Trying to get a better job

Priston

Currently i'm working for a company doing network cabling I've been there for maybe 7 months, the pay isn't good at all and its definity not what I want to do for the rest of my life.

I have an A.A.S. Degree in Networking Technologies
I have the Network+ certification and I almost have the A+ cert
After I get the A+ I'm going to start sending out more resumes. What types of jobs do you think i'd be able to get? It seems like main answer I see is help desk, but I think I would go crazy if I had to talk on the phone 8 hours every day.

Also what type of salary range should I be looking for?

Currently i've been searching through the staff openings in different community colleges and universities around my area. I've also been checking out computer repair companies. (I'm not going to send my resume out till I get the A+ for the computer repair.)

Also if I got CCENT would that help increase the different types of jobs I could land? What type of salary range would I be looking for then?

rogue2shadow

Priston wrote: »

Currently i'm working for a company doing network cabling I've been there for maybe 7 months, the pay isn't good at all and its definity not what I want to do for the rest of my life.

I have an A.A.S. Degree in Networking Technologies
I have the Network+ certification and I almost have the A+ cert
After I get the A+ I'm going to start sending out more resumes. What types of jobs do you think i'd be able to get? It seems like main answer I see is help desk, but I think I would go crazy if I had to talk on the phone 8 hours every day.

Also what type of salary range should I be looking for?

Currently i've been searching through the staff openings in different community colleges and universities around my area. I've also been checking out computer repair companies. (I'm not going to send my resume out till I get the A+ for the computer repair.)

Also if I got CCENT would that help increase the different types of jobs I could land? What type of salary range would I be looking for then?

First off welcome to TE!

In terms of the Cisco side of things post your A+, the CCNA is more well-known than the CCENT and you'll get a ping on HR goons' search query. The CCENT was just introduced I believe about 2-3 years ago.

I'm not from NC but depending on how much other experience you have, if you're starting out, between $30-$40k I'd say is doable. I'd say take what you can get at first though because you never know where it will lead; do make sure though that the salary meets your current needs (ability to pay bills, etc).

earweed

rogue2shadow wrote: »

First off welcome to TE!

In terms of the Cisco side of things post your A+, the CCNA is more well-known than the CCENT and you'll get a ping on HR goons' search query. The CCENT was just introduced I believe about 2-3 years ago.

I'm not from NC but depending on how much other experience you have, if you're starting out, between $30-$40k I'd say is doable. I'd say take what you can get at first though because you never know where it will lead; do make sure though that the salary meets your current needs (ability to pay bills, etc).

+1 Get your A+ as that is a big HR screen catch for just about anything.. If you want in the network side go past the CCENT and get the CCNA.
Try for helpdesk/ desktop support/ NOC jobs.
Be sure to evaluate what you do at your current job and include anything and everything that has to do with end user support for your resume.

TheSweetness

What are you looking to do/move up to? Helpdesk seems to lean towards the sys-admin side of progression (my experience anyway). You could continue to do what you're currently doing, or try and get a NOC job and get your certs (CCNA/NP) and probably transition into a network engineer at some point which pays pretty well and would definitely be more stimulating.

IT field seems you gotta put in your time, so depends on what you want to do down the line.

laptop

From my understanding, after getting into IT, it seems like all IT jobs out there pay peanuts for entry level graduates. And no matter what IT job you want to pursue, you will have to start at the bottom as a Help Desk Analyst, Tech Support, or Technician. Must have to suffer at least 2 years in this environment before moving up to your specialty. I know it sucks to pick up calls all day but there's nothing we can do.

It's not easy to move up. Have to keep learning everyday. There are way too many people out there who likes computers, tech support, system admin, network analyst, security, etc. Way too much competition out there.

You should plan your future and find out what you want to do. IT is all about support and helping users.

Priston

Maybe i'll get lucky and find a technican job that supports internal problems and i'll be able to walk around (not be chained to the telephone all day) and help people through tickets and stuff.

but with the long term goal becoming a network/systems admin

also thanks for the advise and hopefully that 30k-40k salary range is true.

laptop

Priston wrote: »

Maybe i'll get lucky and find a technican job that supports internal problems and i'll be able to walk around (not be chained to the telephone all day) and help people through tickets and stuff.

but with the long term goal becoming a network/systems admin

also thanks for the advise and hopefully that 30k-40k salary range is true.

Cool. If you want an IT job where you support internal problems, you should hunt for "Desktop Support Specialist" or "Desktop Support" jobs.

In regards to your salary question, 30k-40k is about the right amount for new starters. The problem with the starting salary is that you won't be getting huge raises every year. It will take you about 5 years to even reach to 40k unless your responsibilities and title change. My best advice is to hop jobs every 2 years. It will help you go further in your career.

spongemike

I have been doing tech support for 2+ years so far. As far as helping customer it is totally random. Sometimes you get the ones that is super cool and you actually have a nice conversion. Sometimes you get stuck with the so call "I am in engineering I know everything" attitude guy. I dealt with a few of those and is pretty funny how you can destroy everything they say and make them look so bad.


Anyways I am thinking of going back to school for part time as well. Don't have any degree or cert at all ><. Is going to be a long ride for me.

jscimeca715

I have similar qualifications as you. I have an AAS in Information Systems/Networking Security and I currently hold an A+, Network + and CCNA so I feel I have some good input.

After getting the CCNA I realized that it's nice to get noticed but it quickly catches up to you if you don't have the hands on experience. After looking for something for 2-3 months in the networking field I decided to be patient and get a job that's "IT" but not specifically in the networking field. I work for a large distribution company working on their help desk helping internal customers. I'm constantly studying for new certs and keeping my options, but to put it frankly, I'm just paying my dues now.

To make a long story short, be patient, keep studying and challenging yourself and don't be afraid to start at the bottom. Having any type of job in this economy is a godsend and if you are as motivated as everyone else on TE then you won't have a problem moving up or getting the general experience you need to move to a different company after a few years.