IT Employment

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Specializing?

0 helpful
2 replies

by emj

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I am just wondering if it is true that it is those who specialize that will come out ahead career-wise. I have never been the type of person who specialized in anything, I like doing a little of everything, which is why I do technical support. I'mfeeling rather burned out at this point in my life, having done this for about 8 years. I'm not sure in which direction I could go, considering I haven't a degree, nor do I have any certifications. My ability to be self-motivated and a quick learner, along with my incredible patience and common sense skills have kept me employed even in this economy of downsizing. I would like to hear where some people who started out in technical support ended up, and how they got there. Thanks.

2 replies

by radiic

I personally think that you need to change tracks. Is there something at your current job that you excell at. Or is there something that you have inherited as your project. Thats how I got to where I am today. Also get your company to help you. How>? Talk to your boss about going to a 4 day class that specializes in something. I dont have my MCSE but I have been to several specialized classes designed to teach certain aspects of NT. One of my coworkers had just got his cert for MCSE and I knew more about NT and exchange than he did after all those classes he took. But you probablly wont get a break at your current employer. So while you still have your job, polish up that resume with all your current skill sets and hit brainbuzz.com andthe newspaper, and all of the hundreds of employment sites out there. Look for something that you might not be fully qualified for but could get in and learn. Most companies are looking for people with experience in the IT field. I think I would choose a person with 8 years experience before i would hire someone just out of college. Just be hungry. Try to learn something new everyday about this field, which isnt too hard to do.

Hope that helps
Rad

by james r linn

I started using mainframes for statistical analysis before the "PC" was born(but after the birth of the Apple II).

In my time I have been a PC consultant to small businesses, sold PCs, Macs, software, worked at retaillers, wholesalers, training companies, and as a desktop publisher.

Then I took a PC tech job at a high tech giant. It was a step down both money wise and position wise, but it gave me more secruity and got me into an environment where I could learn about enterprise computing.

I didn't specialise, but got into many interesting projects and developed project management skills.

Today I am a manager of IT Planning, a Project Management Mentor and am involved with technology directions and investment decisions.

Understand that when I started as PC tech there were no certs (except Novell) and we were all generalists who could analyse network problems, write x.25 scripts, use report writing software, create simple databases, as well as fix hardware and software problems etc. Its harder to find those generalist opportunities today I perceive.

Good luck.

James

This discussion is closed to new replies.