gistek

Unfortunately there are so many folks like you that you'll need to have a major edge in order to compete in that market.

I'm not sure where you are, but if you're in the USA check out Pittsburgh Technical Institute and other schools of that type. Not only will you learn the applications you are weak in, you will also be able to take the certification exams for programming languages and system support qualifications needed to compete for a job in this field.

There are financial aid programs available, and many of these technical schools have employment oppurtunities there or nearby to cover expenses that financial aid doesn't.

My son went to PTI, and we qualified for enough financial aid that he only needed to contribute $350.00 per month while he was in school for tuition, supplies, and housing (everything except food, long distance, and premium cable channels). They also found him a job that easily covered those expenses.

He also likes PTI because they have a very high in-field placement rate (in other words they don't count folks who earn IT degrees and end up flipping burgers). Plus, their job search services, including career counselling, are available to all alumni as well as active students and recent grads.