.
•Recommends system improvements to agency systems committee. Upon approval of improvements, manage system changes.
•Recommends controls by identifying problems; writing improved procedures.
•Defines project requirements by identifying project milestones, phases, and elements; forming project team; establishing project budget.
•Monitors project progress by tracking activity; resolving problems; publishing progress reports; recommending actions.
•Maintains system protocols by writing and updating procedures.
•Provides references for users by writing and maintaining user documentation; providing help desk support; training users.
•Maintains user confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
•Prepares technical reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
•Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
•Serves as department manager in the absence of the IS Director.
•Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: At least 5 years’ experience using SQL, SSRS, Crystal Reporting, MS Office applications and MS Dynamics. At least 5 years’ experience in system design, business system documentation, review and documentation of software requirements, analysis of information in a detailed and overview method, teamwork, software maintenance. Excellent written communication skills. Ability to lead process improvement. Knowledge of computer and telecom systems, reviewing and recommending potential improvements of existing or proposed systems. Experience in the public behavioral healthcare environment preferred.
PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to sit, use hands and fingers, talk or listen. Close vision is also required for this position.
Network admins and other IT functionaries will go the way of the ones who thought they were set for life in the early to mid '90s when regular users began developing similar skill sets. security is probably one of the areas that will keep evolving and expanding - look at how many big breaches have occurred in companies that should have known better and been prepared. As hackers get more and more innovative, security folks will have to adapt.
In the 60’s it was one word .... Plastics.
Now the one word is .... Data.
Check it out to see what the market is asking for in your region.
-PJ