A Dilemma. Need some advice.

[n0ct3m]

OK, first a little back story. I first started my college experience in a Computer Programming tech division at a junior college (The exact program was called Computer Information System Technology with an emphasis in Programming...what a mouthfull). I did decent there, but burned myself out my last semester due to taking 20+ hours, but I graduated and got my Associates.

Next up university life. This didn't go so well for me. Taking a full course load each semester while working full time+ hours at a part time job just didn't mix with me and I quickly burned out and ended up leaving school to take a much needed breather.

I spent a few years working as a Billing Clerk for a local business making sure truck load paperwork was correct, entering load info into out computer system and printing out shipping manifests, etc. Not a great job, but it paid the bills. Shortly after that I decided to go back to school. This time I decided I was going to go into Electronics. Ended up at another junior college in their Electronics program. Did perfect (well, not perfect, but great) there and ended up with my Associates in Electronics Technology. Now I'm working as an Electronics Test Tech for a defense contractor (5 years running).

My dilemma is that I would like to get back into computers and maybe try to get into a different position at my job that is more computer based, but they require a bachelors degree, which I don't have. I've wanted to get back into school, but sadly I just can't afford the time it would take for me to drive from where I live to the nearest college.

Am I pretty much stuck with this job? Or is there anything that I can do to get some more schooling in computers to help me here or get me a computer job with a different company?

 

[dvst8]

One thing that helps out is to get Certifications. I know in my case people have been less concerned about my BS and more about the certifications I had. Look for places online that you can get course material and look into getting things like CompTIA A+ and Network+, Microsoft Certified IT Professional, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. If you study on your own and then just take the test each test is going to be around $200 or so, but they do help out. From there look at getting some more advanced certifications, but those should be enough to get you into some form of PC support role, help desk, PC Tech, or low level networking.

Also, if you've been with a company for a while and they like you then restrictions like requirements for jobs usually go away. I know that most places I have been all require a BS degree and x number years experience and they have moved someone internally into the position and trained them, even though the requirements were not met.

 

[Martimus]

I think the question here is what area of technology you want to get into?

The CompTIA certs are great for those in desktop support fields; Cisco and Juniper certs are good for those in Networking/Security fields; and there are a number of available tracks for those wanting to get into software development.

If these areas aren't on your short list of fields to get into, the addition of these certs will provide you a more well rounded background but may not contribute significantly to any future job aspirations.

If you need to pursue a Bachelors degree there are many reputable online Universities (along with a lot of not-so-reputable online programs). Research into these as alternatives that would allow you to attend class without having to make a long (and expensive) commute to an area college.

 

[n0ct3m]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I have looked into doing some certs. My workplace offers numerous learning programs that tackle all sorts of different areas. They have some A+ training modules that I have considered looking into along with finding some of the official studying resources. My company probably has a lot more floating around out there to at least give me some info, I just have to find it.