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    Wednesday, May 1, 2019

    IT Career [Weekly] What would you like to know Wednesday? General Question Thread

    IT Career [Weekly] What would you like to know Wednesday? General Question Thread


    [Weekly] What would you like to know Wednesday? General Question Thread

    Posted: 01 May 2019 01:18 AM PDT

    Not every question needs a backstory or long explanation but it is still a question that you would like answered. This is weekly thread is setup to allow a chance for people to ask general questions that they may not feel is worthy of a full post to the sub.

    Examples:

    • What is the job market like in Birmingham, AL?
    • Should I wear socks with sandals on an interview?
    • Should I sign up for Networking 101 or Programming 101 next semester?

    Please keep things civil and constructive!

    MOD NOTE: This will be a weekly post on every Wednesday.

    submitted by /u/AutoModerator
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    Got my first job!

    Posted: 30 Apr 2019 04:03 PM PDT

    Just accepted an offer from a fast growing software company in the Midwest. It's not the best money, but the benefits are amazing and the company has a really great reputation and environment. It will be doing call support for the company;s software solutions. Just gotta thank this sub for answering many of my questions and leading me in the right direction.

    submitted by /u/austinspeedy11
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    TekSystems Question

    Posted: 01 May 2019 09:11 AM PDT

    Hey yall,

    Just recently received my Comptia A+ cert and started applying for jobs on Indeed, job boards, ect. I was contacted by a recruiter from TekSystems for a job as a Desktop Tech at a hospital, its a 6 month contract with potential to go full time. I have an interview with them soon and was wanting some input from others that have been contracted with them and what I can expect. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

    submitted by /u/MustHaveLoot
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    How long till it's considered a waste of time?

    Posted: 01 May 2019 07:34 AM PDT

    First a bit of back story on my current position. I had just graduated from a tech school with 10 Certs and I applied for an entry level desktop support position with a small tech start-up. Turns out they were doing outsourced IT work for small companies and they were going out of business. Their goal was to hire a permanent IT person for one of their clients to replace their services. So I took the job naturally because I wanted to gain some experience in the field.

    Turns out I wasn't joining any kind of IT department or crew. I was the IT department, basically admin for everything right off the bat. And boy let me tell you this entire network was next level jacked up. Switches were going out, the domain was crumbling at the seams, replication was broken, you name it. Don't get me wrong I've learned some next level stuff in a very short amount of time, and all is calm and working again. My biggest challenge is not having any other IT people to consult about issues for a second opinion.

    Now the owner is expecting me to run all social media and marketing (which I know very little about), but the owner also doesn't want to spend any money on anything. Which means I probably shouldn't expect to get any kind of pay increase anytime soon. My current salary is only 32,500 and it's probably going to stay that being nobody in this company knows anything about the tech field or what it pays. I like the company and the people I work with but I can't help but feel it might be a dead end. I've only been here for about 3 months and it is my first IT job so I defiantly need the experience on my resume, but how long should I stick it out before looking at other options? Should I attempt to renegotiate my salary with the super cheap owner?

    submitted by /u/Senile_Mole
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    What's next. Feeling lost

    Posted: 01 May 2019 10:18 AM PDT

    I am 41 yo, so I am pretty ancient. I work as sys admin for a media company in LA. Pay is decent, but not for a 41 yo. Def more than what I've made in the past. I've been in IT for over 15 years, but because I am not a natural at it and because I wasn't willing to work 14 hour days and study till 3 am, I didn't get ahead. I had some old certifications from the mid 2000s, but they are all obviously expired. I am beginning to study right now and I am start from scratch. Network+, Cloud+, Linux+, Storage, Server+, CCNA, etc, etc, etc..... I am not worried about exams\certs, I just want to learn this stuff. However, my heart is not in it. if I could make the same money as a truck driver I would do it. I am not bad at what I do, but I am not great at it. I do work hard and my bosses loved me because I get shit done and I am responsible. But my self-esteem is pretty low because most of my IT buddies are Sr. Engineers making $150K+ and I am barely reaching $100K.

    Am I too old to do this? If I bust my ass for the next 2 years, can I get to the next level where I can make decent money? I live in LA so cost of living in disgustingly higher here than almost anywhere else. $100K is barely middle class. If I was 31 instead of 41, I wouldn't even trip and just do it, but at 41, 2 years of studying, 2-4 years of experience and I am close to 50 then (scary thought). So I am worried about it. I am not sure if it's worth it or even realistic. My brain doesn't work as well as it did before. Get tired fast and all that fun stuff that comes with getting older. The biggest thing I hate about my job is scripting and anything terminal. I know it's a must, but that's that reason why I never went into dev\programming. I would rather live under a bench than code. But I do have to learn scripting. And may be this has something to do with my self esteem\self worth. I feel like I am not smart enough to do more advanced IT work.

    Do think I am just scared and can do it if I try hard or am just being realistic that I am not smart enough to do this?

    submitted by /u/felyasocal
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    Seeking Advice: 3 Person IT Department, 2 others are suddenly leaving within a month

    Posted: 01 May 2019 10:21 AM PDT

    Best database certification for beginners!

    Posted: 01 May 2019 10:13 AM PDT

    Hey, I'm planning to get into Database Administration, or Database Management(basically anything in database filed), after my graduation. I'm currently majoring Management Information Systems, but I'm also looking into getting a certificate in Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server, but I don't which one to go for. Any Suggestion? Thank You!

    submitted by /u/knight785
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    Microsoft fundamentals unsure to take or not

    Posted: 01 May 2019 09:51 AM PDT

    Evening.

    Due to sit the Ms-900 exam in around 4 weeks via self study & exam at a local test centre.

    My dilemma is I work in a support background with experience supporting enterprise infrastructure with Citrix, vsphere, group policy, windows etc but in a 1st line/2nd line level.

    My networking experience is junior and I am looking to move into the cloud/azure industry.

    I now support the Microsoft platform working from home, essentially reaching out to customers relating to OneDrive, Teams, Sharepoint and Exchange online and to be honest it's a bit like cold calling and a bit shit.

    So the ms-900 is the fundamental exam is the beginner 365 exam and my concern is should I sit this exam or cancel it and change it for something a bit more complex and interesting? Ultimately i am looking to learn more and expand my knowledge but the exam seems more related to the concept of cloud technology rather than the implementation side.

    Work pay for the cert anyway via a voucher but if I cancel it and can I use the same voucher on a new exam does anyone know?

    submitted by /u/Dayone8
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    Trying to decide on next step

    Posted: 01 May 2019 08:51 AM PDT

    Hey all,

    So currently I'm in the Air Force as a military hospital sysadmin. I currently have security + cert, working towards CCNA, (as that's what some of my previous coworkers recommended.) by the time I'll leave I'll have almost 5 years experience in the field. 3 years as a sysadmin technician, and 2 years being the manager/personnel in charge.

    I've had the double edged sword of being the only one qualified. Tons of work, but I pretty much cover everything. From managing the network, servers, patching, scanning. To hardware and software replacements and repair. As well as user management and security policy management, etc.

    With all of that. I'm currently at the dilemma what is more valuable in my career development. Being in the military with a security clearance, I believe will be lost within 2 years after my departure from the AF.

    My concern is if it's more valuable to continue working when I get out, or if it would be more valuable to let my security clearance expire and dedicate myself to a bachelors.

    Yes, I could work and try to take classes at night or online etc. But I wouldn't be getting my bachelors through that method for years regardless.

    Thoughts?

    submitted by /u/knight109
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    How do I know if I am cut out for IT?

    Posted: 01 May 2019 04:29 AM PDT

    I am a guy who never really found his niche in life. I have had a lot of different jobs in a lot of different industries and am now thinking seriously about the future.

    I am considering looking into IT and right now am just researching IT as a whole to see what kind of careers are available.

    I enjoy computers and the internet, but my skills are pretty basic.

    If the internet stops working for example, I will re-set the modem but if that doesnt work, odds are I will have to call someone. However I like the idea of becoming the person that people call when in that situations and would like to learn how that is done.

    I like the internet in general and like the idea of learning how to automate stuff and have been looking at online resources to learn html and programming languages.

    Most jobs I have had have involved use of a computer, and I have had to learn many different CRM systems or accounting packages and I tend to pick those up pretty quick. I have always been bad at maths though.

    Do I sound at all suited to IT? and if so which areas/fields do I sound most suited to?

    submitted by /u/net_traveller
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    25 year old college student looking to join the Navy as an IT, would it be a wise move for civilian work? No degree needed?

    Posted: 01 May 2019 08:09 AM PDT

    So I've been looking at joining the Navy for about a year now and I'm really considering moving on with the enlistment this summer when I'm done with this current spring semester. I've been at the local community college since Fall 2017 and have enough credits to go in as an E-2. I'm majoring in Computer Information Systems since I would like to work in IT/ Network administrstion field.

    From my research on the Navy and IT, the rate is one of the best that transfers over to civilian work. The top secret clearance from what I've read is the goldmine to employeers. I also hear the Navy will pay for your certs through the COOL program. At this point I'm ready to pull the trigger on the Navy route rather than countinuing with school for another 2 years.

    If I was to join the Navy as an IT, and get the certs, experience and TS clearance all without having a college degree, what kind of work would I be able to get in the civilian sector? What would the pay be like?

    Edit: Active duty

    submitted by /u/DCx310
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    Comptia A+ cert discount student Canada

    Posted: 01 May 2019 08:04 AM PDT

    Hello Everyone,

    I just graduated from college and looking for a job in IT, most places I am applying ask for A+ certification.

    As recent grad and short on money I am looking for some coupons when I saw the posts about Comptia academic store. I have .edu email address but the store only seem to find the schools name in US. Is there any place where I can get the student discount for Canadian schools?

    I will really appreciate any help.

    submitted by /u/batgot
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    Hello All,

    Posted: 01 May 2019 07:47 AM PDT

    I've been working for this company for about 3 yrs, I move different departments for the client I'm was working for... so I ended up working as Security Specialist for the past 2 yrs.. as of late my company have been doing some shady stuff.. instead of paying the offshore analyst a shift differential they've asked me to work those shift which I refused.. I decided so look elsewhere for job, so I accepted an offer somewhere else with a better job title which is great for my career.

    Fast forward

    My company is searching for an replacement for my position and they're willing to pay $35k more than what I was getting for that role... how would that make you feel??

    I think I want to say something to them!

    submitted by /u/vsoc82
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    Where do mostly pure route/switch engineers fit in these days?

    Posted: 01 May 2019 07:43 AM PDT

    I've been trying to move into/find a better role for years now but everyone seems to want to 10 years NGFW/Security/Devops experience. That's just not happening where I am now and I can't afford to just not work and learn this on my own. I'm really time limited these days after work.

    submitted by /u/neteng-j
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    QA Opportunities in Current and new company

    Posted: 01 May 2019 07:32 AM PDT

    So, I'm currently working in a software company as a specialist in the company's product - aka phone/ticket IT support, training new clients, documentation, QA. A little bit of everything.

    While working in this position I discovered that QA is something I'd like to pursue professionaly. So I spoke to my boss about it but at the time, it didn't seem like there would be any open position within a reasonable timeframe.

    So I looked elsewhere and I am currently waiting to have a interview set up with a pretty popular company working with a product I am really excited about. The position would be the lowest-tier QA in the company, aka functional tester, but it would definitely be a way into the QA field and the company's industry. Downsides: Haven't had any interviews yet and the position would demand that I travel quite far every day opposed to my current workplace. Pension and other added bonuses doesn't seem to be very good in this company either.

    Fast forward to today, I talk to my boss once more, being transparent about my job hunting because I felt like I'd rather just open up about it. He pulled some strings internally, and now I've been told that my current company will actually be looking for a QA manager soon and that I'm free to apply for it if I feel up for the challenge. Alternatively, He could offer me a 'regular' QA position within the next 6 months or so.

    As an introvert who doesn't really like being held responsible for other peoples work, I'm not sure if I would be cut out for a manager position. I realize that not all managers have to be blunt head-strong extroverts, but I feel like it helps. But at the same time, I feel like it would be a great career advancement, which tickles my ambitious-bone.

    Note: I do not have a background in IT. Have a graduate degree in communication/marketing. The QA position in my current company would solely be based on the fact that I have worked with the product we're using intensively every single day for approximately 2 years.

    So I guess my questions are-

    Should I try to go for the QA manager position because it will probably be lucrative despite my confidence in managing being pretty low?

    Should I wait in my current company where I feel secure and pretty happy every day and go for the 'regular' QA position once it becomes available?

    Assuming I'm offered a position in the popular company - Should I jump out into a new position in the company, with the product I'm the most passionate about. knowing the position is low-tier, the extra benefits are lousy and that I'd need to travel pretty far every day?

    I know that I can probably only answer these questions myself, but a second opinion would be highly appreciated none the less :)

    submitted by /u/Mink7913
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    Question - Associate Systems Administrator

    Posted: 01 May 2019 07:25 AM PDT

    Hi guys!

    I recently got a position as an Associate Systems Administrator! I am super excited and the company seems really great.

    I was just curious, if anyone has ever had an Associate Systems Administrator position before, how far away is it from a full-fledged Systems Administrator role? I like to have goals to work toward and wanted to have a good idea of roughly where I am at as far as common career paths go.

    (Also, yay!!!!!!! no more service desk/call center!!!)

    Thank you!

    submitted by /u/JNawx
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    MUST-READ IT BOOKS

    Posted: 01 May 2019 12:49 AM PDT

    The topic is very simple, I'm a junior Java and Web developer, still studying.
    I'm currently using uDemy as main source and ofc University ( school systems are kinda outdated imo). I started watching business man's videos on YouTube like Rober Kiyosaki to see how I should start my own business as a Freelancer.

    So my question is do anyone know any book what is a must-read for being a succesful freelancer?

    submitted by /u/nmthdm
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    Which Certification Should I Go For?

    Posted: 01 May 2019 02:19 AM PDT

    Hello /r/ITCareerQuestions. I am trying to get out of mundane jobs and get into the IT field. I have been building and fixing PCs for over 10 years in my free time, and it is time to make it my career. I am almost 30, and I feel the need to start doing SOMETHING with my life.

    With that being said, I think that my best step is to sign up for the "Network Management" Associate in Applied Science degree at my local Community College. The program says that you will be eligible to obtain certain certificates throughout the course, but what it doesn't tell you is that you have to take certain classes as electives before you can do so. This means that if you stick to the program, and do not take any extra classes, then you can get up 1 cert by the time you graduate (The last 2 can be obtained at the same time, as they require the same electives). Here is the list:

    • Data Storage & Virtualization Diploma

    • Cisco Network Associate Certificate

    • Cisco Network Professional Certificate

    • Cisco Security Certificate

    • Linux Certified IT Professional Certificate

    • Linux Security Specialist Certificate

    • Global Windows Security Administrator Certificate

    • Microsoft Certified IT Professional Certificate

    Based on current standards and the way the industry is at the moment, which of these would be the best to start my career with?

    I am also confident that I can pass the CompTIA A+ right now. Thoughts?

    submitted by /u/Lord_Chrisicus
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    Dress code is casual. What should I wear for the first day?

    Posted: 30 Apr 2019 07:21 PM PDT

    I'm going into a position where I've been explicitly told that the dress code is casual. Should I still wear a button-up shirt and dress pants for the first few days?

    Asking because it's quite hot this time of year. Otherwise, I would do so no question. I'd like to leave the best possible first impression.

    submitted by /u/CupcakesIO
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    Dead end

    Posted: 01 May 2019 05:21 AM PDT

    This is part rant part advice question.

    So I started this job as a phone pharmaceutical sales rep and after 3 months was approached for a network administrator position at the same company (going to school for it, will graduate in 1 to 2 semesters) and I worked that position until the end of the year (another 3 months ) with them knowing what I know and where I was in school on it. I checked with my manager and the vpt every month for a no sugar coated feedback on how I was doing and where I need improvement (my initiative not theirs)

    In January they moved me out of IT when we lost a major contract and had to fire 100 ppl. I did a QA job for three months before a spot opened up on a tier 1 help desk team now they have flown me out to train for that currently.

    I have always gotten the job done with them regardless of what it is, I've taken special projects of any kind when told and completed them. At no point outside of the network administrator position was I ever asked if I wanted to do this or that. Always told.

    Before this I have over four years of tier 1 support experience in an actual it job, and a year of tier 2 dsl support unrelated to the four.

    I feel like this is a no advancement no improvement position and don't know what to do next.

    submitted by /u/IT_Doggo
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    Networking - Scheduled hours vs Maintenance time

    Posted: 01 May 2019 05:11 AM PDT

    Morning! I'm not looking to move companies, but after seeing some postings I have some questions for other network managers.

    How do you justify to yourself and your team that you require physical presence from say 8:30-5pm M-F. Salary. BUT you have to do anything big after hours and weekends because you can't have an outage during business hours. Especially a Saas company.

    Wouldn't that be the equivalent of "Mr Recruiter you need to put your 40 hours in at the office, but you can't call clients until after hours and weekends.. oh and no over time" - Ignore commission, etc it's just an example.

    How I handle it for my team and I? Luckily I have a team of mature folk/friends that aren't taking advantage of the system. So I do a give/take. You did a maintenance last night? Work from home the next day and only work a half day. You have an upcoming maintenance on Saturday? Take off a half day Friday, or all of Friday if you can do it. Everyone knows their workload and can handle it without being micromanaged. But I realize I'm probably just fortunate to have a good team and that won't last forever.

    submitted by /u/Solarwindsrolodex
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    Feeling stagnant in generalist helpdesk role, looking for advice

    Posted: 01 May 2019 12:47 AM PDT

    Hello,

    Lately, I've been feeling stagnant in my career. I've been in my current role for close to 2 years. The responsibilities are very broad (Helpdesk Level 1 & 2, Audio Visual support) and I feel that I haven't had the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. I've enjoyed the exposure I've had with Azure and Intune, but it hasn't been very in depth.

    Some background- I live in Southern California with an associates degree in business. In addition to my current role, my work experience includes 4 years of computer repair and 2 years technical support. I enjoy my current job and the salary is good for what I'm doing. However, I want to continue developing my skills so that I can advance my career. Unfortunately, my current job is a bit slow in that regard.

    There are several areas that I've had limited exposure to that I find fascinating- Cloud technologies (Azure), endpoint management (MDM with Intune/JAMF/etc), programming (Python, Powershell), virtualization (Hyper-V, digital ocean), and Linux. The issue is, I'm trying to identify which path would place me in a better paying job most quickly. Given how hot AWS is, might it be a good idea to start pursuing it? Or would I be better served by building off my current experience? Maybe I should pursue a microsoft cert path? Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you.

    submitted by /u/lizardspring
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    What are the most flexible careers in the IT field?

    Posted: 01 May 2019 03:25 AM PDT

    I am currently looking to change my career trajectory. However, because of certain constraints, I do need a flexible job. What careers within the IT field are considered to be highly flexible in terms of how much control I have over my schedule. Thanks in advance!

    submitted by /u/atram010
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    Certifications. A+ Network+ Security+ MS-100 MS-101

    Posted: 30 Apr 2019 11:23 PM PDT

    Hello!!

    So my company found some funding to get our department some certifications. A+ for almost everyone on Help Desk ( I am in this group ) and two more for a coworker and I due to our being the only MDM/ Intune Admins.
    I've had my A+ before but it is currently exired. They've decided to pay for my A+, and two MS exams as I am one of two MDM admins.
    My companies Workforce program has already paid for my Network+ and Security+ exams. This seems like it could be overwhelming . Any experience with handling this many objectives? Should I study and take the easier ones first ? start with the hardest? Money has already been spent so I might as Well get them all right ?

    Thanks !!

    submitted by /u/Gabbinggabbers
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    Starting over career wise. Need some help.

    Posted: 30 Apr 2019 09:37 PM PDT

    A little background information: used to be a pharmacy technician on and off for 5 years, then I became totally deaf. 8 months later I got cochlear implants and decided I wanted to go back to college. Graduated June of 2017 with an associate's of science degree in network administration and got an information technology certificate from my local community college. 8 months later, I got a job working for bitmain fixing antminers, then got laid off.

    I am getting assistance from the division of vocational rehabilitation and I need help figuring out what the best certification to get to help me land an interview at least. I have been struggling because I have been out of work so long. They even tried to get me help with a job coach but she is basically having me do things i am already doing for job searching. I live in an area with a lot of data centers but I can't seem to get my foot in the door to get even a basic tech job.

    Phone call center work is not good for me because of my hearing issues and I do better work when I don't have to deal with customer service. On top of that I recently got diagnosed with high functioning autism. If anyone has any advice for me, that would be greatly appreciated.

    submitted by /u/Xmorpheus
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