Advice for a USN IT...

I am currently an IT for the navy. I have been in for almost 4 years and am thinking about getting out in the next few months. I am currently studying for the Security+, network+, linux+, and windows server 2012 hyper-v exams (not all at one time). I was just wondering if anyone would know what kind of jobs I should look for, what other certs would be good to get based off of the ones I am studying for, or if I even have enough experience to make it on the outside. I also have a security clearance which I know is a big deal on the outside. I appreciate all your help and feedback.

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Comments

10Linefigure

Hey man may be in the same boat here soon, be interesting to see what everyone has to say. Good luck to you.

shodown

Depends on what your doing. I Left active duty in 2008 with a CCNA and moved into a VoIP position. Security clearances aren't as big of a deal as they were 5-10 years ago when nobody had them.

What it really comes down to is what job you did as a IT. When I was in, I got to work at a NOC doing a lot of networking, OSPF, BGP. Underway I was doing a lot of system admin work with sun solaris and windows 2000. If you are working in a strong IT position you could move out into a decent network administrator, or even engineer position if you find the right company. If you were doing help desk or desktop support type work thats more than likely where you will end up.

As far as what certs to get. Get S+ just in case you take a DoD job you already have it. If there is something that your interested in get that cert. I was into cisco, so I got my CCNA.

Do a search for this topic we are covered it before. I'm watching the fight right now, can't give more answers

hellolin

shodown wrote: »

Depends on what your doing. I Left active duty in 2008 with a CCNA and moved into a VoIP position. Security clearances aren't as big of a deal as they were 5-10 years ago when nobody had them.

What it really comes down to is what job you did as a IT. When I was in, I got to work at a NOC doing a lot of networking, OSPF, BGP. Underway I was doing a lot of system admin work with sun solaris and windows 2000. If you are working in a strong IT position you could move out into a decent network administrator, or even engineer position if you find the right company. If you were doing help desk or desktop support type work thats more than likely where you will end up.

As far as what certs to get. Get S+ just in case you take a DoD job you already have it. If there is something that your interested in get that cert. I was into cisco, so I got my CCNA.

Do a search for this topic we are covered it before. I'm watching the fight right now, can't give more answers

Get your CCNA guys, wish I was able to be an IT in the navy...I know the work you guys have done are mostly tire 1 helpdesks, but you don't want that after you get out. I am pretty sure the navy will cover the test maybe even the training cost of CCNA, then u can come straight out using your 4 years of help desk experience and a CCNA to be at least a jr network admin or system admin, that's at least $50+ a year there to start!

Jamm1n

Im getting out in September but I have been planning for almost a year and a half now. At my current command I don't do **** but help desk...1866THENMCI...have a nice day. On the boat it was much better I did everything from sys admin to network security. I have my CCNA R/S and want to stay in field. It all depends on what you want and what you enjoy, don't pick something because you think it will be a good job, it has to be a passion.

MrAgent

I am a former Navy Radioman/IT. I was in for 5 years, and was discharged in 2000. I would definitely get certifications in areas that you are interested in... It can only help. If at all possible, start taking college classes as well!

The clearance is still a big deal, especially around here in the DC area. If you come out with a few certs, and some experience in either networking or sysadmin, you wont be stuck in a help desk role.

BGraves

Former IT, 6 years, got out in 2010.

I got a few foundational certs A+, Net+, Sec+ and had done a couple Microsoft desktop/server certs while I was in through self study. I also went ahead and knocked out my AA on the Navy's dime, saved up a ton of $, and headed immediately back to school using 9/11 GI Bill when I got out. Found a part time IT job while I was in school, knocked out my classes and kept my IT experience going.

Biggest advice I can give, get a good resume. Translate your skills to civilian terms. Consider having a pro resume writer write your first one if you are bad at it, maybe the VA can help with that.

Generally speaking, your clearance will be useful on the east coast, MD, DC, VA, or CA on the west coast or Hawaii. It's pretty straightforward to get a job with a contractor, I found it easier and less interviewing than with a private company...but both have their pros and cons.