Career advice

shortiebs

I am currently in a contract role until August as a entry level network administrator/WAN specialist. i want to get a certification before my contract is up so that i can possibly move up to an mid-level role... or at least not go back to help desk. I am not sure what to pursue next

I am not very interested in networking. this is my first networking role and it doesn't seem like a fit for me. (could be the role but im not sure). I also dont think 1 year of experience could land me another network admin role. especially since this one is Juniper based. i am interested in security or possibly project management. what other certification or education would be best for me to pursue to NOT be stuck back in help desk after this contract.

qualification:
bachelors in computer engineering technology
1.5 years help desk
Security +
JNCIA ( was mandatory with my current role)
5 months- present network administrator

scaredoftests

Start with: what are you interested in?

Dakinggamer87

If you are interested in Security such as Computer Forensics I would suggest going into one of these certifications: CEH, CHFI, CISSP but before that would start with the basics such as the Security+ to build the nuggets and foundational layer. You have a Bachelor's degree which is good for the HR filter. If you want to do Project Management then certification wise doing the Project+, ITIL, PMP would be a good place to start.

It all comes down to what you want to pursue so you can lay down a path and solid foundation. This is true of all aspects of life, goals, etc..

Creating a plan and sticking to the plan while making adjustements along the way because that is inevitable. I would start by doing a list of pros and cons of what you like and don't like. This can help narrow your focus and discipline into what you enjoy and are passionate about.

Hope this information is helpful and PM me if I can help any further.

Good luck out there!! Keep on pushing

DatabaseHead

Some good advice on here.

Like SoT mention what do you like?

Daking mentioned some certification revolving around security, I did some research recently and I found that the CEH was either preferred or required for quite a few security jobs. I would consider that based strictly off of what HR seems to want for these mid tier security roles. Of course CISSP was number 1, but without experience it's something you'll have to visit at a later date it seems.

Project Management is all about the experience (generally) however if you wanted to move into that direction I would recommend getting good at the tools like Ms Project / Excel GANTT Charts and understanding the basic principals of project management. With so many methodologies (Scrum, Pair, Prince, PMI, CMMI, Six Sigma etc) it hardly seems worth the time to get a certification prior to the job.

If you read a basic PM book you'll get ideas how to rewrite your resume to introduce those terms, which IMO will shock you once you become aware.

What I found with project management (which I believe to be the best way) is to end up in a junior role or even a coordinator role, then discover which methodology the organization uses and THEN certify in that particular methodology/framework. Sometimes they can front the bill for the training as well, especially if it's the methodology they use.

All things equal I would go security, there is a shortage of positions in the hot zones. Project Management is slowing WAY down.

In relation to your job I would highly recommend staying in that role for 1 year. It would look GOOOOOOD on your resume. Short term jobs loo awful. Just saying.....

shortiebs

thank you! I already have security +

I was looking into CEH as well.

shortiebs

I like problem solving, organizing and seeing a complex problem come together. I like getting to the root of a problem after it is presented and then finding the best solution