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Back on the career path, advice needed

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by dmaher1890

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I have been in the industry for over 5 years, doing desktop support, server support, network administration on NT4, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. I have touched everything except Windows 2003 Server (yet). I have been at my most recent job for almost 4 years now and it has been very stable but now things aren't looking good for down the road (out of a job in a year or two). Everything has been so stable and so busy I have ignored keeping up with my certs. So now I am looking to be out of a job with just an MCSE+I (NT4), CNA and an A+, with just some collage (no degree) behind it. I am also in NYC so while there are a lot of jobs, there are three times as many people looking for jobs. Any advice on what I should start with to help me land a job quicker when the time comes. Upgrade MCSE, Network +, Server +, go back to collage, any thoughts or ideas are welcome. Thanks

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by w2ktechman

First you need to decide an area of expertise, and the type of position that you want to be in. There are many areas of IT and each has a different set of things to learn. Even a netadmin needs to decide sometime, which areas of study they want to persue the most.
Just getting a job is very generic. Having a goal is the way to go, and helps in motivation and learning. So, are you looking to be in a position like the one that you are in now (deskside, light server/networking), full netadmin, or more specialized, like network security? You need to decide on your goal before anyone can help you better.
If you just want a job, then renew your MCSE and call it a day. If you have a specific area to expertise in (email server, etc.) then you can more easily decide on how to persue it, and better advice comes faster.

by rb_itprofessional

Does your current job offer tuition reimbursement? If so, utilize it now before you are laid off. Pick a course of study at a local community college or university and go for it. See how far you can get in a year or two. It's sad that most IT jobs these days seem to be really hyped on the "Experience" + "Degree" + "Certs" combination. This only excludes many talented people who got their start in IT without having the degree, or the heavily experienced IT person without the certs. Sad but true. I say utilize all your resources to your advantage now before you are forced out of your current job.

by kelly2121

I'm in the process of trying to hone & acquire new skills as well. One method I'm using to narrow down my options, is to browse Monster.com and other job posting sites to see which skills & experience are most sought after as well as highly compensated.

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