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Which way do I go?

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by travisf

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I just finished my NT MSCE and am trying to figure out what to do next. I am wanting to get on as either a System Engineer or a Network Engineer, but the job where I am currently isn't giving me the right experience. I am currently employed in an IT department as Desktop Support and LAN Administration. What is the best route as far as being able to get started with a company at an "entry level" System Engineer/Network Engineer positions and what should I study next?? What should I do to help me make that move?? Most of the companies I have talked with say I don't the right kind of experience to get the position and recommend me getting more "server side (because we are not a Corportate location)" and more "network design" experience... both of which I am not and will not get where I am currently. Any suggestions?

5 replies

by pcastong

I currently work for a state/public univeristy and a have been working within the higher education system for about 15 years.
In that time i have seen technology soar to new hieghts. Bottom line is that funding is now good for computing technology.The pay is even improving. Given your current experience and training, you can be assured to be given consideration for a position which may give you the opportunities you are seeking. However, the pay and title of the position may not reflect it. Consider it a trade off.

by deepika

I guess you must at the moment go for an upgradition by do'in win 2000 track.And I'd suggest that u work where ur working as it will increase ur experience.Moreover u have'nt mentioned from which country u belong so regarding job avenues I can't saymuch.
Rest is up to you
And Best Of Luck

by parsonsac

You are in the position that every IT bod finds themselves in at the beginning of your career, you have the qualifications but no experience yet cant get a job because of that lack of experience.

I would suggest that you first of all get some evaluation copies of NT server and workstation and try building a server yourself using web resources, libraries etc and friends to help you. You must also resign yourself to the fact that in order to gain the experience you need you will have to look for a position with a charity, college or government agency - all of which pay abysmally because of restricted budgets. It will however give you valuable hands-on knowledge

by billfitz13

Well, if you feel it is so painfully obvious get out there and look. Put your resume on monster or hot jobs or some other high volume web site. When the calls start coming in make it clear you want to work for an employer that will offer you the opportunity to grow. If you interview, ask the people you talk to where they started with the company, look for evidence that they really do grow their staff and not just let people stagnate. Try not to get sucked in by fast money, and remember to think long term. A lower paying job with a company that grows it's employee's and pays them to increase their skills is better than a company that pays to get you in the door and then lets you stagnate.

by lordinfidel

There are several answers here, none that any one of us will be able to give you.

But we can share some personal experiences and opinions. If you truly beleive that the present company you are in has no room for advancement or they have absolutely nothing to teach you. Then a new Job change is immenint.

First, don't be hell bent on being the head guy or getting the title right off the bat. An MCSE only gets your foot in the door, it's what you say and know when you get to the door thatcounts. (I've had mine for sometime now and I still have lots to learn)

If you are young and have no ties, get out there and take some chances. Especially if you are still relatively new to IT and your new cert. Don't rely or believe heavily in the title for now. That will come with time.

If I was in your position I would find an ISP or a Web Hosting company and beg them to take me on as anything. You really need to be surrounded by a networked enviroment to truly get the feel of what it takes to be a Sys Engineer.

I would go for things that you know now. Like network support or even help desk again with another company. Use it as a springboard to other things in the company. Ask the interviewer what limits are to the position. Are there advancments in the company. Do they encourage and foster learning and reward it?

Once you get in, make the current sys admin your best friend. Bleed him/her for knowledge. Stay late and weekends, Get in on projects with him. We work 7 days here and I'm sure your admin does to. Get him to be a study partner with your 2000 cert or with cisco routing.

In short, don't worry about the titles and go for the knowledge. Any way you can get it. Just like every other job out there you have to pay your dues.

Hope this helps and Good Luck

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