What are you working towards? Need advice? Want to know how to use certs to get jobs? Post it here.
If you've got a tech career:
>Job Title
>Years of Experience
>Degrees/Certs
>How did you find/get job
>Pay
>Location
Wage slave here. I have no idea what to do with my life, so what does everyone recommend?
I do have a book for A+ around here somewhere.
>>55597344
>Job Title
Jobless Idiot
>Years of Experience
0
>Degrees/Certs
An unfinished CE/0 certs
>How did you find/get job
What job?
>Pay
0
>Location
Sweden
Always post in these threads because I'm trying to move up the IT ladder.
>Tier 1 Help Desk
>9 months
>A+, Net+
>therapist recommended me to a rehab program and I told them I have autism
>16 USD an hour
>>55599761
Im in a fairly similar situation, minus the therapy and autism
>Level 1 helpdesk
>0
>BSc CS
>Recruiter
>$55,000 dollarydoos
>Australia
Just started a contract role, looking to have A+, Net+, Sec+ by the end of my contract and move into a junior pen testing job
>>55599977
Thanks, hoping to get my Sec+ soon then move onto the CNNA.
>>55600042
Only really doing A+ as a practice run to make sure I can still study and take exams properly since its cheap and why not do it.
I take it you mean CCNA? I wasn't sure about moving onto them or not. Im debating if i should start buying old thinkpads to set up a network lab or if I should just sink some extra $$$ into my next desktop and set up a virtual machine lab.
Work for an MSP
Working towards my bachelors in IT, no certs, one internship
15 usd/hr
>>55600070
Yeah CCNA sorry got a headache right now lol. Since I don't have a degree and don't plan on getting one I want to muscle the toughest certs I can. The industry is beginning to look like it's more interested in certs that test practical knowledge than memorizing trivia such as the CCNA and OSCP vs the Net+ and CISSP. I plan on getting my RHCSA after the CCNA Security then aiming for the OSCP.
>>55597968
Go play CS:GO. :^)
>Job Title
T2 network cuck
>Years of Experience
0
>Degrees/Certs
CCNA
>How did you find/get job
applied online
>Pay
60/year
>Location
USA
>>55602254
The fuck. You work for a big company? If they're real big can you mention their name?
>>55597344
>Certs
Go to school, faggots.
- Engineer, SpaceX
- 2 years experience so far
- PhD, EE
- Through an alumni connection
- 110k
- Los Angeles
Marketing programming as your primary skill is like bragging about fluency in English -- anyone smart can quickly learn to program. Learn to program on your own time, and learn something difficult and useful in school.
>>55597344
>Job Title
Network Admin
>Years of Experience
3
>Degrees/Certs
A+, Net+, Sec+, CCNA R&S
>How did you find/get job
Contractor website
>Pay
131k (101k) tax-free
>Location
Bagram Afghanistan.
>>55604153
Why? It doesn't really benefit anyone in IT. You spent 6-8 years in school to make 110k with 2 years of experience and are living in California. You're taking home at most 5700 a month with housing costs in LA you've got less disposable income than most who make 65k.
If you're really wanting to make big money you don't go into Engineering or IT. You get really fucking good at sales and management.
>>55597344
I'm 23, starting late on my education because of a heroin addiction from 17-22, So far I have access to a Microsoft funded SUNY computer lab and they pay for all the entry level MS certs.
So I have all of the Microsoft office certifications, they sent me a "Microsoft Office Master" when I finished them.
After that I started working on the MTA certifications and so far I have Windows Operating System Fundamentals, Network Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals.
I just started at the local community college this summer with one 3 credit class, my full 14 credit work load starts august 29th. Majoring in their "Computer Science: Computer Programming" course, all of the credits transfer to SUNY Stony Brook which is my goal school(grew up on long island, want to work in NYC). The choice of major at this point doesn't matter, I'll pick something better once I transfer to a real university.
But the reason I'm posting is that I recently locked down some more funding for my education. A local charity has agreed to reimburse me for any certification tests I pay for that are related to my field. Now, I am extremely tight on money so I can't just front like $3k for some big Cisco thing. I'm considering starting with Linux+. I'll have every single MTA cert before the year is out, I know they're really not much but it's better than nothing. Is CompTIA the way to go? Should I just start working on my MCSE instead? I don't want to get stuck working on MS systems, my dream is to sys admin at an enterprise level on linux.
what certs are good for sysadmin jobs ?
can I get a junior sysadmin job with some experience on a similar position - the it guy at a small firm, who fixes/sets up new mail accounts, "oh god my printer is not working" and fixes "i've deleted the internet" problems ?Does this count as sysadmin on a smaller scale. We also have machines with computers inside, which need to be administered too.
The closest I have to a cert is almost a CCNA, passed routing and switching at Uni, if i refresh my knowledge I will take CCNA too.
>>55606305
I'd go ahead and get your MCSE since you're already that close. That's way more valuable than a CompTIA A+... the only CompTIA I'd recommend for you would be the Sec+
You can start with Windows systems and then move to Linux later. Windows sysadmins are still needed and will get your foot in the door.. I don't know if you're working currently, but I'd start trying to get a part time job at the college or something doing some IT work. Don't ever feel like what you do now is going to be permanent, so you can start on Windows and then move to Linux as you gain more experience and make some $$$ in the mean time.
>>55606328
sysadmin jobs usually want MCSE, VCP, CCNA.. any combination of those are usually good talking points.
I'd say you can definitely get a junior admin position with your experience. Hopefully you also know things like AD and Exchange or at least some exposure to them.
>>55606305
I'd like to add that I have the option to take out a subsidized student loan of $3500 a semester. I was considering doing that and using the money as the front cash for my certifcations. Once reimbursed I'll save until I graduate and once the interest rate goes above 0 I'll just give the money back. This will open up more doors but is a risk because of relapse into my opiate addiction and the temptation to be fiscally irresponsible and blow the money on a new pc.
>>55606358
Thank you. I am not working at the moment as I go to group therapy m-f 8-12 and the computer lab to work on my MTA and online class from 1-4. Maintaining good attendance is a requirement to keep my free housing and food. Once school starts on the 29th I'll be moved to a less intensive therapy program 4 nights a week for an hour a night and the requirement to go to the lab will be lifted. However I still plan to attend on my own free will to do school work because I'm more productive there than at home.
I live in what is effectively a slum in a rural area. It is the "town" of the county but even then we don't have many stores beyond walmart, super market, fast food, home depot and a staples. An internship is required in my 3rd semester. I'll look into a work study at the college, my EFC was 0 so I should qualify.
>>55606386
>AD and Exchange
I don't, but thanks for the tips, will def put them on my list!
Also, I'm in the end of my bachelors - networking.
>>55604153
I dont think this guy actually works for SpaceX. I'm an actual engineer there.
>Job Title
Engineer
>Years of Experience
5
>Degrees/Certs
MS EE, MBA
>How did you find/get job
Internship
>Pay
100k
>Location
LA
>>55606423
Are you not getting a Pell Grant as well? If you're EFC is 0, you can get pell grants to pay for your college and whatever left over will be given to you.
>>55606474
What's it like working there?
>>55606555
Long hours, interesting work, we're underpaid relative to other companies.
>>55606495
I am. With out loans i'll be receiving a disbursement of $1400. I just did all of the paper work for the subsidized loan like the MPN and entry counseling last friday in case I decide to use it. I may just buy a car with it, fuck taking the bus every day. I'll have to sit in the library for 4 hours every monday because of the bus timing. Also going to cost $80 a month which is only a little less than car insurance. The interest on these things is way cheaper than any auto loan I could get with my 500 credit score.
>>55606697
You've got a plan, and you're working towards something anon. I'm proud. You're gonna make it famalam.
>>55604153
>8 years of school + 2 year exp
>110k salary
yikes.
i was making more at 21 with my CCIE and 0 school.
>>55597344
>Job Title
Tier 1 Tech
>Years of Experience
2
>Degrees/Certs
CCNA, half way through a degree
>How did you find/get job
I had a friend who worked there and I was desperatly looking for hands on experience while I was still in college and he helped me get a job. Only reason I got it was I had worked at a call center before and could talk to people without being a sperg (something they have a problem finding in IT candidates)
>Pay
12$/hr
>Location
US of A flyover region.
>>55597950
Web Design?
>>55597344
>>Job Title
Owner/operator
>>Years of Experience
13
>>Degrees/Certs
A+, net+, ccna
>>How did you find/get job
Bought a business license after working for the man
>>Pay
80/hr + 10 travel fee
>>Location
KY
Only work a few hours a week though, not to bad. May pick up a night job, I have lots of free time.
>>55609713
What kind of work do you do exactly?
>>55609395
>Only reason I got it was I had worked at a call center before and could talk to people without being a sperg (something they have a problem finding in IT candidates)
>12$/hr
They seem to be asking for a lot for only $12 an hour for a skilled job.
I worked help desk for my college for two semesters and now I'm working for my local county as a tech. I almost have my associates and I have taken A+ related course in college recently. Should I get the A+ and Net+ before I get CCENT or CCNA?
>>55609395
You are being underpaid anon. I wouldn't touch a PC for less than $15/$16hr tbqh. Time to find a better job which I'm sure you could with a CCNA. Try to find a NOC position senpai
>>55610241
I don't really think you should wait. I did the reverse; I got my CCNA and now I'm going to take the 901 and 902 (A+) in the coming weeks.
I'm only taking the A+ because I'm still having trouble finding a tech job in SoCal (no degrees)
>>55610053
Small business IT.
Tell them what they need, what other people like them are doing, what I'd do, and set them up with what they decide they want.
Teoubleshoot software, hardware, networks, I am the liaison for them to the various software companies they use, stuff like that. I basically do whatever tech stuff they want. 2 businesses have fired their in-house IT people since I've started working for them.
Working on a package, like a retainer, that the businesses pay for month by month that gives them x amount of hours for x amount of dollars. It will give me a set amount a month that I can count on instead of wondering if I'm going to get any calls today.
Is an associate's degree in Computer Information Technology and the Comptia A+ cert enough to make $18 an hour with?
The associate's degree is being done online while I'm working, I don't know if I should be honest about that in the future or lie through my teeth and try to wing it.
>>55610241
Since you already have a job, no. I'd go ahead and get the CCNA.
>>55610288
I've thought about this myself that exact same model as well. Small businesses are in that area of maybe can't afford a full-time IT guy at 40-50k + benefits a year..but maybe you could get a retainer at 10-20k a year or more. Good job anon. You near Paducah by chance?
>>55610291
You should be able to get a job for close to that. I'd definitely say at least $15 an hour. It really depends on your area.
>>55610352
>You should be able to get a job for close to that. I'd definitely say at least $15 an hour. It really depends on your area.
Good to know, thanks for making me feel more sure about that.
Please do tell though, should I worry about the actual college degree having been done online?
Also, do you know if sit-in prep seminars exist for certs? I "acquired" a bunch of books for A+ 801-802/901-902 certs off KAT but I don't want to drop 400 bucks on the testing if these books aren't much of a help.
>>55610394
If you know the material, and you get a degree from a regionally accredited school then fuck no it doesn't matter if it was online. You don't even have to mention it at all senpai.
If you are wanting to take the A+ you absolutely do not need to take a seminar or anything. The best books for the A+ are Mike Meyers and then also use Professors Messers online videos for the A+. Also take the online practice tests... and ONLY after you've really studied and took tests that you do well on then you can consider using braindumps.. braindumps are real exam questions from the exam.. check out examcollection and you can torrent the tests and what not but only use those as a last resort as if you rely on memorizing answers then obviously you're not really learning the material.
>>55610458
Thanks alot man, the responses mean a lot to me
This will probably be logged in the botnet, but I want to share my story
>am 20 - 1
>tell parents I just found my location to have the test administered, told them the cost
>berate me, telling me I need to attend a class or something before taking the tests
>protest that IT is still one of the remaining fields in which self-study is valued
>they continue to shut me down
I know this isn't my personal blog, but it really bothers me that I've been working 40hrs a week since the age of 17 and yet I'm treated like a child. I guess I'll have to go behind their backs and take the tests without mentioning it.
>>55597344
>Job Title
IT Specialist
>Years of Experience
5
>Degrees/Certs
BS information systems
>How did you find/get job
Worked for a consulting firm that sent me to a contract to hire position
>Pay
$70
>Location
SF bay area
>>55610512
If you have experience with IT, building your own computers,setting up routers, installing windows etc you can pass the A+ with some study
You just need to study and focus and remember that you're paying for the test, so use that as motivation to really dig in deep. Watch those videos a couple of times, read that book 1-2. You can pass it in a month of solid study maybe even less. You are working famalam, you're folks can't tell you what to do with your money. You can also take each test separately, so if you mess up one test at least you still have half that is finished.
And if you do fail, then so what? You know what to expect on the test and you'll get it the next time.
>>55610352
>Since you already have a job, no. I'd go ahead and get the CCNA
Sadly it's only a temp job till end of November. I've been having a hard time finding a full time position in FL tbqh. Do you think if I get A+ and Net+ I will have easier time finding a position? I just need something full time instead of contract/temp even though I make $15hr to fix printers. Fucking assholes won't even let me touch a PC
>>55599761
>>55599977
Years of experience in IT make a huge difference. I was making 35k when I started 5 years ago and I now make 70k.
Just keep working on certs and volunteering to learn and do new things.
If you learn how to script it and build a home lab it will really set you apart from everyone else.
Scripting because basically only the most wizardly of sysadmins or devops know how to script.
Home lab because it separates the folks that do this for a job from the ones who do this for fun.
>>55604076
When he says network cuck, he means network tech, which is the equivalent to desktop support tech, but works in operations so that the real network engineers don't have to do simple shit.
>>55610574
Is there a book on how to learn to script?
>>55610352
Thank you. Yes, I live in Paducah. All my life besides 2 years out west. Still working on the plan, but yes, something like that.
I watched my previous boss (14 years ago) make 40,000 a month within 4 years of starting up. I was getting paid 12/hr at the time which was good for a 17/18 year old in 02/03, but i didn't like the idea of someone else getting rich charging 40, 80, 120, 160 an hour, 1000/day and getting paid 12.
If you do this, it pays to advertise more. I wish I had the money to, that's what's holding me back. Also, I'm great with tech, but a horrible business person. I'm doing lots of business-side stuff that I hate, so there's that.
Good luck, in the end, I think it was worth it.
>>55604153
>Spend 9+ years in school to come out making only 110
Sup nigga, I got a BS and some certs and make 130k as a devops engineer.
The ROI on a PhD just doesn't exist.
>>55597344
>Job Title
Student
>Years of Experience
0
>Degrees/Certs
A+
>Location
Orlando
Has anyone taken the 2015 Network+ Test on that Pearson thing? I'll be hitting it in a couple weeks. Study tips would be cool too.
>>55610602
I'm from Tampa lad, just grab a Mike Meyers book for Net+. If you go for your CCENT or CCNA use Sybex. It's hard out here senpai so keep hustlin. Net+ is easy so just memorize shit
>>55606328
>We have machines with computers inside
Bro you will fail within 30 seconds of an interview.
You are nowhere near being ready to try for a sysadmin position.
Sysadmin certs:
LPIC 1,2,3
RHCSA
CCNA (network admin)
MSCA/MSCE
>>55610551
Time to bother anon one last time -
I'm reading here right now
https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/a#examdetails
that
>You must take (and pass) exams from the same series, either 801 and 802 OR 901 and 902. Mixing exams from different series will NOT earn you the CompTIA A+ certification.
What determines which test you will take? Can you ask to take a specific series, or is it differing by the test provider, or what?
Please respond :^(
>>55610278
The problem is a CCNA with no experience or other certs is a huge red flag.
Get your A+, leave the CCNA off your resume and start applying to appropriate level jobs (help desk) and after a few years of experience start putting that CCNA back on.
>>55610291
Once you have experience, what matters is the experience, and the degree is just a check box for HR. IT managers don't give a shit which college you went to unless it is something like stanford or the college they went to.
>>55610512
My dad is a CIO and he agrees with you.
I am a syadmin and I do as well.
>Job title
Computer repair slave
>Years of experience
5
>Certs
A+/ Working on CCNA
>Location
Florida
>>55610592
Sure, but I just started scripting and read up on the languages. Think of something you'd like the computer to do over and over again without you having to do it manually each time and turn that into a script.
>>55610538
I assume $70 means $70k, is that actually enough to live in the bay area?
>>55610672
Take the newer ones. They are saying you can't take half of the older version and half of the newer version.
>>55610553
It could help, but I really don't know the Florida market.. I always suggest people looking at school districts in their area as many times they'll hire without any certs because the pay isn't awesome.
You could also consider taking more contracts as that still counts as experience and that's the real important piece of getting hired by many places, so because you do have SOME experience I'd still probably get the CCNA.
>>55610595
Ah, I have some friends there. Man, 40k a month is crazy. I imagine the market is different now though. I considered moving there a while back, maybe if I decide to I'll look up consulting companies there and we can network.
>>55610672
Ask all the questions you need bruh. The 901 and 902 are the new tests and the 8-series are being phased out and as of June 2016 I don't believe they are given so there should not be any problem there. Make sure the things you study include some 901 and 902 materials. If you're still concerned when you buy your vouchers and you schedule your test just call and make sure they say its for 901 / 902.
>>55597344
Working on Linux+, Net+ and Sec+
currently working a tech career too
Job title: Student Intern
Years of Experience: about to have a years worth
Degree/certs: working on Networking AA and currently hold A+
How did I find/get job: Applied for an internship the college poses
Pay: Minimum wage
Location: college's IT department
>>55610740
I own my townhouse, which I bought a few years back, mortgage is $1900/month.
I should say that I started school and working simultaneously, I graduated school a year ago.
I am interviewing for 2 different sysadmin positions next week, both of which pay over 85k. Right now what I do is a hybrid sysadmin/desktop support thing. Pays more than desktop support but less than a sysadmin.
>>55610749
Oh I understand that, its the
>If you are currently training for A+ 220-801 & 802 you must take the exam by June 30, 2016. If you do not take the 800 series exams by June 30, you can earn your certification by taking A+ 220-901 & 902.
Does that mean I am actually unable to take the 801/802 if I wanted to because of the date? Is that some kind of restriction?
Fine with me though, it looks like 900 series is the easier one anyways
>>55610740
And yes, it was a typo 70k
I went from 16/hr to 20/hr to 24/hr to 70k over the course of the last five years when I started school.
>>55610761
I contracted the first 3 years of my time in IT.
In IT contracting is considered entry level at most places.
>Director of Technology
>7 years
>A+, bunch of Apple stuff
>University website
>70k
>Socal
Thinking about getting work to pay for me to go to Defcon for fun. Any other interesting ideas for professional development?
>>55610785
I don't think 801 or 802 are still available.
>>55610825
What kind of ass backwards joint do you work at that either:
1) Calls a technician the director
2) Pays the director (person who manages managers) only 70k?
>>55610846
A university.
>>55610846
>>55610855
This basically. Their idea is that I "direct" the technology. It doesn't really make sense. I'm 26 though, and it looks great on my resume, so I'm not complaining. This is the second educational institution I've worked at with that title since 2009.
>>55610875
Have you worked in the public schools that are not college related? The jobs always seem pretty comfy.
>>55610875
This is plainly false. My dad's entire career in IT management has been at colleges and universities and they pay the market rate. He's currently making double what you do with the same title.
>>55610892
Yes. The fiscal budget makes it a lot more challenging. I have a blank check at the university currently to get done what we need.
>>55610896
Is he 26 with 7 years of experience and no degree?
>>55610761
>Ah, I have some friends there. Man, 40k a month is crazy. I imagine the market is different now though.
It is, he sold the company but it still has the market cornered around here. I hear the new owners are not liked to much rhough, things may change.
>I considered moving there a while back, maybe if I decide to I'll look up consulting companies there and we can network.
Sounds good, it's nice here but pretty boring unless you like the outdoors.
For all you guys who have no idea what you should be making:
https://www.roberthalf.com/technology/2016-salary-center-for-technology-professionals
Make sure you check out the regional and skills multipliers.
>>55610922
I'm curious to your career path, how did you start? As a tech at a school? Our school system actually pays well, if you have a high school diploma and an A+ the techs make between 17-22an hour.
>Job Title
Freelance Linux Sysadmin
>Years of Experience
11
>Degrees/Certs
None
>How did you find/get job
Networking/referrals
>Pay
$65/hour
>Location
CA, USA
I do a lot of work for startups, my name gets passed around the bay area a lot. If you want any advice let me know.
>>55610922
1) Age isn't taken into account when you figure pay
2) You are getting taken advantage of
3) as a director, my dad has 6 years experience, 10 years as a manager before that. 15 years as a sysadmin
>>55610947
How did you start? Did/do you have a passion for linux or did you learn it because you were following the money? I'd like to get more in-depth with it.. any tutorials or labbing exercises you'd recommend?
>spend 2 months studying for A+ 801
>feel prepared
>go to take it, realize 801 is expired due to lack of planning
How difficult is the 901 in comparison to the 801? What are major differences, and what should I focus on besides the mobile/cloud computing sections?
>>55610947
What's your favorite scripting language?
>>55610978
There are hardly ever any major differences in the A+ editions.
>>55597344
Sr.Security Architect
25
comp sci, cissp, cisa, cism,crisc,pmp
current job? I applied and got an interview
150k
Beaverland
btw I use pluralsight to get into new technologies, it is a great sight to get to know new things or to improve skills you already have.
Try to get your bosses to pay for that shit, it helped me get my MCSA, currently working on my MCSE.
>>55610945
I did start as a tech at a school. I got my A+ when I was 15 and did an internship in high school at a tech firm doing programming and graphic design work. I also built computers and "taught" (mentored) a computer repair class with about 15 others my age.
This lead me to a role as a junior sysad at another school after I fucked around at a community college studying art for a couple years. That role allowed me to succeed my predecessor after he moved out of the country. I was at the job for several years before getting a job at the university. I love my current job but as >>55610961 said, I'm getting taken advantage of somewhat.
Though with that said, my future pension, amount of time off I get (I am salary and usually work only 4 days a week), and great insurance make it really comfortable. I adore my coworkers so it makes it difficult to want to leave. I'd probably have to move to the bay or out of state if I wanted to earn more.
>>55606587
>100k
>underpaid
I wish I was underpaid like that.
>>55611046
That's underpaid for the area and the industry. I like what theyre doing but I wouldn't work there given the workload and pay.
>>55597344
what programs/certs should i know/have for becoming a Security Analyst?
Sr Risk Analyst
6 years in various security roles
BS Cyber Security
CISSP, Sec+
83k plus up to %15 bonus
Omaha NE
>>55611086
What skills do you have now?
And are you jr/mid/late career?
Should I quit my job?
Eligible for 10% bonus, every year, make 68k
this year I got a 300 dollar bonus, despite getting a great review from my boss where I exceed all expectations, which is a far cry from the 6.8k
I'm a desktop support tech tier 3
>>55611139
where do you live? socal? quit. in fact if it's any state that touches water, quit
>>55611046
After you take into consideration cost of living and hours worked I calculated my pay might as well be 50k a year.
>>55611149
>ou live? socal? quit. in fact if it's any state that touches water, quit
sf bay area
>>55611161
yeah you can do way better, polish your resume and start interviewing. don't leave until you have something lined up.
>>55611105
How long did it take to pick up the CISSP and Security+ respectfully? I'm thinking of pivoting into security. I'm 23 and just a junior sysad right now without any education.
>>55611028
Thanks for the info. I think I am going to take this route as I just want a comfortable career. If you decide to make a change.. check out the DFW area.. you'd be making at least 90-110k for public school districts and universities even higher and the cost of living here is a joke compared to what you're dealing with.
>>55611134
just A+
just want to know what knowledge base i should have before i do anything
like what OS/server/database/VM/IDS/languages/programs that Analysts use or are expected to know
>>55611194
Not him, but with a half-decent networking background and 3 or 4 weeks of solid study, you can get Sec+.
At my specific job school for the USAF, we have about a 70% pass rate for people with little network experience (and a lot of studying).
>>55611211
Thanks! I have a buddy doing the same line of work in the DFW area and he loves it. Dunno if I can do Texas, but I'll have to visit someday.
>>55611247
wow, got any links for the training resources you guys use (unless theyre internal only)?
>>Job Title
Hardware Engineer
>>Years of Experience
1 year
>>Degrees/Certs
BSEE
>>How did you find/get job
Recruited in school
>>Pay
$80k
>>Location
Boston
It's aight. The work is p easy
>>55611222
Its a big ass field dude.
I started out in operations...so that was cisco/juniper stuff.
then i moved into development
java/mysql/c++
then I moved into incidents
more coding
now architecture
blockchain/certs/identity/archimate
It depends on what you want to do...which is a shitty answer...what i want to see from new hires is passion...there a lot of long assed hours in security...you can't go sometimes even though its the end of the shift...i can teach you the job...i can't teach the commitment or passion for the work...
security certs are useless..most certs in general are..they get you the interview...
If you wanted to jump into the deep end, we are lacking in big data skills...we build a massive hadoop cluster to consume all of our customers behaviours for correlation (big brother, next level shit)...
We need more people with big data skills.
If you are soliciting advice from a stranger on the internet, that's what I am telling you to look at..
Once you have consumed all the data, the next task is looking for patterns of behaviours.
>>55611194
Studied about 4 months total, 2 half assed and two focused. Like the other guy said, you can study for a month and get Sec+ pretty easy.
So I work at IBM as a software engineer. Recently, I have been contacted by some entertainment websites, sports websites, etc. to be doing my job but for their products. Basically, getting offers for a software engineer for a non-tech company.
I'm still relatively new in my career and working at IBM has been .... okay. I feel like taking a new career change would be nice but am a little worried about working at a "non tech" workplace. Am I just fearful for no reason? Like if I was a software engineer for CBS, ESPN, or Walmart or somethign that's still fine right?
>>55611262
Most of our prep for Sec+ is commercially available.
Here's what most people here use:
>darril gibson security+ 401
>MeasureUP
>CompTIA Security+ Certification Study Guide, Second Edition (Exam SY0-401) (Certification Press) Glen E. Clarke
>https://ia.signal.army.mil/studentDownloads/StudentGuideComplete%20(v%204.1).pdf
>Professor Messer on youtube
>CBT Nuggets
MeasureUP and Get Certified Get Ahead have good practice tests, and if you look around you can find tons of practice quizzes online.
>>55611321
Thanks man, that's a big help.
>>55611400
No problem.
I test on the 1st, and that determines whether I get out of this training hell or not. I'm not leaving it to chance.
trying to switch careers after working in food service for a few years. graduated from college with a non-technical degree a year ago, and I've been working as a manager and trainer at my current job for two and a half years. I'm studying to get my A+ at the moment, any other things I can do to make myself more marketable for entry-level IT positions? I'm confident in my ability to spin my degree and non-technical work experience, but worried my lack of related work experience will be a big barrier. any advice is appreciated.
>>55611541
Look at job postings that interest you.
Look at what the employer requires for the position.
Google how to do/use those things productively.
Profit?
>>55597344
>Job Title
Principal Network Architect
>Years of Experience
7
>Degrees/Certs
CCIE R&S, CCIE Sec, CCNP Collaboration
>How did you find/get job
Indeed
>Pay
250k / year
>Location
DC Area
>Job title
Jobless
>Years of experience
0
>Degrees/Certs
A+, N+
>Location
Europe
I'm 25 and i just recently started to study again. I stopped after middle school because i had huge problems with my family and my mental health. When i got better i was still very depressed and waited years doing nothing. Now i want to make my family's life a lot better by helping them and i want to change my life too. Is there any way to get experience at this age? What am i supposed to do? I'm sending my CV everywhere but no one is interested in me obviously.
Am i completely fucked?
>>55611315
I've heard IBM is actually a good place to start a career since they seem to take on people with less experience and are more willing to train, is this correct?
You in the DFW area by chance?
Whats the next step up for hardware after a+ cert?
I've been a NEET for years and I'm getting a CCENT via self study right now. What are the chances of me actually getting a job.
>>55599977
No offense, but if you have a bachelor's degree in comp sci, why are you doing help desk? Is that normal in Australia? I do not mean any offense, but I wouldn't consider that an application of your skills.
>>55597344
>>Job Title
Software engineer
>>Years of Experience
2
>>Degrees/Certs
BS CS
>>How did you find/get job
Friend knew someone hiring
>>Pay
70k
>>Location
Outside dc
>>55611754
I cannot comment on the IT certs.
>Is there any way to get experience at this age?
Are you saying you are too old for an entry level position? 25 is not too old to start any job.
>>55597344
>Job Title
SAP Consultant
>Years of Experience
4
>Degrees/Certs
SAP Certified Associate in Finance
>How did you find/get job
Campus hiring
>Pay
60k eur
>Location
Netherlands
>>55610636
isn't the lousiest junior sysadmin without certs even remotely possible ?
thx for the input tho
ps: i'm europoorean
I have $1000 dollars to my name, I want to be a Help Desk or Jr. Sysadmin. I have a year experience in Geek Squad and an Associates in I.T, I have a homelab where I practice Virtualization, Networking with Cisco Equipment, and Windows Server Administration.
I need to leave my parents house and this hick ass town and start making money. Where do I go. I have a car and willing to live anywhere.
Currently in shitty Southern Arizona.
>>55613327
btw just checked some of the job postings and
saw nothing about certificates, just exp with windows/linux, sql, lan, san, technical know how and stuff like that.
>>55604740
As a network admin, do you still think it was worth getting the A+? Been considering just getting Net+ and Sec+
what do I need to get a network admin job?
>>55613363
Go to Phoenix.
There's a fuckton of IT jobs there. Go online and apply for any job you feel remotely qualified for.
>>55612179
Not much for hardware tbqh. Next step up is either Net+ or CCENT. As far as sys admin stuff you're looking at the MCSA.
>>55615312
Experience, CCNA, A+, and Sec+
