IT Career [Weekly] What would you like to know Wednesday? General Question Thread |
- [Weekly] What would you like to know Wednesday? General Question Thread
- Moving out of end-user support and into security: Huge thanks to this sub!
- Is IT not for me?
- [Seeking Advice] just started a new IT job last week, but got called and offered a position I had interviewed for two months ago
- Drowning at my current job. Help.
- Help Desk Technicians: What is the biggest pain point in your job?
- Being very Competent
- Network Administrator or Web Developer
- I start a Computer technician project tomorrow
- What’s the average salary for someone in my position and experience
- Is it acceptable to hop around to different specialties throughout your career?
- Furlough and volunteering for work
- I got an offer from IBM Business Consulting with Enterprise Applications (Microsoft) and Accenture’s Technology consulting Development program. Accenture is paying me around 10k more but I’m not sure which one to take. They’re both in the same city Chicago
- Federal Employment eliminating my drive?
- Frustrated and feel stuck in the same role
- Going from sysadmin to technical writing
- I have 6 months to change my life
- Event Technician wanting to Transfer to IT Networking
- Can i use an outdated cna textbook to study from?
- How many minimum certifications do an IT need to have to land a job and advance in IT career?
- Is a IT certification or program worth doing?
- Data Centre Remote Hands Job
- Study Guide Support for BCS Certificate/Diploma in IT
- IT Career Change Advice (UK Based)
- Two job duties and salary
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert or AZ-104?
| [Weekly] What would you like to know Wednesday? General Question Thread Posted: 02 Dec 2020 12:17 AM PST 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:
Please keep things civil and constructive! MOD NOTE: This will be a weekly post on every Wednesday. [link] [comments]  |
| Moving out of end-user support and into security: Huge thanks to this sub! Posted: 02 Dec 2020 08:15 AM PST So after 1.5 years in a service desk and 1.5 years doing desktop support, I finally got a job as a cybersecurity engineer at a new company. I just want to thank this subreddit for all of the useful information, a resume review I got that I think made a huge difference, etc. In case it helps anyone in a similar situation out, here is a bit about my background, what I think I did well during the application and interview process, etc. I have an unrelated BA but I took advantage of my employers generous tuition benefits to get a masters in CIS & security. I only have network+ and security+ but im going to be taking my CCNA soon (and then on to more intensive security certs). I mentioned my future certification plans and timelines during my interview and my interviewer really seemed to appreciate that I had all of this planned out. It never came up that my BA was unrelated, which I was initially worried about My work experience was pretty much desktop support, asset management, and some light AD/GP work (which I recognize is not the traditional background for someone moving into security). However, on my resume and in interviews, I really emphasized how my role related to security, which I think helped a lot. For example, instead of saying I managed and supported 400 computers, I would say something like "oversaw the administration and security for 400 client machines, ensuring they met relevant industry and regulatory security standards". You get the idea. I also tried my best to make my resume "pop" so to speak, since someone on this sub called my resume "generic and boring". I think this made a huge difference. I highly recommend posting on here for a resume review if you think yours could use some work. Im glad I did. Finally, don't underestimate soft skills. I applied for a technical position, sure, but the feedback the company's recruiter gave me after all my interviews was that "Everyone thought you were incredibly well spoken and a pleasure to talk to". Im sure I wasnt the most technical applicant but I truly believe being able to talk with people won me the job. Other than that, I think I got lucky. The job market is not great so if you're applying, recognize its a tough market and dont get too discouraged. I applied for probably 100 jobs and this was one of a small handful that I even heard back from. Edit: I forgot to mention this earlier but if a company accepts cover letters, write one tailored to the job/position. It's a pain, sure, but it can't hurt and with how many applicants these places get, you need to stand out! [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 02 Dec 2020 05:25 AM PST Long story short, I got my Associates in IT at 32 because I was 30 in the service industry, and it just seemed like the "right thing to do." Tech or Healthcare seemed to be the two choices and scrubs were just not for me. Anyway, I've been working with a MSP for about 6 months now, and I (for the most part) adore my work environment. My coworkers are helpful and my bosses are always willing to take their time to teach us concepts and skills they find us to be weak on. I honestly enjoy these people, but I think I hate the work. I feel like I can never quite get a grip on anything because we work with such wildly different technologies. One minute you're networking and the next you're diving into an AD issue or backflipping into hardware. I have a hard time with this. I'm one of those people who prefers to be extremely efficient at a smaller set of skills. I'm basically a Cane's or Chick-fil-A. One thing. Really, really well. I have no love for this work. I listen to my coworkers talk about projects or tech-related subjects with actual excitement and fascination. I don't feel that way. I went on an off-site yesterday and got hot flashes and a sour stomach the entire time because I didn't feel prepared t with anything I was dealing with. None of it should have been hard, either. I guess I'm asking; Can I learn to like this? Or should I jump ship? I've told my boss that I may dislike tech, and we discussed me trying to give it at least a year ("You're not always fortunate to like your job"). I just don't know if I can last that long. I find myself browsing Indeed quite often, "Just looking". [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 01 Dec 2020 02:21 PM PST I started a new IT- Service Desk job last Monday. Today, I got called about a position that I had interviewed for a few months ago but was postponed for next year due to budgeting and what not. They are offering me a Data Center Tech role and the pay is much better and benefits are paid for. So this is really a no brainer. Would it be a bad move to let my new employer know I'm leaving the company after being here for a week? I'm what you may call a good person and I feel bad for doing that. What would you guys advice? [link] [comments]  |
| Drowning at my current job. Help. Posted: 02 Dec 2020 10:09 AM PST I've become increasingly depressed over the last couple years. Mainly in part to my discontent with my job. I've been in the same "Field Support Specialist" role for nearly 6 years. I need a change for me and my family's wellbeing but whenever I look at job openings I get even more down, I feel so unqualified and I can't take a pay cut right now, I honestly need an increase. I currently support 4 sites totaling about 60 users by myself. Another 700 users on the other side of the country I assist the rest of the IT team with. I'm a remote extension of our IT department. I mainly do user support (image/deploy clients, resolve/escalate issues, manage inventory, etc). I dabble in basic networking (port security, installation of new drops/sites/equipment, little to no actual new configurations). I deal with some compliance stuff like remediation of outdated clients/reporting errors. We utilize iPhones with a MDM and email client installed. I coordinate new projects/reqs between local management and our IT Dept with a few under my belt. Regarding credentials, I was a Marine for 4 years doing networking stuff. Moved to the role I'm in now for the last 6 years. Working towards a degree in software development but haven't started any of the technical classes yet. I have CompTIA A+ and Project+. I previously had Security+ and CCNA but let them expire. I feel like I have some basic knowledge in multiple IT disciplines but am an expert of none. With this in mind, can anyone provide some suggestions on career paths, even short term, that I could benefit from? I'm totally willing to get another certificate if I need to. I don't know if I can do two more years here while I finish my degree... Edit: or if you just have some general advice I'm all ears... thanks in advance. [link] [comments]  |
| Help Desk Technicians: What is the biggest pain point in your job? Posted: 02 Dec 2020 10:46 AM PST Doing some market research for a MSP and looking for what the biggest pain point for the help desk technician role. I.e. Do the technicians want more technical training? More resources for helping to troubleshoot issues? Etc. If you are a help desk technician what would make your job easier/better? What is your company lacking that would help you to advance in your career? Not looking for specific IT issues. Appreciate it! Thanks! [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 02 Dec 2020 06:16 AM PST Hi Everyone, I read this article and there were lots of painful truths. I seems like a double edged sword. One would expect an IT Pro to be very competent and carry out his Job duties but in reality that is not the case. You are seen as a threat and hated upon unnecessarily. How could Being hardworking and trying to hold your colleagues accountable be seen as a threat? I would like career advise on how to navigate this predicament without losing one's authenticity and career aspirations. [link] [comments]  |
| Network Administrator or Web Developer Posted: 02 Dec 2020 09:14 AM PST I'm at my point in school where I have to decide one of the two mentioned paths. I honestly enjoy doing both, and I have so far been on the networking path with intentions to pivot into security, however, I have really fallen in love with my software development classes and have been all but certain about changing courses. I feel so torn! Curious about your opinions regarding experiences and job outlook relating to both fields. [link] [comments]  |
| I start a Computer technician project tomorrow Posted: 02 Dec 2020 08:23 AM PST I'm sorry for a long post but this is my first IT job and I'm nervous not just because it's my first IT job but my family is worried that taking a 7 day project will take me off unemployment and snap and I'll have to start them over. Also since I've never done these tasks professionally I feel I need a refresher on these tasks. Does anyone know where I can find some good youtube videos that cover these topics Backing up old PC Data Replacing the PC Restoring data to new PC Adding network drive and printers I would appreciate any advice at all! Thank you! [link] [comments]  |
| What’s the average salary for someone in my position and experience Posted: 02 Dec 2020 07:50 AM PST Im separating from the military soon. My job title was information technology specialist but i was more of an network engineer/sys admin. I have 3 years of experience doing this. I also have experience in project management and I'm looking forward to get my PMP in the near future. I have a degree in Information Technology from a state school. My current certs are: A+, Sec+, CCNA, CISSP, Security Clearance I'm looking to either live in San Diego, NYC, or Austin. What's the average salary for someone with my experience in these areas? [link] [comments]  |
| Is it acceptable to hop around to different specialties throughout your career? Posted: 02 Dec 2020 07:25 AM PST So I've been in IT for almost 6 years now, and most of that has been in network focused roles. Yesterday our information security officer told me an infosec position is opening up and he wants me to apply for it (not guaranteeing me the job but he made a joke about who he'd be "stuck" with if I didn't apply and I think he really wants it to be me). I've always had an interest in security and it sounds very appealing to me (this would be more money too) but I'm concerned about how it would look if I don't like the role and want to go back to networking after a year or two. Would it look okay on my resume for hiring managers to see my most recent position was in infosec with prior network experience if I were to apply for network engineer roles again? Sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm just not sure how hiring managers would view experience that would be somewhat out of date. Thank you! [link] [comments]  |
| Furlough and volunteering for work Posted: 02 Dec 2020 10:32 AM PST My department is furloughing all contractors for the last two weeks of December. There are some internal tools that are maintained by my team and we won't be able to support them for those two weeks. I have offered to train an employee (non contractor) on what needs to be done - he declined. But - my coworker volunteered his time to help even though he will be furloughed. I've never met my coworker in person and know nothing about his age and experience. On one hand, he makes himself look good by volunteering his time. On the other hand, he will cause our team members to devalue his time, and makes the rest of us look bad for not volunteering. I think he is young and might need to be advised to encourage other people to respect his time. Or...do I just let him do what he wants? He doesn't report to me. Not sure if it's worth mentioning - my employer/client has been making it very difficult for contractors to be hired full time. Those who were eventually hired did so by becoming friends with someone in a completely different department and filled out a job application when there was an opening. It doesn't seem you can be hired full time by kissing up to the product owner, which my coworker seems to be doing. [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 02 Dec 2020 06:39 AM PST I'm going to be a fresh grad and I'm not sure which option to take. Money aside, I'm looking for the place with better work/life balance and culture. I've heard mixed things about Accenture and wanted some more advice [link] [comments]  |
| Federal Employment eliminating my drive? Posted: 02 Dec 2020 10:17 AM PST I have been out of the active military doing contracting and then federal work for the last 3 or so years. Before this I was a network admin for the Air Force. In my three years I've made good money doing next to nothing and I think it's ruining me. As a contractor I was doing about 55/hr and as a Federal technician I'm now a GS-12. I do next to nothing at work, I'm horribly under tasked and over paid and I feel like it's making me stupid. I can do this forever and retire and be fine but I feel like I'm selling myself short. Does anyone else work for the Gov and find that they're days are stagnant and boring? I feel like just because I have a high clearance I'm getting paid to sit around and put out a fire or two as it arises. The majority of the time people come to me like I'm a help desk technician but at least that lets me do some easy troubleshooting. I'm trying to leave government work but without my clearance taken into account, I'm not worth that much on the outside. Really I'm just venting and needed to write this out. Trying to see if anyone else ever feels like their work environment is also making them lose their drive. Thanks lol. [link] [comments]  |
| Frustrated and feel stuck in the same role Posted: 02 Dec 2020 09:58 AM PST I somewhat recently took a position as a Senior IT Technician. Basically the tier 2 for the Service Desk. My role actual job, however, is a mesh of Networking and Service Desk and in the past I have worked as a tier 2 application support analyst and that role had me working with the systems engineers regularly on tasks and projects. I'm growing increasingly frustrated with how absolutely disrespectful the rest of ITS is towards the Service Desk. And this isn't new to this company. It's been the same at every company I've worked for. It's this attitude like the Service Desk is less than or not as intelligent or even not actually part of ITS. Never mind that many on my team actually have their Net+, Sec+, and other certs alongside 4 year degrees. I don't want to do this forever. But I feel like I'm stuck in this perpetual rut of only being able to find Service Desk positions because I don't currently hold any certs and everything has been self-taught or learned on the job. I'm working on my A+ right now and my boss wants me to have Net+ by end of 2021 as well. If I ultimately want to be moving towards Systems Engineering though, what certs should I be working on? CCNA? [link] [comments]  |
| Going from sysadmin to technical writing Posted: 02 Dec 2020 09:50 AM PST I am currently in systems and network administration and have been for about 6 years. I do not enjoy it. I have been trying to think of things I can try where I'm not starting out back at the bottom of the totem pole, but still getting away from tech. After realizing what my true interests are, I am finishing my BA in English. This is not for a career (I feel that at this point, even if I can't get out of IT, the degree doesn't matter as much as my experience), but personal enjoyment. I love writing. So, I thought that maybe something I could do to use my knowledge of IT and my interest in writing would be to move to technical writing. So, I was wondering if anyone here had done that and could speak to it. Or any advice that others may have. I am hoping not to lose too much pay in the move, but understand if that happens. Hopefully, my experience is enough to go lateral or only a slightish loss. Money isn't the most important thing, though. Thank you to anyone who can give advice or share their experience with something similar. [link] [comments]  |
| I have 6 months to change my life Posted: 02 Dec 2020 09:42 AM PST Hi everyone, I have enough savings to last me 6 months, and I am moving to Canada in search of a new career in IT. I have two degrees in Economics from the UK and a few years of experience, they haven't done me much good - so I am relying on the good people of Reddit to give me some useful tips.
Option 2: Cloud certifications -
Option 3: Networking certifications -
Option 4: Sys Admin -
The reason I am asking you guys/gals is because I really feel like every youtuber/blogger/certs provider is just trying to sell me something which does not reflect the real world and the job market. Bear in mind that I have 6 months to go from zero to employable with certifications only, no job experience. Many people have told me to merge the Networking and Sys Admin (example: CCNA + MCSE) certs because I will easily get a junior admin role (for which I would be more than grateful). I am REALLY keen on going down the cloud route but all of the roles in Canada require at least 5 years of exp in various programming languages/devops/etc. Thank you for your help in advance. I bit about me: I am in my late twenties, tri-lingual and deeply unhappy about spending time and money in the financial services world. Help! [link] [comments]  |
| Event Technician wanting to Transfer to IT Networking Posted: 02 Dec 2020 09:37 AM PST Hello I'l try and keep this short. I'd like to start a career in IT Networking. Only I am asking myself if I should start at the very bottom, or wether it is worth trying to cross over via certification programs such as the ones provided by cisco, e.g. CCNA Certification or Cisco Certified Technician. I've looked around and there are colleges around me which over these, though I'm more inclined towards online learning since there is a huge cost saving. Your knowledge and advice would be greatly appreciated. [link] [comments]  |
| Can i use an outdated cna textbook to study from? Posted: 02 Dec 2020 09:32 AM PST The book is called cna study guide for netware 4 by micheal moncur, james chellis, james chaves. The study cd is referencing windows 95. [link] [comments]  |
| How many minimum certifications do an IT need to have to land a job and advance in IT career? Posted: 02 Dec 2020 09:13 AM PST I just graduated from university with a BS in Computer Engineering. Applied so many jobs but got hired as IT for a non-profit school. I can handle my job really well considering I got a lot of exposure by fixing computers, playing at home, and learning from school such as * use Pfsense or openwrt for networking (not really enterprise stuff but the idea of networking is similar across the board) * fluent in major programming languages * knowledge about electrical components so on I am actually learning on the fly by searching and reading a lot of documentation from vendors. That helps a ton! I can quickly absorb the knowledge because of my background. I know I asked myself do I really need a cert when I knew or can learn from my own. Consider what skill I have and potential career path. What cert should I get? I am planning to get CCNA soon. TIA [link] [comments]  |
| Is a IT certification or program worth doing? Posted: 02 Dec 2020 09:10 AM PST Me and my friend are both lost in what career paths to take and a mutual friend of ours suggested to do a certification program and said we'll get payed good money by doing so. To me it sounds like some BS but does anyone have any experience on this to chime in? [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 02 Dec 2020 04:19 AM PST Hi all, I've been offered a role as remote hands at a DC, I'm also interviewing for other positions at the moment like Desktop Support/2nd Line etc. Just wondering what remote hands is really like? I've spend most of my IT careers as a Windows Engineer and only in the past year or so has that taken me into DC's installing equipment, patching etc. So yea, I would appreciate any feedback regarding the role. *I'm based in the UK Thanks all [link] [comments]  |
| Study Guide Support for BCS Certificate/Diploma in IT Posted: 02 Dec 2020 04:13 AM PST I am a studying for a degree in business however I want to move in to IT. BCS offer certificate and diploma programs which are comparable to UK Higher Education programs. There are no training centres in the UK offering support and the self study option seems to be a case of look at the reading list and book an exam. Has anyone here studied for the BCS Certificate in IT? Ideally I'm trying to find a study guide or training program to help me work through the syllabus and prepare for the exam. Any advice would be appreciated. Kind regards [link] [comments]  |
| IT Career Change Advice (UK Based) Posted: 02 Dec 2020 07:22 AM PST Hello I've been contemplating an industry/career change for a while now. So far I've been in the automotive industry in primarily customer service roles and have decided IT would be the right move for me, as I have experience building PC's and love all things tech so would be merging career with my personal interests. Based on my initial searches, I decided to start the Mike Meyers Udemy course for CompTIA A+. However, having now scoured through multiple job listings for Helpdesk etc in the UK, I've only come across this as a desirable qualification on 1 listing so far and more focus is on vendor specific certifications and experience using certain softwares. Mainly Microsoft. The A+ from what I can gather is far more desirable in the US than it is in the UK. Would anyone be able to offer advice on certifications for entry into IT for the UK. I'm approximately a third of my way through Core 1 of CompTIA but don't want to invest more time to this if it would be more beneficial to focus attention on other certificates and then come back to it later, or ignore it completely if not necessary. [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 02 Dec 2020 07:15 AM PST Hello, I'm getting ready for an interview at a new position which was posted as a System/Network Administrator and of course pay is an important question that's crossed my mind, however I'm young and have only had one prior tech job as a network admin, so my experience with this is basically non-existent. It's a medium sized company (150-200~ people) and job duties include both management of the network (routing, switching, firewall, etc.) and sysadmin responsibilities (SAN management, Linux/Windows servers, Exchange). The average salary according to glass door for my city as a Network Admin is 62k~ USD, would I be incorrect for tacking on to the 70-80k range given the scope of responsibilities? I live in the Buffalo area in New York, so the COL is a bit lower here. Any advice on how expanded job duties factor into your decision would be much appreciated. [link] [comments]  |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert or AZ-104? Posted: 02 Dec 2020 07:04 AM PST Trying to decide....AZ-104 seems more future proof, but the former me be more immediately applicable. Thoughts? [link] [comments]  |
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