InformationWeek

May 10, 1999

I've been trying to find certified classes in my local area for Oracle or SAP training other than university extension classes, which I've found to be of poor quality. I've been working as a senior financial analyst and finance manager of a division of a NYSE-listed company. I would like to transfer my finance and accounting skills to software development. My employer has very poor systems and there are no opportunities internally for such training. I have two college degrees but no computer engineering degree. Will companies pay me to train on their software if I'm considered a "mature worker"? Is my goal unrealistic?

It's highly unlikely that your company will train you in an area that you currently don't work in. Your goals are absolutely realistic; it's the path to get there that needs some fine-tuning. It sounds like taking some classes and getting certifications on your own may enhance your case for your employer to recognize your commitment. You'll need to lobby hard to make that happen.

More Questions:
Will IT employers hire someone with project-management experience in a different industry and train on the job?

Should I stay with my current career path at my company?