I want to try a different approach in going forward into the IT industry. As someone who is still getting their feet wet in school, I am looking for someone who is established in the industry that can give me guidance over the long term. Hope this doesnt come off like an advertsiment in the singles section. I appreciate the information I can get off the forums that I use (and I will continue to utilize them), but I don't know anyone in the industry. Nobody I can bounce things off of in more of a personal approach. Not looking to take up every minute of someones time, just want someone who can give sound advice. My goal with IT is to be a Network Administrator. I am about a year out from completing my Bachelors in CIS. I live in Western New York and am in the process of changing careers at age 35.

Thanks to all,
Steve

Hope you had luck with your quest. Many fields of employment seem to lable anybody over 35 as being too old for anything new.

Stevo, to bad you are in western NY and not eastern NY cause I live in the western part of Massachusetts.

I am in similar situation. I am 2 years into a 3 year computer system engineer associates degree program. All of my computer experience is at home or being a basic user in a large environment (8 years Marines). Last summer I did an internship for http://www.mlspin.com, I got to help the data center manager, it was a great learning experience. Since last summer I have gotten A+ and Win 7 certificated, and am starting a full time job as a systems engineer level 1 next month. My new job is an entry level, and I will have the benefit of being able to use management and my fellow co-workers as mentors.

Another mentor I have been talking with is a college professor I had last fall for project management, he has his MBA, went to Berkley, and is a PMP (Project Management Professional) and has dealt with a lot of the challenges a college grad will endure, and he has no problem emailing me back when I have questions, and I got him to write me a letter of recommendation. I suggest talking to one of your professors or and academic adviser.