Just beginning

Hello all!

I am just beginning my studies for the compTIA A+. My goal is to have the exams done and passed by September.

I decided that after applying a few times for entry level positions over the years and not getting the job I needed to do something to give myself a better chance.

From everything that I have read A+ is the best way to get my foot in the door and get the job experience people want. Ultimately I think that I want to get into networking, this is where I get a little lost.

What is the best path for me to take to get from where I am now, working in a local credit union, to where I want to be which is in IT?

I appreciate any help and look forward to being a part of this community!

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AvgITGeek

Absolutely getting a certification at this level will help you get your foot in the door. What makes you think you want to get into networking? How much experience do you have with troubleshooting PCs or networks (even at home or for family and friends counts). That isn't a dig at you. Just that any experience is good experience.

Get that first position and then start studying for either Network+ (vendor neutral and a top level view of a lot of networking) or CCENT which is more in-depth but focused on Cisco gear. That isn't a bad thing at all as I've seen some of the same commands on HP switches but the theory is still the same.

Oh and welcome to the TE family! Don't be afraid to ask questions around here.

atday08

Thanks AvgITGeek, I have minimal experience. I use google as a tool at this point and have done more things along the lines of swapping power supplies on friends PCs after diagnosing that as the issue, building my own computers, but other than that not a whole lot of experience.

I attended school for a short time and was mostly focused on programming which I'm not sure I could get the hang of.

As far as what makes me thing networking is what I want to get into, I'm still so unsure, and I feel like the end goal will become more clear once I get my feet wet in something even as simple as help desk.

AvgITGeek

Hey, that is experience none the less. Troubleshooting and then fixing the problem!

Search youtube for a video from NetworkChuck about Network+ or CCENT. Some good information there.

atday08

Love Network Chuck, I found him recently while trying to get some information, i'll look up that video.

Thank you!

MontagueVandervort

atday08 said:

From everything that I have read A+ is the best way to get my foot in the door and get the job experience people want. Ultimately I think that I want to get into networking, this is where I get a little lost.

A+ is the best way to get a helpdesk position. Not sure I would say it's the best way to get your foot in the door when it comes to Networking.

If you do want to focus on Networking, then I would heavily suggest you study the Network+ material. You don't have to necessarily take the exam but just be firm on the concepts and processes.

Suggested Steps:
1. Network+ (study - test only if you specifically wish)
2. ICND1
3. Find a NOC position (or some other functional networking position - but NOC is great because you can study)
4. ICND2
5. Find new position & leave NOC (or other position)
6. Keep learning
7. Keep moving

atday08

Thanks Montague, I appreciate the input here!

morleyeugena

Hi I am Morley
Newly joined

atday08

Hey Morley!
Nice to meet you!

amandacooper

Hello. I'm also new here=)

UnixGuy

Welcome to the forums new members

themanwholaughs

Welcome dude