Career change/qualifications/uncertainty/options

I feel way old; being 25 this yr and still relatively dependent. Currently employed full-time as a paralegal working close to 40 hrs a week, gross income a bit over $35k a year, with a 3 day weekend. I live in the MD/DC/VA area. I've got my A+ and just recently obtained my Sec+ certification. No ambition to pursue Law school, and all ambition to pursue my new career path into IT. I'm always looking towards a new cert, but taking a break for now to plan a bit.

I'm in the process of looking for potential employment, but considering my options:
1. I've got great customer service skills from current/previous employments (Paralegal work and 2yrs as a manager's assistant). A 4yr college degree in Crim. Science.
2. However, due to my very limited 'professional' experience in the IT field, I feel like I'm only qualified for entry level positions (help desk). I'm comfortable building computers, setting up home networks, and learning on the fly.

Goal: I would love to start off in a position dealing with Information Security/Network Engineering, willing to take me in and nurture my skills. I'm capable and able. Seeing that many openings require 2+ yrs, a clearance thats been obtained, and/or previous usage of proprietary software, has left me a bit less hopeful.

Because of my options, should I quit my current employment for a full-time IT entry level position? Settle for less income in the short-term? Continue finding part-time work for my weekends (even Geek Squad?!). Stay and study to obtain more certs to gain credibility for advanced positions? Time is important. What will I learn and how fast can I progress in help desk?

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Comments

Repo Man

I'd expect to start out doing helpdesk/deskside/NOC work and I'd try to get one as soon as possible. I wouldn't be surprised if you could find one that pays more than you are making now. I also wouldn't be so eager to jump into engineering/security as you have a lot to learn before you will be at that stage and those goals will take a while to accomplish. You'll realize this once you start your first IT job.

jmritenour

I'd say getting into Information Security or Network Engineering right off the bat is a little ambitious, and probably not going to happen unless you have some really good insider connections. Getting to those positions require a good bit of experience in an enterprise environment. There's a world of difference between setting up a etwork at home and even maintaining a large, segmented network, let alone the engineering side of things.

If you're really wanting to do security or networking, I'd probably aim for NOC, like Repoman said. The sooner you get some hands on experience, the better. And definitely keep working on certifications in your spare time. I've been a network specialist for 3 years now, and I'm just now studying for the CCNA, and while it's been a great experience for re-enforcing and refreshing a lot of what I do know, it's also helped me learn a few things I didn't know.

n2wishin

Thanks for the posts, this has really kept me in check in terms of what to expect and where to start. Thanks

VAHokie56

If I was you I would try to get on a help desk/desktop support squad that also has other departments like a Network team. Start busting your tail there and asking the Network guys to show you everything they are willing to. Your certs are great but to get into security or the network side of things they may want to see a professional level cert. Get your foot in the door and go from there, good luck

what part of VA are you near ?

n2wishin

VAHokie56 wrote: »

what part of VA are you near ?

Nearest location would be McLean/Falls Church area.

I will definitely make the most of my time wherever I'm employed. I've read a couple posts from a great thread regarding help desk work as well as other informative threads, and taken a lot of consideration from people who have been in similar situations in the past (one of the things I love about TE is the amount of support, advice, and help you can get on all-topics related to IT).