I've previously worked as a technician, although it was briefly and in a basic role. Overlaying windows, virus/spyware issues, backing up data, building systems etc etc. I've got some time on my hands and i really want to get into the networking side of things. Im good when it comes to your everyday user OS (XP,98 etc etc) , but i haven't got a clue when it comes to servers or their software, active directory, exchange etc. I was thinking about getting a cheap computer system, and setting it up as a server to have a play around with so i could learn the ropes. Is this a good route to progression? Or can i do the same thing using a package like vmware? Any other suggestions appreciated...
How to get in as an IT Technician?
- Thread starter daztrouk
- Start date
daztrouk said:
Well, a good way to start would be with Virtual PC 2004. If you have enough memory in your computer, you can run one (maybe two servers) as domain controllers with exchange and active directory and have a couple of machines on the domain using the servers - great way to test out group policy e.t.c.
You may also be able to find a company to take you on for a learn while you work kind of thing? Thats how I started - went to an interview - told them straight that i was aware they asked for 2 years experience and all that rubbish (which I didn't have). i told them I didn't have the 2 years, and had never touched a server, knew nothing about exchange or active directory, but was a quick learner and would pick the ropes up quickly. That was 1.5 years ago and I started on £5.50 a hour. Now i'm on 24k a year (had 3 pay rises, and know for definate the next pay rise in half a year will put me on at least 30K), am the Team Leader, and also am given responsibility to put in Servers ordering other engineers about
That was all self taught from working on our clients servers.
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Im at a uni doing compsci - seems like a good route into IT Tech 
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I start work in September as an ICT technician level 2 in a local secondary school.
I spent a year on university placement working for another school as an ICT Technician level 1 - whilst I don't particularly agree with university as a whole, I have it to thank for setting me above all the other applicants for my job (the one I have just accepted).
I know that its a situation different to the O/Ps but I thought I'd share my path into the ICT technician job.
I spent a year on university placement working for another school as an ICT Technician level 1 - whilst I don't particularly agree with university as a whole, I have it to thank for setting me above all the other applicants for my job (the one I have just accepted).
I know that its a situation different to the O/Ps but I thought I'd share my path into the ICT technician job.
sr4470 said:I can understand why you say thatWith the IT tech wages around here, you'd be better off working overtime in retail...
Like? Unix server admin? Linux? Could you be more specific?
San , Cisco , Unix
I do HPUX and High end San storage support
Rotty said:
Wont be finishing my CCNP for another year or so...how would I break in in the meantime?
Rotty said:
Going by the job titles around here it seems to go more like:
Trainee\junior technician
Technician (with no prefix)
Senior technician
etc etc.
Am I totally missing something here?
sr4470 said:
Level 1 is the dogs body technician who gets all the routine jobs, like password resetting etc.
Level 2 is the more advanced technician - who has experience with doing most networking stuff, and is pretty much self - sufficient within a school. They can use their own initiative and are not as tightly controlled by senior management.
Level 3 is pretty much the same as level 2 as regards to ICT knowledge etc, although you are given added responsibility for something within the school - e.g. the register, payroll data collecting etc for technicial staff, or in charge of some other structures I think.
Then of course within schools you have network managers, etc. I plan to move onto be a network manager within a school hopefully. I know its not the best job after a degree but its something I enjoy.
sr4470 said:
I'm confused as to why you think this?
I've no doubt that someone with a lot of experience, will find the school ICT tasks mundane, and pretty much unskilled.
However- I learnt so much within my year placement, I wish to go back and learn some more - meet new people, etc.
I'd rather go into technicial support in this environment, than sit on a helpdesk giving support over the telephone. Plus I get all the holidays in a quiet school whilst kids are off!
You can take a route of applying for a junior technician role at a university or other education establishment if you don't have experience or a degree. The pays not great but you should be able to get good experience and put on a training course as part of your contract. Ask to be put on one of the IT courses already mentioned preferably away from Windows servers if you want to get into "serious" networking.
I've been working through this route about eight years and only now realising I should've gone *nix as that's where my university is heading due to lack of financing from government. Having to study Novell OES, Windows AD/2003 Server and Linux is a real pain at the moment. You'll also find a lot more research groups use Linux these days especially if they do any C programming.
Virtual server or dedicated desktop is just a choice you'll make with the equipment you have at the time, both will let you cover the basics of server management.
I've been working through this route about eight years and only now realising I should've gone *nix as that's where my university is heading due to lack of financing from government. Having to study Novell OES, Windows AD/2003 Server and Linux is a real pain at the moment. You'll also find a lot more research groups use Linux these days especially if they do any C programming.
Virtual server or dedicated desktop is just a choice you'll make with the equipment you have at the time, both will let you cover the basics of server management.