completely lost

INFO
I've spent the better part of the past two years gaining certifications and will have my BSIT security in April 2015. I have an AAS in Networking Technology as well and at least four years of help desk experience. I live in the west USA.

The certifications I got were:

- CompTIA A +, Security +, Network +, and Linux+ (linux came with LPIC-1 and Novell/SUSE CLA)

- CIW Web Foundations Associate, Database Design (dont really care about these, school made me get them ~ should gain Web Design Specialist on Friday)

- Microsoft MCSA Server 2012, the entire MTA Infrastructure and Database tracks, MTA Software Development Fundamentals, and Server VM with Hyper-V and System Center Specialist

By April, I will have CCENT, CCNA, and CCNA Security.

Question

I want to make at least 12k more a year after taxes (best guess is 45k/year starting).

What job role should I apply for after April and/or what do you think I am qualified for?

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Comments

abyssinica

I'm sure it's impossible for anyone to say what you're qualified for, seeing as you earned a lot of entry-level certs. They would not be a measurement of how qualified you are, you just passed the exams.

But, ok, you have MCSA Windows Server and you say you will have CCNA R&S and CCNA Security.

Well, looks like you can do some networking job and maybe work with servers.

thenjduke

If I was you I go either Networking or System Engineering route. It will take you some experience to get to either but you can do it. You can easily make 45k a year.

markulous

Based on certs and help desk experience, you seem geared towards a Systems Admin, but the Cisco certs can easily change that if you want. It really depends on what you want to do. Either way, I don't think 45k in downtown Phoenix is unreasonable.

I'm hoping to make around the same amount when I graduate by April from WGU also (or before).

jibbajabba

You shouldn't get a specific job because it pays X but because you love it and get good at it.

No matter what job you are in, if you become a Subject Matter Expert, the money usually comes with it.

cruwl

45k is a good starting number to have in your head, I would not tell a company that is what you are looking for. With a BS, MCSA and CCNA & CCNA SEC you should get that easily.

If you can successfully communicate and you retain most of this knowledge and demonstrate it back to your interviewers I see no reason why you couldn't easily get 55k.

I would only apply so Sys Admin or Net admin roles, stay away from NOC positions, everything help desk ect. Make sure your Resume is top notch.
Some roles may be a mix and perfect for your skill set, some might be Just networking and some might be Just Sys admin.

Also it doesnt hurt to apply for jobs now and get some interview experience, and dial in your resume. Who knows you may land the right job before April.

Xavor

Ask for 55k considering you have 4 years of help desk w/BS soon + certs. Pick a career path that interests you and apply: Sysad, network guy, etc. Your certs are all over the place so it's difficult to know where you want to go.

no!all!

jibbajabba wrote: »

You shouldn't get a specific job because it pays X but because you love it and get good at it.

No matter what job you are in, if you become a Subject Matter Expert, the money usually comes with it.

well said!

VAHokie56

jibbajabba wrote: »

You shouldn't get a specific job because it pays X but because you love it and get good at it.

No matter what job you are in, if you become a Subject Matter Expert, the money usually comes with it.

I like my job a great deal, the people , work from home whenever I want and the money is great . I LOVE golf...should I quit and go try and be a pro golfer on the tour?

Like what you do, makes things simple and keeps you showing up every day

kohr-ah

VAHokie56 wrote: »

Like what you do, makes things simple and keeps you showing up every day

Also as a side note. Everyone every once in a while gets a crap job. The coworkers are great but the job just sucks. Use what you love to do as the drive to further yourself to get to that next place and get to that place you love.

mokaiba

jibbajabba wrote: »

You shouldn't get a specific job because it pays X but because you love it and get good at it.

No matter what job you are in, if you become a Subject Matter Expert, the money usually comes with it.

I love the field, its just I need to start making a little more so that I can start saving to own a home. My current plans are to own a home in Oregon in about 10 years and that needs more money, unfortunately, for it to happen. I strongly believe in only earning what is needed to survive...so much so that I have made the same amount yearly for nearly a decade by choice (im 32 btw).

~et al Thanks for the replies and advice.