Which way?

laloosh

Hi everyone.

I'm in the midst of a career change and figured this would be a good place to get some advice.

I worked for 10+ years in and around technology, but mostly in an editorial capacity (wrote video game reviews at a dot-com, managing editor for a TV network's website, associate editor at a video game magazine, content specialist at an online movie rental dot-com). But I've learned a lot along the way and have done everything from mixing and matching components to build a Frankenstein PC to setting up home-based networks to troubleshooting my own systems (as well as those of friends and family).

So anyway, I got laid off in January, and before I left I was talking to our desktop support manager who said he thought I'd do well in an IT capacity (he and I had had many discussions about tweaking, troubleshooting, etc. so he had an idea of what I know). He asked what I thought I'd be interested in, and I wasn't really sure. I said I enjoy working with hardware and software, but I also like interacting with people, so he suggested I get my MCDST certification and try to break into desktop support.

So that's what I'm doing: I've made my way to the "Prepare for the Exam" section of the Microsoft Press Self-Paced Study Guide for 70-271 and I anticipate taking the exam within the next month or so (and plan to plow my way through the 70-272 Study Guide much faster!).

With that said, I have a couple questions:

1) Any suggestions on possible career paths for someone who likes the tech side but also the interpersonal side? I think the thing I most enjoy is the problem-solving aspect coupled with interpersonal communication. I definitely don't want to be setting up and maintaining networks or databases, and programming doesn't appeal to me much.

2) Any advice on how I can land a job (I realize I'll be starting on the lowest rung of the ladder) without any "real" professional experience?

Sorry for the rambling, especially seeing as this is my first post, but I'm excited about this new chapter in my life. I just feel like I could use some guidance from people who are further along in their IT careers.

Thanks!

slinuxuzer

If you like desktop support go for it, the best piece of advice IT wide I will give you is this.

Alot of technologies are fun to work with, alot are not. Learn as much as you can and be thourgh about it, especially the stuff you will have to deal with often. It can be real easy to end up with serious gaps in your skill set because you have avoided things that you shouldn't have.

phoeneous

laloosh wrote: »

I definitely don't want to be setting up and maintaining networks or databases.

Thats a very bold statement. Why not?

But to answer your quandary, you will probably enjoy helpdesk a lot. It is the entry level job for most IT guys. Go for the MCDST by taking 70-271 and 70-272.

Volunteering or Interning is always a win win situation.

pinkydapimp

laloosh wrote: »

1) Any suggestions on possible career paths for someone who likes the tech side but also the interpersonal side? I think the thing I most enjoy is the problem-solving aspect coupled with interpersonal communication. I definitely don't want to be setting up and maintaining networks or databases, and programming doesn't appeal to me much.

I think this is a great asset that many in IT don't have. Get your tech skills up and you should have a leg up on the competition. Plus, the way IT is going with more and more stuff being able to be supported by less people or remotely, there will increasingly be the need for people with those soft skills to manage projects and such. The sky is the limit. A few roles that might fit in that area are Desktop Support, IT Project Management, Consulting, Field Engineering, IT Management..... Good luck!

laloosh

Thanks for the feedback. I'm taking the first step next Tuesday by sitting down for the 70-271 exam!