IT options without a degree?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:23:12 -0400

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.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:28 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:28:27 -0400

Actually upon review and thinking about it more I guess a more appropriate question would be are there any mos' that are civilian employment ready as well? The tech field is an interest of mine, but really I'm just looking to establish a career, and ideally one that can augment my military career.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:28 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:28:46 -0400

IT without a degree is possible. But, be prepared to have trouble with promotions and make less pay. than you coworker who may not even preform as well but has the degree.

Degree is also the ticket that allows one to be considered when one with no degree is not.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:29:19 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member 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

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 16 at 2015 11:40 AM

SPC David S. — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:40:21 -0400

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.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 3:11 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:11:37 -0400

There are a lot of options to earn cyber certifications without a college degree. I'd check out the DoD 8570 cert paths to start with.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Vasquez made Dec 11 at 2015 9:47 AM

PO2 Jonathan Vasquez — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 09:47:52 -0500

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