Trying to move out of Desktop Support (Studying BS-IT Security at WGU)

loss4words

Hi everyone,

I've been with my company for over 10 years in a hybrid role of Desktop Support/Desktop Engineer/Windows Systems Administrator, and while I enjoy working with them it doesn't seem like the higher ups are noticing the hard work, and my entry-level title hasn't changed. One thing that I do like is that I'm putting systems in place which will eventually help my IT department to remove admin rights from client workstations, which I see as a security concern.

Initially I wanted to focus working mainly with Microsoft Servers and related technologies, but as I've been getting more exposure to networking (routers and switches) and IT Security (firewalls, looking for vulnerabilities on the network) by working with other IT departments in my company, I've decided to study it with WGU in its BS-IT Security program (coursework includes CCNA, CCNA Security and some other related certifications).

It looks like it will take me at around 3 years to finish, and I'm hoping to have CCNA completed in 12 months time. One thing that worries me is that I know that without experience no one wants to hire you, even with a degree, and I'm no longer in my 20s.

What would you suggest for someone in my situation? I've considered waiting for another year and when I have CCNA passed asking for an entry level networking position internally, as I work my way up. Or, since I have some Windows Administration experience I can look for a job now and when I'm ready move up to a networking/security related position? Not sure what to do

Also, I'm aware that Security field is too broad but I'm not sure exactly what it is specifically that I would enjoy doing as it related to security field.

Any advice?

UncleB

I would suggest you apply for a similar position in a much larger company where you get to focus on something you already have the skills for and it will let you plumb these skills to new depths while you carry on looking for your passion it IT and hopefully find scope to move internally in the new company.

I would recommend against jumping to a new position where you do something different unless you know you will enjoy doing it - I've done this before and it is no fun having to backtrack out of a career change.

Why wait so long for the CCNA - get stuck into it and do it in a few months so you have it on your CV when you are ready to move. It isn't rocket science so some applied effort should see you through this with your experience.

The degree is only a box ticking exercise with recruiters and I don't think it will make a difference if you have the experience. It will help you move up higher but I think you need to focus on getting more real world experience by the sound of it - 10 years in and if this is all you are doing then you are in a real dead end job. Move on to a place that lets you grow.

Just my advice - feel free to ignore.

Mide

With regards to your current job I'd try to find another company ASAP. I've also had a few dead-end jobs where companies would work me to death but never moved up. The equation I use is to stay at least 1 year but preferred 3 years assuming you're still learning and getting raises. After 3 years you should get a promotion or jump to another company. 5 years it the max one should stay at one firm in one position or it doesn't help your future.

With regards to experience and getting into networking, do you already have a BS degree? If so, just get your CCNA and apply for networking jobs to get your foot in the door. If you don't then the WGU program sounds OK. Some companies will have some age discrimination going on depending on the supply of networking IT workers in your city, but some will still give you a chance. The first cert in your ticket though...without it you'd just be a desktop/systems guy who 'says' they want to get into networking. You have to do something to show that you really want to jump over to that side.

loss4words

Thank you guys for your feedback! I have started applying and reaching out to recruiters for help. I think that not having a B.S. degree really limits me as far as my job search and minimum salary that I would be ok with. I see many people with less experience than me offered better opportunities because of education. One of my job recruiters said that many large companies won't even interview me just because I don't meet their bachelors degree requirement.

@ UncleB - Ok. So it sounds like I should be looking for a Desktop Engineer/SysAdmin jobs specifically, since I already have experience in that and it won't be completely new to me. And as I work there continue studying until I reach my goals.

@ Mide - Yep, my job is a dead end job, with no promotion in sight. My supervisor is a very nice and supportive guy, but unfortunately he can't help me because of politics. On the other hand I am still learning everyday.

DatabaseHead

Before you go on this adventure why not let your management staff know this? You've been there for 10 years, surely you have built up equity with these folks.

I found most people can't read minds. So why don't you talk to them?

while I enjoy working with them it doesn't seem like the higher ups are noticing the hard work

If you enjoy working with them, (sometimes rare), then let them know that and explain how you want to manage your career. Communicate. Instead of seeing through your eyes, try to see it through theirs. Maybe since you are quiet they don't want to rock the boat and they want to leave you as be.

Initially I wanted to focus working mainly with Microsoft Servers and related technologies

Tell them that.

I honestly don't think you'll need a degree to do this..... Waste of money and time

jamesleecoleman

My last job was mostly desktop support along with minor things like rack/stack and account previsioning in AD. If there was a position that I saw within the company that I thought I could qualify for, I talked to the manager of that department about it. I didn't qualify for any of the positions but it was nice to know that I had the chance to look into how I could move around in the company.

I would suggest asking what you can do to either get out of what you're doing and transition in to a different position. I've read that some people stay in desktop support for years and don't want to leave.

DatabaseHead

jamesleecoleman wrote: »

My last job was mostly desktop support along with minor things like rack/stack and account previsioning in AD. If there was a position that I saw within the company that I thought I could qualify for, I talked to the manager of that department about it. I didn't qualify for any of the positions but it was nice to know that I had the chance to look into how I could move around in the company.

I would suggest asking what you can do to either get out of what you're doing and transition in to a different position. I've read that some people stay in desktop support for years and don't want to leave.

Great Advice. If you ask and they balk or say no, then move forward, but you got to at least try and ask, ESPECIALLY if you like these people. And you get to avoid going in debt for college and you save all that time!

jamesleecoleman

Plus, it shows that you're willing/want to stay with the company and have the drive to do better in your work/personal life.

loss4words

I have spoken with my supervisor about this on multiple occasions and he told me that there's nothing he can do except put in a good word for me, which hasn't been helping. Being promoted in my department in general is very difficult. Also, the person who has power to help me grow with company is not as technical and doesn't fully understand my value. I am actually surprised that I've been allowed to stay in office so much and do technical admin work and not run around doing field desktop support work like my coworkers.

The only possibility without leaving the company is to ask Manager of Network Team to give me a chance once I have CCNA. We're on good speaking terms but obviously nothing is guaranteed.

jamesleecoleman

Have you tried to 'translate' your technical worth into business worth? Or how the person who has the power to help you out understand your worth how they understand things in their way?

Try talking to the Networking Manager about doing some small tasks and then moving into bigger ones later.

DatabaseHead

loss4words wrote: »

I have spoken with my supervisor about this on multiple occasions and he told me that there's nothing he can do except put in a good word for me, which hasn't been helping. Being promoted in my department in general is very difficult. Also, the person who has power to help me grow with company is not as technical and doesn't fully understand my value. I am actually surprised that I've been allowed to stay in office so much and do technical admin work and not run around doing field desktop support work like my coworkers.

The only possibility without leaving the company is to ask Manager of Network Team to give me a chance once I have CCNA. We're on good speaking terms but obviously nothing is guaranteed.

This wasn't mentioned in the original post.

Me personally if I was working on the CCNA I would hold off until passing that, then try leveraging it. If nothing, I would most certainly leave.