Which markets are good for entry level Networking?

I posted a thread asking about the Denver market last week and it sounds like that market really doesn't have much for entry level or even mid level people. I figured I would ask what markets do have good prospects for entry level and mid level networking people? I have exhausted all my resources in my current area and nothing has come up in almost 6 months of searching. I have a few more months before I can afford to move, but it looks like moving is going to be the only way to get out of help desk and desktop support and into network and infrastructure support. I figure if I'm going to have to move hundreds of miles away I might as well go some place with a lot of opportunity.

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Comments

NightShade1

ISPs

My first job was a Network Operation Center Technician Level 2

i actually never been in desktop support or pc stuff...

YuckTheFankees

Denver has a lot of NOC jobs available...you have the background to obtain a NOC position.

Jackace

I have been in a NOC/help desk role for the last 2 years. I say NOC/Help Desk role because we do both. We do everything from network password resets to managing backup systems and file restores, but we also do all the network monitoring and basic troubleshooting for the WAN links and data center. The job has become very routine and kind of boring. I don't mind making a lateral move, but I am ready to do more than just basic troubleshooting and monitoring. I'm ready to take the next step and I don't want to end up in another place with no opportunity for growth and another job with little or no challenge.

YuckTheFankees

From the job description you mentioned, I don't know how many companies would consider that a "NOC" position. Personally, I think your best bet is to go for a NOC job that works on networking for a majority of the job role or get a sys admin position, and then move to the networking team. Don't forget to look at the ISP companies in Denver, a good amount of networking jobs. Your CCNA/CCNA Security will get your resume past a lot of HR's, you'll just need to dominate the interview. Best of luck!

lantech

Have you thought about doing contract work?

FloOz

I would say consulting/contracting work have pretty big hiring rates. Thats where I plan on applying too when i get my ccna. Currently I am working in desktop services

Jackace

I have thought about contracting, but all the contracting positions in Idaho are focused on MS exchange and outlook migrations. That really isn't networking and I don't have a lot of experience with exchange.

mguy

a growing market will have more net entry level jobs.

sratakhin

Thanks, Captain Obvious!

Jackace

mguy wrote: »

a growing market will have more net entry level jobs.

Which markets are growing?

I was hoping for more than just a government study or article in the WSG. We have people from all around the country/world on this forum. I was hoping to get some local insight from the people living and working in these areas.

mguy

I went straight to the government statistics (my background is n econ).

You can partition the country based on sectors, and some sectors are more favorable on growth than others.

These growth sectors typically will be built on to of other sectors like a pyramid stack.

Areas with high research activities stacks additional sectors to the top.

YuckTheFankees

Denver has a good amount of NOC jobs aka entry level networking job...

Jackace

YuckTheFankees wrote: »

Denver has a good amount of NOC jobs aka entry level networking job...

Yeah I have noticed that. Denver is at the top of my list for potential places to move. The climate and outdoor activities of the region are very similar to Idaho. The cost of living is a little higher though. Seattle is another options. I grew up in Eastern Washington so I have been to Seattle a bunch. I'm not a fan of the weather, but they do have a lot of outdoor activities in the area.

YuckTheFankees

Denver is cheaper than Seattle from what I hear. I'm thinking about going to Seattle in a few years, why didn't you like the weather..rain 24/7?

Jackace

YuckTheFankees wrote: »

Denver is cheaper than Seattle from what I hear. I'm thinking about going to Seattle in a few years, why didn't you like the weather..rain 24/7?

Yeah the weather can be terrible there. You can go an entire month without seeing the sun and sometimes even longer. My brother lived there for 3-4 years and he called me once to say it had been 63 days since they had seen the sun. Not sure I want to live in that kind of climate. When it is nice there it is as nice as any place though. It's just getting through the bad times that can be tough.

Roguetadhg

Nice time to wax and polish the car. Can't really do it too well in the sun!

mguy

Jackace wrote: »

Yeah the weather can be terrible there. You can go an entire month without seeing the sun and sometimes even longer. My brother lived there for 3-4 years and he called me once to say it had been 63 days since they had seen the sun. Not sure I want to live in that kind of climate. When it is nice there it is as nice as any place though. It's just getting through the bad times that can be tough.

We get all that plus arctic winters.

Jackace

mguy wrote: »

We get all that plus arctic winters.

Very true I remember seeing the news up there when Seattle would get an ice storm. It is ugly.

Cisc0kidd

Jackace wrote: »

Very true I remember seeing the news up there when Seattle would get an ice storm. It is ugly.

Pretty sure he was talking about the east coast.

Jackace

Cisc0kidd wrote: »

Pretty sure he was talking about the east coast.

Yeah just saw he has his location listed as Boston. The East coast is not really my thing. I would move there for a great opportunity, but I enjoy the outdoor activities available to us out west and all my friends and family live out here.