CompTIA IT Pro Member Forum / CompTIA IT Pro Worldwide / Career Development

Network Administrator??

Gow524 — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:07:05 GMT

Hello everyone, I am a new member to this forum. I am a 42 year old male and I have been considering a career change. I have work in Television for about 10 years or so. I will like to work in the computer field, but I just do not know how the job market is for an older fellow like my self. I am a self thought individual, I have lots of books and magazines on computer upgrade, repair, etc. I have also been tinkering with computers for about 8 years (building and repairing PC's for family and friends).

I will like to become a Network or System Administrator, so my questions are:

Would I be able to find a job at my age with no work experience in Network Administration?

If I obtain the A+ certification, would it make a difference on my resume?

CCNA or MCSE. what do you guys suggest?

I am also graduating from Devry at 42 with a Bachelors in Telecommunication Management in Summer 09. :ermm:

Starting in IT from scratch

Lee Lacy — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:24:34 GMT

I have the common issue of "can't get a job without experience, can't get experience without a job." With a two-semester IT certificate and A+ certification, I have some academic know-how, but I have minimal hands-on experience. Every "entry level" position I have seen requires two to three years of experience. I have lucked into three temp desk support jobs, and in each one have felt a bit in over my head. Can anybody suggest ways to build experience from the absolute ground up? (It would be especially helpful if I could make some money in the process....) Thanks.

Network+ or MCSE

VauxhallVXR — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:54:23 GMT

So I'll introduce myself, being a new member and all. My name is Jordan, I work down in Washington, D.C. as a Network Systems Manager for the University of California's Washington Center.

I just wanted to toss this out there in the open. I know I'll be testing for Security+ in the next couple of weeks, I feel I'm very very solid in test material, so passing isn't really too much of an issue.

I'm posting because I'd like to know your guys' thoughts on whether I should shoot for my MCSE: Security or Network+. What would truly be more beneficial to my career, I'm starting to work towards well; security.

I look forward to your responses, thanks in advance.

Class Traniners Needed in Norfolk, VA

poruba — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:51:37 GMT

Class Trainers has need for several instructors who are available to train in the Norfolk, VA area for an extensive military training project. There are several prerequisites …

· CompTIA certification

· Past military service or military training experience

· Located in the Washington DC area (within 1 hour driving distance of Norfolk, VA).

We expect to be able to pay $600-700/day (which includes travel) for the right candidates. If you meet the listed criteria, or know anybody who does, please let us know, ASAP.

This will be VOLUME work.

Take care,

Doug

(Office Phone & Fax: 772.337.1933
( Cell: 772.418.6524
* E-Mail: doug@classtrainers.com

ý www: www.classtrainers.com

Geneva Illinois District 304 Computer Tech Needed

poruba — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:42:17 GMT

Vacancy Announcement

District 304

Geneva Illinois Community Unit School District #304 has a vacancy for the school year 2008-2009.

District Computer Technician - this is an 8 hour day, 40 hours a week, 12 month position. The position will serve all three levels - elementary, middle, and high school.

Applicants must complete an online application by logging onto the Geneva District #304 web site www.geneva304.org and select the "Employeement Opportunity" link. Please contact Elizabeth Janowiak Director of Technology at 630-463-3075 for more information on this position.

working at a casino

nathanethomas — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:46:11 GMT

I have an interview in a few day at a casino for an entry level IT Technician. I have no idea what it would be like to do IT work in a casino. I have read the job description and it seem like just an ordinary PC tech position. Anyone work in the gaming industry care to let me know what I am getting into or anyone know of any website about information technology in the gaming industry? Thanks.

Looking for a way out of Desktop Support

BAKent — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:18:24 GMT

I have been a Deskside/Desktop tech for about 8 years now. I worked mainly on refresh and conversion projects in the corporate environment. For most of my career I was on the Road Warrior treadmill, and had little or no time to improve my skill set. Looking at the horizon the desktop tech's future does not look good at all. So, anyone have any advice on career advancement in the IT field?

Online Degrees

VauxhallVXR — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:25:45 GMT

Hey guys

I've been really looking into developing my career or at least getting a semi-solid plan down for the next year or two.

Now I've checked out a lot of the online universities that let you logon when you want and do all your classwork and exams. Asynchronous learning? I digress.

ITT Tech, Strayer, DeVry, now they are accredited; then why do I hear that they are trash when it comes to your degree truly counting in the business world etc etc.

Does anyone have any firsthand experience with any of these institutions or ones like them that they'd be willing to share?

Thanks

I am looking for a Job in Dallas area

ITSupport — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:42:52 GMT

Hi guys,

I recently relocate to the Dallas area. I am now looking for a job here in Dallas. If anyone knows or are hiring please let me know and I will forward a copy of my resume. I am A+, Network+ and MCP certified and also have my associates in Computer Networking. I am using couple of job engines but not no luck yet. My previous experience was an IT Coordinator. What I am looking for now is desktop support or IT support position. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

How to handle interviews

ale1964 — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:55:33 GMT

I have an interview this Weds.... third time applying for this job at my current company... I doubt I will try a fourth time to be honest.

It's not a basic help desk job, it seems to be much more than that... to be honest, it is certainly more than I have experience with.

My question is: how do I handle the interview and questions with such limited IT experience? (I have some exp helping friends, family, a small local business, freelance work, church)... that is about all experience wise.

Any tips appreciated. (I do have my A+ cert this time around)

====

essential functions of this position

Hardware/Software specialist

*Maintains hardware/software for 500 stand alone and networked pc's.
*Analyzes and trouble shoots problems on the integrated automation system, PC's and networks throughout the system.
* Assists with our connection to the world wide web
*Responds to calls from offices, vendors, customers.
*Assists with Software, system upgrades to the integrated automation system, and other network components.
*Assists with identification, testing, installation of new software and technology.
*Special projects as assigned
*Performs routine computer room operations such as backup, report generation, file maintenance.
*Other duties as assigned.
*Knowledge of win2k, winxp, MS active directories, office and other PC apps
*Knowledge of Windows 2003 server.
*Familiar with Unix and sun solaris
*Familiar with web servers and internet apps
*Familiar with client server apps
*Demonstrated ability to implement computer networks
*Basic understanding of TCPIP and telecommunications

Etiquette

jkeiser — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:56:36 GMT

I was recently (1 month ago) in the market for an administrator position. I had 2 good leads. My top choice told me that they filled the position, so I went with the other, which is a good job. So, Job A calls back yesterday asking me to come in and talk to them, which leads to them offering my a job at 3K more than Job B, plus the job is literally walking distance from my house (hence making it the original top choice). How should I handle this situation?

Job boards.

ale1964 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:24:25 GMT

I guess my question is, which one do employers use the most?

I like [url=http://www.indeed.com]Indeed[/url]. It seems to search them all. Not sure if it's a good choice or not?

current IT market

ale1964 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:23:49 GMT

I hear there are lots of jobs and too few qualified people to fill them. Is this true?

If so, why does it seem so hard to land that first job?

help desk jobs

ale1964 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:46:03 GMT

Just wondering what most help desk jobs are like? What would I be doing? Is training offered or are you expected to know what to do?

This job is near me. any tips or comments what this may be like? What are they looking for? Thank you :)

[i]IT - Help Desk - We have an immediate opening for a full-time Help Desk/PC Specialist. Position involves answering phones, tracking IS inventory, software installation, shipping/receiving, and some heavy lifting required. Knowledge of Windows OS, Networking, Microsoft Word, Excel, PC applications and database administration required. Candidate must have excellent phone and customer service skills. Organization, flexibility, and attention to detail are required. Submit e-mail, mail or fax resume with salary requirements.
[/i]

what should I look for as a "first job"..

ale1964 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:33:53 GMT

Got my A+ in february... so, what type of jobs can that get me? I'm guessing help desk only? Or fixing PCs at best buy (which don't sound appealing, I hate retail).

any insight is appreciated :)

CAREER DEVELOPMENT PATH

rangerss72 — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:26:31 GMT

Fellas,

I am currently studying for my graduate degree in management information systems. I have a bachelor degree in geophysics but have no computer certifications. I could use computers just like anyone else but no technical prowess. Now I am going in the IT direction.

As a management information system student what are the type of certifications that I really need to add to my degrees in order to get a good job after school?

Please advise.

Femi

Convergence Technologies Opportunities

mark.zuber — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:00:09 GMT

I come from the Telecommunications perspective in this Convergence era. I have worked on and been exposed to some convergence projects and learned a few on the job skills.

I am interested in how IT/Communications folks approach filling gaps in their own experience to partipate in opportunities that will be presenting themselves very soon ?

Also, what positive or succesful stories of traditional PBX/Telecommunications blending with traditional IT organizations have you seen or participated in ?

Online Technical Universities

hojared — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:41:14 GMT

I have over a few years experience in the IT field. I have worked in the Desk side/Desktop support roll for many years. I have an attraction to this field. My dilemma is that I have over looked the obvious for career development. I know now that to progress in the IT field we need to have at least a formal education from a degree producing university. I have looked into Colorado Technical University Online, but feel like I am being sold a unseen used car. Is there a good online university that I can trust? As always I am looking forward to any input. Thank you, John

Ever heard of www.cbtdirect.com?

netreign — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:06:48 GMT

I have been working at Comcast for the past 5 years and during my time there, I have learned alot about computers. I thought I was going to make a career out of it.....Man, was I wrong!!! The more I learned about the computer side of everything, the more I was interested in it. That being said, I decided to go find some training. I bought the complete package at cbtdirect. They accidently screwed up my order and for compensation they gave me 4 years of EVERYTHING they offer for free......everything Microsoft offers, Everything Cisco, Java, Linux, I MEAN EVERYTHING!!!! I was excited for sure. I just started my training in A+ essentials and was wondering if anyone else has taken this route? I just want to start out on the right foot. I am 30 years old and switching careers is scary for sure, I feel confident I am making a change for the better!!! Any information at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone and "learn on"!!!

Home Technology, DHTI+

jjsainsbury — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 08:56:21 GMT

I'm relatively new to the field of home technology integration, coming from a computer science/software development background.

I recently passed the DHTI+ certification and I'm interested in finding out about job roles and work opportunities.

Any information/advice/insight would be much appreciated.

From Networking to Programming

larryhook — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 23:18:23 GMT

I'm considering a new career move. I've gotten bored with networking, and especially, system maintenance. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful to have my networking and system maintenance skills. They've helped me to build a pretty cool career. I've found programming to be a whole new challenge though, and enjoy programming even more than networking. I completely understand HTML coding for the Web. It's really not that difficult, once you learn the syntax.

But now, I want to learn a programming language for databases. I can't decide between Visual Basic and Java. Any suggestions? Which is the easiest to learn? And, which is the easiest to integrate with a website?

Job Openings

mbailey — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:16:03 GMT

NESCO Resource has multiple openings for Electronic Hardware Design Engineers, Electronic Technicians, and Desktop Support Technicians. These positions are in Oklahoma and Texas. Pay is DOE and great benefits are available. If you are interested, please forward your resume to mbailey@nescoresource.com or call Mike at 918.259.1233.

If B but not A, does it still equal J?

techkitten — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:26:17 GMT

Now that I've thoroughly confused everyone including myself, let me start with my background:

I have the CompTIA Network+ cert, that's it.

Should I go back and get the A+ cert?

My future goals include:

- getting CCENT/CCNA

- getting MCSA Server 2003

Let me explain why both:

My job is a hybrid between Network Surveillance (NOC-type job) and Troubleshooting customer issues (our product is new, and thus only have limited number of customers, so when 1 customer is down, it might be the only one coming off of that DSLAM). I do not have a customer-facing job, but I monitor alarms on the network. I also take incoming calls from the 2nd Tier Customer Support when they need assistance. The VDSL that I support has a Microsoft set-top box, and so I need to be able to help with the Microsoft side, while also handling the network, where CCNA is the gold standard for Network jobs (even though our network equipment is from a different vendor).

So with all of that said, do I need to get A+ certified?

- Jennifer Baker -

Atlanta, Georgia Metro area call center/help desk positions

jkeszeg — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:39:55 GMT

Posted 10/12/07

I received this information from a local contact, full details below. Good luck to all who apply!

June

IT Pro Membership Program Mgr.

---------------------------

Atlanta, Georgia Metro Area

Position Description:

Call Center/Help Desk Position – multiple positions open

$14-16 per hour

Full and part-time morning, afternoon and evening shifts available; the call center operates from 8 AM - 8 PM.

Candidates with printer technician experience preferred. Call center supports small office/home office printer installation and equipment trouble shooting for laser printers such as HP, Lexmark, Xerox, Lanier / Ricoh, etc. Preferred skills and experience include:

Printer hardware and software installation and trouble shooting
Customer services skills a MUST
Some software / network / connectivity knowledge is a plus; in-depth knowledge is not required as there is separate center managing network support calls
Punctuality is very important

The initial training period will include working the morning shift but after training a permanent shift will be assigned, if you have a preferred work schedule (morning, afternoon, evening, part-time) please indicate such when applying.

Interview Process:

Employer requires a phone interview first, followed by a face-to-face second interview. Local candidates are preferred; green card holders are also welcome to apply.

To apply: Please send resume, phone number and best time to call via email to Samantha Galloway: sgalloway@aptude.com

How to make my way into IT

PC Resurrector — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:29:10 GMT

Hello to all,

My background is on Architecture and AutoCAD, but in the last 7 years, I have obtained the following:

* Bachelors in Information Technology (graduate with honors)
* CompTIA Security+
* CompTIA Server+
* CompTIA Network+
* CompTIA A+
* Working on my MCSE.

In addition, during those 7 years I did on the side PC repairs, many home networks, and some IT consulting. I run and administer my own Web, email, and FTP servers from home. I also, have volunteer doing IT for non-profit organizations.

Now, that I am trying to get an IT job, I get many interviews, but nobody gives me a change.
I get:
"You are overqualified for the job and we want someone that will stay for a long time"
Or
"You are very knowledgeable, but we are looking for someone with more paid experience".

It has been 9 months of hearing the same lines over and over again.

Any tips or advice?

How do I benchmark my compensation?

timothysweatt — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:47:29 GMT

Hey everyone!
I'm wondering if a few of you veterans out there may be able to help ease my mind or offer some words of wisdom to my current situation. I've always trusted the community here, and have always found reliable feed-back.
I entered the IT industry earlier this year after getting my A+ cert. I landed an entry-level help desk position and quickly learned the product and client base. I did well, and was promoted to Project Manager at my 90 day evaluation, completely bypassing the escalated help desk position. It came with a small pay increase that pushed me just above 30K, and I was told of bonus possibilities but a need for further evaluation.
Now 90 days later, I received a small bonus and no re-evaluation. My position includes implementation of new systems and building of the required database. Other projects include working with existing customers who need major changes, and the wonderful "here's a problem, figure it out", which I love. It requires in depth knowledge of the product and basic IT consulting. I have no one beneath me, but I am responsible for the entire project from the ground up. I do a lot of quick thinking and advanced problem solving. There is also travel involved during which I usually put in long hours with little rest. The company is on the small side (~50 employees) and though rapidly growing, I don’t see any possibility of another promotion any time soon.
I have a few friends in the field, some of whom make twice as much doing the same thing. I found resources that support this as well. I had always hoped that by the time I reached this position I would be making upwards of 50K. Though this is a dream position of mine, I feel I reached this before my experience could warrant appropriate pay. Have any of you been through this before? Do I just need to do my time and move on? Should I present a case to my employer? I feel I've done well in my position, and I really do love the job. Any insight is as always, greatly appreciated.

Top IT Skills - Both a Listing of "Hot" and "Not"

wflinn — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:54:25 GMT

I posted this link in another forum: Thought it was worth sharing for everyone in the general area. Two lists: One is the list of the top 12 IT skills employers want, and the other is the list of the top 10 computer skills that are dying or dead. Pretty interesting.

NetworkWorld: 12 IT Skills That Emplores Can't Say No To

ComputerWorld: Top 10 dead (or dying) computer skills

What to Expect

rosingcg — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 16:42:10 GMT

Hey guys,

I have been in the Navy for almost 8 years now and I am looking to get out. Those familiar, I am an ET. I am a jack of all trades, Master of none. I started out working on a security system that ran over a network. So I had to have a working knowledge of networks and basic electronics for the sensors, and fiber skills. But all basic stuff. Then i went to a ship and did basic stuff there. There where some things the ITs on the ship couldn't handle, that I was. Basic stuff still. But the majority of the stuff was fixing radios and playing games. Now I am at a command where I roll out to different parts of the world and I set up our connections. From the satellite, to the routers to teh computers and servers. Nothing too big, simple stuff. I deployed AD, but no exchange. My chief wouldn't allow me to play with GPOs and such for fear of breaking things. But I knew enough to pass my MCP and I am studying for my security+ as of now. Funny thing is, there is no IT at my command as of now that can touch my IT skills, but I know then are at the low end as far as professionals.

What can I expect as far as job requirements and pay is concerned?

Any input would be great.

Special Offer for IT Pro Members: Security Training Event

jkeszeg — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:58:22 GMT

Hello Fellow CompTIA Members and Security Professionals,

I'm Don of the online magazine, The Ethical Hacker Network (www.ethicalhacker.net). As many of you may know, we are putting on a security training event named ChicagoCon (www.chicagocon.com) that combines a professional security conference, certification training and a hacker con into a single, unique event from Sept 17 - 23, 2007.

To find out about the special offer for IT Pro Members read the full article at:

http://itpro.comptia.org/forums/Topic299-6-1.aspx

Cheers,

June Keszeg, CompTIA IT Pro Program Mgr