Hello everyone, I currently work as an install tech (3yrs) for a contractor for Brighthouse cable here in the Melbourne, FL area. I did an install for a customer about a year ago and have become friends with the customer, an employee with DRS Technologies in Melbourne. He recently offered me a position with DRS in the IT dept, maybe as a Jr Network tech. I'm just wondering if anyone has had any experience transitioning into the IT field from another field. I'm making @ 65k a year with descent benefits but working 50-80 hours a week (wed thru sun til 9 pm) and possibly six days a week coming soon. I know setting up modems, home networks for customers with basic WEP and WPA security and VOIP will be alot different than working on a goverment contractors LAN and WLAN. Any insight on making the transition easier? Anyone work for DRS and can give me your opinion on the workplace? I'm super motivated with an associates degree in mechanical eng., the top tech (out of 30+) at my company, very proficient with computers and have lots of AutoCad exp. but I want to move into the IT field. I know the benefits will be good but any info on starting salaries and certifications I will need? I haven't had my interview yet but it is coming up. Thanks.

"descent benefits" You want to try to avoid these!

Thanks for the "reply". What a forum.

Ignore the flippant answer that came with no "real" inpupt. I used to work in other fields prior to getting into computers about 15 yr's ago. I didn't really 'transition' so-to-speak. At least, not like you have the opportunity to do. I was sick and tired of breaking my back for a living and wanted to go back to school and retrain. An opportunity arose and I jumped on it and haven't looked back since. The way I figured it was, computers aren't going to go away so if you knew how to fix them, you shouldn't have trouble getting/staying emplpoyed. Fortunately for me, it turns out I have a real passion for them. So here I am, 15 yr's later working as a 'network technician' and have been specializing in that for 3.5 yr's. Prior to that I did everything from hardware support to domain administration. Anyhow, your associates degree will stand you in good stead. You might want to look at persuing spme CompTIA certifications such as A+ (hardware and operating systems), Network+ (self explanatory) as a set of "basic" cert's. I would look into what else they offer. You might also want to look into Microsoft cert's as well. An MCSE definately won't hurt your resume. Whatever you do, if you do move into IT, then keep constantly working on learning more, expanding your credentials and getting more and more certifications. With IT, knowledge is the key. The more you know, the more earning potential and job security you have. I live/work in Canada so have no clue about the company you're speaking about. As for salary, you can get an idea by looking at help wanted ad's. If you too have a passion for computers/computing and constant learning (there's no end and anybody in the IT industry who stops learning more is a fool as you need to stay on top of a constantly changing field).

Thanks for your reply Curt R. I'm defin. breaking my back with my current position but also earning a "decent" paycheck right now so I can't complain while so many others in diff. fields are struggling. I can't wait to make the transition though, it looks to be exciting. I went to the library today to get some reading material for prepping for my CCENT cert and then my CCNA cert. From what I'm told, the company will pay for everything. After that I'll look into getting some Microsoft certs as well. Having some knowledge of small secure home networks, VOIP, Cat 5 and coax cabling and reading blueprints will defin. help me out I'm thinking. DRS is the top "medium sized" defense contractor for the government with @ 10,000 employees worldwide specializing in field combat electronics and monitoring equipment. As for passion for computers, I defin. have that. I'm sitting home right now riding out tropical storm Fay watching movies with my kids on our HTPC that I built for our entertainment system. When I owned my own business I could not find anyone to design my website in a reasonable time so I got on the net and learned how to use the whole Adobe Creative Suite program and eventually put together a really nice looking website. I'm the first in line when it comes to expanding my knowledge base, considering it an investment into my future and paycheck. From what I've researched on the net starting salaries for a similar position is @ 35k-50k or @ $17.50 - $25.00 an hour, not too bad plus the benefits are awesome. I currently have 2 days off a week (soon only 1), work every weekend, 1 holiday a year (xmas day, non paid), pay for family ins. ($110 week) and pay for my own tools and gas plus work @ 60-70 hrs a week. I get paid piece work but work my but off for 65K minus expenses. From what I know DRS has an 80/9 work schedule, @ 45 days a year betw. holidays, vacation, sick and personal days and a great benefits package plus not working weekends and having off every other Friday. I'm glad everything has worked out for you. It seems to be a challenging career but if you enjoy computers and people it can be rewarding. My interviews coming up soon so we'll see what happens.

Don't forget to do a little online research into the more common interview questions. It's always good to be as prepared as possible and as often as not, interviewers are checking your reaction as much as listening to your answer. Questions like "What are your strengths/weaknesses?" can be hard to answer and if you do research the common interview questions, you will have a good answer readily available for those kinds. Don't forget, you're allowed to take time to think in an interview. So do that! Don't be afraid to ask to have something repeated and above all, don't by shy about saying, "I don't know the answer to that question, but I know I could find the answer and I know how to find the answer" As I said before, it's how you answer as much as what that counts. If you get the position, take advantage of any/all training the company is willing to pay for..........no matter what! A lot of companies won't pay for training so if you can get it, most definately take it. The company and position sound excellent. I hope you land that position. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck!