Automated Teller Machines to a solid IT career

mguy

I will be with a corporate help desk gaining relative experience in a device hooked to a corporate financial networking for almost a year now. My function is part technology and part business.

It is the management of ATMs (thousands) for a big bank.

Management of this device encompasses hardware troubleshooting, software, and networking. There is also management from an ITIL perspective (pre-production to production). I have been exposed to a lot of IT processes and the technologies that run them.

On my downtime, I try to stay productive and study networking. I study networking for growth and I feel there is a lot of opportunities here. I currently have my Network+, CCENT, and am 75% to CCNA. I work 15% of time with telecom equipment at a not so technical level.

I wanted to get input on how I should proceed. I feel like I spent much time in persuing networking that I could leverage my experience to get into networking. I like the stability of networking and I like to be an engineer/specialist, getting paid for highly specialized knowledge. At the same time, I can go become more broad -- problem is I don't want to be diluted (I have an economics degree and this contributes to it). It seems like my function is broad and will always be management + technical.

What should I do? How should I make my decision? I care about getting a good return, a leverage, and a nice income with least hours.

quinnyfly

Sounds to me like you have it all going on as far as networking is concerned, I'd perhaps push the company for a networking role or something closer to it, or apply elsewhere. Clearly you have business and management skills and networking aswell, you are a highly prised individual for employment, a very well-rounded package, perhaps a little more experience might see you well placed. You have choosen very good certs for networking.

Are you an aussie also? Just how you mentioned Telecom equipment had me wondering?

mguy

Thank you. However, I don't see myself as "priced" -- and I still have my concern. I would like to see myself as a man with options whichis why i'm studying.

mguy

Please share with me what you see and opinions on my current my position/situation.

matt333

if you want to get into networking finish your CCNA and keep going CCNP etc.. look for something new if your current position isnt giving you what you want.

mguy

Thanks Matt!

I see you are also in Boston. I'm hoping to get into the field around the area. Any suggestions?