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(I can hear the groans from here).
Hey, all. I've taken the plunge and decided that a career change into computer science is something I need to do. I'm headed back to school for a 2nd bacc. degree in CS to get started, and I'm starting to look into entry-level jobs to keep food on the table while I'm in school, and to start getting experience while I'm learning. I thought I'd ask all you delightful and talented people if you had any thoughts/advice/horrible warnings.

A specific question to get things started: I have a good handle on Linux operations & administration, so I was thinking about Novell or RedHat certifications to get me a leg up, if only in the IT industry. Does that make sense, or is it crazy talk?

Go get a basic tech/repair job at a local computer shop.
Then while you are working there, get a few certifications (CompTIA A/N/L+ and then look into some of the linux distributor certifications). You will probably not get any sort of network or programming job at entry level, but who knows.

I do not know your background . But here in India , you should learn Physics , Chemistry and Maths very well . Then take an engineering entrance examination , if you scrore really well . You get into a good college with a good reputation and name . Then you do not have go searching for jobs . Companies will come searching for you , beacuse they know that you are at least capable .Although this seems to very imperfect , this is the situation that prevails right now.

Regards
Sandeep

I agree with both of you. At least the mine plan is, when I finish this grammar school after 4 years and will be on the college, I plan to work as 01000101 said, in a computer shop for a while, maybe as a tech support or that. You need some free time, so don't expect to go high-level while being on a college. After the college I'm planning to be a system admin or programmer on a full job and then maybe I'm planning to go abroad and earn money there. Here ATM, the computer industry as everyday job isn't the option. And that's why language skills are important, especially English. That's my dream, to work what I like and get paid well.

So that, I wish you good luck.

Regards
inflater

inflater wrote:That's my dream, to work what I like and get paid well.

Not than uncommon dream

Hey Inflater ,
But dont you think its more respectful to stay in your own country and make money than go abroad .

Regards
Sandeep

Well, hehe. The computer industry here isn't advanced as in e.g. USA and I don't want to spend my life working in a computer shop around the corner. You know.

You will get paid pretty good in larger country with more better economy and IT industry. For example my dad's friend is now somewhere in Holland working with computers, I don't know what exactly but I'm sure that they pay him better and he gets more opportunities than somebody would do it here. Which is logically correct.

But I'm not planning to immigrate completely. In some of my holidays I will plan visiting back Slovakia, no worries. As its said, everywhere good, but at home it's best. My sister also works in abroad, Ireland to be precise, and visits us once or two times a year.

If you are young and you find yourself in Slovakia and you don't have the "born skills" to become a auto-mechanic, welder or anything like that (which is pretty popular and pretty well paid here ATM), its good right after finishing the 9grade to study on a grammar school and then on a college. Otherwise you'll end up bad - in other words you'll fail at your dream job and there's no turning back, you'll work like a low level assistent, behind a cash desk in a shop or as a waiter. With a bit humor added, you can "go sweeping the streets".

I live here, so I know the situation...
Regards
inflater

Hi,
I was actually abroad for sometime when my parents were abroad in a Gulf country.The problem is that "All men are equal but some men are more equal than the others" .Each nationality is treated differently atleast in practice .Generally people have a bad opinion about Indians (they think that we are good for nothing ),they think that they are so superior when some of them take more than an hour to put their own signature . So I think its better to stay here in India and prove to the entire world that I am a capable person (at least as good as they are ), despite the fact that I am less talented than a normal person ,nobody actually prevents me from working hard.

Also never underestimate the opportunites of your home town.
Regards
Sandeep

Inflater, you should move to Canada; we have some nice colleges here!

And Vancouver's a real nice city as long as you don't go to the downtown east side...

Shrek wrote:Generally people have a bad opinion about Indians

It's unfair for Indians because they have such a large population and presence in other countries. In Australia we recently had a few Indian doctors that were responsible for several avoidable deaths which gave a bad name in general. Also, most of our larger corporations outsource their support centres to India and it's frustrating when you're trying to resolve an account issue with someone who barely speaks the same language as you (mostly accent issues) and a lot are also unskilled and offer generic responses. A few bad experiences doesn't mean everyone discriminates against Indians.

I also agree with Inflater. There is nothing wrong with living or working abroad if that is what it takes to achieve your dream. It seems ridiculous to be working a job you do not like just because you feel like you're tied down and can't move (unless you're working to earn the money so you can eventually move and live your dream). It's all part of the adventure called Life!