Job A vs Job B

pearljam

Hey Everyone,

I am about to graduate on the 21st with a degree in Network Administration and am currently looking for an entry level position. I've applied everywhere and companies seem to either want certs or experience and don't really care about the degree; that's just icing on the cake (which I don't have). So I got to interview with two companies and they both seemed interested in me and would get back sometime this week. With that being said I am unsure if accepted to both jobs which one I should take, and hope you all can help me out a little.

Job A - Outsources services to companies in my area working as help desk. There are around a dozen people working there. However, they are strictly an Apple company. I am more into expanding my knowledge with Windows/AD/GP but am unsure if it would be a good idea to also get some Apple knowledge under my belt as well. The company doesn't care whether you have Comptia/Microsoft/Cisco/etc. certs, all they care about is apple certifications. My main concern is that I don't want to start working in a job and not be able to learn the things that I want and x years later have to start from ground zero.

Job B - Telecom company working as a Technical Support Representative. I will be answering phone calls from customers all over the region and help them troubleshoot their issues. If I take this job I wouldn't want to be in it more than a year. The hours can be awful and I'd want to use it as a stepping stone to get experience. Is this a job that will look good on a resume for experience?

I would please like to know which job would be most beneficial for me (from your point of view if you were just entering the workforce)?

Also, how would it best be handled if I got an offer from one company and then two days later got an offer from the other. Should I accept the first one and hope that I get an offer from the other, then call back and decline the first? I think this looks bad on my part but I'm just looking for advice.

Appreciate your help

-PJ

phantasm

You're doing your degree in Networking but you want to work with Windows, AD, and GP. That's more systems related. If you truly want to work in Networking I would take Job B and work on your CCNA. Already being at a telecom may help you get into their NOC or some other role after some time and work on your side.

If you want to do systems work then I would take Job A. It may be Apple centered but it will be more desktop support related from the sound of it. This would lead into other positions related to what you want. Also, take the time and do some Microsoft certs in this role if that's what you want to do.

techfiend

I'd take Job B if you can handle the hours, otherwise look for something else if you can afford to. I've noticed in networking there's a lot of bad shifts for the freshers but it gets better.

Job A, unless you're dedicated to Apple I'd stay away because while you are earning troubleshooting and customer service experience you aren't gaining the technical experience you desire. The only exception is if it's a short term contract, <6 months, then I'd think about pursuing it and move onto windows.

Stevecb06

Job B sounds like it would give you more relevant experience, and at this point in your career, it is all about the experience. Take the job that will teach you the most. If the hours are no good, you may just have to stick it out for a year to get the experience and then find something better.

Shoe Box

I’d choose Job B, but for only a short time. Help Desk isn’t the same as Desktop Support. I’m not a real good people person, and could not talk to them on the phone all day. I’ve heard lots of crazy things, like referring to the desktop tower as the “hard drive”, or asking someone what operating system is on their computer, and they don’t know, so I tell them to look for a Windows label on the front of their computer, then they come back and say “Dell”. I can just feel my blood pressure rising at that point.
Since you want to school for Network Admin, I presume you want something more in data centers or building and maintaining networks. I am not aware of any data centers running on Apple software, but I could be wrong.
I’d start at job B, then switch into a Desktop Support position as soon as possible, like for XP to 7 migrations or new hardware refresh jobs, and get started on some good Cisco certifications as soon as possible. At least get a CompTIA A+, if not a Cisco CCT or CCENT for your first one.