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I have more than 20 years working as an automotive technician and want to transition into the field of information technology support. I have at this point I have studied for and this week passed the CompTIA A+ certification exams. Now I need to get some entry level job while I work on some more certifications. I’m hoping that someone out there can give me advice on what my next steps should be. I live in Indianapolis so there must be some opportunities here, but I know no one. I would consider a unpaid/ low paying internship in exchange for some strong mentoring. I guess my question is two fold- job seeking advice and what certifications you would recommend I should get. I’m planning on going onto the CompTIA Network+ first unless there is something more beneficial to my job prospects. Ant advice would be much appreciated.

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Send me a private message. I may have an opportunity for you.

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Thanks for getting back to me. Spiceworks won’t let me PM you as I Haven’t the necessary level. Feel free to e-mail me @francisjbuchanan@yahoo.com. We’ll set up a time to talk.

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Hi Francis,

I would say that your next step should be to find an entry level position (probably help desk), and study for a more specific certification.

Often, people recommend the “Comptia Trifecta” which consists of:

  • A+
  • Network+
  • Security+

These three will definitely show that you have done enough studying to get a decent grasp on the basics. In addition, the Sec+ has the plus of potentially opening doors into government jobs. However, if you are looking to get into the networking side of the field, then you can skip the Net+ and go straight for the CCENT/CCNA.

If you are thinking about getting into the systems administration side, then get the Net+ or the CCENT/CCNA, and either the Linux+ or MCSA. Alternatively, you could look into the RHCSA.

For more info on certs, and possible road paths: Information Technology (IT) Certifications & Training | CompTIA

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All that being said, you should get that entry level job with the A+, a decent resume, and good interviewing skills.

On your resume make sure to highlight the following soft skills that you developed as an auto mechanic:

  • Customer Service
  • Troubleshooting/Diagnostics
  • Time management

If you highlight those, and are able to answer some technical questions about OS’s and some basic networking, then I think you will have no problem finding a job.

Good luck!

Edit: My apologies, the trifecta is actually A+, Net+, and Server+. MY points about the Security+ stand but, I wanted to clarify that. A MCSA or RHCSA would be better though than Server+ (IMO)

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AlexnderGo, This is great advice thank you.