Operations vs Service Desk

Hello all,

Quick question for you guys. I applied at a rather large Hospital chain in my area and everything went well. I received a call from the hiring manager indicating the position needed a quick ramp up due to the shift and was informed that the position has been given to someone who has experience with some of the medical applications they will be using at the desk. She then went on to say that her boss was so pleased with how my second interview went with him, that they are going to find a position for me in the company.

To the question; What is the difference between Service Desk and Operations? The position will likely offer a little less in terms of pay, but I believe it would be a great change for me (especially sense I want to eventually hold a Network Admin position). I guess i am just curious if a NOC position (or similar) would be taking a step towards the right path for me. Assuming this change will provide more potential for me, I would willingly take a minor hit in pay for the return that might come in future advancement. Just wanted some experience to give their two cents on this situation. I am very excited, but also very nervous about the situation.

Thanks

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networker050184

Titles vary from company to company so your best bet is to ask them for the job description and then go from there. One mans NOC is another mans helpdesk.

the_Grinch

Have to agree with networker, job titles and the "NOC" are different everywhere. I was a NOC/Helpdesk Tech (actual title) and for about two months would answer phones while responding to alerts. I'd create tickets, do some helpdesk stuff, and clear alerts that came up. We'd get alerts for connections, bandwidth, hard drives filling/failing, etc. Acknowledge and repair base on a the severity as dictated by the LSA. That being said, I think it would definitely be good for becoming a network engineer.

JustFred

networker050184 wrote: »

Titles vary from company to company so your best bet is to ask them for the job description and then go from there. One mans NOC is another mans helpdesk.

Very true. Not to hijack this thread, but what do you think of this job? It's a NOC job and the ad claims its tier 1. Am looking to gain more experience and applied for it through a recruiter. I had to do my best to translate as the job is in the EU where i live, so please forgive me for certain translating mistakes.

24x7 basis detect and respond to network incidents
Analyze and find a solution to network issues
Contact 3tier support to assist if necessary
Contact the organizations and inform them about the incident
Phone support to field engineers in various locations
Operational duties that includes configurations, upgrades and updates to switches, routers and other non Cisco networking equipments.
Voip knowledge or willing to learn
work in shift including night shifts

I'm really trying to get into networking only jobs as am currently stuck with doing 10% network related job and 90% windows stuff. They told me i will only be doing network related projects when i joined a year ago and now am stuck with trouble shooting Excel (lol).

Your advice is very appreciated

networker050184

Sounds like it would be a good role to get you where you want to be to me.

JustFred

Thanks, I have an interview coming up soon and its only about 20 minutes form where i live. I need to prepare and really know my stuff or be stuck here until something similar comes along which doesn't happen very often. I have always thought NOC experience would be valuable for my development and career in networking.

someasiandude

how did it go?

About7Narwhal

someasiandude wrote: »

how did it go?

Well, if the question is addressed to me, it went great. My third interview was with the head of Network OPS and the T/L for the shift I would be working. After speaking with both of them, I felt like it would be a great fit for me. The head indicated that I did not meet the degree requirements, but that they are able to wave it if I am selected for the position. The job is to support 800+ servers in terms of BKU, install / de-install, and other maintenance. I personally am very excited because it provides enough server and networking to really decide what I want to focus on. (Windows Server, Linux / Unix, VM, Networking, etc.) I am nowhere near qualified for the position, but they appear confident that they can train me. I assume they want someone who knows nothing and will pick up the methods of work that THEY use, instead of something learned elsewhere. Either way, I am very excited and hope to hear from them by Friday.

networker050184

Good luck! It sounds like some great experience.

karamba

best of luck.

About7Narwhal

Hey all, I have a new question.

I have received word from 2 of my previous managers that the company in question has contacted them with an interest to hire me. With this in mind, I have started the steps for resigning my current position. (Letter of resignation, checking for any policies or paperwork that I should expect, etc etc)

Here is my question; I work Friday - Monday from 19:00 - 06:00. As you can imagine, not many people are very excited about that type of shift. The company has been very helpful in advancing my career and my management and co-workers deserve notice to minimize the potential impact of my leaving. I was curious what everyone's opinion was on giving MORE than 2 weeks notice? I would ensure the position is a sure thing before giving, and would follow the new company's requirements (start immediately, option for notice, whatever they may need); but do you guys think asking for more than 2 weeks from a new employer is overstepping my rights?

CodeBlox

networker050184 wrote: »

Titles vary from company to company so your best bet is to ask them for the job description and then go from there. One mans NOC is another mans helpdesk.

I agree with this. I'm considered helpdesk but we get to do so much from making small changes in the wire closets on the switches to making a few changes on servers. We have a small helpdesk so maybe thats why.

onesaint

@About7Narwhal
I would say it depends on how replaceable you are. That is, are you the only person who can do your job? If so, more notice will definitely be needed. At my last position I was the Ops part of a two man team. When I gave two weeks, they asked for a months notice. If you are part of a sizable team and the position can be filled easily with the single caveat being the shift, I would say two weeks is fine.

jmritenour

You are under no obligation to give more than 2 weeks notice. I would focus on building up goodwill with your new employer rather than going above and beyond what is necessary for your former employer.

About7Narwhal

onesaint wrote: »

@About7Narwhal
I would say it depends on how replaceable you are. That is, are you the only person who can do your job? If so, more notice will definitely be needed. At my last position I was the Ops part of a two man team. When I gave two weeks, they asked for a months notice. If you are part of a sizable team and the position can be filled easily with the single caveat being the shift, I would say two weeks is fine.

Sounds like good logic to me. Thanks for the advice.

onesaint

Happy to help. Let us know when you hear back from them. Hope you land the position!