[Wolves] OT: IT career advice

[Paul Harrison]

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I'm looking for a bit of advice, please.

I have been working part-time as a school teacher on a temporary
contract, but that came to an end yesterday.

I'm pretty keen on working in IT in some capacity.  I know more than
the average user (though, as Aq would say, this might be a
"taller-than-Ronnie-Corbett competition").  Having worked in education
for some years, it makes sense to be involved in IT training
eventually, or to go back into teaching eventually.  I certainly feel
it's time for a change, and to get some further training and
experience under my belt.

(WARNING: SOME WOLVESLUG MEMBERS MAY FIND THE NEXT PARAGRAPH DISTURBING)

I've been contacting some of the firms that advertise in the Evening
Mail re IT training.  I have interviews with three lined up, and
already have had one with Advent, based in Hagley.  Today I have had a
letter from them, offering an option of...wait for it...training to
MCSE status.

Sorry, had to say it.

Ideally I would like to be involved in open source IT work, but this
may be difficult/impossible from a standing start.  I rather get the
impression that it is hard to get away from Microsoft, whatever befall.

I don't actually know anyone working in IT, so I thought I would ask
you good people:

* What might a mid-30s teacher have to offer in the IT sector?
* Despite what we might think about Mr Gates, is MCSE a good means to
getting into the industry?
* What other avenues might I explore in terms of advice on
qualifications, training or employment?

Grateful for any pointers,

Paul


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