Hello folks

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by chrlin1970, Oct 27, 2008.

  1. chrlin1970

    chrlin1970 New Member

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    Hi,

    this forum looks really good.

    about me...

    In a bit of a predicament just now. I graduated as a civil engineer way back in 1992. I worked for 7 years in that profession and then in 1999 decided to move to IT. I joined one of the big banks on their graduate scheme in technology. Basically been working as a mainframe developer for almost 9 years. I'm now working as a "technical specialist" with lot's of experience in Cobol / DB2 / CICS / JCL etc (probably doesn't mean much to you youngsters on here). Anyway, as a dual australian citizen I want to move to Oz with my family but there isn't much call for mainframe skills, so I am contemplating retraining in Microsoft programming skills (C#.Net and SQL server). the following course is what I am thinking of.....

    http://www.itlearneasy.com/html/microsoft-database-developer-programming-developer.html

    I want to avoid computeach as they are very expensive. Has anyone on here used itlearneasy? they seem much more driven by real technical people etc. If I did pass all 8 exams included on this I'd expect to be able to find a new job in australia. 8 exams in 12 months does seem a lot though (even for someone with IT experience).

    also I have heard the IT industry is rife with "Ageism" so after doing all this study and passing exams would i find it hard or impossible to get a job? I'm 38 by the way.

    any points of view on the above would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks
     
    Certifications: BEng (Hons) + ISEB Diploma Bus Sys Dev
    WIP: Soon..... C#.Net and SQL Server
  2. wizard

    wizard Petabyte Poster

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    Hi there and welcome :)
     
    Certifications: SIA DS Licence
    WIP: A+ 2009
  3. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    Welcome to the forums!

    I'm from the States, but I've known a few people who started in IT in their 50s and are doing quite well!
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  4. chrlin1970

    chrlin1970 New Member

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    cheers guys.

    starting IT in their 50s - well that's encouraging! I have no doubt I'll get through these Cert courses but I'd be mega annoyed if i was turned down for work just on the basis of my age. I guess the 9 years of IT experience i already have covers the generic skills that any programmer requires so that should stand me in good stead.

    feeling better already!
     
    Certifications: BEng (Hons) + ISEB Diploma Bus Sys Dev
    WIP: Soon..... C#.Net and SQL Server
  5. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    Hi & welcome to CF :)

    -Ken
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security
  6. Obinna Osobalu

    Obinna Osobalu Banned

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    WELCOME! "Ageism" what has that got to do with JOB PERFORMANCE.
     
    Certifications: MCITP:SA,MCTS(x5),MCSE2K3;MCSA2K3:M;MCP
    WIP: EDA7,70-652,Project+,MSP(70-632)
  7. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

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    Hi Welcome :)

    If you can do the job then and your the best candidate then you'l get hired, age has nothing to do with it.
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  8. Notes_Bloke

    Notes_Bloke Terabyte Poster

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    Hi & welcome to CF:D

    NB
     
    Certifications: 70-210, 70-215, A+,N+, Security+
    WIP: MCSA
  9. dmarsh
    Honorary Member 500 Likes Award

    dmarsh Petabyte Poster

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    Australia have a points based system, you have a FAR better chance of emigrating when you are below 40, so yes your age does very much matter in this case.

    The immigration process can take as long as two years so you have no time to lose.

    Certifications in a sought after language will certainly help but are not essential.

    Sponsorship is one way to speed up the process. Your partner may be a better main visa applicant depending on their details.

    I'd contact the austrailian immigration advice service and get a better idea of where you stand.

    Opps, just noticed you said you have dual citizenship ? Why not just go there now and study your certs there ?

    Welcome to certforums ! :D
     
  10. Dullage

    Dullage Byte Poster

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    Hi and Welcome to CF :D
     
    Certifications: A+
    WIP: Network +
  11. chrlin1970

    chrlin1970 New Member

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    Hi,

    I'm still in employment in a relatively well paid job and I've got a family to support, so I'd rather be in that situation whilst I study. Should take a year to get through the 8 exams, I'm also tagging on a project management course and qualification.

    I look forward to discussing the certs with everyone when i get started in the new year. I've got a big DIY project at home which I hope to finish before Xmas and then on to the studies.....

    the aussie citizenship thing is good, one less thing to worry about. I've been able to pass it on to the kids as well (even though they have never been there).
     
    Certifications: BEng (Hons) + ISEB Diploma Bus Sys Dev
    WIP: Soon..... C#.Net and SQL Server
  12. Daniel

    Daniel Byte Poster

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    Isn't that against the law?

    They cant say no because your 38 when you have all that experience, regardless of what qualifications you need now, that would be a mistake. :eek:

    Also, Welcome to CF :D
     
    Certifications: 70-270, 70-290, 70-291
    WIP: None, but learning SEO/SEM
  13. chrlin1970

    chrlin1970 New Member

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    I've just read an awful lot of news stories on this matter. I think it is against the law but how do you prove it? Once I get my certs behind me it'll be interesting to find out!!!
     
    Certifications: BEng (Hons) + ISEB Diploma Bus Sys Dev
    WIP: Soon..... C#.Net and SQL Server
  14. nugget
    Honorary Member

    nugget Junior toady

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    Hi and welcome to the forum. :biggrin
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP (270,271,272,290,620) | MCDST | MCTS:Vista
    WIP: MCSA, 70-622,680,685
  15. Ropenfold

    Ropenfold Kilobyte Poster

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    Hi and welcome to the forums

    I don't put my age on my CV as I'm pretty sure it goes on however it is illegal to discrimate on the basis of age. I've never understood What the problem is with age, what are people worried about?
     
    Certifications: BSC (Hons), A+, MCDST, N+, 70-270, 98-364, CLF-C01
    WIP: ISC2 CC, Security+

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