Want to get into networking

I'm getting or should I say at the point to where I'm becoming bored and want to move up. I've spent a year at help desk and now a year and a half as a field technician. There's hardly any projects to do and its basically become mundane.....plus the micromanaging work environment doesn't help.

I've been really interested in networking as it seems to have the technical hands on, with more challenges and opportunities. How would I go about obtaining a job like this?

Find more posts tagged with

Free for TechExams community: Cybersecurity salary guide

Compare cert salaries and plan your next career move

Button

Comments

networker050184

Sounds like you are prime to move into a NOC environment. Do you have any certifications? Do you do any type of network troubleshooting or anything in your current role? Those both can go a long way to help you break into that first gig.

Master Of Puppets

Acquiring some networking knowledge and getting a cert or two should help do the trick. The CCNA is a big one here. Next is applying for jobs. You are already working in the field and have enough entry level experience to move into networking.

Chevel

networker050184 wrote: »

Sounds like you are prime to move into a NOC environment. Do you have any certifications? Do you do any type of network troubleshooting or anything in your current role? Those both can go a long way to help you break into that first gig.

These are the current certifications I have. I planned to get the CCNA but had to hold off due to a month off work.

CompTIA Security +
Security Clearance DoD
Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP) Windows 7
Microsoft Windows 7 Configuring (70-680)
Windows 7 Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (70-685)
Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring (70-642)

Edit to have I have few skills as far as hands on networking other than checking, patching ports, and diagnosing to create a trouble ticket.

Chevel

Master Of Puppets wrote: »

Acquiring some networking knowledge and getting a cert or two should help do the trick. The CCNA is a big one here. Next is applying for jobs. You are already working in the field and have enough entry level experience to move into networking.

Sure not as easy at it seems, most jobs want experience above all.

I've had very few opportunities when it came to going in the closets.

Master Of Puppets

Could it be something with your resume? If you are having trouble landing interviews? People here could take a look at it and give some advice.

networker050184

I'd definitely suggest starting on your CCNA.

SteveFT

I just landed my first job in IT. How this relates to your situation is that the hiring manager hired me because I conveyed myself as being hungry. This is what I was told. I let them know how interested I was in this new position, spoke about my certifications that I have completed (and working on), spoke about my home lab setup to start understanding more about a Windows Server/AD environment, and just genuinely showed I cared. If you find a hiring manager that recognizes the importance of really caring and wanting to learn, this might be your way in.

I was originally interested in NOC, but I landed a deskside support position which I will be happy with to gain some experience. In my search, there seems to be quite a range between wanting 0-5 years of experience. Those entry-level positions will likely pop-up if you are in a larger metro area and if you are patient. I did a phone interview for one, but I am just not quite at the right level for a NOC position yet.

As networker050184 mentioned, I'm sure they would be happy to see you take the initiative of obtaining a CCNA.

DoubleNNs

A month off of work would have been the perfect time to get your CCNA, IMO. Could have possibly banged out all the studying in that 1 month.

Chevel

Master Of Puppets wrote: »

Could it be something with your resume? If you are having trouble landing interviews? People here could take a look at it and give some advice.

It could very well most possibly be, not the best for conducting a resume, I'm afraid. That would be great if you could give me some pointers!

Chevel

DoubleNNs wrote: »

A month off of work would have been the perfect time to get your CCNA, IMO. Could have possibly banged out all the studying in that 1 month.

My month off was not something done purposely. I was laid off then the previous contractor loss the bid. Thus my concerns and stress were elsewhere ie, trying to pay for bills, rent, etc, plus the job hunting. A cert was the farthest from my mind at that point in time. Now that I am more "established" and can relax I can concentrate more and pursue my studies again.