Hello everyone, i know this has been posted before, but here it is from me.
A little about me - Im mid 30’s, been in IT support for near on 9 years now, and in a more senior support role now (not that senior) - up to 3rd line support i guess.
Im at a point in my career that is quite stagnent. If was to move jobs it would be to a similar role, with same rubbish i deal with now, so at the minute i dont see any real progression. I think the only way to progress is to move away from support.
The question is, move to where ?
I have the skill set of a jack of all trades, master of none, ‘IT dude’, been round the block a couple of times - you know the type. Which IT roles lend itself to someone like me ?
When i think about what to do next, where there is growth and a need for skills, i think security. IT security - must be a good shout rite? Il need to get tooled up with some qualifications - but where to start, there are so many. And how does one start practicing there newly learnt skills if you cant be let loose on your work network and you dont have a IT security job?
Any advice, or similar experiences ?
12 Spice ups
You need to choose either System side or Network side Administration. On your 9 years experience, which side will be suitable for you. Decide that direction.
If you want to be a system administrator - Try to learn Linux and Windows Server as much, and get expertise on it. Nowadays people look for Linux experience with windows knowledge. Try to clear RHCE and MCSE.
If you want to be a Network administrator - Clear CCNA and find the job related to Network management. Develop your knowledge on Firewall, router,L3 switch configuration and more related to use ILL,PRI,Voice lines. Get an idea about how the technology works.
1 Spice up
Oooft over an hour long ! il have to try this later
Another option is for you to take up a step and move into service desk management. That way you still keep your hands dirty fixing a few tickets every now and again, but you become responsible for the service desk, ticketing, closure and stat reporting to other departments managers.
It can be a way into management if you want to go that route.
3 Spice ups
Thanks Chris - yes, i have thought of this also. Its certainly an option for the immediate future. Il need to leave my currect employers for that type of position though (not a bad thing) as there is no need for such a role.
Are you serious? This guy only cares about noobs in the industry. I’ve asked him a couple more advanced questions (but not that exotic) and got a serious attitude and rubbish for answers. After my 3rd or 4th question on different videos I got blocked from his channel.
He just pretends to be smart but he’s incredibly slow and I’m very sure he just works off a few tutorials he finds online and turns it into a video… because besides the commonly known stuff, I don’t see him contribute anything new.
e-on
(Ian Gilmour)
8
Each to their own… His style is questionable but I find it realistic.
You really have to think about management before you dive in…
Unless you’re working in a small or medium sized company, managers don’t get their hands dirty anymore. They make reports, analyze contracts and budgets, go to meetings, manage their team and so on. So if you’re someone who loves the tech side of the story, you’re going to get bored pretty fast.
I’m not saying it’s not for you, but i’ve seen quite a few sysadmins get a very quick burnout making that step. I’ve seen people who excel at it as well and who completely flourish in their new role. It just depends on how big a change you want, your personality and what really makes you happy.
You also have to ask yourself why you want a change. Is it that your current role doesn’t improve your salary anymore, are you at the top of the scale? A simple move to another company might solve that problem, or perhaps going into consulting rather than having a fixed job. Consulting is also good if you want more of a change in your work so you don’t keep dealing with the same things over and over again. Do you really want a new field of expertise, if so, will it be technology (which would be good going into systems or network security, or even software/hardware testing) or something else? If you want to go out of problem solving, management might be an option but you could also consider something like sales (if that’s your thing).
The most important thing about a job is that you like doing what you do. Just making a chance for the sake of it will likely make you even more unhappy than you currently are and it will result in burnout, depression and what else. So ask yourself what you really want to do. Explore your options and research what they actually mean.
Jake - thanks for your reply. You have given me food for thought here. The key is enjoyment, management doesnt sound all that appealing to me, unless i get a hybrid tech / managment role. Hmmm lots to ponder. Thansk toughm really appreciate your time in replying
jeffjones3
(Jeff Jones)
11
2nd what others are saying - certifications matter if you’re going more technical (networking; security).
A management/MBA may work if you really want to go into management. It… sorta worked for me, when I was in state government. That was sort of a specialty situation, though.
IT project management is another alternative, though you may die of boredom before earning a PMP. In my area, surrounded by US military bases, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a PMP, so your living area is a factor.
Make the most of your “senior” role and give yourself time - scout around and see what interests you and if you can parlay what you have into something you want more.
Example: I learned enough Linux over the years on my own without certifying, till a contractor found me and offered the security clearance support; it led to other contract work. Lots of volatility turned out to not work for a guy with a wife and kids to support, but your situation may be different.
tvm9
(tvm9)
12
To me, security seems pretty hard to break into and you have to start from the bottom. Check and see if there are entry-level positions in your area and see what the job requirements are. Unless you are a self-taught pro-hacker, many entry positions are looking for a degree, and unlike the rest of IT jobs, I think they actually stick to that requirement more.
dreniarb
(dreniarb)
13
Get a job at a well established trusted MSP. They usually have their hands in every kind of technology you can think of. I promise you’ll never be bored.
Actually, the guy makes a lot of sense and does it in a way most people can relate to.
What doesn’t make sense is bashing someone that’s trying to help without showing your own work first.
1 Spice up
Not sure if security would be a good fit right away because you might not have the pre-req skills for it. Systems Admin or Network Engineer role would be more ideal, or like someone else mentioned, side step into support management. Little less hands on, but generally a nice pay raise and managerial experience for even later on down the line.
Its not necessarily IT like many people tend to think of it, but there’s always development as an alternative to the typical admin and management paths. That also falls in line with the Eli TCG line of thinking since hes already been claiming the death of admin careers in the very near future.
kevinlowe
(kdlowe22)
17
Do the job that makes you happy. Too many times I hear people hate their job but yet they are the ones who applied for it…
Sounds like you may be cut out for management, not sure if it would be rite or even right for you or yew.
