Seeking career advice for up and coming college graduate

[Deleted User]

Hello Forum

I am seeking some advice to plan out my up and coming career. I am graduating this semester with a B.S in IT and minor in Information Systems. With that said, I have not taken many programming courses. 2 on VB and 1 for Python and that is all I have taken. I really enjoy IT and have certifications to prove my foundational/intermediate level of knowledge. With that said, I cannot see myself looking and writing code everyday as I have not had a great amount of exposure to programming. I am more of a hands on guy and enjoy watching videos like Trainsignal to learn about certs and like messing with routers and switches and messing with Windows Server etc. I can read an occasional book on IT but not like a giant bible like Unix and Linux System Administration handbook for hours on end. I can look at people's code and understand what it does, but not write it fluently. I view programming as like learning a foreign language. You have to write, speak, and understand all the in and outs of a language similar to learning Spanish or French. I would ultimately like to have a job in IT that is more business focused and less on programming. Maybe a job where you think like a coder but not write any. I would still however like to pursue certifications such as CCNA as this has been on of my goals since high school when I took a computer networking class (enjoyed it a lot). I understand that with networking you will have to write scripts to automate tasks to make life easier and to troubleshoot network problems. However, I can now say that I don't really have the talent to write code. I took Calculus 1 and kinda got my way through it. Never took linear algebra or anything like that. With this being said, are there any good business focused IT jobs that pay a lot or enough to live comfortably on for being a recent college grad and what would these types of jobs involve? Sorry for the long rant, but I just want to get this together before I graduate and start my career on the right foot. Thanks guys you have been awesome!

Polynomial

My first suggestion? Breaking up paragraphs!

In all seriousness though, what's your resume look like? Any on the job experience?

Seems like you're a little all over the place right now. But that's fine! Only you are going to be able to tell where your ultimate passion lies.

[Deleted User]

I have work experience yes. Working with AD and group policy and SCCM along with some misc. jobs from early in college and helpdesk/network technician experience at my university and at their medical school. I also have an IT job lined up when I graduate. Great benefits and they pay up to $8,000 a year for school providing that it is job related. May plan on going for a grad certificate in cybersecurity that's offered by my university. That wouldnt be until 2 years after I start so I can get an idea on how the job goes and not get overwhelmed and end up losing the job over a grad certificate. Pay is good also. I just can't see myself coding. I can think like a coder but not write it.

Polynomial

That's sweet! What kind of job in what industry?

[Deleted User]

Thanks! It's in the auto industry it is an IT operations engineer (entry level) position.

Polynomial

So to continue the line of conversation what is the gist of your responsibilities going to be there?

PJ_Sneakers

Don't be too proud to take an entry level job, but don't be too complacent to get stuck in one. Spend your free time learning.

anhtran35

Do you enjoy Networking? Playing with switches and routers?

Do you enjoy Systems? Playing with Windows Server 2008R2 or 2012?

[Deleted User]

I mostly like networking with routers and switches. Systems such as Server 2008 and 12 is ok. I can setup domain controllers and forests, AD and group policy and a little with Hyper-V. However, that never made me interested in it. Working with networking gear tends to be my strongsuit and interests.

aspiringsoul

Looking at your signature, I can assure you that you have a good roadmap for certifications planned.

The CCNA probably offers the highest ROI out of any entry IT certification. My advice would be to skip the Server+ though, since it is outdated and the ROI is nowhere near the CCNA.

I really enjoyed reading Todd's book, you can't go wrong with it. From the sounds of it, I would pursue the Cisco track if that's what you enjoy doing.

Good luck to you

overthetop

aspiringsoul..... I would have to disagree about the CCNA ROI. The most I have seen offered was a NOC position paying less than 18bucks an hour. ..BRB ok just did an indeed search besides for the Engineer/Analyst positions which he/she doesn't have the experience for I don't see this ROI you speak of. Though, I am not saying he/she shouldn't obtain it

aspiringsoul

overthetop, your experience may very depending on your location...I did say that the CCNA offers the highest ROI out of any "Entry" IT certification. By no means am I comparing it to a CISSP or VCAP.

I have seen many job listings in my area that describe their preferred candidate as someone with a CCNA. I have not seen many job postings that require the Network+. I've never seen one that requires a Server+. The Security+ would be a good certification to have since it fulfills the DOD 8570 requirements for IAT level 2, and IAM level 1.

Polynomial

I agree with aspiringsoul, but there's countless of stories on this forum with people who have CCNA's and have problems getting networking related jobs. Generally speaking, Cisco jobs aren't entry level.

However, that, being said, with the experience you have upcoming with this job, and a CCNA, I think you'll have an easier time.

Doubly so if you have the chance to work or at least socialize with the networking team at your upcoming job.

[Deleted User]

I agree thanks for the advice. I am lacking in programming/scripting and that is my main downfall. From the job description, it doesn't seem like this job involves much with programming/scripting. It seems more service based IT (maybe helpdesk or desktop support) I have a good amount of networking/security knowledge and some storage knowledge. I am just somewhat scared/concerned for "the real world" as compared to the academic world/college. I'm hoping to stay in this position for a few years until I get a few more certs under my belt then maybe leave and go from there. I don't want to be to hasty and jump ship once I get my CCNA. Stay at this upcoming job and get used to the environment there. At least I can say that I have a job out of school and other kids my age don't.

anhtran35

kMastaFlash wrote: »

I agree thanks for the advice. I am lacking in programming/scripting and that is my main downfall. From the job description, it doesn't seem like this job involves much with programming/scripting. It seems more service based IT (maybe helpdesk or desktop support) I have a good amount of networking/security knowledge and some storage knowledge. I am just somewhat scared/concerned for "the real world" as compared to the academic world/college. I'm hoping to stay in this position for a few years until I get a few more certs under my belt then maybe leave and go from there. I don't want to be to hasty and jump ship once I get my CCNA. Stay at this upcoming job and get used to the environment there. At least I can say that I have a job out of school and other kids my age don't.

Get your CCNA. At your current job find out who is the Network Administrator and see if you can shadow him/her during maintenance off hour period. That will provide you with Network experience over the everyday mundane help desk. The CCNA with Networking experience will open doors depending on where you reside. I would suggest your plan go like this. 2015 = CCNA. 2016 = CCNP. No reason to take Server+. Stick to the Cisco route and obtain experience.