Another IT career related thread

DiscoDave · 7 Feb 2010 at 13:21

Hi all,

Since about sixth form I've always had a very fond interest in networking, then perused a Computing and Networks degree course but found that after my degree it was very hard to find a "proper" networking job (ie not including jobs that have "network engineer" or similar in the title but actually translate to helpdesk support).

After uni I got a job as a sysadmin and currently doing a Microsoft MCITP course which I'm finding interesting, but I'm yearning to get more into networking, but I can't where I work.

This got me thinking about the nature of networks - for us no real network changes are made until hardware refreshes or massive expansion. - is it too ambitious for me to try and get into a core networking role? (such as installing/configuring/monitoring switches/routers/firewalls etc on a daily basis?) and would I be severely limiting myself if I was to specialise this yearly on (I'll be 24 in May)

On the other hand is it a better idea to diversify? My main core interests are networking/server infrastructure/virtualisation. So perhaps I could concentrate on being exposed to those areas and get some Cisco/Microsoft/VMWare certs. I've done a few searches in my are for networking jobs, they seem to be very few.. even from some big names such as BT, Virgin Media etc

Anyone got any views on this?

rz30 · 7 Feb 2010 at 13:34

A CCNA would be a good start, networking is way more theoretical than admin, get the certs, get a home lab, and try and get involved with something like a group in your area. Then start applying for jobs your current experience should stand you in good stead.

Networking is practically easier than admin although as i said there is a lot more theory involved that you need to know and need to keep fresh.

dangerstat · 7 Feb 2010 at 13:47

Personally rather than stressing over certificates I'd be looking to perhaps take a lower paid position but offering more hands on exposure to the type of thinks that interest you. I'm not sure I could be sufficiently interested in networking for me to want to base a career around it, but if that's what floats your boat I don't think specializing at 24 is such a bad thing.

I'm at the moment stressing out over continually attempting to move into the field I'm interested in, so I know it can be quite frustrating but all you can do is keep trying, keep improving your skill set until one company / area is willing to give you a try.

DiscoDave · 7 Feb 2010 at 14:03

rz30 said:
A CCNA would be a good start, networking is way more theoretical than admin, get the certs, get a home lab, and try and get involved with something like a group in your area. Then start applying for jobs your current experience should stand you in good stead.

Networking is practically easier than admin although as i said there is a lot more theory involved that you need to know and need to keep fresh.

Can you elaborate on what you mean by "Get involved with something like a group in your area" please?

the thing about jobs, even though I'm not actively looking (just testing the water) I cant really seem to find anything that will get me into this position (seen a few higher end paying jobs though, but I don't have no where near the experience required).

I used to work for a very large company on the helpdesk (placement year). They had a internal network team and they did a lot of work I found interesting. Based on the evidence I've seen, it appears to be difficult to walk into a network-orientated role, but one would have more luck in getting into that field by working for a large company and moving sideways within it, from one department to another.

Maybe this can be a good idea - diversify a bit to build a solid foundation in my career in IT, then one day perhaps move into a large organisation and express an interest in networking, and hopefully move into that area one day. That way at least I will have a broad skillset to fall back on if everything goes "**** up" so to speak.

rz30 · 7 Feb 2010 at 23:49

What do you know about networks at the moment?

DiscoDave · 9 Feb 2010 at 12:59

rz30 said:
What do you know about networks at the moment?

I have a good understanding of switching, routing (vector and linked state routing protocols). IP design, subnetting, CIDR. And a lot of academic knowledge on associated protocols (IP,TCP,ICMP,etc). But nothing really "hands on" so to speak.