Heres my 2015 update: get your certs! I live in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area and employers are looking for experience plus certs. If you know about servers, switches, hyper V, VM Ware, APs, cisco, basic networking, you will get a job. I've been working at a small IT firm for 4 months now I've learn more then some of my IT friends. My job pays for my education which is a plus. Gets your certs and network with other IT guys and be positive and you will make it.
From a late bloomer (28 yrs old) just now trying to get into the IT field, THANK YOU for this video. An honest, down-to-earth, no BS conversation about what I should expect. You've helped me to look at myself and realized that, yes, with my own willpower, I can get into this field, make an honest living for me and my soon-to-be wife, AND actually enjoy what I'm doing to earn that living.
rule no. 1: dont rely on anyone to teach you, whether that be at college, a certificate course or as a junior at work. You must be able to teach yourself.
First 25 minutes through recruiters is excellent advice for anyone coming out of High School ro trying to find their way! As a physician and educator who regularly watches different modules offered by Eli, I very much appreciate what knowledge he's given to me personally which is technically way outside the "scope" of my field. Thanks!
XxGamersUnitedxX Exactly and you need the degree and the top certifications just to have a "decent" salary not even a good salary. The certification exams are more expensive now too.
thanks for your videos it's beening a blessing to my Life, I learn a lot from you, I can not afford a school but you give me the chance to do what I had always dreamed off.thank you and God blessed you and your family.
Thanks so much! i am switching from IT field over to the CS side of things. Taking the college route and your ideas make a great amount of sense. You just saved me thousands of dollars
Eli I can't tell you how valuable you are to the hundreds of thousands that watch your very informative and intelligently done videos. Best luck and much success for 2014.
@47:25 Really hit home for me. I have been the only front-end grunt IT help desk person at my job and it's a nightmare. I constantly lament about how ass-backwards things are here. I appreciate you putting this scenario into a well-rounded perspective. I'm jotting down all the things that need to be cleaned and will then start researching/documenting small fixes for certain issues in our environment. Thanks, Eli.
Thank you for this video, you explained the difference between university education vs a trade school in a way I actually understood. I have been worrying that I have really "learned" anything while going to college and that employers will look down upon that, but you enlightened me in this video and know I see that I have learned quite a bit of things while going to school. It's just the knowledge I have learned is very general, my classes has exposed me to a wide variety of different technologies so if I do pursue a career in any of those fields I won't be completely lost. It opens up my options after graduating and looking for work, I can choose which IT field to specialize in based on my experiences in school and afterwards receive specific training for whichever IT field I choose and get certifications on those. I know you said that this video may deter people from pursuing a career in IT but you have actually encouraged me and given me more hope that things will be alright after I finish at the end of this year! Thank you!!!
Get your CERTS first then your bachelors. Certs now days by a reputable company such as CISCO + Exp will land you a job and has as much value as a bachelors now days. a bachelors is just nice if you cant find a job or want to change profession, it looks good on paper for other jobs professions. with the network industry it is easy to work your way up with further certs and education if you are willing to put in the work and willing to lean more and more.
I really appreciate all your advice. I am a student working towards gaining experience and you really opened up my mind to a lot things. I love learning about programming and technology. I am self taught and your advice will help me gain the experience to advance myself. Very inspirational. Will be using your videos in the future. Thank you so much, it is very appreciated.
It sure can't hurt and you can get most of the certs you listed without spending alot of money. I switched careers about 7 years ago and am now in IT and I started with no certs and no experience. It can be done but it will be work.
As much as you want... If you just want a job probably 200-300 hours of classroom training for a couple of certifications will get you one. It all depends how much you really like this stuff...
Really good advice. I disagree just one scenario you suggested: if someone is asking 'you' the 'IT guy" if 'they' should be sending people home there is something wrong in that organization for so many reasons. First of all, the manager/supervisors should know if an IT outage is enough reason to send folks home 'OR' if 'they' the supervisors/management actually have non-IT related work that could get done. I suppose as an IT guy you could influence that but ultimately that level of stress should be isolated to what the IT guy actually knows. But, I totally agree with most of everything else you said and it was very positive and encouraging for me. Notes I kept: apply for every job and consider cold-calling companies to see if they are hiring, attend cheap/free conferences and look for free ed/training opportunities, consider volunteer/free services, consider consulting/private business, be a good employee by knowing/doing what the boss wants and then fixing the next available thing you can. I just finished 21 years service with the Air Force as an IT manager in the field of ATC radar systems and have since completed my MSITM, CompTIA Sec+ and most recently CCNP. Now I'm looking for a job back in my hometown of Anchorage, AK. I've had three job interviews and still no job. I've applied to over a dozen different jobs. I'm going to keep plugging away until I find that next IT job. Thank you, Eli, for all of your videos.
Probably the most in depth look at the IT industry I have ever seen. It just goes to show that the tech industry is no different than any other field. Those who make it, dedicate their career to it. Those who don't, were probably looking for a "magic bullet" to change their life. Hell, in this economy 50-60 is damn good.
Thank you Eli for your Testimony on the subject. I am 21 and I am honestly getting into this Field to finance my personal goals of traveling, Martial Arts Training, Learning about Theology and funding my personal livelihood. I see all the cons to joining this field as being worth while in the long run.
Hi Eli, I first watched your show because I needed to fix a computer that recently stopped working. I took it all apart and cleaned it and put it back together. Took a video of it before hand so I knew where all the parts go. I was not able to get the computer back up and running again, I think maybe a software problem? But after viewing your show, it gave me ideas on how to save some files and photos from my hard drive. Just wanted to say thank you. Mission accomplished.
exactly what we need to know before, and while we are on the field.... than you for the advice. I'm just right now working on my bachelor in information security i have one year left, and your advice give me plenty of ideas on how I can be successful. I don't know if my a real geek, but i've been a freak for a little while.... thank you once again....
IT is best for people to start from a little electrical or electronic background. That way you will appreciate the hardware and even start soldering few things for yourself than just getting a new part. Also helps you to know what products to mess about with when you open the boxes and see how good/bad they were made. Little things like where the radio antenna is located in a smartphone or board can help you decide whether a product is going to fail after few years of use or it will work for 4ever until it burns out.
Thank you so much Eli! Even if I may only be doing this a part time side thing or not at all, your explanation of work ethic was really insightful to me. Thank you! :)
I wonder if this still applies in 2014. I think the work ethic he explained is spot on and timeless, but not sure about the rest. I think the question most people are asking is "what direction should I focus on today in this day and age?" What is relevant today may not be what was relevant back then. But I think he is right about the trade shows, a lot can be learned there about what is relevant today and the direction IT and companies that rely heavily on IT are going, for example apps. It seems like if you can make an apps today you walk on water.
Eli your great: as a 20+ yr Professional, we have seen 100's of persons come in for a job interview with a certification who know nothing about networks, you need to have a passion for computer/networks you have to love systems / pc -work/ repair IT security // .... we love you videos keep upi the work.
Man, thanks for every video presentation tutorials that you upload, i really learn a lot from all this. Really appreciate it. You've been really helpful, I thank you greatly and God Bless ya Eli the Computer Guy.
honestly, this video was so informative to me that i thought he was reading from the script of my life. i work in a data recovery firm and most of what he said applies in real life,especially the bit on under-promising and over-delivering. Also the time approximation on how to deal with clients when it comes to completion of tasks also highly applies here. Very informative video for the it people and wish i could have stumbled on it while i was back in college. thanks eli.
Eli, thank you for clearing the dilemma between getting certs or getting a bachelor. I feel much better now that I decide to go to college and focus on certs after college.
Great Video!! I have a son who is 16 now and homeschooled as he was always bored to death in school. He has been repairing electronics and computers since about 10. He makes abou $20 bucks an hr helping friends and family and the church we go to. Since he does not like studying I see college as not an option but the kid is amazing---he can figure out anything you give him that is not working. I was thinking his best option is too own his own business. He has fixed things people have took to Best Buy and they told them to trash it ---wasn't fixable. What are your thoughts? Just as a side note he comes from a long line of Engineers, most of them self taught except for one that was a Aerospace Engineer, His uncle that did not graduate high school became a Boiler Engineer after someone discovered his brains and took him into their company----he makes over $110,000 a year. His Grandpa on my side was a Microwave Engineer back in the day and has since passed on, (any education he has was from the army) I was just wondering your thoughts....Thank you in advance. His name is Joshua.
I see your point. It was so easy to get a job back then when it started in mid 90's to early 2000. But nowadays the college degree is way more valuable than the IT certs. Of course, back then during the boom you could just purchase the coarse material, study it on your own, and go take the tests for your cert. And, the tests were so much easier back then too. I miss those days.
Wooow ... the begining part was sooo funny ... I don't care what people say ... you are so smart and talented. Just by looking at what you teach on RUclips ...wow ...so nice of you to share all this RUclips trainings. I am so glad to find your site. By the way I find it so hard to find my first IT career. I can't tell you how eager I am ... Thanks for the enthusiasm.
Great info here, I really appreciate your advise on Training VS Education, you advocate more towards getting a bachelor's as opposed to the CCNA'S and the COMPTias certifications! I live in NYC Metro Area and as of yesterday I did some research as to this inquiry on Training VS Education, I spoke with 3 Major companies at their HR departments, the first one the Infamous English Barclay's Bank followed by NY Academy of sciences and finally Air fast tickets a new online company gaining momentum
-- stress and systems being down. When I worked for a home supply wholesaler, if the nightly batch processing was down, the inventory pick tickets wouldn't get printed and you wouldn't be able to pull the inventory to load the trucks to make the deliveries to the customers. I was often the guy who would get the systems running in the middle of the night when they went down so that the trucks WOULD go out on time. But this was all mainframe COBOL, and I want to learn the new stuff, linux, etc.
LMAO. You are so right about government work. I was so "hungry" when I started out. I came up with ideas all the time. I was shot down time after time. I realized I lost my hunger, passion and forgot how to innovate. I decided to leave to try and find it all again. Turns out the private sector was leaps and bounds ahead and finding work became difficult.
I'm a BA undergrad and was a bit confused at worried at the amount of tech skills being taught elsewhere whilst I'm crossing T's and dotting I's on the finer points of seemingly mundane topics. Now it makes sense and I feel a whole lot better about it and yes, my BA is going to me more useful 5 years from not than a random tech cert so thanks man. p.s. first upload of yours I've seen but will damn sure be watching all yours very insightful...and I think that counts as experience? ;)
A degree doesn't measure someone's value or "commitment". I have a cousin who flunked his first semester in college, got drunk, went to parties, slept through most of his classes, but he still graduated. Because he had that expensive piece of paper, he's an accountant now, and he didn't even need the "Education" to get that job.
I got one of those 6 mo Client Server Specialist training diploma, compliment from a non-profit org. LoL, after I got it I went on to doing something else. What you say is 100% true the recruiter didn't do much for me. Thanks for your deep coverage. I trained for Window NT back in 1998.
I think its not quite as simple to just lump all training into the same basket. For example; you have specific training for the IT pro like CCNA/P, Microsoft certs, etc... but there are also the general certs that I found were by far more valuable than my Degree. I got my A+ and Net+ certs and am still working on my AS, but the certificate program included those certs and all creds in that first uear go toward my AS, which most will also xfr to my BS. I also had some experience working help desk.L2 tech support, but those two certs got me the sys admin job i'm in now. I cant say that is how it will be for everyone, but I highly recommend both of those for those just starting out and trying to land their first job in IT. CompTIA as a whole has been really great IMO and I plan to complete several other certs from them just as resume boosters, because I dont have a 4 year degree (yet) and quite honestly am quite apprehensive about spending that money and time on something like that, given the current education costs. I'm not sure that 40k to have a sheet that says i put up with crap for four years would do anything for my career, over me just continuing to get experience in my current job - but there may be the kicker; I already have a position... just food for thought.
hey eli. 1st time ive seen you on youtube but i wanted to let you know(hope you check your comments) that even though this is sound pc tech advice, i've been in several feilds @dif jobs and & think your advice applies to most skilled jobs. i have a jacked up 05 pc and was looking for advice on fixing problems i'd not seen but construction is what i work and isn't very different in terms of advice. i'm typing on a virtual keyboard (due to those problems i think) so i'll keep this short(er)...this is GREAT advice FOR ALL PROFESSIIONS and THANK YOU!!
I am OBVIOUSLY not Eli, but I wanted give my two cents. I feel that my courses that have worked towards my A+ cert definitely helped out my IT work. It honestly depends on how dedicated you are on learning the nitty-gritty, sometimes rather dull details and policies. If you are driven to learn EVERYTHING on your own, the full certs may not be necessary. The other fact, though, is that a lot of places won't hire unless they SEE the certification. You may get lucky (like I did), but still.
What beginning steps would you suggest someone take who is a bit older, 30s, who loves tech but has no formal training or education(in that field) but wants to learn and possibly make a living in IT because he's sick and borderline suicidal of his dead end job and needs to explore other options? And uhh for the record, you're not gonna make $60,000 a year as a cook from some bloodthirsty restaurant owner. I don't care how long you've been cooking or how good you are at that job. Just sayin'.
I wouldn't my friend. American companies are not hiring American workers. I have a college degree in Computer Information Systems. Graduated Cum Laude. I have 15 years experience. I was very good at my job. Alas, all the jobs are going to India. CEOs job is to grow the company, but they don't want to do that. They would much rather give away my job and pocket the difference in order to show profits.
Kevin Johnson India is outsourcing to Vietnam! My wife is Vietnamese! I'm close to retirement. The Dot.com BOOM is alive and well but in VIETNAM! My problem is that my background was up-to-date in 1994! I'm still healthy but I don't want to be elderly and at the mercy of ObamaCare! I'm going back to school and I am old school! I have to take new math courses, 400 level and forgot all my calculus! The math review is the toughest part of an IT upgrade! America is so socialist now there no one in there right mind would do corporate endeavors here! Learn a new language and prosper!
For you I would suggest picking the one topic you know the most about and offer to teach it to others (you can advertise that single service on craigslist free) charge a reasonable fee with a reasonable amount of time to allow them to actually learn the topic you will be amazed at what some will be willing to pay you for when it comes to anything on computers like how to make and use a RUclips channel or or a facebook page or tips and tricks to speeding up there computers? everyone that is happy with what you are teaching them will refer you to others that see they learned then you add topics and services one at a time until you are a teacher full time making all the money you like, if you get to many students you raze the price of services and slow them down to a manageable size class if your teaching electronic offer to by laptops on craigslist then your paying students will repair them for you to sale for extra profit. [start slow, build, add then Grow]
Follow your dreams. Its never too late. I'm 30 as well and I'm new to the IT world. I landed an IT / sales job and it's amazing. My job pays for my certs if I pads the tests. Get certified in A+, network +, Microsoft, and in Cisco and you will make money.
Dude, take my advice: DON'T go into IT. Guess what? It IS a dead-end job! I have gotten a formal education and been in the field the past 5 years, and you will constantly miss out on life events because you have to finish something at work. And the pay sucks
I know first hand about a coworker that became a pain in the neck for his boss talking to him about what he was doing for the company while at the same time comparing himself to other guys of much higher seniority and salary.His strategy was to convey that he was as valuable as other higher seniority guys because he was doing same tasks. A few years after consistently applying this technic, he got the salary, and the respect form his boss. However, in general his coworkers thought he was nuts.
First Of All thanks eli really i need this tips to badly because im now in my last semester in my university without no knowledge regarding IT fields even i failed in my interview job in Siemens company but now i have clear idea where to go where to start with. So thanks really i appreciated that with you did .
This was awesome I really did learn a lot. A lot of the stuff you said is so true it really is. The only thing I wish you could have said was something about leaving a job.... When to cut losses if you cant get through at a company. I worked at a company for 2 years and haven't moved anywhere I pushed hard I did side projects myself I may tools for them and they where under staffed in mine and the admin floor they started looking outside because they where not willing to move anyone.
"...you just want a normal steady job day in day out... get a bachelors degree... get an internship here... get hired by some major fortune 500 company you just go there... for the rest of your life... till you die... from a heart attack... behind your computer." hahahaha, love the brutal honesty
Agree with education. And also those extra fields you mention at Colleges. Isn't this business 101, though? Do both, major in IT and Business. Then you choose your future! Funny most of this is on the net these days and available via text books. Don't forget friends of friends, or make your own future. Would like to meet you and match ideas with you.
I don't know why everyone loves this. The world does need awesome people to make things like facebook and google. But even as true as that is, there is know need to slander the name of the working man. Normal everyday companies need hard working IT professionals to make there networking run smooth. So as much as advancing technology is important, without the working man half of this IT field technology in work and schooling environments would be less relevant. This would in turn hinder the entire technology field as we know it. So I think both sides are very important. Thanks
i am 16 and currently looking for schools maybe in IT field and was wondering what programs would be helpful and or were i could go to seek knowledge books,websites,colleges etc
I dropped out of college. I was tired of dealing with the Ivory Tower attitude. College (at least the one I went to) seemed to be a bloated bureaucracy. I was told to sign up for classes I didn't need, teachers and other staff didn't really seem to care. I paid OUT THE @$$ to attend school. I missed opportunities for better grades just because professors never emailed me back to clarify things. I've spent a lot of my time since dropping out studying for certifications, talking to friends in the IT field and watching tons of tutorials on how trouble shoot computers. I just finished my A+ and I immediately started on my Net+ cert. I am now beginning to apply for jobs in the Chicago area. I understand that I've chosen a difficult path but I know that this is my passion and something will pop up eventually. I appreciate this video. I've watched most of the videos that are on this channel. Getting a 4 year degree is probably the easiest way to get a job but it doesn't seem to be the only way. Use your network, keep learning, know what your talking about and don't give up so easily. Going to college isn't always an option for everyone!
I swear, it sucks seeing people that don't do what they really want to do in life but I want you to know that I'm one of the people still putting this video to work. This is great stuff man. I'm starting a new business that's called SideTech. I drive uber in NYC, so my advertising is practically free. Business cards are already ordered and I've been thinking about a cheap social media commercial. Soon I shall conquer 🤓 P.s. I have an associates degree and I used to work for geek squad for a while. Do you think that is enough to get started, being that it's 2016. "Some companies" are great but they practically reformat everything and include a data backup. I'm good at that. Is that what I should pitch? Thanks Saied M.
@Tony - I was on the fence for that too. I would recommend checking these factors out first: check into programming and networking to understand the separations, look at what might be more employable sooner, and look at doing the other option following your perfecting your selected option. For me, I am going with Networking since it is more employable and easier for me to start with (personal wise). However, it all depends. :) I hope this helps. :)
Eli, I think at the time you review on the IT field was 100% accurate. I went to community college for a AS in PC Science. When i started in 03 jobs were every where. When i finished in 06 it was hard to get work got worse in 08. Private sector growth and baby boomers retiring are creating a gap. Truth is they are debating letting 80k people a year in the country to fill growing IT needs.Right now its more of where you are. West coast, Texas (austin, SA, Houston some) are hiring anyone still.
Ha! I live about 30 miles from Baltimore. My undergraduate degree is in psychology, and most of my work experience is in mental health... I've been trying for an A+ certification for quite a while (mainly self-study), and still plan to get it. Sounds like you don't much care for "little pieces of paper," though, but I have actually learned a lot... Very informative, though. Thank you!!!!
Bill Gate is Tech Guy, Steve Jobs was Geek Guy and elithecomputerguy is super geek. Thanks for your videos they're really wonderful. Wish you all the best
I wrote all of that because I enjoy doing computer programming on my own and working with computers (I build computers with my friend and sell them). I want to be able to mix my police/psychology fields with Information Technology; specifically computer forensics. Therefore, I plan on getting a Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis on computer forensics from Devry University. That way, I can do IT work in my field and then other companies afterwards.
Starting my bachelors in IT with a concentration in cybersecurity this fall. I'm glad i will be a well rounded professional . I agree that society respects a bachelors degree that shows you can attempt and complete a task and or goal. The certifications like Network + , A+ and other It certs can come later i think. I think will be better with my bachelors. Thanks for some advice.
John H I would recommend checking your local job listing and getting the certifications that the majority of employers are looking for. I wouldn't bother with an A+ or net+, ccna is the golden ticket in most cases.
I have no experience at all but i'm starting my bachelors in august with a set of computer classes, all of my cores are pretty much done from prevues schooling at a community college. I saw a book at barnes and noble about CCNA, pretty interesting.
Heres my 2015 update: get your certs! I live in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area and employers are looking for experience plus certs. If you know about servers, switches, hyper V, VM Ware, APs, cisco, basic networking, you will get a job.
I've been working at a small IT firm for 4 months now I've learn more then some of my IT friends. My job pays for my education which is a plus.
Gets your certs and network with other IT guys and be positive and you will make it.
From a late bloomer (28 yrs old) just now trying to get into the IT field, THANK YOU for this video. An honest, down-to-earth, no BS conversation about what I should expect. You've helped me to look at myself and realized that, yes, with my own willpower, I can get into this field, make an honest living for me and my soon-to-be wife, AND actually enjoy what I'm doing to earn that living.
I'd still rather be a tech worker than a retail associate...so I will pursue this path.
+Mr Meh Yes. God. Retail is torture.
Noted
rule no. 1: dont rely on anyone to teach you, whether that be at college, a certificate course or as a junior at work. You must be able to teach yourself.
So true
And also if someone need your help what should you do ?
Facts
@@hansmedia9767 teach them, but also remind them to do most of the heavy lifting themselves
First 25 minutes through recruiters is excellent advice for anyone coming out of High School ro trying to find their way! As a physician and educator who regularly watches different modules offered by Eli, I very much appreciate what knowledge he's given to me personally which is technically way outside the "scope" of my field. Thanks!
From an IT noob with 2 months to go till graduation, it was like you were talking straight at me. Thank you for the great, honest advice.
@eli the computer guy
can you make an update to this video for 2014? I would appreciate it very much.
+1 Dan
+1
Dan Gallant Probably hasn't changed too much, except now you pretty much need a degree on top of all the certs.
XxGamersUnitedxX Exactly and you need the degree and the top certifications just to have a "decent" salary not even a good salary. The certification exams are more expensive now too.
He can why not...???
thanks for your videos it's beening a blessing to my Life, I learn a lot from you, I can not afford a school but you give me the chance to do what I had always dreamed off.thank you and God blessed you and your family.
Thanks so much! i am switching from IT field over to the CS side of things. Taking the college route and your ideas make a great amount of sense. You just saved me thousands of dollars
If you have the enthusiasm for IT you're in.
Eli I can't tell you how valuable you are to the hundreds of thousands that watch your very informative and intelligently done videos. Best luck and much success for 2014.
Thank you so much Eli!!!!!!! Needed this heads up in a working place. Love the practice of "Undervalue your promise, and over-deliver!"
@47:25 Really hit home for me. I have been the only front-end grunt IT help desk person at my job and it's a nightmare. I constantly lament about how ass-backwards things are here. I appreciate you putting this scenario into a well-rounded perspective. I'm jotting down all the things that need to be cleaned and will then start researching/documenting small fixes for certain issues in our environment. Thanks, Eli.
Bachelor's.. Internship.. Die.. GOT IT! Thanks Eli!
Thank you for this video, you explained the difference between university education vs a trade school in a way I actually understood. I have been worrying that I have really "learned" anything while going to college and that employers will look down upon that, but you enlightened me in this video and know I see that I have learned quite a bit of things while going to school. It's just the knowledge I have learned is very general, my classes has exposed me to a wide variety of different technologies so if I do pursue a career in any of those fields I won't be completely lost. It opens up my options after graduating and looking for work, I can choose which IT field to specialize in based on my experiences in school and afterwards receive specific training for whichever IT field I choose and get certifications on those. I know you said that this video may deter people from pursuing a career in IT but you have actually encouraged me and given me more hope that things will be alright after I finish at the end of this year! Thank you!!!
Get your CERTS first then your bachelors. Certs now days by a reputable company such as CISCO + Exp will land you a job and has as much value as a bachelors now days. a bachelors is just nice if you cant find a job or want to change profession, it looks good on paper for other jobs professions. with the network industry it is easy to work your way up with further certs and education if you are willing to put in the work and willing to lean more and more.
I really appreciate all your advice. I am a student working towards gaining experience and you really opened up my mind to a lot things. I love learning about programming and technology. I am self taught and your advice will help me gain the experience to advance myself. Very inspirational. Will be using your videos in the future. Thank you so much, it is very appreciated.
Lesson learned today: under promise and over deliver, keep posting more videos Eli...Thank you
It sure can't hurt and you can get most of the certs you listed without spending alot of money. I switched careers about 7 years ago and am now in IT and I started with no certs and no experience. It can be done but it will be work.
This is one of the most insightful videos I have come across. A must-see for any CS/IT prospective.
Respect.
im a newbee in this world of computer programming and i tell u this guy is best teacher in youtube! thanks eli. appreciate it!!
Programming pays very well. Web App development is big so you might look at learning Ruby on Rails.
I have seen most of your videos and you are awesome ! I haven't
seen anyone more helpful than you on this subject.
All the best Eli
As much as you want... If you just want a job probably 200-300 hours of classroom training for a couple of certifications will get you one. It all depends how much you really like this stuff...
Really good advice. I disagree just one scenario you suggested: if someone is asking 'you' the 'IT guy" if 'they' should be sending people home there is something wrong in that organization for so many reasons. First of all, the manager/supervisors should know if an IT outage is enough reason to send folks home 'OR' if 'they' the supervisors/management actually have non-IT related work that could get done. I suppose as an IT guy you could influence that but ultimately that level of stress should be isolated to what the IT guy actually knows. But, I totally agree with most of everything else you said and it was very positive and encouraging for me. Notes I kept: apply for every job and consider cold-calling companies to see if they are hiring, attend cheap/free conferences and look for free ed/training opportunities, consider volunteer/free services, consider consulting/private business, be a good employee by knowing/doing what the boss wants and then fixing the next available thing you can. I just finished 21 years service with the Air Force as an IT manager in the field of ATC radar systems and have since completed my MSITM, CompTIA Sec+ and most recently CCNP. Now I'm looking for a job back in my hometown of Anchorage, AK. I've had three job interviews and still no job. I've applied to over a dozen different jobs. I'm going to keep plugging away until I find that next IT job. Thank you, Eli, for all of your videos.
Probably the most in depth look at the IT industry I have ever seen. It just goes to show that the tech industry is no different than any other field. Those who make it, dedicate their career to it. Those who don't, were probably looking for a "magic bullet" to change their life. Hell, in this economy 50-60 is damn good.
I like the fact that he's being straight up and honest on how things really are.
This video was taped around 3 years ago... my style has changed significantly since them...
Thank you Eli for your Testimony on the subject. I am 21 and I am honestly getting into this Field to finance my personal goals of traveling, Martial Arts Training, Learning about Theology and funding my personal livelihood. I see all the cons to joining this field as being worth while in the long run.
Hi Eli, I first watched your show because I needed to fix a computer that recently stopped working. I took it all apart and cleaned it and put it back together. Took a video of it before hand so I knew where all the parts go. I was not able to get the computer back up and running again, I think maybe a software problem? But after viewing your show, it gave me ideas on how to save some files and photos from my hard drive. Just wanted to say thank you. Mission accomplished.
You should make an updated one for 2013! :)
Your have have not only given us direction Elithe, But have modeled our career compass. Thanks a bunch.
One of the best YT vids I have seen in awhile.
THANK YOU!!! Eli. You didn't turn to be those kind of people. ( money scammers ). And NOW, you're helping people to understand this computer field.
Cool, I watched this twice now. I am a dev in a big company. I learn mostly from work, but some knowledge in school helps.
exactly what we need to know before, and while we are on the field.... than you for the advice. I'm just right now working on my bachelor in information security i have one year left, and your advice give me plenty of ideas on how I can be successful. I don't know if my a real geek, but i've been a freak for a little while.... thank you once again....
IT is best for people to start from a little electrical or electronic background. That way you will appreciate the hardware and even start soldering few things for yourself than just getting a new part. Also helps you to know what products to mess about with when you open the boxes and see how good/bad they were made. Little things like where the radio antenna is located in a smartphone or board can help you decide whether a product is going to fail after few years of use or it will work for 4ever until it burns out.
As someone laid off from a help desk position and currently training to better my skills for IT. Thank you
I WISH THIS VIDEO WAS MADE WHEN I WAS IN COMPUTER SCHOOL!!! THIS VIDEO IS THE MOST INFORMATIVE AND EASY TO WATCH!!
Thank you!! I admire your videos, hence why I'm subscribed, I'm already 2yrs in on my IT, working towards 4 at Penn State
One of my favorite instructor. I have listen to many of your video. I have learn a lot from your videos. Keep up the good job Eli.
I sent this to my son, whom is graduating HS this summer, great advice for a young mind. Thanks
Thank you so much Eli! Even if I may only be doing this a part time side thing or not at all, your explanation of work ethic was really insightful to me. Thank you! :)
I wonder if this still applies in 2014. I think the work ethic he explained is spot on and timeless, but not sure about the rest. I think the question most people are asking is "what direction should I focus on today in this day and age?" What is relevant today may not be what was relevant back then. But I think he is right about the trade shows, a lot can be learned there about what is relevant today and the direction IT and companies that rely heavily on IT are going, for example apps. It seems like if you can make an apps today you walk on water.
Eli your great: as a 20+ yr Professional, we have seen 100's of persons come in for a job interview
with a certification who know nothing about networks, you need to have a passion for computer/networks
you have to love systems / pc -work/ repair IT security // .... we love you videos keep upi the work.
True! A passion for technology = a good career in IT.
So what you're saying, is that when I'm asked to do something I'm not sure if I can or not I need to break into a Scottish accent?
Thanks Eli, i am currently in the field and i love eveyrhting about it. I am current a backup Unix Admin and i really happy where i am going.
Man, thanks for every video presentation tutorials that you upload, i really learn a lot from all this. Really appreciate it. You've been really helpful, I thank you greatly and God Bless ya Eli the Computer Guy.
honestly, this video was so informative to me that i thought he was reading from the script of my life. i work in a data recovery firm and most of what he said applies in real life,especially the bit on under-promising and over-delivering. Also the time approximation on how to deal with clients when it comes to completion of tasks also highly applies here. Very informative video for the it people and wish i could have stumbled on it while i was back in college. thanks eli.
Eli,
thank you for clearing the dilemma between getting certs or getting a bachelor. I feel much better now that I decide to go to college and focus on certs after college.
Great Video!! I have a son who is 16 now and homeschooled as he was always bored to death in school. He has been repairing electronics and computers since about 10. He makes abou $20 bucks an hr helping friends and family and the church we go to. Since he does not like studying I see college as not an option but the kid is amazing---he can figure out anything you give him that is not working. I was thinking his best option is too own his own business. He has fixed things people have took to Best Buy and they told them to trash it ---wasn't fixable. What are your thoughts? Just as a side note he comes from a long line of Engineers, most of them self taught except for one that was a Aerospace Engineer, His uncle that did not graduate high school became a Boiler Engineer after someone discovered his brains and took him into their company----he makes over $110,000 a year. His Grandpa on my side was a Microwave Engineer back in the day and has since passed on, (any education he has was from the army) I was just wondering your thoughts....Thank you in advance. His name is Joshua.
🙏
I see your point. It was so easy to get a job back then when it started in mid 90's to early 2000. But nowadays the college degree is way more valuable than the IT certs. Of course, back then during the boom you could just purchase the coarse material, study it on your own, and go take the tests for your cert. And, the tests were so much easier back then too. I miss those days.
Wooow ... the begining part was sooo funny ... I don't care what people say ... you are so smart and talented. Just by looking at what you teach on RUclips ...wow ...so nice of you to share all this RUclips trainings. I am so glad to find your site. By the way I find it so hard to find my first IT career. I can't tell you how eager I am ... Thanks for the enthusiasm.
Great info here, I really appreciate your advise on Training VS Education, you advocate more towards getting a bachelor's as opposed to the CCNA'S and the COMPTias certifications!
I live in NYC Metro Area and as of yesterday I did some research as to this inquiry on Training VS Education, I spoke with 3 Major companies at their HR departments, the first one the Infamous English Barclay's Bank followed by NY Academy of sciences and finally Air fast tickets a new online company gaining momentum
-- stress and systems being down. When I worked for a home supply wholesaler, if the nightly batch processing was down, the inventory pick tickets wouldn't get printed and you wouldn't be able to pull the inventory to load the trucks to make the deliveries to the customers. I was often the guy who would get the systems running in the middle of the night when they went down so that the trucks WOULD go out on time. But this was all mainframe COBOL, and I want to learn the new stuff, linux, etc.
LMAO. You are so right about government work. I was so "hungry" when I started out. I came up with ideas all the time. I was shot down time after time. I realized I lost my hunger, passion and forgot how to innovate. I decided to leave to try and find it all again. Turns out the private sector was leaps and bounds ahead and finding work became difficult.
These are excellent tips, even for unrelated fields. Thank you for the video. Subscribed!
Great talk Eli, that was a practical insight into the IT industry. People have misconceptions about this industry.
Great insight into the IT field. I think everything you have said is ABSOLUTELY true.
Id like to add one thing.
Find your Nitch.
I'm a BA undergrad and was a bit confused at worried at the amount of tech skills being taught elsewhere whilst I'm crossing T's and dotting I's on the finer points of seemingly mundane topics. Now it makes sense and I feel a whole lot better about it and yes, my BA is going to me more useful 5 years from not than a random tech cert so thanks man.
p.s. first upload of yours I've seen but will damn sure be watching all yours very insightful...and I think that counts as experience? ;)
A degree doesn't measure someone's value or "commitment". I have a cousin who flunked his first semester in college, got drunk, went to parties, slept through most of his classes, but he still graduated. Because he had that expensive piece of paper, he's an accountant now, and he didn't even need the "Education" to get that job.
Just because he did what many people were afraid to do. But he did not go at war with his boss, he was always calm, and convincing.
Wait i didn't understand, what did you answer to the Irish guy at the end? You gave no answer?
I got one of those 6 mo Client Server Specialist training diploma, compliment from a non-profit org. LoL, after I got it I went on to doing something else. What you say is 100% true the recruiter didn't do much for me. Thanks for your deep coverage. I trained for Window NT back in 1998.
thank you, you told a lot of useful stuff i needed to know.
ur vids are long but worth watching,and way better than having to see 60 vids on 1 topic.
I think its not quite as simple to just lump all training into the same basket. For example; you have specific training for the IT pro like CCNA/P, Microsoft certs, etc... but there are also the general certs that I found were by far more valuable than my Degree. I got my A+ and Net+ certs and am still working on my AS, but the certificate program included those certs and all creds in that first uear go toward my AS, which most will also xfr to my BS. I also had some experience working help desk.L2 tech support, but those two certs got me the sys admin job i'm in now. I cant say that is how it will be for everyone, but I highly recommend both of those for those just starting out and trying to land their first job in IT. CompTIA as a whole has been really great IMO and I plan to complete several other certs from them just as resume boosters, because I dont have a 4 year degree (yet) and quite honestly am quite apprehensive about spending that money and time on something like that, given the current education costs. I'm not sure that 40k to have a sheet that says i put up with crap for four years would do anything for my career, over me just continuing to get experience in my current job - but there may be the kicker; I already have a position... just food for thought.
I'm enjoying listening to you Eli. Thanks for the tutorials and infos.
hey eli. 1st time ive seen you on youtube but i wanted to let you know(hope you check your comments) that even though this is sound pc tech advice, i've been in several feilds @dif jobs and & think your advice applies to most skilled jobs. i have a jacked up 05 pc and was looking for advice on fixing problems i'd not seen but construction is what i work and isn't very different in terms of advice. i'm typing on a virtual keyboard (due to those problems i think) so i'll keep this short(er)...this is GREAT advice FOR ALL PROFESSIIONS and THANK YOU!!
Very Informative, i'm so excited to jump into the field!
Lots of useful information. Thank you Eli the Computer Guy!
I am OBVIOUSLY not Eli, but I wanted give my two cents.
I feel that my courses that have worked towards my A+ cert definitely helped out my IT work. It honestly depends on how dedicated you are on learning the nitty-gritty, sometimes rather dull details and policies. If you are driven to learn EVERYTHING on your own, the full certs may not be necessary.
The other fact, though, is that a lot of places won't hire unless they SEE the certification. You may get lucky (like I did), but still.
Thanks, I'm becoming a senior next year and am really wanting a job in the IT field. I just didn't know how to start :)
What beginning steps would you suggest someone take who is a bit older, 30s, who loves tech but has no formal training or education(in that field) but wants to learn and possibly make a living in IT because he's sick and borderline suicidal of his dead end job and needs to explore other options?
And uhh for the record, you're not gonna make $60,000 a year as a cook from some bloodthirsty restaurant owner. I don't care how long you've been cooking or how good you are at that job. Just sayin'.
I wouldn't my friend. American companies are not hiring American workers. I have a college degree in Computer Information Systems. Graduated Cum Laude. I have 15 years experience. I was very good at my job. Alas, all the jobs are going to India. CEOs job is to grow the company, but they don't want to do that. They would much rather give away my job and pocket the difference in order to show profits.
Kevin Johnson India is outsourcing to Vietnam! My wife is Vietnamese! I'm close to retirement. The Dot.com BOOM is alive and well but in VIETNAM! My problem is that my background was up-to-date in 1994! I'm still healthy but I don't want to be elderly and at the mercy of ObamaCare! I'm going back to school and I am old school! I have to take new math courses, 400 level and forgot all my calculus! The math review is the toughest part of an IT upgrade! America is so socialist now there no one in there right mind would do corporate endeavors here! Learn a new language and prosper!
For you I would suggest picking the one topic you know the most about and offer to teach it to others (you can advertise that single service on craigslist free) charge a reasonable fee with a reasonable amount of time to allow them to actually learn the topic you will be amazed at what some will be willing to pay you for when it comes to anything on computers like how to make and use a RUclips channel or or a facebook page or tips and tricks to speeding up there computers? everyone that is happy with what you are teaching them will refer you to others that see they learned then you add topics and services one at a time until you are a teacher full time making all the money you like, if you get to many students you raze the price of services and slow them down to a manageable size class if your teaching electronic offer to by laptops on craigslist then your paying students will repair them for you to sale for extra profit. [start slow, build, add then Grow]
Follow your dreams. Its never too late. I'm 30 as well and I'm new to the IT world. I landed an IT / sales job and it's amazing. My job pays for my certs if I pads the tests. Get certified in A+, network +, Microsoft, and in Cisco and you will make money.
Dude, take my advice: DON'T go into IT. Guess what? It IS a dead-end job! I have gotten a formal education and been in the field the past 5 years, and you will constantly miss out on life events because you have to finish something at work. And the pay sucks
I know first hand about a coworker that became a pain in the neck for his boss talking to him about what he was doing for the company while at the same time comparing himself to other guys of much higher seniority and salary.His strategy was to convey that he was as valuable as other higher seniority guys because he was doing same tasks. A few years after consistently applying this technic, he got the salary, and the respect form his boss. However, in general his coworkers thought he was nuts.
First Of All thanks eli really i need this tips to badly because im now in my last semester in my university without no knowledge regarding IT fields even i failed in my interview job in Siemens company but now i have clear idea where to go where to start with. So thanks really i appreciated that with you did .
This was awesome I really did learn a lot. A lot of the stuff you said is so true it really is.
The only thing I wish you could have said was something about leaving a job.... When to cut losses if you cant get through at a company. I worked at a company for 2 years and haven't moved anywhere I pushed hard I did side projects myself I may tools for them and they where under staffed in mine and the admin floor they started looking outside because they where not willing to move anyone.
Thanks there is a lot of stuff here to apply to the non IT field job I am currently in
"...you just want a normal steady job day in day out... get a bachelors degree... get an internship here... get hired by some major fortune 500 company you just go there... for the rest of your life... till you die... from a heart attack... behind your computer." hahahaha, love the brutal honesty
@m1s73r4nd3rs0n Thanks for the input. Some people are put off by some of my comments, and antics... Honestly its just part of the shtick.
Hi Eli. Thanks for the video. I was wondering what you, or my fellow viewers, thought about Open University Computer and IT degrees?
Agree with education. And also those extra fields you mention at Colleges. Isn't this business 101, though? Do both, major in IT and Business. Then you choose your future! Funny most of this is on the net these days and available via text books. Don't forget friends of friends, or make your own future. Would like to meet you and match ideas with you.
Would love to see an update on this for 2015/2016.
A very helpful video mate thanks. I will be watching a few more.....
I don't know why everyone loves this. The world does need awesome people to make things like facebook and google. But even as true as that is, there is know need to slander the name of the working man. Normal everyday companies need hard working IT professionals to make there networking run smooth. So as much as advancing technology is important, without the working man half of this IT field technology in work and schooling environments would be less relevant. This would in turn hinder the entire technology field as we know it. So I think both sides are very important. Thanks
i am 16 and currently looking for schools maybe in IT field and was wondering what programs would be helpful and or were i could go to seek knowledge books,websites,colleges etc
I dropped out of college. I was tired of dealing with the Ivory Tower attitude. College (at least the one I went to) seemed to be a bloated bureaucracy. I was told to sign up for classes I didn't need, teachers and other staff didn't really seem to care. I paid OUT THE @$$ to attend school. I missed opportunities for better grades just because professors never emailed me back to clarify things.
I've spent a lot of my time since dropping out studying for certifications, talking to friends in the IT field and watching tons of tutorials on how trouble shoot computers. I just finished my A+ and I immediately started on my Net+ cert. I am now beginning to apply for jobs in the Chicago area. I understand that I've chosen a difficult path but I know that this is my passion and something will pop up eventually.
I appreciate this video. I've watched most of the videos that are on this channel. Getting a 4 year degree is probably the easiest way to get a job but it doesn't seem to be the only way. Use your network, keep learning, know what your talking about and don't give up so easily. Going to college isn't always an option for everyone!
Literally the FIRST comment I have ever left on a youtube vid! THANKS for this invaluable advice! WOW thankyou mate
I swear, it sucks seeing people that don't do what they really want to do in life but I want you to know that I'm one of the people still putting this video to work. This is great stuff man. I'm starting a new business that's called SideTech. I drive uber in NYC, so my advertising is practically free. Business cards are already ordered and I've been thinking about a cheap social media commercial. Soon I shall conquer 🤓
P.s. I have an associates degree and I used to work for geek squad for a while. Do you think that is enough to get started, being that it's 2016. "Some companies" are great but they practically reformat everything and include a data backup. I'm good at that. Is that what I should pitch?
Thanks
Saied M.
@Tony - I was on the fence for that too. I would recommend checking these factors out first: check into programming and networking to understand the separations, look at what might be more employable sooner, and look at doing the other option following your perfecting your selected option. For me, I am going with Networking since it is more employable and easier for me to start with (personal wise). However, it all depends. :) I hope this helps. :)
Eli, I think at the time you review on the IT field was 100% accurate. I went to community college for a AS in PC Science. When i started in 03 jobs were every where. When i finished in 06 it was hard to get work got worse in 08. Private sector growth and baby boomers retiring are creating a gap. Truth is they are debating letting 80k people a year in the country to fill growing IT needs.Right now its more of where you are. West coast, Texas (austin, SA, Houston some) are hiring anyone still.
Ha! I live about 30 miles from Baltimore. My undergraduate degree is in psychology, and most of my work experience is in mental health... I've been trying for an A+ certification for quite a while (mainly self-study), and still plan to get it. Sounds like you don't much care for "little pieces of paper," though, but I have actually learned a lot... Very informative, though. Thank you!!!!
Oh, I forgot to say thanks, I've been watching a couple of your videos and they're super helpful.
Bill Gate is Tech Guy, Steve Jobs was Geek Guy and elithecomputerguy is super geek.
Thanks for your videos they're really wonderful. Wish you all the best
Man can you do one on App development and Startup. I love your youtube video. So well spoken!
Working as an intern, and fully support what he said. Subscribed.....
Good to see a true person in this day and age. Lived it dreamed it. Love the field. That is the key. You love it, but can you now afford it?
Non-profit organizations, getting experience by just start fixing things and being persistent really does help.
I wrote all of that because I enjoy doing computer programming on my own and working with computers (I build computers with my friend and sell them). I want to be able to mix my police/psychology fields with Information Technology; specifically computer forensics. Therefore, I plan on getting a Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis on computer forensics from Devry University. That way, I can do IT work in my field and then other companies afterwards.
Starting my bachelors in IT with a concentration in cybersecurity this fall. I'm glad i will be a well rounded professional . I agree that society respects a bachelors degree that shows you can attempt and complete a task and or goal. The certifications like Network + , A+ and other It certs can come later i think. I think will be better with my bachelors. Thanks for some advice.
John H I would recommend checking your local job listing and getting the certifications that the majority of employers are looking for. I wouldn't bother with an A+ or net+, ccna is the golden ticket in most cases.
TechActivist If you have no networking experience, Network+ first is a good idea.
I have no experience at all but i'm starting my bachelors in august with a set of computer classes, all of my cores are pretty much done from prevues schooling at a community college. I saw a book at barnes and noble about CCNA, pretty interesting.
omg. you are a great teacher.. Love that you didn't find a job at the second place, and decided to consult others ;)