Want to progress IT career. Advice welcome.

[Tobes]

Hi,

After 4 years of studying Music tech I found myself in a 1st line IT Support role as income was needed. I have been doing that for around 2 years but I haven't been enjoying the lack of challenge. I was working for a managed service provider and left as employees were quitting and I was just taking on more work. It was also agreed that they would be training me as soon as I started with a pay rise after completion which never happened.

I would really like to go into 2nd Line In House support role but I think on paper I am lacking certifications to back up my skills. Alternatively I would like to try some sort of project work. Having an area to manage. But I wouldn't have a clue how to get into this.

I took CCNA 1 over 14 years ago and Cisco ITE 1 & 2. That and ITIL is all I have. I think a good place to start would be an MCSA in Windows 10 and seeing as I am currently jobless I have the time and spare bit of cash to take this. I'm not sure if I should be paying for course study material though. I don't mind paying but anywhere I can save will be for the best.

I think my CV looks OK and willing to send to anyone's trust email if they would like to have a glance over.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can progress?

Thanks,

Tobes

 

[Tobes]

As for your other certifications, the only remaining current one is ITIL, right? I'm not sure how Cisco certs worked back then, but I'm assuming that whatever you did will be expired. I'd look at doing at least CCENT if you still have the knowledge, as a current Cisco cert will undoubtedly make you stick out as having proven networking skills.

As a footnote, it might be worth taking a look in to CompTIA, especially if you're interested in Security. Security+ can be renewed by a combination of other vendor certs, including Microsoft MCSA/E and Cisco. If you're considering Security as a future career path, it might be worth doing Security+ first and then you can renew it in the next 3 years with a combination of your planned Microsoft/Cisco certs.

I'm not really sure what path I want to go down. IT wasn't really a career choice as such just something I happened to go in after needing a job after uni. I'm someone that likes to be set a big task and follow it through all the way. Networking is my weakest point so I will most likely have to do something int hat area. I just know CCNA is not an easy thing to pass and is probably why I only managed CCNA 1 rather than the complete 4? I think. But yeah I know it's an area I will need to improve on. Thanks very much for your post Zefan it's really helped. It's been a bit daunting but I keep going to 2nd line interviews, interviews go really well and I'm losing out to someone more experienced. Yet I can't seem to get that experience on a 1st line role.

:edit 2: you mention currently being unemployed. I'd check for volunteer opportunities, preferably 2nd line type of stuff like you're looking to move in to. It will strengthen your CV and keep your head in the game while you study/job search, as well as potentially providing opportunities to doing some networking (with people ) which could lead to a job.

I'm living in the countryside which means a lot of places I need to commute to. I have a bit of cashed saved up which was going to go on a new car but obviously not happening now. What would be the best type of companies to try and get some work experience with and... how do I make it work experience rather than unpaid work?[/QUOTE]

Pick a skill - go to Amazon and buy a book then study and take exam. Most of the courses I've even been on teach stuff that you can work out yourself, especially if it has a GUI so they are pretty much a waste of money unless an employer is paying for it.

I'd do CCENT or this Windows 10 thing you mention depending which direction you want to go

Yeah I was thinking of grabbing some books. Would make reading easier than sat in front of a screen all day.

Windows 10, not server 2016?

I haven't taken a real IT exam before and with funds limited and me not really knowing what I know I figured it be best start with this. Also time is a bit of a factor as the longer I'm studying the longer I'm out of work and using up my funds. Sadly I'm not the motivated type to be in work and then come home and study.

 

[Tobes]

Completely agree Andy but I know when getting tested in interviews, I could be better with my terminology. While I believe I have had a broad hands on experience I haven't completed my knowledge and theres simple things I am missing. I need to lower the reasons to not be picked over someone else and this seems like the logical first start.

 

[Tobes]

Can I ask how you gained this experience. Only I'm finding in a 1st line role there is never the opportunity to get off the support desk. I have worked with a large London university as well as a small managed service provider.

 

[Tobes]

Ah congrats on the MCSA.

I'm signed up with 3 months of Pluralsight and it's taking me longer than I would like to admit to set up a test lab VMs although I'm blaming that on a RAS server and a DC where DNS was playing up.

Also found the MS videos which only seem to have recently been added so I know I'm getting some latest information as I know they are updating the exams for features they put in Win 10.

I have used CBT Nuggets in the past so might sign up for the practice exams and take a look at the updated videos.

Is there a set time you have to take the next exam? So 697 - 678? Also how long do you get in the test?