Any feedback on Comcast helpdesk/tech support position?

ck86

I'm recently out of the Army after 5 years of performing 25U (signal support specialist) job. I handled a lot of PC troubleshooting/network support/setting up, but could use a bit more training/certs before jumping into a networking position. I put my application on some of the job hunting sites and was contacted by Comcast recently with an opening in their help desk tech support position. Right now I'm doing night classes and plan to work full time after finding a job. I'm located in Mount Laurel, NJ in South Jersey, which isn't a great area with the recession. I have an active secret clearance, but obviously this job doesn't require one.

Any advice from people that have had this job/worked for Comcast or otherwise? Is it a good place to get my foot in the door with a civilian IT job, or should I be looking for something more IT-focused and network related? Kind of looking for a job that won't be too demanding while I'm in school that pays decently.

I guess I'm not too confident in my skills right now in the IT field. I can learn extremely quickly and think I can excel in any network-related position, but I just don't have the solid experience to back it just yet really.

Any advice/input is greatly appreciated.

ehnde

Despite your confidence I'm sure you know how to APPEAR confident. If they would like to interview you and choose to hire you, do not worry. You will be fine. The people that run into problems are the ones that pretend to know things that they do not, or people that **** exams.

Job experience is more important than certification, and getting a certification is more justifiable if you have the job experience to back it. It sounds like a good transition for you, so go for it!

Repo Man

You doing tech support for customers or help desk for internal? I'd suggest not doing tech support for customers unless you absolutely have to. If you are doing internal help desk their machines are pretty much locked down so you really won't do much troubleshooting.

If you need the money/experience I'd take but it's not a great place to work IMO.

okplaya

First off...hooah! Former 92Y here. Anyways, back on topic, Comcast is a great company that will be in business for a while. Frankly, any place is a good start, even volunteering. I think you should consider the fact that they have 24x7 support so a concern is a consistent work schedule to compliment your studies. You could easily find that out during the interview however.

As I'm in the Philly area, I'd suggest you take a look at the opportunities over here. In fact, you could try lockheed-martin where your clearance could possibly put you at an advantage. There are a ton of helpdesk jobs here as well if that's your thing. Funny, because I was just checking out a network engineer job at Comcast in Mt Laurel but the drive is a bit discouraging

Good luck with your search though, and I'm sure you'll find something. I know it's a struggle to translate your military experience on a resume, but don't short yourself. Good thing is the post 9/11 bill is very generous for the time being

ck86

Small world. I have considered working in Philly.. 73 and 295 are right around the corner from my apartment and the drive wouldn't be too bad.

I guess I'm just a little reluctant to jump into a job I feel like I probably could have done out of high school. Admittedly, I didn't further much of my IT knowledge during my time in the Army, which is unfortunate. Are there entry level security-clearance required jobs out there? Haven't really been able to find any, but I guess I'll look harder. I don't particularly want a help desk job, but just something to get my foot in the door in the IT world while I finish up my degree. Networking certs with a business degree is the long term goal.

And yeah, the post 9/11 GI bill is amazing.. really high BAH in this area.

afcyung

kasel23 wrote: »

Are there entry level security-clearance required jobs out there? Haven't really been able to find any, but I guess I'll look harder.

Yes there are. If you look for DOD 8570. It will list jobs from help desk to Network engineer. Assuming they are available that require an IT cert A+ sec+ and other certs. But all should require a clearance.

8570 Jobs - Classic Job Search

instant000

kasel23 wrote: »

I'm recently out of the Army after 5 years of performing 25U (signal support specialist) job.

Hooah! I was 25B myself!

I handled a lot of PC troubleshooting/network support/setting up, but could use a bit more training/certs before jumping into a networking position.

You were 25U. The U stands for "Universal." 25U do everything comms related.

I put my application on some of the job hunting sites and was contacted by Comcast recently with an opening in their help desk tech support position.

Not sure what to advise you here, to be honest.

Right now I'm doing night classes and plan to work full time after finding a job. I'm located in Mount Laurel, NJ in South Jersey, which isn't a great area with the recession.

Are you willing to move to get a better job?

I have an active secret clearance, but obviously this job doesn't require one.

If you have a clearance, go for jobs that require clearances. Not just anyone can get a clearance, and showing up on day one with a clearance is pretty good in your favor.

Any advice from people that have had this job/worked for Comcast or otherwise?

My advice is to get a clearance-required job, contractor. Be willing to relocate and have maximum flexibility.

Is it a good place to get my foot in the door with a civilian IT job, or should I be looking for something more IT-focused and network related?

Doing helpdesk would be a step back for you, honestly. You're used to having responsibility, being accountable for expensive equipment, and getting things done with no B.S.

Kind of looking for a job that won't be too demanding while I'm in school that pays decently.

You could get a contract gig and go to school online. Location would not matter in that case.

I guess I'm not too confident in my skills right now in the IT field. I can learn extremely quickly and think I can excel in any network-related position, but I just don't have the solid experience to back it just yet really.

You have been 25U in the U.S. Army for 5 years, and have a secret clearance. There are jobs available for you, make sure to get your resume out there, and you can get snapped up fast.

Any advice/input is greatly appreciated.

1. Post your resume on careerbuilder,com, monster.com, clearancejobs.com.

2. 25U is 5 years of radio/encryption/network experience, right off the bat.

3. You have a clearance. Look for jobs that require a clearance!

4. Be willing to relocate.

5. You can take college online. Don't restrict yourself to NJ.

Note: You could have something limiting yourself to NJ (family related) In that case, I apologize. But with schools like WGU out there ...

WGU Online University | Online Degree Programs, Accredited Bachelor's and Master's

No reason to tie yourself to a certain geography.

I hope this helps!

Hooah!

EDIT: One more thing: Get Security+ as fast as possible. I increased my pay by 10K just by getting that one certification.

And another thing: Your experience as 25 U involved radio/encryption/network/computers. Your experience is solid. Do not discredit yourself.

25U develop SUBSTANTIAL troubleshooting skills.

What do you do with then SINCGARS isn't working? When the ANCD isn't right? When the BFT not working right? The PLGR? Hrm, guess you need to consider satellite, too.

Just say, bro, don't short yourself on your experience. In the military, you did more before 9 am than most civilians do all day.