Systems Engineer v Help Desk

Hello, Im a recent college graduate and have 2 potential job opportunity to start my career. They both are 6 month contracts with potential to hire, both are same pay rate, and I will be receiving training as well. I just curious as to your guys thoughts and what would you do.

The systems engineer job description is as follows:
- Work with a team of Development Engineers, Systems Engineers, Systems Technicians, and Field Personnel to design and test customer
- Provide detailed system design drawings/documentation, as well as "hands-on" support for systems testing and troubleshooting
- Serve as focal point & catalyst for the resolution of product and system problems in complex communications and information systems
- Develop new methods to improve performance, ease of installation, diagnostics, quality, and cycle time of complex systems
- Demonstrate system operation to customers, and perform acceptance test plans
- Implement, optimize, and ATP systems onsite
- Assist system engineers with the configuration/testing of complex systems

Help Desk
Providing the first level of support, answering a high volume of calls and e-mails from customers
Exhibit excellent problem solving, analytical skills with the ability to implement a solution
MUST have a Strong dedication and display enthusiasm in providing excellent Customer Service
Superior telephone etiquette and an ability to deal effectively with customers, vendors, peers, and management
Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills, express a customer service focused demeanor and temperament
Assists customers with a variety of questions, requests and issues, effectively research, document, track and monitor customers’ requests and issues to ensure timely resolution
Ability to work well with people with varying degrees of technical experience / knowledge
Capacity to learn multiple new software products both functionality and how to troubleshoot
Effectively communicate technical concepts, while taking into consideration the varying degrees of customers’ technical experience.
Interfaces with customer’s multiple vendors and platforms to ensure seamless data flow, proactively identifies and resolves data issues.
Accurately input document and maintain customer issues using SalesForce.com

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Comments

Polynomial

You can't be serious, right? RIGHT?

CornBoogie

Polynomial wrote: »

You can't be serious, right? RIGHT?

I relatively new to field is this suppose to be a no brainier?

cyberguypr

This is like asking if you should go for White House Intern or President. To me your question doesn't make any sense. Do you have the qualifications necessary for the Systems Engineering job? If not, then why bring it up. If yes, why in the world would you consider a helpdesk job? Again, makes no sense.

CornBoogie

cyberguypr wrote: »

This is like asking if you should go for White House Intern or President. To me your question doesn't make any sense. Do you have the qualifications necessary for the Systems Engineering job? If not, then why bring it up. If yes, why in the world would you consider a helpdesk job? Again, makes no sense.

Understandable. My thinking was that since I'm new to the field the helpdesk will give me the groundwork to do anything IT related, rather then jumping straight to system engineer. Plus, looking at the System Engineer job description other then the job title it really has nothing IT related. The Systems engineer job asked for an Electrical Engineering degree, but the recruiter said they liked Computer Science majors. Sorry maybe I've should of been more specific.

jamesleecoleman

It okay because you're learning.

I understand your point of view.

markulous

Even with the same pay rate, take the job that gives you more responsibilities and that you learn more from. Systems engineer all the way. Good luck.

DoubleNNs

Have you actually gotten offers for both? Or you're thinking about applying?

I would suggest to take the highest level job you can get an offer for. Then when you start, work your butt off and learn as much as you can.

pinkydapimp

If you already have the offers to both positions, then you take the better position. Unless of course you dont like the position, or the pay, or the people.

If you do not have the offer yet and are thinking of applying then go for it. you have nothing to lose. apply to both.

People start at the helpdesk because for many breaking into IT its the only role available that will take a chance on people with little experience. But sometimes there are other roles that you can find an in with. And if this systems engineering position is one of them, then consider yourself lucky and go for it.

itsgonnahappen

I will resonate what others have said. This is a no-brainer decision. If the company that offered you the Systems Engineering position is fully aware that you're a college grad, I don't believe you have anything to worry about. They're hiring fully knowing what they're getting.

Cisco Inferno

I am quite certain that the recruiter is the one confusing you.

It is not IT Systems Engineering such as servers etc, BUT Electrical Systems Engineering.
Hence, him saying that you need an E.E Degree.
No IT Job will EVER ask for an E.E degree over CS, IT , etc.

No, the first one isn't IT related. and Yes, the recruiter is a dumbass.

Since you are new to the field, let me warn you. Recruiters can either be your best friend, or a full on idiot.
Many are fresh out of college, many are uneducated in what it is that they are recruiting for. They are just there for buzzwords and lie just to draw you into their pool of resumes.

Get some certs, and go with the Help Desk job if you want IT.

ratbuddy

The first job is with Motorola CCSi, whatever that is. Here's the full description and whatnot:

System Engineer - CCSi

Job ID
108850

Location
IL

Job Category
Systems Engineering

Position Type
New Grad

Relocation Provided
None

Education Required
Bachelors / Degree

Experience Required
0 - 1

Basic Qualifications
Bachelors Degree
Must have classes/coursework or experience in Systems Engineering or Networking

Department Description
CCSi brings our Customers, Field Teams, Engineering groups and Integrators together as part of the final manufacturing process. We showcase Motorola's products and capabilities during the Customer visit to the CCSi facility. This allows the Customers to view their entire system in operation at one location. CCSi performs Motorola and 3rd Party product integration, system functional testing, documentation of the system design, captures of system configurations, and improvements to internal and external departmental processes.

GSOJOBS

Scope of Responsibilities/Expectations
- Work with a team of Development Engineers, Systems Engineers, Systems Technicians, and Field Personnel to design and test customer
- Provide detailed system design drawings/documentation, as well as "hands-on" support for systems testing and troubleshooting
- Serve as focal point & catalyst for the resolution of product and system problems in complex communications and information systems
- Develop new methods to improve performance, ease of installation, diagnostics, quality, and cycle time of complex systems
- Demonstrate system operation to customers, and perform acceptance test plans
- Implement, optimize, and ATP systems onsite
- Assist system engineers with the configuration/testing of complex systems Specific Knowledge/Skills
- Bachelor's degree required (Bachelors Degree in one following is preferred: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology/Assurance, Computer/Management Information Systems, Wireless Engineering, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering or Telecommunications).
- Must have classes/course work or experience in Systems Engineering or networking.
- Working knowledge of MS Windows, LAN/WAN, TCP/IP Equipment & concepts
- Aggressive/Creative problem solving skill; ability to get things done in a multi-organizational environment
- Effective communications and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of current programming and scripting languages, two-way radio systems, wireless data systems, Windows desirable

You can apply directly at Motorola Solutions Careers - Search Jobs - Motorola Solutions, Inc. USA by looking for jobs in location 'IL.'

The other job, Level I Engineer Job has already been filled, unless the recruiter has up-to-the-minute information that the person who was hired didn't work out. I suspect you saw this -> Level 1 Support Engineer posting on CL, which may or may not be legit.

Either way, apply for everything you think you can handle, and worry about accepting an offer once you actually receive one. You can't possibly have interviewed for these positions, or you would know what the duties of each actually were, and would know which one you wanted to take.

cyberguypr

The Motorola Customer Center for Solutions Integration (CCSi) is a staging facility located at Motorola’s corporate headquarters in Schaumburg, IL where integration experts using proven best practices and processes successfully turn equipment, specifications and drawings into advanced communications solutions.

http://www.motorolasolutions.com/web/Business/Global_Services_New/Global%20Services%20for%20Government%20and%20Public%20Safety/Integration%20Services/CCSi/Documents/Static%20Files/CCSi%20Brochure-Federal%20Government%20version.pdf

CornBoogie

ratbuddy wrote: »

The first job is with Motorola CCSi, whatever that is. Here's the full description and whatnot:

You can apply directly at Motorola Solutions Careers - Search Jobs - Motorola Solutions, Inc. USA by looking for jobs in location 'IL.'

The other job, Level I Engineer Job has already been filled, unless the recruiter has up-to-the-minute information that the person who was hired didn't work out. I suspect you saw this -> Level 1 Support Engineer posting on CL, which may or may not be legit.

Either way, apply for everything you think you can handle, and worry about accepting an offer once you actually receive one. You can't possibly have interviewed for these positions, or you would know what the duties of each actually were, and would know which one you wanted to take.

I've actually had an interview with both, so they are both still open. I think Im leaning towards the Level 1 engineer. The Level 1 is legit, it's working at autotrader as a Level 1 engineer. I just think the skills you'll learn as the Level 1 Engineer will go a longer way.

Pupil

If you can avoid the help desk, do it. If you can't, suck it up for a bit but do whatever it takes to get out of there asap.