What did you do this year and what is your story?

/pub/beer/

I read this thread and it got me thinking of my new years resolution for 2010 and my motivation.

My Story:
I've been in "IT" for over 10 years. Pretty much a story I hear from a lot of people my age. You get to the point where the skills you had coming out of HS/College are becoming outdated. I built my first computer when I was a Freshman in HS but never bothered getting the A+ cert. I took my CNA after working at a company that used Novell. I took the CCNA training but never went for the exam. I got heavy into Web Design and Development after the "help desk gig" would only go so far. I failed a DreamWeaver MX cert and just lost all interest in exams.

What I did in 2010:
Fast forward 10 years with a lot of self study/learning of Web Design, Development, and Linux Administration. I decided in 2010 it doesn't matter if I get a CCNA or RHCE - I was going to get comfortable taking exams and learning new things. Start with some easy exams and try to get one cert for each month. Of course as the exams got harder the frequency slowed down, but the value of the certs went up.

It was a great experience and over the course of the next 2 years work for my RHCDS and then the year after that achieve my RHCA. After that it'd be nice to get into the Cisco stuff, but I'd need to work with it on a near daily basis for it to stick.

Certs I achieved:
Google Analytics IQ
Apple Certified Support Professional
Apple Certified Technical Coordinator
(Took a month off to get my motorcycle license)
Linux +
LPIC-1
Ubuntu Certified Professional
Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator
Red Hat Certified Engineer

N2IT

/pub/beer/ wrote: »

I read this thread and it got me thinking of my new years resolution for 2010 and my motivation.

My Story:
I've been in "IT" for over 10 years. Pretty much a story I hear from a lot of people my age. You get to the point where the skills you had coming out of HS/College are becoming outdated. I built my first computer when I was a Freshman in HS but never bothered getting the A+ cert. I took my CNA after working at a company that used Novell. I took the CCNA training but never went for the exam. I got heavy into Web Design and Development after the "help desk gig" would only go so far. I failed a DreamWeaver MX cert and just lost all interest in exams.

What I did in 2010:
Fast forward 10 years with a lot of self study/learning of Web Design, Development, and Linux Administration. I decided in 2010 it doesn't matter if I get a CCNA or RHCE - I was going to get comfortable taking exams and learning new things. Start with some easy exams and try to get one cert for each month. Of course as the exams got harder the frequency slowed down, but the value of the certs went up.

It was a great experience and over the course of the next 2 years work for my RHCDS and then the year after that achieve my RHCA. After that it'd be nice to get into the Cisco stuff, but I'd need to work with it on a near daily basis for it to stick.

Certs I achieved:
Google Analytics IQ
Apple Certified Support Professional
Apple Certified Technical Coordinator
(Took a month off to get my motorcycle license)
Linux +
LPIC-1
Ubuntu Certified Professional
Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator
Red Hat Certified Engineer

Cool certifications!

I picked up

ISO/IEC 20000
ISO/IEC 27002
MOFF V4
ITIL V3 Foundations
ITIL OSA
Network+

I was promoted to Network Support Analyst Level 2 sometime this year. That was cool. Hence why I sat for the Network + , to fill in some knowledge gaps. ***That is for Rogue2shadow. Already using the technology and then certing up. I know this gets his approval.



Next year for me starting in January is all VBA and Access and Excel with some SQL sprinkled in there. My calling is in this arena for now.

brianeaglesfan

My Story:
Like you I’ve been in IT for over 10 years. Started out as a programmer, ended up on the technical support side where I’ve dwelled in help desk / desktop type positions since. Part of it was desiring job stability while I pursued my education, the other part was hoping for opportunities to materialize in companies that never did. I’ve obtained job-relevant certs but have never gone beyond that due to being overwhelmed with academic endeavors.

What I did in 2010:
Completed my academic endeavors (1 project presentation pending). I’ve obtained a master’s in MIS and an associate’s in accounting. I also obtained the Security+ cert following an info sec class that was part of my degree program. I moved to Houston and have become (temporarily) employed here, doing… help desk support.

Going forward:
Next year is about getting focused on a career path. I want to obtain the ITIL Foundation cert due to its popularity in the local job market, get the MCTS (70-680), and then start working on the CCNA. I’d also like to obtain a jr. network admin job in the next year. Doing direct end-user support for 40+ hours a week is really starting to blow.

rogue2shadow

My story is in various other old threads but I achieved all my current certifications this year. I basically studied all day everyday for 6 months (and that study rhythm hasn't stopped :P) and took the tests all once this summer (2 weeks - month in between each).

RomBUS

This year I got a job this year, a couple of certs (cant remember), hopefully before year's end I will have Sec+/MCSE: Sec

Im still new to IT, under 3 years experience. Mostly into desktop support/Windows support/Jr. Network Admin experience

ibcritn

rogue2shadow wrote: »

My story is in various other old threads but I achieved all my current certifications this year. I basically studied all day everyday for 6 months (and that study rhythm hasn't stopped :P) and took the tests all once this summer (2 weeks - month in between each).

Very impressed that 1 year brought you so far in certs. Very inspiring for my next year!


My story for 2010:
Finished B.S. in IS --- I founded an organization at my University designed to help students understand what they want to do in the IT field and inspire them to set goals for Certifications. It strongly focused on Certification awareness.

Completed MCTS (70-640), CCENT, C|EH/C|NDA
Took CCNA (test failed on Q 40 out of 50)...I have the voucher and plan on retaking it...job change required CEH, so priorities shifted.

Worked 1 year as System Admin for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (Fun Stuff! VMware, Citrix, M$ servers, etc), but job was amazingly stressful constantly having to juggle 10 different things...pulled my time after hours frequently waking up at 3am every other night to respond to a server/network issue....all doing this while finishing out school full time at night...this is a part of my life I am glad is over.

Landed a new role in IA doing Vulnerability Assessments.

Now come January I plan on CISSP. I have been studying non-stop for a few months and lets hope it pays off

alan2308

My Story:

I worked for years in electronics, but it has become cheaper to toss equipment than to keep technicians on staff. I got laid off and what I thought would be a temporary job turned into a 6 year gig that I hated every day of, so I decided to quit and go back to school while I still had some eligibility left on the G.I. Bill. So for now I'm a full time student.

What I did in 2010:

I finished an associates degree and am continuing on for a Bachelors in Information Assurance. I also recently earned my first certification, the CCNA.

Going Forward:

My immediate goals are finish my bachelors as quickly as possible, find a job where I can gain some relevant experience, and continue working on certs. Next up is the CCNA security.

WilliamK99

First off, just want to say the rest of these stories are real inspirational and this board as a whole really helps me stay focused on my goals.

My Story

I am currently in the military deployed to Afghanistan, been working long hours while deployed and trying to study as much as I can. Before the year began, I made myself one simple goal, to achieve my CISSP before the end of the year.

What I did in 2010

Took my CISSP exam in September, and waited, initially got a fail notice and got right back on the study wagon, continuing to study for the CISSP and then got the "Oh sorry you really passed" e-mail, which made my entire year...

Going Forward

Working on my Bachelor's in CyberSecurity from UMUC, and trying to achieve at a minimum CCNA Security as well as CEH before June. After June, I am still up in the air as to what I want to do, I still have 6 years in the military before I retire, but want to strengthen my security knowledge.

Bl8ckr0uter

Man you guys really make me look bad.

My Story/What I did:

I only have gotten 2 new certs this year (Sec+ and CCNA:Security), I changed jobs, held 2 part time jobs and now I am officially an Admin (at least in title) and an Infosec worker. I also finally got back in school and managed to raise my gpa slightly (after having a really bad quarter when I lost my job. Basically I just didn't give a F$%K about school at all).

Going forward:
My cert goals are pretty tame for 2011 (at least until about August anyway). Since I will be in school finishing up an AAS in Software Development and AAS in Network Engineering, I will be a full time student (16-18 credit hours) for that time. Because of that I only have 3 certs I want to get done, SSCP, LPIC-1 and C|EH. If I can get to more that would be great. ITIL is a possibility so is LPIC-2. Who knows I might do both (since I will have some time before I go to a 4 year school). I also want to take the elearnsecurity course. Between now and March I will be taking the LPIC-1 and SSCP. After March or so I will probably be done with certs until June since my spring quarter is looking like an 18 credit hour beast lol. I want my gpa to be about 3.7 when I leave so I have some work to do.
I also have some non cert goals like learn web development and web/application security and a few other things.

I guess I feel ok about what I have done. In 2008 when I first started looking at certs I was on a $h1tty helpdesk and I did the A+ because I was told that I would get a pay bump to about 14 an hour if I did. I did but the bump never came. I ended up leaving and worked at geek squad. Then I left there and went to for a major fortune 500 company. I did that for almost two years and the entire time I was trying to move up. When I realized that wouldn't be possible I earned the N+ and started the CCNA. I ended up moving to a new job and earned my CCNA in 2k9. In 2k10 I earned CCNA:S and S+. So I have been steady as far as picking up some certs and increasing the amount I do in a year. In 2k11 it should be easy for me to pick up 3 or 4 lol.

2k8: A+
2k9: N+, CCNA
2k10: CCNA:Security, Security+
2k11: SSCP, LPIC-1 CEH

rwmidl

Quick and the dirty:

Back story
10 years or so IT experience (private and public sector). Started helpdesk, served my time there, went to Sys Admin, not Systems Integration Analyst (write IT security policy, lock down Windows boxes, fix problems related to GPO's muffing things up).

What I did in 2010
Security + in Feb.
Switched jobs in March
daughter was born in April
70-680 in June
70-682 in July
GSEC in August
GCIH in September
<insert head exploding here>
attempting to study for 70-643 but not really motivated right now

Going in to 2011
Finish MCITP:EA (or SA)
CISSP
GCWN (depending on if work will spring for it)
Next year I'm not going to be as crazy as I was this year. My main goal is to do the CISSP and finish up the MCITP track. Depending on work I may be having to do some Exchange training to be able to support that, but we shall see.

xenodamus

My Story
I started in IT at 16 years old in a small time PC repair/SOHO networking shop. I did that for 5 years while earning my A+ and AAS. I moved from there into a vocational teaching position for the local high school where I taught A+/N+ material for 3 years. Then this past February I decided my IT skills were going to waste away if I stayed in education so I started studying and job hunting. I moved into a desktop support role for a large hospital in May. I've finally reached a point in my career where I can feel the potential to learn and move up the ladder. I haven't stopped studying since.

What I did in 2010
CCENT - April
CCNA - October
Security+ - November
70-290 - ?December?

Going Forward
I'm going to work on the MCSA/MCSE in 2011 and see if I can work my way into a Jr. Admin role. If I finish up the 2k3 material quickly, I plan to upgrade to 2k8. It would be awesome to have an MCSE and MCITP by the end of next year.

SteveO86

Little over 6 years in IT, the last 3 being network/server support.. Prior to that IT tech/help desk work.

In the last year..

Security+
CCNA Security
CCNA Wireless
CCNP
Upgraded my MCSA to MCITP:SA
MCTS: SQL 08 (70-432 I think it..)
BlackBerry Certified Support Specialist
BlackBerry Certified Server Support Specialist

.. I went on a lazy streak for over a year and a half, started back up mid-January with Security+. More or less did constant studying all year.

I'm probably not going to get my CWTS this year.. Holidays are taking up most of my time. My preplogic subscription ends tomorrow to...


Debating whether to peruse a few more certs or go for a Bachelor's next year.. Tough call, because I my CWNA and BCSA, but they will take me some time..

Repo Man

Passed Network+, Security +, ITIL V3 and MCDST (70-271 + 70+272) since October. I was laid off in mid-November and have been studying everyday while looking for jobs.

My goals for 2011 are in my sig and I'm hoping to pass 70-680 in the next week or so.

erpadmin

13+ years in IT (19 years with PC knowledge total). Had dreams of going to college to pursue a law degree, but the allure of the quick buck that IT gave me killed those dreams. Parents retired and moved to warmer climate and left me and my sister to fend for ourselves (we were already adults with jobs by that time, and that's when they made their break for it...lmao).

Fast forward to today, I'm now a DBA that maintains an ERP system and decided to finish my BS degree through Western Governors University. I plan to parlay that (if I need to) to either Masters in Business Administration or a Masters in Management at a Brick and Mortar (B&M) school and that should hopefully get me into middle management before I call it quits for good and pursue "quiet leisure." This year I obtained Security+, CIW v5 Associate and most recently Project+ (all through and because of WGU... ). I already had A+ and Network+, but those certs were not instrumental in my current career path, as I already had that knowledge before I even took those certs (I thought I was gonna get my MCSA in 2K3). 2011 I hope to have my MCITP:EA certification...shooting to get that by the end of the summer, but we'll see. Oh and CIW's Javascript certification (the last non-MS cert I need for my major) by the end of Q1 2011.

Monkerz

I apologize if this is a bit run-on.

My Story:
I grew up in a very poor family. My mother was divorced and trying to care for three children. It’s an understatement to say we didn’t have very much. What we did receive, we cherished and took absolute care of. I remember walking home from elementary school (1993) one day and passing by a pile of junk laying at the curb of a house in one of the neighborhoods adjacent to ours. I saw what appeared to be a TV and really wanted it. We had a 13” black and white TV that we huddled around after dinner and chores, but I wanted one of my own. I started digging it out of the pile, but to my surprise is wasn’t a TV it was something different, something I had never seen before. I carried it home and set it up in the bedroom I shared with my brother and sister. It didn’t turn on, but I was so intrigued I decided to start taking it apart. I had parts scattered throughout my entire bedroom when my mother came in and told me I needed to get in bed. The next day after school I rushed home to play with my new found toy. My uncle was visiting my mother and when asking him what he thought it was, he told me it was an Apple II computing workstation. I never managed to get it working, but from then on I was fascinated with computers. I took as many computer related classes I could in high school and managed to receive a vocational award for information systems upon graduation. After high school, I enrolled in a technical school to further my education. I took classes for circuitry as well as Computer/Networks (the equivalent to A+/Net+). I “graduated” from this technical school mid 2005. I say “graduated” because my federal aid ran out and I couldn’t afford to keep going so they gave me a makeshift diploma and I was done. For the next 2 years I worked at any place that would hire me. It wasn’t till the end of 2007 that I got my break. I was working as a Quality Technician at an elevator factory when I noticed a job opening for an on-site infrastructure analyst posted in the break room. I submitted my under qualified resume not expecting to hear anything back. Two weeks later I have an interview with the help desk supervisor. Two weeks after that I am starting in my new position as Infrastructure Analyst. My new superior informed me his mother knew me from high school, for she was my IS instructor, per her reference I was considered. Two year later, in 2010, I wanted to learn everything I could. I spoke to co-workers and decided the path I wanted to take. After receiving the 3 of the 4 certifications I acquired this year, an opening for Network Engineer was available within the company. I had made such an impression with the Senior Network Engineer, that he considered me for the position before I even applied for it. This is where I sit to this day, amazed at how lucky I have been.

Achieved 2010:
A+ -- January
Net+ -- March
CCENT – July
CCNA -- December


Future Goals:
CCNP by end of 2011 (Fingers Crossed)
CCIE

unclerico

My story:
9 years in IT. Started out as an application developer eventually moved into network administration. The company I worked for the past 3+ yrs got taken over and we all got laid off. My old boss got the Dir. Of IT position at a new company and called me up. The new environment is an absolute mess and I look forward to making it right.

Achieved in 2010:
CCNP
VCP4

2011 goals:
JNCIA/JNCIS
If Palo Alto gets a cert program I'll be doing that too

ehnde

My Story:
I got out of the Army in 2006 and didn't know what I wanted to do. Everyone suggested nursing, so I used my G.I. bill to become a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and hated it. I went back to school to become a nurse, but after taking a year of general ed courses I realized my G.I. bill would run out before completing nursing school. After changing majors I found I'd only need that summer and 2 more semesters to have my A.S. versus 3 more YEARS to become an R.N. Since changing my major to I.T. in early 2010, I've ignored everyone that told me I wouldn't find a job with this degree and will be graduating in May 2011.

Achieved in 2010:
Windows 7, Configuring 70-680
A+ (scheduled next week and 98% sure I'll pass)
Network+ if the testing centers are still open!

2011 Goals:
learn Java
CCNA
Security+
MCITP:SA
Starting a B.S. at WGU

cisco_certs

My story:

• finished AS in computer electronics 2003
• finished BS in electronics engineering 2005
• bought books on 2005: A+,ccna and ccie but never took certs test
• became business system analyst/validation engineer for 5 years
• got laid off 2010 and went back to what i love doing which is IT

Achieved 2010:
CCNA
CWNA

2011 goals:
CCNP
CCNA-Voice
CCNP-Voice (jump start this if I can)

ibcritn

ehnde wrote: »

My Story:
I got out of the Army in 2006 and didn't know what I wanted to do. Everyone suggested nursing, so I used my G.I. bill to become a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and hated it. I went back to school to become a nurse, but after taking a year of general ed courses I realized my G.I. bill would run out before completing nursing school. After changing majors I found I'd only need that summer and 2 more semesters to have my A.S. versus 3 more YEARS to become an R.N. Since changing my major to I.T. in early 2010, I've ignored everyone that told me I wouldn't find a job with this degree and will be graduating in May 2011.

Achieved in 2010:
Windows 7, Configuring 70-680
A+ (scheduled next week and 98% sure I'll pass)
Network+ if the testing centers are still open!

2011 Goals:
learn Java
CCNA
Security+
MCITP:SA
Starting a B.S. at WGU

People told you that you wouldn't find a job with an IT degree? That's nuts! I will be honest and say my B.S. IS degree didn't teach me anything really....but having the degree certainly helps.

chrisone

My Story: Network Engineer , Almost 4 years in the networking field, 10+ in the IT industry.

To sum up the year of goals, I read a lot of books for networking technology. Many were not towards certification. This along with some lazyness, busy social life, working out/gym, various projects at work, are the reasons why i only obtained one half of my cert goals this year. I really studied a lot of books and technologies that although were necessary for my career, absorbed a lot of my interest and study time. I am happy to have obtained the CCDA and now studying for the CCDP, i am really glad i have pursued the design track.

I see the whole picture of networks and how they work much clearer now, i see them from the top-down approach of course
Achieved in 2010:
CCDA Certification
Missed CCDP

2011 Goals:
CCDP
CCNA Security
CCNP Security
APC University, Datacenter Certification (Wishful thinking)
Not enough days in a year to study realistically to obtain 6 certs, not counting the CCDP because i started studying for that cert in 2010.

NetworkingStudent

/pub/beer/ wrote: »

I read this thread and it got me thinking of my new years resolution for 2010 and my motivation.

My Story:
I've been in "IT" for over 10 years. Pretty much a story I hear from a lot of people my age. You get to the point where the skills you had coming out of HS/College are becoming outdated. I built my first computer when I was a Freshman in HS but never bothered getting the A+ cert. I took my CNA after working at a company that used Novell. I took the CCNA training but never went for the exam. I got heavy into Web Design and Development after the "help desk gig" would only go so far. I failed a DreamWeaver MX cert and just lost all interest in exams.

What I did in 2010:
Fast forward 10 years with a lot of self study/learning of Web Design, Development, and Linux Administration. I decided in 2010 it doesn't matter if I get a CCNA or RHCE - I was going to get comfortable taking exams and learning new things. Start with some easy exams and try to get one cert for each month. Of course as the exams got harder the frequency slowed down, but the value of the certs went up.

It was a great experience and over the course of the next 2 years work for my RHCDS and then the year after that achieve my RHCA. After that it'd be nice to get into the Cisco stuff, but I'd need to work with it on a near daily basis for it to stick.

Certs I achieved:
Google Analytics IQ
Apple Certified Support Professional
Apple Certified Technical Coordinator
(Took a month off to get my motorcycle license)
Linux +
LPIC-1
Ubuntu Certified Professional
Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator
Red Hat Certified Engineer

My Story:
I held various jobs throughout my life in retail, as a paper carrier, and at a grocery store. Currently, I ‘m working in printing and I find the very work boring, and not very mentally challenging. I went into printing because one of my friends told me how much you can make if you are a operator. After being in this industry for awhile the thought of having a career as an operator just doesn’t appeal to any more. Moreover, the fact that it’s more of who you know and not what you know left a sour taste in my mouth. After my divorce I decided to go back to school for my passion IT. I loved being in school, but one day I decided to Google Geek Squad pay and my life hasn’t been the same since!! On this day I found Tech Exams Forums and I have found a group of people that have a passion for IT and Certifications.
What I did in 2010:
In 2010 I picked up my A+ and Network+, and studying for the Security+ exam (Scheduled for December 30th). I will be graduating on December 23 with my A.A.S in IT.

Certs I achieved:
A+
Network+

2011 Goals
• Find an IT job!!!! Goal number one!!
• Windows 7 70-680
• Maybe MCTIP or CCNA not sure yet.

TheSuperRuski

My Story:
I used to be a mechanic that got my first taste of anything electrical when i went to high school for aviation mechanics in queens. I feel so old when i talk to a high school kid and he doesnt even know what a soldering iron is. I then shifted my focus to cars where i became a Volkswagen electrical specialist. Sort of a tech/electrician for cars. I realized i loved taking things apart and figuring out how things work but no longer on cars so i decided to focus on the IT field because of all the possibilities.

What I did in 2010:
I started my IT training this year(Still a noob) i worked for probably 5 staffing agencies before i decided i would make more money on my own doing the same work as a contractor. I got my first taste of the Retail IT world as a contractor and haven`t looked back...

Certs I achieved:
A+
Net+
Security+
DCSE:foundations 2010 desktop
Samsung TV cert(i dont even remember what it was called)

2011 Goals:
Continue as a contractor or get a full time IT position
CCNA, CCNA:security, 70-680, Project+
Enroll in WGU

N2IT

TheSuperRuski wrote: »

My Story:
I used to be a mechanic that got my first taste of anything electrical when i went to high school for aviation mechanics in queens. I feel so old when i talk to a high school kid and he doesnt even know what a soldering iron is. I then shifted my focus to cars where i became a Volkswagen electrical specialist. Sort of a tech/electrician for cars. I realized i loved taking things apart and figuring out how things work but no longer on cars so i decided to focus on the IT field because of all the possibilities.

What I did in 2010:
I started my IT training this year(Still a noob) i worked for probably 5 staffing agencies before i decided i would make more money on my own doing the same work as a contractor. I got my first taste of the Retail IT world as a contractor and haven`t looked back...

Certs I achieved:
A+
Net+
Security+
DCSE:foundations 2010 desktop
Samsung TV cert(i dont even remember what it was called)

2011 Goals:
Continue as a contractor or get a full time IT position
CCNA, CCNA:security, 70-680, Project+
Enroll in WGU

Nice going and best wishes.

AlexMR

My goal this year was to get the CCNP and I didnt achieve my goal because I didnt want to invest in the exams.

I studied a lot this year and will bbe taking the CCNA Security exam bbefore the year is over. I spent countless hours studying and labbing for the Route and Switch Exam and also for the Active directory and Network infrastructure server 2k8 exams. I should be ready to pass those exams with just a few weeks of study.

One great thing tishis year is that I got my first IT job after 2 years trying to get into the field. I was hired and will start the job as a network administrator in january 2011. I think it will be a great platform foor me, because I will be working with Wiindows server 2008, and will probably be involved in site surveys and a few VoIP deployments.

In terms of certifications this year was not good, but I am convinced I'll catch up fast this year because i did get the training and knowledge (basically I paid my dues already).

I'm looking forward to 2011!!!

rogue2shadow

AlexMR wrote: »

My goal this year was to get the CCNP and I didnt achieve my goal because I didnt want to invest in the exams.

I studied a lot this year and will bbe taking the CCNA Security exam bbefore the year is over. I spent countless hours studying and labbing for the Route and Switch Exam and also for the Active directory and Network infrastructure server 2k8 exams. I should be ready to pass those exams with just a few weeks of study.

One great thing tishis year is that I got my first IT job after 2 years trying to get into the field. I was hired and will start the job as a network administrator in january 2011. I think it will be a great platform foor me, because I will be working with Wiindows server 2008, and will probably be involved in site surveys and a few VoIP deployments.

In terms of certifications this year was not good, but I am convinced I'll catch up fast this year because i did get the training and knowledge (basically I paid my dues already).

I'm looking forward to 2011!!!

Great update. All of these stories bring inspiration!

shodown

Started off the year great moving to a WAN engineer position. I was studying for my CCNP heavy at the time so I got in off that alone. Started working the WAN and some huge VOIP projects, then in a blink of a eye the VOIP stuff moved to another contract and all the work I did was forgotten about. (setting up the call manager, unity and setting up usage for 4500 users across 2 sites). Got into constant beef with my manager( 2 other people quit prior 2 me leaving) Got a job at a cisco partner which I thought would be great, but I feel it was a huge fall, not a step back like I thought. Finished my CCNP along the way. Starting my CCIE RnS but my employeer wants me to finish a voice cert. So all in all a good year even with all the bumps along the road I feel like I moved from a "IT GUY" to a " IT Professional" which is great considering I moved into this field 2 years ago. Also started a blog below. Check it out.

za3bour

My Story:
I've been in "IT" for over 11 years.I'm moving to KSA at the end of week to work there I have a contract with Aramco will be working in Business Continuity Planning

What I did in 2010:
It wasn't the best year till March were I decided to move my ass and do some certs. It's been good since then.

Certs I achieved:
Please look at my signature

tbgree00

My Story:
I hit my 3 year mark as IT support in a two person operation. I was told my position was going to be eliminated and I had the option for a job that didn't want me and the people talked about dirty internet sites, cursed, and how hot the women in the office were as a selling point during my interview with them. I turned it down and am now unemployed.

What I did:
I upgraded our VMware 3.5 vCenter server and ESXi boxes to 4.0, I wrote the company disaster recovery plan, I wrapped my mind around the Gordian knot that is Microsoft licensing, especially virtual licensing of SQL Server processor CALs.

Certs I achieved:
MCSE, MCSA, MCITP:EDA7