Orlando FL;making the leap from tech support, to enterprise support

orlandofl

Hello All,

I have A+, Net+, and Security+. I have a B.A. in a non technical degree. I'm currently working in law enforcement (left tech about a year ago to utilize my degree) Very...long story short, I want to come back to IT. I have about five years of support experience in both a traditional call center/tech support environment as well as a NOC center remotely supporting a major cell carrier's macro cellular network.

I've decided i'm not willing to go back to an ISP support/ all phone based position. My overall goal is to move into Windows/Linux Sys Admin role. I realize without any real 'enterprise' support experience..my chances are slim to none. I thought attempting to get an enterprise (Desktop/ IT Technician) support role with the above mentioned CompTIA's as well as the MCSA in Windows 10 & MCSE Mobility might be a step in the right direction. I believe this would allow me to gain hands on experience with active directory and supporting windows machines. If I could land such a job..I'd spend 2018 earning an MCSE in Windows Server 2016 and put my Master's on hold.

I've been dreaming of a sys-admin gig for the last half decade. Working with servers and supporting infrastructure is something that I truly want to do as a career. I've gotten several calls about technical support manager positions...something I would never entertain. I have no desire to manage anyone...I would love to be in a super technical career ... and so I'm asking the techexams.net powers that be....what gives? What path would you recommend? Do you think i'm onto something with the MCSA Windows 10 / MCSE Mobility, then Windows Server 2016 next year?

-Travis



**Update 05/23/2017**

I was offered my old job back a couple days ago as a RF Tier III NOC tech working on Sprint's macro network in Maitland. I took it just so i could get out of law enforcement and at least have *something* that resembled tech/IT back on my resume..before an actual year had passed of me being out of the 'tech' industry. While this position is chill (work tickets, troubleshooting, listen to Pandora all day, work remote one day a week, - no customer contact)...it's about as far away from a systems administration role...as being a probation officer. I'm giving myself six months to earn this freking MCSA Windows 10, MCSE Mobility...to get into an enterprise IT technician/desktop support gig then spend 2018 clawing my way to MCSE Windows Server 2016, a sys admin role...and $25.00 an hour..that's my goal for 2018. RANT OVER.

-Travis

anhtran35

Location might be the biggest hurdle. What is the IT job market like in FL? Are you flexible to relocate?

skswitch

Whatup!

Central FL here also. I've worked around Orlando and still currently do. If you are in the north side check out Maitland area a lot of businesses in that area since its nicer. If your more south you maybe be able to commute to Lakeland which I believe Amazon/Publix has IT opportunities.

I never had much luck with the recruiters around in this area but you may. TEK Systems/Robert Half/Verandas? and a slew of others once you sign up for one.

Make sure your resume is up to date and maybe uploaded to something like Indeed.com. A Linkedin account is even better and put what you are looking for. Recruiters from companies will do searches off titles / certs / exp.

For those titles you are looking for...sadly, titles are just about meaningless. Even more so with System Admin on. Just about ANYTHING can be listed.

System Admin 1 can work with everything from A to M and System Admin 2 can work with everything from N to Z. Virtual environment? (VMware/Virtualbox/Hyper V? / Physical environment? Windows / Linux / Unix) Exchange / Azure / Office 365 / Phone systems / Switches! Tons of stuff could be listed for responsibilities. I would try and find some postings even if its out of your working area and get a feel for what people are wanting right now.

You mentioned working with AD? Try spooling up a VM with Windows server and creating your own test domain. Best way to get learn is to break some stuff (in non production environment of course )

Honestly, I wouldn't sweat it if you don't have 100% of what a job is asking. If you did, then why would you wanna do stuff you already know how to do?

NetworkNewb

I put "Bad Plan" in the poll. Just because you know the it's obviously a good plan.

You want to work on Windows Desktops and Servers and wondering if getting Windows Desktop and Server certs are good plan? Come on now

While it probably would be better if you had a Windows 10 cert to some organizations, a lot have not or probably don't have any plans to move to Windows 10 anytime soon. And I don't know they are necessary for you to find a good first job though. I would really look into jobs in your area that sound interesting and see what they are asking for first. Those MCSAs and MCSEs will definitely look good for the job you want to get someday though.

Make a list of things you see companies are asking for and start working on the list!

orlandofl

I put "Bad Plan" in the poll. Just because you know the it's obviously a good plan

....

[h=3]Touché[/h]
...I suppose what my poorly worded poll was meant to say...was...Do you think the MCSA/MCSE Win -10 Cert could lead to a desktop support gig therby paving the way to systems administration. I went to the official MCSA Microsoft training for Server 2012 R2 a few years ago (didn't test) and learned a good bit.

Here in Central FL Jr. Admin jobs are posted at around 45K...which..admittedly would be the highest paying job I've ever had (I know, sad right?) If I could use the Win 10 MCSA/MCSE to get into a desktop/enterprise (read: not supporting external customers...) for at least 20 an hour..I would have accomplished what I set out to do for the year.

Thanks for your reply!

-Travis

orlandofl

Howdy Neighbor,

I've also worked a good bit in Maitland myself. I had an offer a few months ago downtown @ Suntrust bank doing application support..which I turned down. My wife and I actually bought a house in Lake county (north of orlando - 40 mins from downtown), so i'll be looking Lake Mary, North Orlando and even downtown-ish..depending on the opportunity.

I never had much luck with the recruiters around in this area but you may. TEK Systems/Robert Half/Verandas? and a slew of others once you sign up for one.

I worked for Apex Systems supporting a telecommunications network on contract. Was laid off twice..not fun. I was offered the downtown support gig with Insight Global.

I'll knock out the MCSA Win 10 / MCSE Mobility, get a job I can live with, then get serious about the MCSE Server 2016. I've decided to put my Master's on hold until I can get into a role with at least a somewhat respectable salary. I suspect between the MS certs and learning PowerShell I'll be plenty busy enough.

I've heard Orlando is becoming something of a 'tech-hub' more-so than even Tampa presently. What are your thoughts on the 'tech' climate of Orlando proper and surrounding?

Thanks for the reply,

-Travis

skswitch

Orlando being a tech-hub? That would be nice! May it could bring higher pay . I figured like you mentioned either Tampa, Jax or heck Miami would be the hub area for jobs.
However, we did just hired a guy from Miami who moved here cause CoL is crazy...

Orlando is mostly a tourism market due too how much that damn mouse brings in. Can't go anywhere with out dealing with tourists. *shake fist* but hey least no state taxes?

Alif_Sadida_Ekin

skswitch wrote: »

Orlando is mostly a tourism market due too how much that damn mouse brings in. Can't go anywhere with out dealing with tourists. *shake fist* but hey least no state taxes?

We make up for it with our toll roads. I get nickel and dimed to death driving anywhere here.