Not good field, giving up, have any of you ever done this?
SrSysAdmin
Member Posts: 259
A fifth of Jack makes a man do crazy things.
Current Certifications:
* B.S. in Business Management
* Sec+ 2008
* MCSA
Currently Studying for:
* 70-293 Maintaining a Server 2003 Network
Future Plans:
* 70-294 Planning a Server 2003 AD
* 70-297 Designing a Server 2003 AD
* 70-647 Server 2008
* 70-649 MCSE to MCITP:EA
* B.S. in Business Management
* Sec+ 2008
* MCSA
Currently Studying for:
* 70-293 Maintaining a Server 2003 Network
Future Plans:
* 70-294 Planning a Server 2003 AD
* 70-297 Designing a Server 2003 AD
* 70-647 Server 2008
* 70-649 MCSE to MCITP:EA
Comments
Just one? Courageous comes after 3. Crazy comes after 5.
Started at WGU and it's getting paid for by VA. 1 year left til i have my degree and I'd hate to START my first IT job with a degree as I expect to start on bottom somewhere.
This'll essentially be my third career change Navy > Manufacturing > IT
Air Force>Manufacturing (shakes fist @ HMMA)>IT (one day)
I really thought IT would be a great field to go into, I guess at this point I have to continue along the IT path and focus on security to make myself as much of an assest as possible. Ultimately I guess each of us that's new to the field has to have a goal to focus on and a path to get there. I wish all of you luck and I hope things work out for those of you that are new like myself. For those of you that are in the field and lookign to move out; what is it that made you want to go in another direction?
Today's economy has made things a little interesting in the IT field for all of us, especially those of us who have been displaced. But, as in most specialized fields, its "typically" only as difficult as the time and effort you put into it. You have to realize, that you will start at the bottom, or pretty much close to it. You won't be a Systems/Network Administrator in one or two years. You won't be make 70/80/90k year in one or two years.
This field takes dedication and determination to move ahead. You have to make yourself stand out from the crowd, and show that you are trustworthy and knowledgeable enough to take on those "special" projects from the Sys/Network Admins.
You mentioned that you have plans on going to WGU and getting your BS in IT. That is a great start. That will get you the degree and certifications along the way that can help make you stand out. Just realize that they aren't the only part of the equation, and don't equal a magic ticket to the big bucks. It takes time, dedication, and being able to apply your knowledge on the job.
You mention your keep reading people who are "giving up", and find the field "too difficult" to advance in. While yes, there may be a smaller percentage of those of are having a stroke of bad luck, but, for the majority of them, its because of they are looking for that "magic ticket". They enter the field thinking in one or two years they should be doing Sys admin work, and making the big bucks. Whether they were mislead by a recruiter or ad for a school, promising big bucks with a degree, or they just expected everything handed to them with minimal effort, they are the reason they failed in this industry, not the other way around.
Basically, to sum it all up, if you are dedicated, put in the time working your way up, and never stop learning, you can go far in the IT Industry, and maybe, along the way, make the big bucks. Just realize it won't happen overnight, there are no magic tickets or free rides, and you just have to keep trying.
MCTS: Windows WS08 Active Directory, Configuration
But, the worst thing is that I'm willing to start from the bottom doing IT work. But, nobody will hire me. Even this is so hard to get my foot in the door. I tried to volunteer in IT and guess what? Requrie several interview sessions and everyone is competing for IT jobs in recession.
I have no idea what to do now.
Use your contacts, tweak your resume & cover letter, send out resumes, send out more resumes, and then send out some more resumes. I'm not a huge fan of contract positions (I personally hate the idea of not having a permanent position), but they're a good option to look at if you're trying to get some real experience to add to your resume. If you haven't done so already, try contacting some "head hunters" - they have access to a wide variety of positions, and if you interview well and impress them, they can put you up for a multitude of jobs that you may not have otherwise known existed.
Next Up: Security+, 291?
Enrolled in Masters program: CS 2011 expected completion
I bought a bottle of that the other day. Some crazy lady behind me threw a fit because the wax wasn't red, which clearly meant it wasn't authentic. It was a special black and gold Saints edition...
Absinthe Liquor
CCNA Security | GSEC |GCFW | GCIH | GCIA
[email protected]
http://twitter.com/paul_bosworth
Blog: http://www.infosiege.net/
Then come on down here to New Orleans. You can get it at bars all over town. Some of the "darker" bars serve it the traditional style (cold and poured over a sugar cube).
CCNA Security | GSEC |GCFW | GCIH | GCIA
[email protected]
http://twitter.com/paul_bosworth
Blog: http://www.infosiege.net/
I would love to man. I was in New Orleans for thanksgiving the year before Katrina hit, and fell in love with the city. I'm sure there's a few bars in Atlanta that server it as well, but seeing as how I get off work a 9am, most bars aren't open!
On a side note is 30 too old to join the army, I don't want to work at Walmart with a BS in Computer Science and CCNP to top it off soon?
C'mon man, when it comes to drinking, I have to try it for myself! Taking other peoples word for it doesn't work! If I did that, then I'd have listened to all my friends who hate tequila and never become a fan of Patron!
Go for the 55% stuff; it has some taste. 70% stuff just tastes like kerosene. You can light it up though, which is cool.
Eh there are ALWAYS job opening on help desk/call line type It tier 1 level jobs. The turnover rate at those places are so high and all you need to know is how to press keys on a keyboard and answer calls. Start there for 6 months to a year then move on to a real IT job.