JZ writes:
I am a 35-year-old attorney (5 years experience) seeking a career change. I am considering taking MSCE classes but am hesitant. My experience is not technically based, and I do not wish to waste my money in obtaining a degree that may not help me. Contrary to what I hear from these computer training schools, it appears to me that most information technology jobs require experience. Should I pursue this path or seek a position more related to my experience?
The Career Doctor responds:
All the employers I’ve talked with recently stress the importance of experience … they want the combination of experience and education/training/certification. If you really feel strongly about making a career change, then I would look at the schools that offer the classes and see if they also have co-op programs, internships, placement, etc. Perhaps you can still be employed in the legal profession, take classes, AND start gaining valuable technical experience.
If you have the time, I would recommend you get a copy of Dr. David P. Helfand’s Career Change: Everything You Need to Know to Meet New Challenges and Take Control of Your Career.
Finally, while you may not have much technical experience per se, you should also consider your transferable skills. Please read: Quintessential Careers: Transferable Skills.
