I am the Network Admin for a local Electronic Supply company in Alaska. I have both the A+ and Network+ certifications along with a CNSE from Fluke Networks, trained in their network analyzers. My network is only 24 stations with an NT4.0 Server. I took this job over about 4 years ago, along with other duties in the company. I really like computers and networking. I do not however, have much experience with other NOS’ other than NT4.0. And having moved into this job gradually, I learned it through problem solving as they occured. The certs followed.
I would like to make this my vocation, and pick up some more certs – namely MCSE. My problem though is that I have a criminal background. That has not been an issue where I work now – as I moved into the job slowly, proving my competence and reliability a piece at a time.
My question is this: With my criminal background (homicide – spent 19 years in prison)will I be hired? If I obtained more certs, and pursued Networking as an occupation, would I be taken seriously? I don’t see myself moving into a head position at IBM or Exxon – but I do wonder how badly my past will hurt my chances of working in the IT field.
Any and all comments and advise is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sid
