Changing specialism

Fizzedine

Hey guys

I am an infrastructure engineer of over 7 years experience, which comes from a mix of support roles and supporting purely Microsoft technologies.
I have been quite bored of this for a while and have a real interest in computer networking.
I have started my studies for CCENT but I just wanted to ask if anyone has made this switch and what advice you would have for me?

Many thanks guys

Fizzedine

scaredoftests

Yes, I have. I branched out due to lay off years ago. I diversified to database management etc. So, I can do a variety of things. Good for the mind and to be gainfully employed at the same time..

OctalDump

Be prepared to take a pay cut. It might take a couple of years to get back to the same "level". Your infrastructure experience will help you, but if you really want to change completely, it could be a hinderance since you will likely be offered more hybrid roles.

markulous

As OD alluded to, you'd probably be better off financially by taking a hybrid role. Once you have enough experience under your belt for networking you can jump to more network-centric roles instead of just jumping over as a junior admin and taking a paycut.

UncleB

I would look at the areas your role touches on - servers, email, networking, SANs, firewalls, web, security etc and see which hold more than a passing interest.

Once you find this then work on several fronts:
1 - study all the material you can, starting with the higher level stuff so you can hold an informed converstation about it.
2 - work out where you can levereage your existing knowledge and experience in conjunction with this new field to help develop opportunities to use them together initially.
3 - get to know the staff working in these arenas and befriend them in as non-creepy way as you can. Some social engineering will help.
4 - get to know the boss of these staff so they know you when they have an opening. Avoid telling them you want a job for a while or they may think that is all you are interested in them for.
5 - look at job sites for roles that let you make the most of your newly studied knowledge and existing skills.
6 - keep at it until something works for you - be patient, persistent and upbeat about it.

Good luck
Iain