Looking to start in the IT field...Ideas,Suggestions

Hi Ladies and Gents,

I just signed up for the forums just recently. Im currently 27 y/o employed working Customer Service with Time Warner Cable. I hate everything about my job except the part where i work with Broadband. I have a deep passion for IT.

I have some college credits and currently pursuing my A+ Certification and looking to go beyond that with CCNA. I want to know what are employers looking for when it comes to candidates for IT Jobs. My goal is to work with Networks. Admin or Design work. I am seeking to start as entry level such as Help Desk/Tech... What steps should i consider taking with my education and certifications to begin with. Is there a difference between doing things via self study or taking a interactive/instructor led course.

I would love to get some suggestions and ideas or insights on this!

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Comments

dpjackal89

I know for a fact that Time Warner Cable loves the A+ and CCNA certifications. They even pay for your training when it comes to A+. You could get a NOC job with them.

dsqueo1309

your right but im looking to find my way out of there.

About7Narwhal

The A+ should be fine to get your foot in the door at most places. Sounds like the right path so far. Just keep in mind that it is easier to find a job when you have a job. Be patient, study and pass the A+ then start looking.

Nemowolf

dsqueo1309 wrote: »

your right but im looking to find my way out of there.

Out of where exactly?

Danielm7

Nemowolf wrote: »

Out of where exactly?

He said he works at Time Warner Cable.

dave330i

dsqueo1309 wrote: »

your right but im looking to find my way out of there.

Best path would be to get some certs and transition within Time Warner for that first IT job.

Master Of Puppets

You are looking to get into networking so, eventually, the CCNA will be great. Tough part is that it is not so easy to break in. I agree with the guys - moving within the company will probably do the job. Maybe talk to them and see what they can offer you once you cert up a little and gain some knowledge? If not any type of relevant experience will help - volunteering is an option if there is a lack of others.

As for self study vs instructor-led courses, I have made an observation that you guys in the US heavily rely on self study. It is great but if you can afford it I think signing up for the Cisco Networking Academy will help you tremendously. In other words, combine the two. I have gotten out a lot from those courses and achieved great results through self study + the courses. You have an experienced instructor who can explain everything that does not quite sink in. Also, they usually have experience and insight to share which is great for the ones who are just starting.

Nemowolf

Danielm7 wrote: »

He said he works at Time Warner Cable.

That was more of a rhetorical question. I was more asking because one company or another, help desk is help desk and that part of his job isnt going to change.

This type of asking for advice/guidance typically comes from someone who doesnt have a clue because they have not put in the work to understand the career paths options. There are many threads in the forums about burn out on help desks, hating their jobs, etc and it doesnt really change with a new company. It changes with the job culture and the people you work with.

OP:

As Master of Puppets points out that Networking can be a good choice but it has a higher educational barrier to hurdle right off the bat. BUT, "you have a deep passion for IT" so why limit your choices before you even really start. Get your A+, do some research at a local book store and check out some other certification books to see what tickles your fancy.