InformationWeek

January 13, 1999

I am 28 and recently made a career change from mechanical engineering to IT. I landed a job as a network technician for a small value-added reseller, but I stayed only six months because of the company's instability. During that time I completed my MCSE and was promoted to senior network technician. I now am employed as a network administrator on a military base. I have a bachelor's degree in applied science and am halfway to a master's in computer science. I now may have the opportunity to get a Microsoft consulting position with IBM, which I think would mean a great deal to my career. However, I am concerned about leaving my current position so quickly after having left my previous job within six months. Second, the position would mean putting aside my pursuit of formal education (but, in return I would receive a lot of technical training and of course, invaluable experience). You seem to place a lot of stock in an IS-focused bachelor's degree. Eventually, I plan on pursuing an MBA. Do I need a bachelor's degree in IS or would a master's degree in computer science be sufficient?

There are two schools of thought here: Hunker down and let the military finish paying for your education or break away into the corporate sector. On one hand, breaking away from the military and getting into the private sector is a good option, and history shows that for those in the military, it's been more challenging to get into the corporate world. Bear in mind that this will still be your biggest hurdle. But it's my belief that with the changing economic times and the sheer demand for sound and solid technical experience, that as long as your skill set is strong in an area that's in demand, it won't matter where you practice your expertise. With that in mind, I lean toward the second school of thought: Finish your master's and continue to stay technical. Your best opportunities to segue into a corporate role are not at the managerial level but at the core technical level.

More Questions:
How do I politely postpone a request for salary requirements until after the interview?

Would I be missing a major opportunity if I pass on a job opportunity with a Big Six firm?