Career Advice from Desktop Support?

[afraser2k]

I've been working in (mostly) a desktop support position for about eight years now and finally realised I want to move up in the IT world as my current position is a dead-end job (though fairly secure). I'm not so sure on what path to take though, so has anyone else moved from a similar position to another area of IT?

I've worked with various Windows from Dos/3.11 to a little experience with Windows 2003 Server, Novell Netware (up to OES Netware), some Linux experience with Debian and C++ programming when I was at college.

Have most of you moved to an administrator role, programmer or security?

 

[RumbleBee]

Those positions you mentioned seem ideal to progress yourself further in your field. Maybe a good idea to check the jobsites for an idea of whats out there besides those you mentioned.

A former colleague of mine has moved from the desktop to web developing, but this is where his degree has finally payed off.

I've been working a helpdesk position since 2002. After a 2nd redundancy I'd rather pick turds from the beach than start once again in the helpdesk role, however I've finally got a chance to go into Desktop Support although only via a contract (for 3 months min).

When asked where I see myself in 10 years I think 'To be honest I see myself still working the helpdesk role after maybe 5 or 6 redundancies', then they ask where my ideal job is and I start thinking more along the lines of animation and movie editing, yet I've never done anything of the sort away from my home PC.

One day I'll stop dreaming and get my ass to college on an evening to learn something interesting about IT.

Good luck with which ever path you follow