Trucking Vs Network/System Administrator (need Some Insight)

Knowital,

Yeah I hear it is close to how prime does it. I think you can expect 5-10 people per class, and be out with a trainer within a week.

Chris

Chris,

Yes. Stuff my recruiter sent me basically says this.

Week 1: CLP class and orientation. Take CLP and do yard stuff (PTI, backing and all that.) Weeks 2 - 4: Out with trainer for 10k miles. Once the trainer signs off that you are ready to take the CDL test you come back and take CDL PTI, Backing and Road test. Weeks 5 - 12: Out with trainer for 30k. If everything works out, you're solo after that.

Derek,

I can elaborate more on my own experiences as I can understand your concern in regards to accumulating additional student debt. I graduated from the program manga cum laude. I only mention this to highlight that I was not a dirtbag student, and that I certainly took the course seriously while putting a lot of effort into it. I also live in the Jacksonville, FL area which is a fair sized city and should have plenty of need for IT personnel. My core courses that were part of the Computer Network portion of my degree included; Fundamentals of Computer Troubleshooting, Fundamentals of Networking, Network Security, Interconnecting Cisco Devices, Window Server Installation and Configuration, Linux System Administration, Current Trends and Projects in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity, and Digital Forensics. All courses included various labs for connecting and configuring switches, configuring and Administering Windows Server, etc. As part of the Digital Media and Web Technology curriculum I studied; HTML 5, CSS 3, JavaScript, Java, Python, Responsive Web Design, Search Engine Optimization, and the Adobe Suite of software. To date I have had 0 callbacks in regards to any IT position I have applied for. I am currently working as a Pharmacy Technician.

As I mentioned, I do not possess any IT certifications which seem to be essential in order to gain entry level employment. If you pursue the IT path, be sure you obtain the basic certifications; A+, Network+, and Security + prior to graduation. Had I accumulated any student debt in pursuit of my degree I would likely be quite disappointed with the current outcome. I am still rather disappointed to be working in a field I worked in prior to beginning my studies, however, I can allocate additional time to working towards certification as needed. At this stage in my life I’d prefer to be working and earning a livable wage in a field I believe I would enjoy, which is why I’m still stalking these forums.

Appreciate all the feedback guys. I've decided to drop Networking and I'm now enrolled into a 16-week HVAC course at the local community college. It's a 8 AM to 3 PM program from August to December that gets you ready for entry-level HVAC in residential and commercial. I'm blown away with how cheap community college is compared to Universities. I'm taking 23 credit hours and the cost is still $1,700 cheaper then my 1 semester (16 credit hours) at University.

If this doesn't pan out I'll be back into trucking. Thanks again all.