MSP to administrator

Dojiscalper · April 2016

How do you do it? I've been with one MSP or another for around 20 yrs, but I'm always with companies that for what ever reason have no path to move up. (to small, etc) As anyone thats been with an MSP knows we see everything and are very highly adaptable to the situation, proverbial "Jack of All Trades." So how do I translate that into a systems or network administrator position?

I've been looking for about 6 months and have had several interviews (even a few with the hiring companies) and several jobs that almost came thru and last minute position got cut. I feel like its still only a matter of time, but I'm really discouraged and to the point where I know what every recruiter is gonna ask every time they call.

kohr-ah · April 2016

When I got out of the MSP I told them the skills I've learned and used the jack if all trades side to display how I know how to integrate with other departments.

I have Windows and Linux server experience so I know how to check from the servers or what to check on the servers to ensure I can eliminate the network is at fault from those devices..etc..

Then just found a company that was willing to have me show that is true.

powerfool · April 2016

Well, I think your mindset is one thing... how aren't you an administrator right now?

Dojiscalper · April 2016

That's a good point powerfool. I am and have been the net/sys admin, or "IT GUY" for literally thousands of companies big and small for many years. Ive just never sat in the chair with the title. My title has always been things like Field IT Specialist. So as for doing the work I do 90% of it. I just want the title and better pay scales that go with it.

--chris-- · April 2016

Dojiscalper wrote: »

That's a good point powerfool. I am and have been the net/sys admin, or "IT GUY" for literally thousands of companies big and small for many years. Ive just never sat in the chair with the title. My title has always been things like Field IT Specialist. So as for doing the work I do 90% of it. I just want the title and better pay scales that go with it.

I work at an MSP now, my official title is "Road Technician". Does that sound marketable? How many companies are looking for "Road Techs"? None.

Your on the job duties should dictate your title. If you are doing sysadmin work, you are a sysadmin. If you are consulting on O365 migrations, your a O365 consultant. Etc....etc...etc...

If you are not already, join linked in and BUILD THAT NETWORK! Add me now (see sig), I will help you if you need help. I have had more warm job leads come from linkedin than any other source. Being able to get a reference or say "you know _______...small world so do I!" is a huge leg up during the interview process.

Dojiscalper · April 2016

--chris-- wrote: »

I work at an MSP now, my official title is "Road Technician". Does that sound marketable? How many companies are looking for "Road Techs"? None.

Your on the job duties should dictate your title. If you are doing sysadmin work, you are a sysadmin. If you are consulting on O365 migrations, your a O365 consultant. Etc....etc...etc...

Seriously? Thats a great idea, but when they check with your former company and they say you where a "road tech" isn't that going to be a problem?
Anyone else wanna comment on that because I'll change my job title asap if its acceptable.

Thanks for the linkedin.

clouder · May 2016

I've had several positions where the billet title didn't match up to what my on-site title is at all, so I just use what I actually do as the title on my resume and it's never been a problem.

--chris-- · May 2016

Dojiscalper wrote: »

Seriously? Thats a great idea, but when they check with your former company and they say you where a "road tech" isn't that going to be a problem?
Anyone else wanna comment on that because I'll change my job title asap if its acceptable.

Thanks for the linkedin.

If a future employer contacted this employer and asked what I did as a system administrator, they would not flinch and confirm what I have on my resume.

I am employed by them and frequently post on their behalf (on linkedin) as a "System Administrator" and they have not had a problem with it at this point.

MSP to administrator

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