Expert: Leigh Ishikawa - 5/2/2008

Question
You tend to mention allot about IT jobs going overseas.  Which areas of IT do you think will most likely stay domestic?

In the caribbean I particularly have done a little web development & design.  A little project management & oracle DB admin for a gov agency.  Lately I'm digging into network security but am also interested in seeking a job sometime within the next month or two.

I went half way in a 4 year degree business program and worked as a temp in functions I've allready mentioned in a pretty lax atmosphere.

Now I'm living in the states and since I don't know hardly anyone in IT here I was thinking about going to a job agency.  I have references but no certifications.  I was thinking about finishing what I started in the Univ but rather make money now.

I'm a perfectionist and take a while to do a website and security is pretty much an undefinied line of duty and vague aptitudes.  I came to the conclusion that I should either focus as an ORACLE DBA and/or Network admin and get accompanying cetifications to be a markettable dude before I put together a resume focused on a position for either of the two.   

I have a hunch that maybe I should just specialize in being an Oracle DBA since it seems like its better pay and less chance of having to deal with novice shenanigans.

Do you have any advice, opinions or comments?


Answer
Hi Mike,

You have multiple questions here.
1. Off-shoring.
-Direct customer facing, or business level decision making roles will have better chances of staying on-shore.  The rule of me is "If it can be done through the internet or phone, it can be off-shored".

2. Which job?
As you have read my other answers, I think you will discover that I believe that people should do things that either they like, or they are good at.  Going for good paying jobs seems like a good idea at first, but I feel that people never survive in it if they don't like what they do because either they give up, or they are surpassed by others.

Certifications are pushed by TVs, but it's not as big of a deal in the IT world.  I have not had a single certification in 15 years and nobody every asks me about it.  It was a very popular thing during the .com boom where people with degrees were hard to come by and certifications programs became the alternative source to look for.

Most people will suggest that that you should get your foot in the door of any technology firm with the skills you have.

But my honest, candid answer to you is that high school diploma does not get you into the IT field.  If you want to get a good job in the IT, your only choice is to get your head back in the books and finish your degree.

Sincerely,

Leigh