Best Industries (for Generalists?)

I've decided I'm not going to become a specialist. Instead I'm going to remain a generalist, but that means I should specialize in an industry if I want to make the most of my career.

So which industries are the best in terms of money, mobility, advancement etc.?

I know that finance is a great one but perhaps the toughest to break into. They have a lot of apps like Bloomberg, Reuters etc. Once you're in it's easy to find similar work and command your premium.

I need a backup plan if I can't crack that nut.

Any other good industries? I know that defense is also good but not a route I want to go down, for personal reasons. I know govt work is good but it pretty much ties you to one country. I know Law is another (they are big on document management systems), as tough as finance really.

Any others?

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tkerber

MSPs hands down... When I was working at an MSP I was basically a generalist Systems Administrator. Although I filled in highly for a Network Engineer that left, I was still dealing with various issues throughout any given week.

bridgestone

tkerber wrote: »

MSPs hands down... When I was working at an MSP I was basically a generalist Systems Administrator. Although I filled in highly for a Network Engineer that left, I was still dealing with various issues throughout any given week.

Thanks, I was actually thinking about this.

But the only thing I've noticed is that the MSP space has become much more diverse now. They either provide only a specific set of services or they try to do everything but with specialist teams.

And even those doing the traditional still seem to have separate 1st, 2nd and 3rd line teams. So I'm struggling to see how they use generalists. I think there would be a variety of work coming from different clients, but otherwise within a specific skillset...

Has the term MSP become abused of late? Because I used to think it always meant the outsourcing of one's traditional IT.

undomiel

You'll still find MSPs looking for a jack of all trades. From the one I work at the more skilled you are with everything the higher up the food chain you'll move. I've seen several other MSPs around Phoenix that have plenty of generalists on board. It is difficult to find a truly skilled generalist though. The majority of them aren't much more than glorified help desk workers it seems.

bridgestone

undomiel wrote: »

You'll still find MSPs looking for a jack of all trades. From the one I work at the more skilled you are with everything the higher up the food chain you'll move. I've seen several other MSPs around Phoenix that have plenty of generalists on board. It is difficult to find a truly skilled generalist though. The majority of them aren't much more than glorified help desk workers it seems.

Thanks, this is all great to know. A little googling found me a lot of companies, including global ones.

Earlier in my career I was put off by them as they had a reputation for paying less than regular employers. But now they appeal to me more.

tkerber

I agree with undomiel.

When I was interviewing for the MSP I worked at they were very impressed with my diversity and all of the different kind of sectors I worked in.. It landed me a L2 Field Engineer position--which is like a Systems Administrator.

In my experience pay really depends on the size of the MSP. My MSP paid okay but I wouldn't call it competitive, it was average. However, I know for a fact that the L3 and Project Engineers were making a lot more than an L2 and obviously L1.. We had Engineers that were with the company for so long that they knew all of the clients and if they left the clients would probably leave too.

Last little bit about working for MSPs is the respect and atmosphere you work in. You're working in a company that makes money in technology with a bunch of other people that also work and specialize in technology. Therefore, the atmosphere in MSPS (in my opinion) is way better than that of working at a finance firm or something not technology related. You get a lot more respect from peers and the company because you make them money and you're one of their most valuable assets.

undomiel

Touching on the pay aspect the salaries can vary pretty widely. Minimum wage up into the six figures all depending upon where you are at in your career and your set of skills. If you're great at getting things done, doing your own research and staying cool under pressure you'll go far.

Chadius

I'm having a hard time finding any MSP's in my area. Any idea what to search for, in case I'm going about it wrong?
(area: Wichita Kansas)

MeanDrunkR2D2

Chadius wrote: »

I'm having a hard time finding any MSP's in my area. Any idea what to search for, in case I'm going about it wrong?
(area: Wichita Kansas)

I'm also in the Wichita area and there are a few out there, but most are not based in the area. Finding open positions with them is tough as there isn't alot here. I've had interviews with a couple, but of course, my lack of experience that they wanted really hamstrung me as they needed someone that they could charge billable hours to clients immediately.

TomkoTech

Just a cursory search.

CybertronIT | Wichita, KS | Home

Network Solutions, Computer Services, Tech Support

High Touch Technologies | Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Wichita

Chadius

I hear ya MeanDrunk. If you have experience, there is tons of IT jobs available in our area. High paying ones too.

Thanks Tomko.

I applied with CybertronIT awhile back, but they wanted to interview me for PC repair/build. Nope, been there done that. lol

Chadius

Highpoint's IT is ran by two guys. Neither IT kansas or Highpoint have a link to careers or employment.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Chadius wrote: »

I hear ya MeanDrunk. If you have experience, there is tons of IT jobs available in our area. High paying ones too.

Thanks Tomko. I applied with CybertronIT awhile back, but they wanted to interview me for PC repair/build. Nope, been there done that. lol

That is true, sadly I don't usually have the experience that they want for those positions and finding the ones where they are willing to train aren't all that easy to find. I'm not giving up, but it is frustrating.

Chadius

Yea it is frustrating. The catch 22 part really sucks. Having a full time job, while looking for an IT position....well it is nice. But, my job is doing small amounts of IT work in an engineering lab. So my experience level is mainly school and labs at home. In my opinion, I think I will be sitting good after getting my bachelor's, some higher level certs, and of course a year or two experience. I've had to sell this idea to my wife. Because right now I make more money than a lot of the "entry" level help desk and NOC jobs are offering. I've told her that I need to take a step back to gain two or three forward. She trusts me, knowing that I would never jump into a situation without thinking it over. Per my other thread, I went to the interview for the help desk analyst position. But the hiring manager couldn't make it (due to company wide network problems lol), and we haven't rescheduled yet. So now I'm nervous and hoping they call me.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Good luck with that! At least you have the first step and are already working in IT so when you do get your degree you'll be in a good place to move upwards quicker. Like has been mentioned, lots of good IT jobs in the area, just have to get that break to move up.

MeanDrunkR2D2

I do see that Koch has some helpdesk (servicedesk) positions available, and may be a good place to look at. I've heard that from people in the area, once you get in you can really move up in your career there.

Chadius

I did a phone interview for a tier 1 position. (help desk) I thought it went good. Guess not though. They emailed back going forward with someone else. If your not against 2nd or 3rd shift, and want to work at a NOC.....Speedy Cash is always hiring for technicians etc.

Chadius

Also, I have worked my way into doing IT related things at my job. I'd say 20% of my day, the rest is still engineering.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Chadius wrote: »

I did a phone interview for a tier 1 position. (help desk) I thought it went good. Guess not though. They emailed back going forward with someone else. If your not against 2nd or 3rd shift, and want to work at a NOC.....Speedy Cash is always hiring for technicians etc.

Yes they do. I've told them that if they have a 1st shift position open I'd be more than happy to look at that, but everything seems to be 2nd/3rd shift with them and that's a no go for me. Need a normal daytime shift to balance my work/life properly so I can see my family every day.