Mid 40's switching to IT industry: advice needed
Hi guys, as mentioned in the title, I am currently approaching 46 and looking to start in the IT industry. My goal is to become a network administrator after some years of experience and eventually moving to IT security thereafter.
I apparently have two options to choose from:
1) To look for IT entry level jobs, and while getting this IT experience, to do some home studies to pass the different certifications, or,
2) To go to college for 8 1/2 months to prepare and pass CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSA and MCSE Windows Server 2012. Then attend 5 weeks of practicum in a small or mid-sized business to finally obtain a Network Administration Specialist Diploma. Of course this has a cost of $18,000, but with a schedule from 6 pm to 10 pm, I think I could look for a part time job and do 3 to 4 hours of home work per day.
I just passed the CompTIA IT Fundamentals, and I am now preparing for the three exams of the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) IT Infrastructure (Networking, Security and Windows Server Administration Fundamentals).
Considering my age, my concerns are the following ones:
- Would it be worth spending 18k in a training? Will the investment make me avoid losing too much time than if I choose the option n° 1?
- Would hiring companies seriously consider a mature candidate with this kind of accelerated training?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
I apparently have two options to choose from:
1) To look for IT entry level jobs, and while getting this IT experience, to do some home studies to pass the different certifications, or,
2) To go to college for 8 1/2 months to prepare and pass CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSA and MCSE Windows Server 2012. Then attend 5 weeks of practicum in a small or mid-sized business to finally obtain a Network Administration Specialist Diploma. Of course this has a cost of $18,000, but with a schedule from 6 pm to 10 pm, I think I could look for a part time job and do 3 to 4 hours of home work per day.
I just passed the CompTIA IT Fundamentals, and I am now preparing for the three exams of the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) IT Infrastructure (Networking, Security and Windows Server Administration Fundamentals).
Considering my age, my concerns are the following ones:
- Would it be worth spending 18k in a training? Will the investment make me avoid losing too much time than if I choose the option n° 1?
- Would hiring companies seriously consider a mature candidate with this kind of accelerated training?
Thanks in advance for your answers.