Posted on Jul 16, 2015
SGT Team Chief
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I'm 32 with 2 different education paths (art and leadership) I worked in graphic design before the recession hit hard and made the field less enjoyable to work in. I took org leadership to enhance my career in the army.

But now that I've got that squared away I need to get my civilian side sorted. I've been eying something in the technical field in the DC/Virginia area. I'll likely be mos changing due to a state transfer so I was curious what I could do to leverage almost 15 years of military experience and a secret clearance towards a tech career without needing a third degree. School is a final and last resort at this point. As I would rather wait to get my foot in something before committing to another bachelors degree.

I've been eying a satalite operator mos and noted there are Intel analyst positions as well (intel isn't quite a tech job but I know it's got a large demand in contractors).

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated as I'd like to weigh options and make a plan of attack before initiating the interstate transfer.
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Responses: 6
SFC Intelligence Analyst
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SGT (Join to see) If you want to get into IT, your first choice should be to get certifications( Microsoft, Cisco, CompTia, etc), those count for more in the IT world than some fancy college degree
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SGT Team Chief
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9 y
Thanks SFC Dominguez, I've been studying for Cisco's CCENT and CCNA as well.
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SSG Ronald Noble
SSG Ronald Noble
2 y
get security+ first, this will get your foot in the door, then go for the rest
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PO2 Jonathan Vasquez
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Look into certifications. Focus on cloud and security. Also look into Scrum Master certification; it's an "easier" certification to get, but it is highly valued. PMP takes a little longer but it's also worth looking into. Microsoft, Google, and Marriott have great programs for veterans. Look into them
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SGT Team Chief
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I'm assuming these would need studied for, any cheap solutions for those?
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PO2 Jonathan Vasquez
PO2 Jonathan Vasquez
>1 y
There are a lot of free resources online. You can buy books on amazon for very little money (as opposed to paying $800+ for a course) http://amzn.to/1RIxQFl

Udemy has some free courses. I am also putting together a course on Office 365 certification that will be on Udemy over the next few weeks
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SPC David S.
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Being that I don't know what your full interest are I would suggest looking into PMP. There's a lack of IT pros capable of sizing up a project's needs, determining required resources and dependencies, developing realistic schedules, and managing a technical initiative. Sure they have the tech side down but many lack the understanding of managing a medium or large scale build out or even a desktop refresh. Additionally the PMP certification will carry over to other fields. I know its not really tech but I think it will make you a more viable candidate especially at an entry level position. Unfortunately IT is one of those fields that you start out at the bottom - but if you prove yourself proficient you can move up quickly.
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SGT Team Chief
SGT (Join to see)
9 y
Interesting idea SPC David Stephenson. Sounds up my alley too. Is that a degree or certification? Any idea who would offer it?
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SPC David S.
SPC David S.
9 y
Its booth but even with the degree employers look for the PMP certification - PO1 Andrew Gardiner has pointed you in the right direction. I would suggest if going the degree route to get a business degree with an concentration in project management. I found this link that might help explain how military experience translates well towards PMP - as well as supports the direction I was suggesting. ACP is a great resource for vets in the transitioning process as there are many good folks over there willing to help so ask the same over there as well as its more career specific. Regardless kudos sarge in asking questions and sorting things out in shaping your career path. That there alone will do wonders for your professional endeavors.

https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/320
https://acp-advisornet.org/
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