IT Career [January 2021] Ask The Experts - System Administrators |
- [January 2021] Ask The Experts - System Administrators
- What valuable outside IT books have helped you navigate through this career?
- “Switching Careers, from Network Engineer, to Software Engineer”
- This might be a good career option: Healthcare IT Certifications
- Should I stick with a manager to help them through a difficult time?
- Interested in being a DBA. Can someone clarify some things for me?
- Can someone explain how time off usually works with jobs like these?
- Thinking... did I fall behind in the game/process or overthinking?
- Network Admin thinking of changing paths to something network related that doesn’t require on call
- Torn between AWS cloud and cyber security (CompTIA)
- I want to Switch to a Network Career from Software
- Internship at retailer working on IBM Mainframe, should I do it?
- Getting started using Python for freelance side work?
- All you need to know when choosing PHP development as a career
- Looking for a position in Desktop Support; then what?
- Looking to change careers from restaurants to IT. Can I get advice on my resume?
- Currently a security analyst but don’t know where to go next. Any help would be appreciated.
- Important skills for a CV/resume to begin IT career.
- Thinking of training into the career field with no background IN the career field
- how often do you answer your work phone, outside of hours, when you're not on call but work in an 'urgent' environment?
- After 3 years out of the market, which way should I proceed(certification and training-wise) to land a job?
- Interested in going into the IT field with no experience, what other courses/certifications should I do besides Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
- do employers care about a BS vs BA in computer science?
- Seeking advice on burnout, mental health and next steps
[January 2021] Ask The Experts - System Administrators Posted: 04 Jan 2021 01:12 AM PST Do you have an interest in System Administration as a job or career choice? Are there things that you have wanted to know but not been able to find a resource to ask? Some scenarios for potential questions:
Ask the Experts is an opportunity for the community to answer questions for each other or provide general advice on their respective field to people interested in joining your ranks. NOTE: Experts when you answer, please give an indication of your experience in the field. Example:
MOD NOTE: This is part of a weekly series. Next week is IT Management. [link] [comments] |
What valuable outside IT books have helped you navigate through this career? Posted: 03 Jan 2021 09:54 PM PST Hello, I'm looking for some book recommendations that aren't IT-related. I prefer self-help books and workplace-related stuff. Thank you! Edit: Here are some books that helped me:
[link] [comments] |
“Switching Careers, from Network Engineer, to Software Engineer” Posted: 03 Jan 2021 03:51 PM PST I'm 22, and working as a Network Engineer for a medium-sized company. I enjoy what I do, and make $50,000 a year, which is fair since my job is relatively easy. I have a college degree in Information Systems. My question is.. "Is it worth it to "self teach" myself python, and go for a Junior Developer job in the future? Basically I like my job, but I feel like my position will be "automated away" in the near future.... If you could do it all over, which section of IT would you choose? I'm leaning towards learning code, since it appears there are more job openings, and a greater ability to "work from home." This would be awesome for me, as I have worked from home for the past 9 months... Update: Thanks for all the advice friends! Currently, I got very lucky, and work with a team that I like. I will be learning Python moving forward and will continue to explore all opportunities within IT. I do not mind having on-call responsibilities. My job consists of managing Cisco Call Manager servers. Configuring Cisco switches, routers, access points, and IP phones. I'm on a team of 6 that are responsible for a business with 1,100+ locations, 5 corporate offices, and 13 or so 24/7 facilities. We are on a "on-call schedule" each of us has on-call for a week at a time. [link] [comments] |
This might be a good career option: Healthcare IT Certifications Posted: 03 Jan 2021 04:24 PM PST Here is an article about healthcare IT certs... https://healthcareitskills.com/healthcare-it-certifications-2021-hcispp-cahims-google-aws/ [link] [comments] |
Should I stick with a manager to help them through a difficult time? Posted: 04 Jan 2021 04:17 AM PST I've been at my current company for 11 years, my first "proper" job. I've graduated from basic helpdesk to being technical lead and one of the most experienced within the team. I get on well with my manager, and consider him a good friend. Unfortunately, I am struggling with the rest of my team and the overall outlook of the company. In the last few months, my manager has been on long term sick (not COVID related) and has been out of office sporadically but for substantial amounts of time. I've been considering moving jobs for a long time, but it feels like I have to stay to help my manager and team through the challenges of him not being present. Any advice on how to approach the decision of whether to stay or look for positions elsewhere? [link] [comments] |
Interested in being a DBA. Can someone clarify some things for me? Posted: 04 Jan 2021 03:58 AM PST I've worked in IT for 3 years, and I'm going back to college. I'm interested in being a DBA and was hoping to clarify some questions I have:
Thanks in advance! [link] [comments] |
Can someone explain how time off usually works with jobs like these? Posted: 04 Jan 2021 09:47 AM PST Sorry if this seems like a weird question, but I'll provide detail. I am a recent graduate. I was contacted by a private company which is neither government nor contractor, they just have a contract with government related entities. I have an interview in about a week with them and am super excited, it is a cybersecurity related position. To my knowledge this type of place would of course give you days of leave, the only issue is I am unsure how it works entirely. I don't expect people to know the answer to a T but if I could get like a general ballpark answer. Like some companies I guess start with a certain amount of days/weeks--and others you have to earn it? I have something coming up in April which I really really would like to attend. If I let them know upon the hiring process, will they take that into account and allow me that time off? I am sorry I really just don't know a whole lot about this, so please bare with me. Or would it be possible for me to simply tell them that I need to start after April? The event occurring in April is of such significance that I would be fine with starting the job AFTER April, meaning I would be okay with wait 4 months just so I don't miss out on this. Would most companies be able to abide by this? Like interview and then hire me and have me start months down the line. I would be willing to take that route if they are. Thanks all! [link] [comments] |
Thinking... did I fall behind in the game/process or overthinking? Posted: 04 Jan 2021 08:48 AM PST Not sure if this is just me over thinking things... I got my degree in 2017-Computer Support Technician from NWTC. I do currently have a job, my thinking is...why not get into my degree... I paid for it. My current job is office/general tech support for printers. I have had a few interviews, occasional 2nd interview here and there. Did I wait to long before seriously looking into using my degree seeing as I graduated in 2017... [link] [comments] |
Network Admin thinking of changing paths to something network related that doesn’t require on call Posted: 03 Jan 2021 12:45 PM PST By all standards, I have a good job. I make 60K in the midwest after just a couple years in the IT field and getting my associates degree and CCNA. However, the on call portion of my job is absolutely horrible. I have sleeping problems. Most nights, I have to take medication to sleep. I can't take it when I'm on call though, or I'll miss the calls. So basically the whole week I get 1-2 hours of sleep a night and hate my life. I love networking. It makes sense to me, and I'm good at my job. However, the on call portion is not sustainable. What are some paths that I can use my networking knowledge toward that wouldn't require on call? Or should I just focus on a different field altogether? I've been looking at devops, security, or cloud careers, but don't know enough about them to know if it's a realistic goal. Especially since I'd basically be starting fresh in those paths. Any insight or help would really be appreciated. [link] [comments] |
Torn between AWS cloud and cyber security (CompTIA) Posted: 04 Jan 2021 03:27 AM PST I'm in dilemma which course I should pursue for a career switch. I look it up and both require some time and dedication to pursue and I wish to make an informed choice before making the commitment. Is anybody able to offer advice which path may offer better future when making a career switch? Thank you. [link] [comments] |
I want to Switch to a Network Career from Software Posted: 04 Jan 2021 02:39 AM PST Hello, I am currently a Software Tester and was thinking of switching to a Networking Career. I have the CCNA and have very little practical experience on real hardware. Anything I have is from packet tracer and bits and pieces from the product I work on which is a Network Risk Manager which allows a user to simulate data through a network to see how and where it travels. I have had to set up real devices for testing specific scenarios. My question is would I need to start from a Help Desk position and make my way up to gain that experience or would I be able to get stuck into something a little higher and learn on the job? [link] [comments] |
Internship at retailer working on IBM Mainframe, should I do it? Posted: 03 Jan 2021 04:31 PM PST So I'm not entirely sure what I want to do as a career yet but a developer is a good bet considering I'm doing a computer science degree. In any case, I have been offered an internship as part of a placement year at a successful retailer who has their whole in house IT team. I was offered a position working on IBM mainframe, which I have obviously never touched before but they were very forthcoming in saying they wouldn't expect me to know anything about it and training would be given on the job training and they just wanted the attitude and experience in other languages to show that I could pick it up, plus my grades, which I have. My question is, the IBM mainframe seems like almost ancient tech that some companies just haven't got off of yet. Is this placement going to be worth it and look good on me resume in the future? Is the IBM mainframe still something worth adding to my toolbox for a career as a developer/IT professional? I guess I'm just asking if this is completely outdated tech that they need someone to look after and I should look elsewhere or is this still worthwhile? [link] [comments] |
Getting started using Python for freelance side work? Posted: 03 Jan 2021 04:00 PM PST I'm wanting to learn Python for various reasons [and at some point a few other languages], but I'd like to be able to eventually start doing some freelance side-work - just enough to maybe get an extra $200-$300USD a month. I am very green - I know virtually nothing of the market, or the full potential of aplications/solutions that Python can be used for, what my options are, what expectations are, etc., but I know I want to learn Python, and when I am adept at Python, I want to see what side-work I can get with it. What I am seeking is whatever information you all are willing to give, and some starting point. Thanks in advance. [link] [comments] |
All you need to know when choosing PHP development as a career Posted: 04 Jan 2021 01:10 AM PST What is PHP Development? Originally developed in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf, PHP is a general-purpose scripting language. According to its website, "PHP (recursive acronym for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely-used open source general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development and can be embedded into HTML." Who is a PHP developer? A PHP developer is someone who is responsible for writing server-side web application logic. What are the key roles and responsibilities of a PHP developer during PHP development?
What skills are required for PHP development?
Read More: https://www.contract-jobs.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-when-choosing-php-developer-as-a-career/ #PHPdevelopment #choosingphpdevelopmentasacareer #PHPdeveloperinIndia [link] [comments] |
Looking for a position in Desktop Support; then what? Posted: 03 Jan 2021 09:06 PM PST Looking to start working in DS. Going to try my best to avoid Help Desk, I've had two positions in that in which they were more of a call center and I'm good there, once I am in DS, I wanted to know what are some other positions that come after desktop support? I'm enrolled in obtaining my 2 year degree and looking at certifications but I'm stumped as to what to go for. I don't want to support people for the rest of my life so I wanted to ask you experts, what else is there to do or what are some dependable certs? I don't want to obtain a cert for it to become useless [link] [comments] |
Looking to change careers from restaurants to IT. Can I get advice on my resume? Posted: 03 Jan 2021 11:32 AM PST So, I just recently passed my CompTIA A+ certification and now it's time to apply for jobs! Only problem is, I've never had to write a detailed, nice, good resume before. All the restaurants I've been hired at usually had me do a working interview and the resume was never that important. Could I get some advice and tips on how to beef up my resume without being repetitive please? I've no past work experience in the IT field nor do I have a degree so I need to make myself look really good. Thanks for the help. [link] [comments] |
Currently a security analyst but don’t know where to go next. Any help would be appreciated. Posted: 04 Jan 2021 12:31 AM PST I'm 22 and have two years of experience as a security analyst. I have experience with Splunk, XSOAR, LogRythm, Wireshark, and some other things. I do not have any certifications and just started my associates degree again. I tried college once and hated it but decided to give it another go so we shall see lol. I love my job but I know five years from now I don't want to be a security analyst. I currently spend my free time at work/home on TryHackMe and other cyber sec platforms self teaching certain skills such as Linux as of recently. I try to self teach python but it's on and off because sometimes I just don't understand and give up. Since I currently work blue team I was thinking that it made perfect sense to make the switch to red team after I got my OSCP and my degree in about 2-3 years but I'm not sure if even that is sufficient. There are so many titles in this field that it can get confusing as hell. What are some career paths I should take a look at? I've heard a lot about D.o.D jobs and I feel like I'd be really interested in that and would like to hear about any of your experiences! [link] [comments] |
Important skills for a CV/resume to begin IT career. Posted: 03 Jan 2021 11:55 PM PST Hi everyone. I've just passed my r/CompTIA A+ as I want a career change to IT (from mental health). What are some essential skills to stick on my CV? Obviously the biggies are communication, and troubleshooting, but what else is there? Thanks. [link] [comments] |
Thinking of training into the career field with no background IN the career field Posted: 03 Jan 2021 07:49 PM PST Long introductory post, sorry everyone! Was also just redirected here from r/networking First off, I'd like to say that I'm currently not in a technology-based career field, and I never have been before. I(34yo)am a military veteran of 9.5 years as both a jet engine mechanic, and flight engineer who used some of his GI Bill,after separating the military a few years ago, to get into a manufacturing career field. Currently I'm a welder/fabricator/machinist. My problem is... It's getting harder and harder on my body, and I really don't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I've had numerous family members tell me this isn't what they always imagined I would end up doing, and I'm starting to agree with them. I see some of my coworkers, some getting pretty advanced in age, and I just can't see myself doing this type of work for the rest of my life. SO! Enter the reasons I'm here, and making this post! I qualify for a veteran training program that will pay for schooling, equipment, certifications, and any and all training I may need to find a new career path, while also helping me find employment IN my chosen path. My father has a degree in network engineering and suggested maybe I look into this direction of career field (he suggested network security, or cloud security/management), and while starting to explore ideas I came across the Network Architect career field as well. Since the VA will be paying to train me, I've come here looking for advice from you all! I've always been interested in computers and programming, building and upgrading, and setup and teardown and troubleshooting simple computer problems, but I have no formal education to speak of, so I'm trying to figure out where I should begin. Do you all recommend a minimum of a 4 year degree program? Or can I get by with technical training and certifications? At this point, I'm afraid to start something new (again) and no longer even know what kinds of questions I should be asking... I live in Texas and currently have NO plans to move or relocate. Help me out guys, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up! TLDR: middle aged military vet seeking new career path [link] [comments] |
Posted: 03 Jan 2021 01:27 PM PST Hi, Question as above. Without giving too much away, I work in the public health sector, so most of the work we do can have an impact on patient safety. Recently our management changed it up, and we are no longer on-call (which is great). However, the team who is now on call doesn't know a lot of the stuff that we know, and management will occasionally call staff who used to be on call to see if we can fix it. These calls can still be claimed as a call-out, which is fine, but I am routinely being asked to look at things that I have no idea how to do or fix, and am having my weekends interrupted. I unfortunately set the precedent early that I would answer my phone outside of hours (new employee and was eager to impress) but now I am getting sick of it and am wanting to put my foot down. I have been contacted today and actually went back to them and told them I was busy and not going to look at it. However, I worry about the patients who may be at risk. Any advice or stories to share? Edit: thanks for all the replies. I am going to hold firm and not pick up the phone any more while I'm not on call. [link] [comments] |
Posted: 03 Jan 2021 09:35 PM PST Ok it Pros here it goes. I worked IT for 16 years before this "break". Technical support. Started as everyone, help desk, then level-2 tech support, I went as far as to lead operations in a small team. Then I got sick( emotionally and physically), so I quit. It's taken me three years to get back on my feet. Now, during that time, I went back to my alma matter and trained in VMware during a semester, I also learned the basics of Linux and Cloud(Azure and AWS). I have an associates and a liberal arts degree( long story short - I took the path of least resistance to graduate, bad move). A bit more about me: I've administer Server 2016, SCCM for deployment, worked on Windows, and Macs. I have have ITIL v3 foundations, and expired Net+ and an expired Security+ to my name. I have six months before I have to get back in the workforce(My funds are running out). How do you think I shall proceed? [link] [comments] |
Posted: 03 Jan 2021 03:33 PM PST I'm not wanting to go to college (yet) unless it's only for a certification in IT. I'm going to look for an entry level position first. I'm first trying to find cheap courses online first before I dive into the IT field completely. A lot of people on TikTok (don't judge me) say that this is a good start (Google IT Support Professional Certificate) for IT. I see a lot of people saying to get an A+ too. What are your other recommendations for course or certifications so I can try to land an entry level job? If you're on the same path as me, how much money did you start at? I live in the Midwest here.. [link] [comments] |
do employers care about a BS vs BA in computer science? Posted: 03 Jan 2021 08:48 PM PST im going for my ccna 200-301 this winter. I am a freshman and not the best at programming and find the cisco ios and configuring dhcp or ospf a lot easier than programming something in JAVA... so i probably would do networks rather than programming as a career. Because in my school, the diff. between a BA and BS in 2 physics and 2 CS electives, i did some schedule planning and can graduate 1 semester earlier doing a BA than if i did a BS... Do employers really care if I go BA instead of BS. Its really only 2 cs electives. For location, I am NJ. I mean i guess i could always go back and take the physics at a community college and the 2 cs courses i mean to get the BS later, idk... I also heard some schools only do a BA in CS cause of a semantics thing idk. [link] [comments] |
Seeking advice on burnout, mental health and next steps Posted: 03 Jan 2021 11:45 AM PST First off, mobile, so sorry for formating. This is gonna be a mess. Throw away account for reasons. Any advice is appreciated. I live in the US, and work a technical analyst position for a number of hospitals. Essentially, my position is responsible for the first user interaction, initial troubleshooting, and escalation of tickets. We get calls, self service tickets and chats for just about anything. Light bulbs need to be changed, user can't sign in, questions about complex clinical application issues. Basically anything. We are also the technical assistance for the hospital systems "patient info website". It's a decent size workload. We are also run like a call center, with a heavy focus on metrics that include handle times, first call resolutions, and reassignment rates, to name a few. Since going remote back in March, the focus on "patient info website" has increased dramatically. But due to HIPAA, we can only confirm what we see on our side and walk them through getting their account. Until about 3 weeks ago, we didn't have access to the build environment to see what the user sees in order to help them with questions about navigating the account. We have 70 or so knowledge articles to help support, but it's incredibly difficult to find the information you need because of inaccurate titles, or articles cluttered with to much information. Some back story. I got an A+ Certification around 2.5 years ago, no college education, and I'm from a small town. Moved to the city in order to pursue a career around the time I was certified. This was all fueled by the desire to move on from a lot of trauma, and bad decisions made by myself and the people around me. When I first moved to the city to live with some friends, and I worked for a call center for an insurance website, which, again, was just walking people through getting into their accounts and not much else because of HIPAA. It was incredibly mentally draining, and I ended up walking out because of how much energy it took to wake up, commute, and get slapped around by frustrated people all day. Well, things have come full circle. I've been in my current position for over a year. Due to covid, I work from home. Most of the calls are for "patient info website", and it feels like I'm right back where I started. I now live alone, and I roll out of bed every day, and deal with all the lightbulbs, the advanced clinical software, the basic entry level IT stuff, the patient side of things. It feels like we've been given a heavier workload, but not much to compensate for it, and are advised to deal with it until further notice. I have a hard time doing anything outside of work. When I get off, I take a nap because of how mentally exhausted I am. I can't study for my next cert, because I start to nod off almost immediately. Ordering a lot of delivery, because I don't have it in me to go to the grocery store, let alone cook. Job starts early (Super early), so there's no time to take care of things before work. ...that was a mess. I am a mess. Apologies for the word vomit. If that made any sense at all, I would really appreciate some, ANY, advice you may have. I've been trying to apply for new positions (outside of health care), but due to covid I don't expect to hear anything back for awhile. Not sure I even want to pursue IT at this point, but I have nothing to fall back on but alcoholism and a dead end job that won't afford me to live in the US. [link] [comments] |
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