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    Friday, March 29, 2019

    IT Career Getting Started: Your Lab

    IT Career Getting Started: Your Lab


    Getting Started: Your Lab

    Posted: 28 Mar 2019 07:45 PM PDT

    Repeatedly on this sub there are questions from people looking to break into the field asking how to get started. In every case there are two things that are necessary: education and experience. But how do you get those? Watching Professor Messer helps a lot of people, but some are like myself where we can't just listen to him talk, read a book, and get it.

    The best way, then, to do this is to make a lab. If you're breaking into the field you probably don't have a lot of money so you're not going to be buying a stack of Cisco routers and switches with a handful of R710s. So how do you build a lab?

    1. Before you do anything else start taking notes. A notebook, a Word document, a notepad, whatever it takes to keep clear and specific notes on everything you do. This way when someone asks how you screwed up you can tell them exactly. It also gets you in the practice of keeping good documentation for when you have a job.

    2. Find something cheap. An old desktop or laptop sitting around. A handful of Raspberry Pis. Get something on Craigslist for $30. Scavenge from the leftovers from your current job. Anything to get started. Get it up and running.

    3. Start trying to do something. Emulate a business. Set up an authentication server, an web server, a VPN server, a database server, and a file server. You can do this in virtual machines. Many businesses are doing exactly that anyways.

    4. Once you have it all up and stable change something. Let it break. Delete a configuration file. Take out a piece of hardware. Unplug something without paying attention to where it was originally. Rather than try to undo what you did try to find a way to fix it. In a real environment someone will make a mistake and you can't just ctrl-z it.

    5. Now that you've started figuring out how things work and how they can go wrong start figuring out ways to automate things. Learn Powershell or bash. Learn Python. Automate the tasks you find yourself doing over and over like adding or removing new users.

    6. As you do anything and run into an issue research it first. Google, duckduckgo, reddit, and forums will be your best friend. Don't ask questions directly of people. It bypasses the research process. The answer is almost always out there. Only after you've done your due diligence should you directly ask people. In a work environment you will be expected to do exactly this. If you keep interrupting you coworkers with your questions then you will not only take time away from their tasks but also get a reputation as someone who tries to get other people to do their work for them.

    I hope this helps someone. If others have something to add feel free. I know I've overlooked some things or brushed over a topic that others can expand on.

    submitted by /u/gameld
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    Accepting a job offer before graduating college thanks to everyone here

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 07:21 AM PDT

    I'm being offered $45k salary plus benefits out of college for a moderate sized company. I have been so stressed lately with finding a job and I feel so relieved to have this opportunity. Thank you to everyone who has put helpful information up or asked questions that I wondered myself. You guys are all appreciated and good luck to anyone who's worried about finding a career! You will find one.

    submitted by /u/Dogislovedogislife
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    I want to get into IT, but I'm overwhelmed at my options. Where, and how do I start?

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 09:08 AM PDT

    I graduated highschool back at 19, and since then, I did a short year stint at college but found I really didn't like it. I've been working jobs since then, but I've always had a passing interest in computers from years and years of gaming, and tinkering with replacing parts on old rigs I had. Thus, an interest in IT to some degree.

    Now, at 23, I think I've hesitated and waited long enough. I want to get into IT, but I don't know where to start. I've been told, and read about many things: you don't have to go to college for IT, you can self study and do your A+ or Network+ or Security+ to get your foot in the door, or don't bother with any of those, jump straight into the CCNA or the CCENT. I've heard self studying A+ without any formal, hands-on training may not be a good idea. There is a lot of things I've heard in passing and from other people that I just don't know where to begin.

    I'm not big on college because the cost always comes to mind. I know, if I'm serious, then it will end up paying for itself. The route of self studying seems far more cheaper, as I only pay for the material and the exams itself. Even so, I don't know what is the best option. I know this whole post might come off as a little vague, I'm just confused on how to go about this properly.

    EDIT: I should mention that I'm looking for some guidance too about college. I feel like a lot of people will recommend self studying, and I'm fine with that route, but I want to know if taking a class or going to college is worthwhile for getting in. I live in NYC, if its relevant.

    submitted by /u/skullplace
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    What's the best way to move into SysAdmin from IT Helpdesk?

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 03:01 AM PDT

    I've been in IT Helpdesk for about seven months now.

    I mainly do imaging of desktops, laptops (sometimes tablets). Troubleshoot hardware problems and software problems.

    Dealt with customers both over the phone and doing call outs to them in person in their office.

    Sometimes deal with network issues in Comms-rooms.

    With my job, I work for different client companies. From insurance, marketing and Government buildings and a medical college.

    What is the best way to make the transition from Helpdesk to Sysadmin?

    submitted by /u/TheDruidOftheland
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    interviewer no showed, how can i professionally hadnle this

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 08:44 AM PDT

    so i had a phone interview scheduled yesterday and she did not call me or contact me in any way. i emailed her today to see if she wanted to reschedule for monday. she then says that the manager has a maximum number of candidates to interview and will let me know if hes needs any additional candidates or passes on any.

    is there any way i can appropriately tell her that its some bs that its her fault that im basically not moving forward in the process?

    submitted by /u/shathecomedian
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    My experience job hunting

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 05:45 AM PDT

    Up until last month I was working in the IT department of a moderately sized company. This involved a lot of desktop support. However I was also involved with some more junior level sys admin tasks. I LOVED this job. The staff were great, the IT team was incredibly supportive, I was learning so much and loving nearly every minute of my work days.

    I didn't intend to leave, but nearly all employees were let go because the company was purchased and all operations were ceased. Obviously, I had some advance of notice of this coming, so I actually began job hunting in January. I ended up getting an offer from a smaller MSP. I accepted the offer right before my job disappeared (good timing). There were a couple of red flags that I ignored in the I interview, I think because I was so excited to have gotten an offer, and I was desperate to not be unemployed.

    I don't want to get into specifics, but I was incredibly unhappy, in fact I didn't even make it three weeks. I had no connection with the team I was working with, some of our clients were openly hostile to my presence on their site, and the work environment in the office was toxic. I sat by the door for five to 10 minutes every morning and had to will myself to leave the house and head to work. I felt like I was going to be miserable the whole time I was there, all the while learning nothing useful. So, I called up a former employer and they took me back, in what may be called an IT adjacent role. I won't strictly speaking be doing IT tasks, but I will have the chance to do some networking and troubleshooting. Most importantly I really like the people and management, its actually a healthy place to work.

    My plan is to work on getting some certifications, I'm 1/3 through my MCSA for server 2016, and then I was going to get my CCNA for routing and switching. I don't think I would have had the capacity to work on this while at the MSP. Meanwhile, I'm going to keep looking for something that's a good fit. The upside is now, that I don't need to be looking for something out of desperation. I can pay my bills, continue professional development, and when i leave I can make sure it is for the right job.

    I think the biggest lesson I learned is to look for red flags in interviews, ask more questions, and that I don't have accept a job just because I got an offer.

    submitted by /u/ubiquitousnavy
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    Looking to make the switch from sys admin to programming. What is a good first step?

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 07:45 AM PDT

    Hi. I have 7 years of IT experience. My career in IT started out in the Army where I did Network Administration, system administration, and of course Help Desk. The bulk of my experience in the Army was Network administration.

    I left the Army January 2018 and have been working as a Windows System Admin.

    I have seen courses for Puppet, Chef Badges and a few others.

    I am seeking to switch to programming because there are way more opportunities where I live and am seeking a remote position. The pay is better as well. Any advice for a young, hungry IT professional?

    submitted by /u/lil-sebastian21
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    Computer Operator a good first IT job?

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 05:25 AM PDT

    So, I graduate in a year and I'm working on getting my A+ but a job opened up as a Computer Operator and I'm wondering if it'd look just as good on a résumé as a Help Desk job would, or if I should just wait out to get my A+ and then a Help Desk Job?

    The summary for the job is:

    Summary

    The Computer Operator is responsible for the operation of the County's mainframe computer, I-Series computer, and various servers.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    The following duties are representative of the work required for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

    • Operates mainframe computer in order to meet user information needs.
    • Operates peripheral equipment to complete assigned pre-production runs; monitors magnetic tape units, printers, mass storage equipment, and consoles.
    • Monitors telecommunications for on-line transactions to ensure that all local/State lines are accessible for inquiries.
    • Operates multiple high speed printers.
    • Distributes all reports to the appropriate departments.
    • Responsible for backing up I-Series system on a daily basis.
    • Provides technical support for PC users.
    • Performs preventive maintenance and simple troubleshooting.
    • Assists the Help Desk when needed

    Would this be a good first job for someone in IT or should I hold out? I'd appreciate some advice or input. Thanks for your time!

    submitted by /u/zCorex
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    [UK] Trying to start a career in IT

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 08:27 AM PDT

    I graduated from a computer games art course nearly 4 years ago and have been wanting to get into an IT career ever since, my degree did not give me the skills to apply for an entry level job so I am looking for advice on where to begin.

    I have seen a few adverts for companies such as "The Training Room" or "IT Career Switch" which offer courses at a cost and then place you in a job, are these a good idea or would I be better off finding some courses on my own completing them and then applying for entree roles.

    Thank you for any help.

    submitted by /u/Etsroom
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    Quitting New Job

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 09:50 AM PDT

    Feeling really guilty about resigning from a job I've had for only two weeks. Company is great, growing, with remote work benefits. My first week (last week), supervisor let me work from home 3 out of 5 days. They're having a "welcome to the team" luncheon for me and some others today. I've just realized I find the work very tedious and the commute is brutal. I got a much better offer much closer to home, amazing benefits, and salary is 15k higher. Current role is technical writer for cybersecurity on DOD contract. I basically feel like shit for leaving but I know I'll be shit at this job

    submitted by /u/thistimetmrw
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    New grad with no experience, not sure if my resume holding me back

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 09:38 AM PDT

    I'm starting to apply for junior dev positions, but I want to really make sure my resume is strong before I really go hard at the job searching. I'll be done this semester by the end of April and will walk the stage in June, but I have no work experience so I'm wondering if I should also list relevant courses that I took during my degree?

    Link to resume:

    https://imgur.com/a/M5KVpCQ

    submitted by /u/cantfinddis
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    CPA considering IT

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 09:03 AM PDT

    Hello all! So I am a CPA with 3 years of public and a couple years at a big hospital system (audit). I have been thinking of ways to transition out of my current field and IT holds a certain appeal to me, honestly I am very surprised it took me this long to come to the conclusion it could be a good route forward.

    I was wanting to pick this subs brain on the best way to make a transition.

    I have been looking into possibly getting a M.Sc. in Information Management masters. I think my overall career goal would to be aiming at IT management. I believe this could allow me to utilize soft skills I have developed over years of audit.

    Another consideration is IT audit, which is more down my current path. This route doesn't have as much appeal to me, but I can't discount it completely.

    What would the best way for someone who is already a professional break into the field? Masters? IT certifications?

    Thanks for the help!

    submitted by /u/Loki075
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    Boss keeps rescheduling permanent hire meeting

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 08:30 AM PDT

    So I am in help desk as temp hire from an agency and I have been in the position for two months now. We had a meeting scheduled on the 5th of this month and during it they said "let's check back at the end of the month and re evaluate" so the end of the month comes today and I ask if they're ready for the meeting and they reschedule for Monday. Now it is the busy time of the month for us but I feel like I have been exceptional in this position. I asked for feedback multiple times and followed through with their suggestions, coming in 20 minutes before my shift to get myself situated. Not sure if this is a healthy environment anymore. Anyone run into a similar situation like this before?

    P.s. Sorry for the essay

    submitted by /u/deafeningshanty
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    How much do staffing agencies mark up hourly wages to their clients?

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 08:23 AM PDT

    I'm currently in a web dev position through a staffing agency on a contract. It expires after 1 year when I should be converted into a full time employee with the company I'm working at. I will need to negotiate my salary then and I want to get an idea of how much they are currently paying for me so that I can use that figure to determine what my offer is. I've seen some reports online say anywhere from 20% - 50%. Others than say 40%-100%. Anyone have examples of figures that they've heard in web dev or other tech-related roles?

    submitted by /u/deathroll32
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    Is there any platform for me to see which skills ishould have to get a spesific job?

    Posted: 28 Mar 2019 05:29 PM PDT

    It would be nice if you can send me a link or something.

    submitted by /u/alpello
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    What does a seasoned IT pro to do?

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 06:45 AM PDT

    I'm a 'older' by IT standards. Approaching the big 50..I've been on the cutting edge my entire career. I'm at a crossroads. I have A LOT of experience. There are a few opportunities. My current company is transitioning to public cloud, DevOps along with Agile methodologies. I love technology. I have a few opportunities and appreciate an outside perspective. My current role is cloud automation with sprinkles of solution architect tasks..

    Here goes

    • A devops position involved in true Devops on a cutting edge using containers, AWS, and full CI/CD experience with a potential large rollout, could include some travel...Not sure adoption rate, but definitely an interesting gig I've been looking for

    • More support role with opportunity to get into full 'developer' role supporting existing IoT, Serverless applications along with normal app support. It would allow me to grow in an area I've always wanted. I've had a desire to become a full-time dev and this allows me to grow and learn w/o being the 'go-to' and the opportunities in the future to hop on a product team as an architect (not 100% but likely)

    • Solution architect doing integration...kind of like dealing with middleware having several integration endpoints to transition data from one provider to another or API management / architecture. A bit of dev, a bit of solution architect..

    The only two that look like definite are first two but how do you weigh which opportunities to pursue? I JUST love geeking and continue, with no interest in going into management.

    Seeking advice.

    submitted by /u/52FordF1Pickup
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    Senior IT Business analyst or QA lead?

    Posted: 29 Mar 2019 05:16 AM PDT

    I have experience in both so have been applying for both jobs. I enjoy both roles. I have just accepted offer for test lead, now I received offer for Senior BA from another company. Pay and benefits are similar. Trying to decide should I rescind the first offer and accept the new one. For QA lead role, I will be leading test effort for growing company but no direct reports. BA will be for production support team in an established company with high volume trades. Which one is better in the long run if you don't want to manage people? Also, If I want to switch jobs in few years which one is better?

    I am problem solver,enjoy change and ambiguity and love working with people. I am technical, know JS and Java but don't enjoy coding all day. I enjoy coaching and helping others but don't like bureaucracy of managing people.

    submitted by /u/Mysterious_Guard
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    Jack of all trades or Master of one?

    Posted: 28 Mar 2019 08:56 PM PDT

    Hey guys,

    I am in bit of tussle right now with myself. I don't know if this is the correct sub to post such questions but I need advice ASAP.

    First of let me tell you about my situation:

    1. Family background in finance is quite poor hence my Alma-mater is not good at all.
    2. Have got a job in a start-up that coincides with my interests (Computer Vision+Data Scientist)
    3. Always wanted to solve some real world problem and generate some revenue while doing that(wannabe entrepreneur)

    Now the current scenario:

    1. The owner of my company wants me to take the CTO responsibility. Although, I am the oldest employee and have developed the current stack of the company, I don't have much information outside my domain(data science). Don't really know how would I guide junior engineers if I as a CTO don't have expertise in some desired filed(say backend) .
    2. The other big problem is old plan of MS. I wanted to pursue Masters in CS so that I can work in the top-3 as a Data Scientist, make some big bucks and gain some knowledge, come back to India and then start something of my own. Now that I get to be a CTO, I want to keep doing what I am doing right now, gather some network and information about the business and then finally when I find some problem worthy enough of risk and time, get on with that. The point being, if eventually I am going to start my own company, why not stay in the circuit and get the knowledge of how things are shaping as opposed to the scenario where I have to start from scratch after masters.
    3. My learning in the current environment is slow. However, it is multi-dimensional. I used to just be a data scientist but now I am designing the algorithm architecture, getting my hands dirty with hardware, am hiring other people, exploring cloud based solution etc. But I don't get the satisfaction of being know-it-all. I am becoming jack of all trades but master of just none.

    I am fairly sure that the company I work in would be acquired by something big with in 2-3 years. It's an argitech start-up and we have been able to make quite a disruption within a year or so and are only getting stronger with time.

    So, should I go for masters(which in my opinion is just a requirement for any job in US for the most Indian Students) or should I take my chances in this company to grow as the company grow?

    submitted by /u/nazipanzer
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    Does where you go to college matter in IT?

    Posted: 28 Mar 2019 03:50 PM PDT

    Hello everyone, I'm a community college student currently pursuing a degree in CIS/MIS. I plan on transferring to a 4 year university this fall and I've been accepted to a few schools. However, I don't know which school I want to transfer to. Of the two schools I want to transfer to one is a decent state school that I live close to. The other school is also a state school but is known for its CIS program but is kind of far away. Does it matter what school I decide to go to? In IT it seems like it doesn't matter as much because most most graduates start working as help desk due to lack of experience. Is that accurate?

    submitted by /u/disillusionednerd
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    What kind of job could I get a as a political science major with a minor in Cybersecurity?

    Posted: 28 Mar 2019 06:08 PM PDT

    I was unable to get into my university's cyber security major but will be minoring in it. All popular majors at my school are highly competitive and as a Junior I am left with having to be a liberal arts major but can minor is most things. I was wondering what I could possibly do with this kind of education?

    submitted by /u/datboi2343
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    Does HR Managers look down on IT degrees from ECPI and schools of that kind?

    Posted: 28 Mar 2019 09:20 PM PDT

    title

    submitted by /u/wawagod
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    Doing IT related things and certs for college extracurriculars?

    Posted: 28 Mar 2019 09:19 PM PDT

    Hello all! First off, I'd like to clarify that I do not want to get into the industry just for the sake of this. Even if I don't get this possible benefit of showing it to colleges, I will still pursue IT. I'm a freshman in high school, and there is this new concept of "standing out" for colleges.

    I'm curious as to whether doing things related with IT might help out. I've heard of keeping a blog to document your projects on your homelab and such. I'm not too sure about this, so I'd also like to ask how you guys all document your homelab and outside-of-work projects. I'm planning on getting some certs, starting off with some stuff with Comptia to get down the fundamentals. Networking is something that really interests me, so I'm looking to get my CCNA before I graduate.

    So what would colleges think of one who shows their IT work, and has some certifications already for an extracurricular to stand out?

    TL;DR: Will colleges appreciate someone with certs and seeing their homelab work?

    submitted by /u/squirorb
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    Path to entry level?

    Posted: 28 Mar 2019 05:26 PM PDT

    I decided a while ago after a career shift that I want to learn and get into IT. I've been studying to take the A+ 901 exam for a while as I've read that's a good place to start. I have a bachelor's in an unrelated field and before studying for the 901, I was only an enthusiast and helped my family/friends with their tech problems.

    This is all the experience I have. With the 901 cert, would I even be qualified for an entry level position? I still plan to continue with the 902 and eventually the 1001 and 02 (if that's the next step after the 902).

    Any and all feedback is very appreciated.

    submitted by /u/tech_matey807
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