Need Career Advice

To my fellow nigerians living in the U.S. :-

Most of my experience is in Accounting due to my Finance degree, but I'm trying to switch to an IT career.

It's been difficult getting an IT job because my experience is not in IT.

What should I do now? Some say I should get certified; if so, which one
should I get?

Thanks a lot.

I am looking forward to your feedback.

Thanks so much

How computer  competent  are you

You need to find where your strength is I.e

     Networking
     Programming
     Database.

If you want to go the easy route, I hear Testing is quiet easy to break into (Well at least in Uk) am not sure abut the US.

Peeps in the US , what say you, any Testers in the house from the states.

@MrloverMan

I have taken 2 courses in Prog, but I don't want to do that.

As part of my curriculum, I took courses in Databases and Networking. I
guess what I am saying is I don't have a particular strong  area per se.

But I do appreciate your feedback.

P.S.  How is it you are Mr LoverMan? Are you implying you are a player?

LOL

No am not.

Just though it was a Catchy name, nothing to do with the man behinde the name.

It might help if you look at why you are switching from Finance to IT

Cos you might not get the satisfaction in IT that you were looking for in the first place.

What motivates you in a JOB ?

@Mrloverman

I like problem solving, but not just that ( as is the case with programming). I
also write well. I like challenging work with a career path to it and some creativity.

Why did you say I might not get the satisfaction I need in IT?

Its a very GEEKY environment

Programmer working on their computer 24 - 7 with Little or no interaction with people.
if you are some one that likes to be in the outdoor, meeting people, networking and socialing, then IT isn't like that.

@ Mrloverman

I definately don't like being outdoors, meeting people etc. I
am not a marketing/public relations type person.

There are lots of jobs I see in IT that I would love doing. I read
the job descriptions and really love them. Examples are project
management, IT auditor, IT budget compliance etc.

The problem I am having is getting my foot in the door; I don't
know where/how to start so I can eventually reach these types of positions.

Can any on help GNature

U did an M.sc in info systems, its a lucrative section. Info systems is a branch of IT that deals with the business aspect of IT. I would particularyly suggest database, coz its more of biz and information systems thingy.
Courses in oracle and other relational database programming are more easier than hard core programming. I will suggest u take professional exmas as well, you can check www.isaca.org , www.imis.org.uk ,
I am not a career expert but i guess am not wrong with all what have said now. if you need more information, use www.google.com and u get a vast library of information about what you need.

Your accounting background will also help in IT. Especially in the area of IT auditing. Going the certification route may not be a bad idea since your degrees are from here(US). Programming is somewhat "geeky" like someone posted.  Management of information, specifically database management is also more appropriate for your MIS background.

@gbengaijot

Thanks ooo my brother. I took a class in databases, but I will try and study for a certification in the
area as you suggested. The problem I am having is getting my foot in the door, but the cert should
help boost my resume.

@Bossman

I really appreciate your advise. I have been told that an accounting background goes well
with MIS, i am really hoping this is true.

I will research your advise and take it from there. God bless all of you ooo.

More suggestions are welcomed please

@bossman

How is life in Chicago (the windy city)? I hear there are lots of nigerians out there.

Life is good men. Yep! Lots of homeys here. I am on the train right now heading back home (suburbs) after a long day. I work in downtown Chicago.  Where most of the homeys are in and around there.  I do run into quite a few Nigerian/African professionals, It's definitely a good thing to see. Hope life is good where you are.

Life is good here too.

There are quite a bit of nigerians here. You see them in parties, at school
and everything. There are also lots of Black professionals.

I heared we are second to atlanta. I am hoping to be in your shoes very soon,
but in an IT related position.