Career Path

jewellharris · 2016-10-07T12:13:57.000Z

Hi Guys,

I am trying to leave my current position as a help desk tech. I have been applying to other positions but where I can go from here? I do not want to do anymore help desk work. I have my A+, Network+, MCP, MCTS certs and a degree from a tech school. I am also studying for my security+ cert and I graduate with my associates in Computer Science at the end of the year. Where do you guys think I can go with the things that I have now ? I have been doing help desk for about 3 years now and I need a different position!

Thank you!

georgejurcan · 2016-10-07T12:18:01.000Z

“Need to get out of position” And “Where can I go are two different things” - what is it that you want? And secondly when folks express a need for a different role it is due to the one they are in and the holes it comes with that you aren’t satisfied.

So. What do you want to do? What are your aspirations and what do you hope to achieve? We can’t tell you that. Only you can determine it.

erik · 2016-10-07T12:18:20.000Z

Where you want to go and you can go are different things. Get clear on what you want to do and then you can map a path to it. Why did you choose to take the classes and get the certs? Keep in mind that you have to work with your skills, what jobs are open when you look, and other factors such as location so the path to your desired outcome may zig zag a bit! The perfect opportunity seldom appears when you want it.

georgemcfarlin · 2016-10-07T12:19:49.000Z

Have a look at job postings and see what is available for someone with the certs and experience that you have.

geist-inc · 2016-10-07T12:44:43.000Z

The way I see it you have two choices, you can either advance along the tech support route until you find what you want, or you can try to get into management which still requires you to do some tech support. Unless you have programming and security certs you’re going to be where you are just in a different position, as others have said look and see what takes your interest, failing that only you can choose.

jewellharris · 2016-10-07T13:02:33.000Z

Thanks for the reply’s guys I really appreciate it. Honestly I want to get into IT security so maybe I should see what I need to get into that.

janrubbrecht · 2016-10-07T13:16:52.000Z

if you want to go into security, you really want to have some experience besides your certifications…
and there are different levels of security in IT, you have to figure out what it is exactly that you want. I think ideally you’d advance to a systems/network admin and learn a little about the fields you want to secure.

Neally · 2016-10-07T13:22:26.000Z

Have a read here:

Unsupervised Learning

How to Build a Cybersecurity Career [ 2019 Update ]

Education Building Your Lab You Are Your Projects Practicing with Bounties Have a Presence On Certifications Making Contributions Networking With Others Confere

jenyus · 2016-10-07T17:02:55.000Z

I’d recommend looking for a job with an MSP, you’ll get a lot of exposure to a lot of different stuff that way and you can fill your resume better.

ricks3 · 2016-10-07T18:16:10.000Z

If you’re looking to move on, then move on.

That said, it does help massively if you have an idea what you’re looking for.

craigweston · 2016-10-08T04:04:29.000Z

Having been to IP EXPO Europe this week, I’d say that cyber security is the way forward.

jewellharris · 2016-10-10T12:53:33.000Z

Thanks everyone I really appreciate all of the advice!