/CCT/ Career and Cert Thread

I am studying for my OCA (Oracle certified associate), and I have tons of books and vce's (virtual exams)
If is useful for somebody, tell me.

Studying for CCNA for a class in school and then for the oracle certified associate in my free time

>>51399262
>Systems Analyst
>2
>Diploma in Enterprise Systems Admin/Networking, B.Sc Computer Science
>I just applied to a lot of places. It was about a month after graduation when I landed the job.
>80k

I work Network Admin/Cyber Security for DoD. It is a requirement for us to have Security+ (it is a shit cert, like all CompTIA certs).

If you want a DoD job, get that Sec+, or be able to get it in 6months. I didn't study and got a 98%, any /g/ fag should be able to get it too.

However, if you want to learn REAL security, redpill yourself on at least OSCP, then look at maybe CISSP and CEH.

I'm here for any and all questions before I go to bed.

>>51399732
Finally, you are the first person to agree with me Security+ is garbage. That cert is pretty much just common sense 101.

>>51399754
It really is. It gives you a rough idea of what is out there, but not tell you how to really either hack, or protect against said hack.

CompTIA is shit-tier. I also have A+ (another shit cert).

>>51399791
Most sec jobs require work experience in other non-sec ICT jobs like SysAdmin, was this a requirement for your current position or just Security+?

>>51399732
Did you have any experience or anything else before that? Where do you apply for such jobs? Security Clearance?

>>51399732
>>51399791
Samefagging here
>>51399754
The problem is, DoD thinks CompTIA is the shit. Even Linux+ is shit. You wanna learn Linux? Too bad, even Redhat cert is all over the place.

We have to pick between actual learning, or getting a job. The two are not mutually exclusive unless you get in the really expensive shit (like CISSP).

>>51399849
Real quick for me: did 4 years in the USAF as intel. Got my first job as a Network Admin (mostly BS title) for $57,500. They required a Sec+. I only got that job because of who I know.

While I was on that job, I set myself up. I now have a job for $60k (did last job for only a year).

To answer your question: No, you don't need experience. I regularyl get jobs "requiring" a Bachelors, but I turn them down based off pay. I have enough experience to where I don't need a degree. I'm only DoD though, so my rules are a bit different and can't comment on the rest of the world.

>>51399879
Probably posted too soon but here:
>>51399894
I was USAF, and networked. I'd like to point out though, I was intel. Not anything remotely IT. But I got $60k right out the gate based off my networking.

But yeah, no real experience. I learned that writing a good resume gets you an interview, not a job. The next step is an interview.

>>51399917
Military is a good leg up. What's your typical day like? I'll be honest. I just want a decent paying job that I don't do much of anything. 60k a year is more than enough for me

>Systems Administrator
>1
>A+
>Was hired as IT Assistant, my boss quit a few months later, I got his position.
>Currently 15/hr, will move to 50k salary once I officially take old boss's position in 2 weeks.

>>51399954
So, it's hard to say. DoD work is WAY less BS and stressful than say....anything corporate. My last job, watch T.V. 80% of the time. When shit hits the fan though, you better know your shit or get fired. We worked on an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) switch. Which is REALLY outdated in the networking world (fab based vs IP based).

>>51399993
>>51399732
It sounds like a lot of people end up getting one or two certs then just get lucky or have connections to make it past some generic help desk job into sys/network admin jobs.

Is this usually the case? How do you make yourself stand out?

>>51400030
Was your first job out of the military also DoD? Or another govt entity?

>>51400067
I'm >>51399993
I had a lot of sales experience which HR assumed translated well into customer service/support. I'm good with people, is all. I'm working on my network+ now, though, because my boss left without teaching me shit regarding networking. So I'm frantically learning how VoIP works, how L2/L3 switches work/differ, how to set up and manage VLANs, and assign ports between different switches over fiber connections. It feels like a ton of work, even though I know it's not.

Just show them you want to learn if you don't know something, HR will love that, and as long as you're somewhat savvy, so will the IT Admin/Sysadmin.

>>51400067
I have NO certs, just education. I am >>51399707

The secret is all in how you present yourself, if you have a decent resume they will interview you in many cases. The interview is all that matters really, though a cert or tow never hurts. During my interview I was asked if I had any certs and I flat out said I considered them to be a cash grab to prove a skillset my education should already prove that I had, my boss liked this answer (not sure all will so not advisable to say that I suppose). That was pretty much it.

>>51400067
Like I said, I'm different because I work DoD.

In DoD you HAVE to have Security+, nothing else. If you don't have it on hire, then you have to get it within a certain time (usually 6months).

So, how do we get our jobs? Networking. The job market is shit, the DoD HAS TO, HAS TO, post a job ad online. You apply, you don't get it. Why? Because they are legally required to post a job ad. They already know who they are hiring, you have to shine REALLY fucking hard, because in reality. they won't read your resume. Just send an email saying they got it.

As much as I hate to admit it: it really is who you know, not what you know. I've heard the rest of the market (not just DoD) is the same. But it isn't fair for me to say that.

>>51400110
Like I said, I was intel and went straight to Network Admin because of who I knew. I had skills I couldn't put on a resume (small, chump level hacking). But because I knew the guys in the office, they vouched for me.

>>51400067
Note that >>51400150 didn't need certs because he already had the degree. Pick up, or lie and put it down, your A+ at least. It's piss easy.

>>51400173
Yeah I'm studying for it right now, seems pretty easy so far.

This is good news for me because as far as I can tell I'm pretty good at interviewing and showing initiative. I just have an unrelated bachelors in the sciences going for me and that's it.

>>51399379
Me please!

Share link

>>51399379
Unsure if I would ever need them, but I'm a sucker for more books. I'd be down.

>>51399262

Can you get a Net+ just from watching youtube videos and pirating ebooks?

I've checked the site and it's like $2200 for a course
>fuck that

I am trying to power through my ICENT-1. Losing motivation quickly. Everytime I learn something I realize how shitty our company's network is setup. My company clearly works on politics and I have no idea why I am even bothering.

>>51400323
>Net+
This is basically babby can't CCNA. Go for CCNA instead man.

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>>51400323
This is literally 2 tries for the cert exam, and online study materials. Are you high?

>>51400323
You can literally get Net+ from studying Wikipedia. Like I said earlier, all CompTIA certs are shit-tier.

You only get a CompTIA cert because you are:
1) Required because your job
2) A complete fucking moron

>DC Technician
>Nothing relevant to IT before this
>Net+, A+
>Job board
>$21 an hour

>>51400357

thnx, how long does this take to complete?

>>51400442
Own pace, nigga

>>51400434
Shit nigger. That's pretty good pay for a couple shit comptia certs.

What are some good ebooks/practice tests to download to study for the A+.

Doing my BCS Solution Development diploma at the minute, just finished the Business Analysis one. Work paid, I'm not complaining.

>>51400356
This. Besides, most of the stuff on the cert exams can be found on 9tut. The exam was fun imo.

Are the Microsoft server certifications worth obtaining?

>>51402684
Some jobs require them because Microsoft partner status demands workers have them. 'Bout it if you already know your shit.

>>51400150
>my boss liked this answer

He's also a pussy who is too scared to get any certs just like you. You're very lucky to get that job without any certs.

>>51399379
Dump .torrent please

Anyone here have ITIL? is it relevant?

>>51400310
>>51400295
>>51402945

This night when I come back from work I'll upload what I can

I'm studying for my CCNA.
Everything is pretty easy and there's nothing I have problems understanding, but I'm just SO fucking lazy man...
I'm always tired, without focus, and when I try to study I distract myself with anything.

Right now I should be studying but here I am browsing 4chan on my phone while I eat a McFlurry at McDonald's. Help me /g/, what should I do? I should have done the certification exam a long while ago.

>>51402684
Yes
>>51402758
Few people know their advanced microsoft shit. Been a while since I have seen a MS admin who didn't learn through the interface. Yes, everything is super easy to setup and configure and it will work at a minimum level, but the weirdness is documented on why you should not just next, next, finish in every case. You wonder why MS is pushing powershell so hard? It is because it forces best practices and not this 50 ways to do 1 talk bullshit.

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>>51399262
Information Management Officer

9 years experience
Did this stuff in the army, no college

>Current cert:
CCENT

>Currently working on:
MCSE Server 2012
CCNA
VMWare VCP

>Pay:
Pay is shit because I work for a school district currently until I'm done with classes, around 35k.

I could use a little advice here guys. I was hospitalized for several weeks during my freshman year of college as a CS major. I ended up taking a leave of absence so I'll be able to return to school and not gain or lose anything from my hospitalization. Thing is, I was going to this private Christian liberal arts college. It's a nice school but expensive and the liberal arts portion of the education is annoying me. I already taught myself languages like Python, Java, c#, and am currently teaching myself c. Also html, css, and I have some a few others too. I also have experience with photoshop, blender, and the like.

I don't think it's worth continuing my education at the Christian college since it's expensive and the liberal arts side of things is kinda stunting my progress.

What all can I do? My goal is to find a job in the tech field. I have skills but I'm not sure how to find work with them. I'd assume that school would help hook me up with a job which is why I went.

>>51404178
Build or help with projects on github. Give something you can show employers if you're looking to become a programmer. I had a friend who essentially did this and got an entry level job as a python programmer and it only took about 8 months.

>>51404328
I think I'll give that a shot. I also make video games and do all the art, programming, etc... Would that be something that could impress employers? I'm working on this one right now that is pretty unique in the way it works and looks. I'm even thinking about selling it if I can get people interested.

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>>51403973
These pictures trigger me in such a way that I feel like bloting out the sun with the edge.

>>51399262
Will be studying the last part of CCNP (troubleshoot) and CCNA Security in 2 months. Gonna be fun, hopefully. The TSHOOT book alone is 1k pages.
*gulp*

>>51399262
Network Engineer
<1
B.S. in Comp Sci, Recently got CCNA, CCNP R&S
Job fair in school. Just networked with the employees I met.
~$45k, they paid for me to study and get my certs, so ill deal with less pay while I get experience.

>>51404868
Don't even bother with the TSHOOT book. If you're serious about studying and don't mind dropping some cash, pick up the BOSON exam. Its like a guaranteed pass.

>>51404792
If your interested in getting into Video Game design then yeah, this is on the right track. But if you just want to do software design, I would work hard on some other programs to diversify.

I graduated from high school about two years ago and was just working at a crappy part time job at Gamestop after graduation. I want to get into IT but I'm not sure whether I should go to school (community college or university) or just study and get some certs and start applying for jobs.

Where do I even start? I just want to make a decent wage, nothing extravagant.

>>51404959
An AS could go a long way towards helping you get some entry level experience and some certs. If you can get an entry job without the education right now, do it.

Of course, you can also go to university and it can really help you jumpstart your career and (possibly more importantly) give you 4 years to make sure you're doing what you really are passionate about.

>>51399262

Sr. SharePoint Consultant
13
compsci degree
LinkedIn
145k/yr

I do maybe 20-25 hours of work a week.

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>>51399262
>no job
>0
>none
>no job
>0

>>51399262

>paying jews so you can shill for their products

>>51399262
L3 Backups "Specialist"
3ish, first 6 were first work with tech, before that I was a meat cutter.
MCSE, SCE
Internship with a small MSP, then referrals for subsequent jobs
$40k

Working on my SCME and VCP6, then I'll be focusing on either CCNA or RHEL, haven't decided yet.
I'm pretty underpaid for the work I'm doing, but I feel like I lack enterprise experience so I accepted less than I know others make. How do I go about asking for a pay bump? Is there a magic number of months I should be with the company before asking, or should I wait until I get my next cert?

>>51399262
>Conslutant
>~10
>High-school diploma, bunch of certs, mainly Microsoft, VMware and certain backup products
>Got recruited from my previous job, which i was recruited to from a job I applied to (which was the first job I had in the industry)
>65k€/year

>>51403452
adderall

>>51402535
Work for a really good company.

#BlessedBruh

>>51403901
Same their test is mostly interface memorization instead of the ability to do actual work via powershell and the interface.

>>51402904
Most certs are legitimate cash grabs straight up, it is a valid response.

>>51400150
>The secret is nepotism.

ftfy.

>>51408420
Actually it is charisma, I didn't know my boss before this. I stand by this >>51408283

I see so many certified people who are grossly incompetent because memorization doesn't mean you have the actual skill to do the fucking work. Same reason why for IT (beyond programming, even here though SE or CE are better) diploma programs from very good schools shit all over B.Sc degrees. Most B.Sc graduates have the theory down but are absolute garbage at doing the job itself.

>>51408496
To add to this I am not saying all certs are shit, CompTIA certs though as I have pointed out here >>51400356 and here >>51399754 are drooling retard tier. Cisco Exams are solid, Microsoft Exams are hit or miss, some are good some don't accurately test if the person can do their job. CompTIA is trash.

I took my B.Sc in Computer Science moreso out of personal interest than anything. The diploma I can honestly say was more valuable to get an actual job. I can't say what diplomas are like in murrica though so I could be dead wrong what it is like for most of you.

CompTIA are shit as far as actual knowledge BUT they get you past HR screens. Also, like the other DoD anon said, if you want govt jobs they unfortunately require CompTIA exams for certain positions.

Taught myself networking and passed the CCENT because I promised my manager I would, supposed to get my CCNA this month too but fuck I am so unmotivated every day after work and I just come home and play FO4 for 5 hours.

>>51399262
>Job Title
Information Security Analyst.

>Years of Experience
3

>Degrees/Certs
Bachelors in applied science - IT network security. CCNA router/switch, CCNA security+, CompTIA+ hardware/software, network+, security+, Microsoft Server, security, LPI Linux+, IC3, PMI project management.

>How did you find/get job
Google, job sites like salary, monster, cisco acad, networking with people while I was in college, enrolling my resume with a job placement agency that found me my first internship

>Pay
83k pre-taxes, living in Las Vegas.

What's the best way to study for the A+?

>>51411023
Wikipedia, youtube, google.

I believe there are even phone apps that drill you with quizzes you can look into. Not sure what they're called.

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BTW, to anyone seriously looking into this stuff, here's the bottom line with certs and education:

A degree and certs + 2 or 3 years of experience look really good and/or are usually required by old hat businesses and corporations that also pay a lot better than start up companies.

However, you can land a job with only work experience, common sense, or sometimes just common sense if you don't mind getting paid less than 50 grand a year and are willing to do monkey work for a smaller company that will sometimes ask you to do shit unrelated to your position because they expect you to fill multiple roles and really earn your bread.

In retrospect, my easy job working as security admin is slow and boring, even though I get paid well. It's soulless work and not very challenging, so I'm thinking about moving to short-term contracts next year and becoming a freelance analyst or something. Working for shitty startups that are usually pants-on-head retarded with their logistics and management were actually sort of an adventure and I miss those zany days in sort've a nostalgic way I guess. It's the way I imagine Kirk felt when they took the enterprise away from him.

>>51411023
Look at Professor Messer on YouTube as well.

>>51411196
Are you the DoD anon?

>>51411234
No, I'm this guy: >>51410970

>>51411239
83k a year for a slow and boring job.. sign me up.

Whats a day-to-day look like for you if you dont mind answering?

>>51411317
Weekly meetings, daily reports, and routine system maintenance mostly. Sometimes I get emails about changing group policy settings for someone, or someone has a project they're working on that requires access to something and I just have to record who, what, when, and press a button, then fill out a report and send it to a dozen people. My job combines basically everything a normal network admin would do with additional responsibilities regarding security administration, and monitoring the network in case someone tries to do something naughty.

Last month one of the clients I work for (a hotel here in vegas) wanted to change a few settings related to a page on their website and it was my job to look over everything they had planned and give my my most esteemed l33t hackerman/scriptkiddie expert approval. That's basically the highlight of my job in fact. Sometimes a client wants to do X, and I have to make sure X doesn't involve any security risks, and if it does, inform them about it and what they should do if they care.

>>51411417
You may hate it anon, but you're living the dream. I work 40-60 hours a week of physical labor to make 85k. I just want to sit in an office or a NOC and make 50k year not doing much of dick.

>>51403452
Literally adderall. I take it every time I want to focus on java or sql or whatever. It's a god send.

>>51411470
What do you do, if you don't mind my asking?

>>51399262
>Network Administrator III
>4
>CCNA Routing and Switching, A+, Network+, Security+, MTA Security and Server Administration, Sonicwall NS-102
>Got hired as an entry level service technician
>24$/hr

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>>51411491
Not him but where can I get adderall?

>>51411417
>Records of GOP changes
YES PLEASE. I inherited a network from my old admin and NOTHING was recorded. So my job now is light troubleshooting and writing a fuck ton of SOP's.

>>51411654
I feel your pain. This is why I spend the extra time to record things and keep myself busy with bookkeeping things that make my boss happy because it looks productive, and also whoever is going to replace me eventually when I move on.

To me, it's just common courtesy to document everything. Also they drilled that behavior into us pretty hard in all my tech courses.

>>51411612
In US?
Go to doctor, tell him you are always unmotivated, can't focus on tasks, need to be able to focus on tasks to be able to do your job (I told them I was a programmer and not focusing could literally cost them my job). Tell them that you've had these issues for years(Adults just now showing ADHD symptoms are rare) and you were embarrassed of being different, or your parents refused to get you the help you needed, or in my case I told them I was embarrassed because my siblings had ADHD and being anything like them literally made me sick.

Do NOT tell them you recently noticed the symptoms. Do NOT mention Adderall. Do NOT mention if you've ever done Adderall, like saying "I took it from a friend once and it really made me focus!". Just be smart with your answers. It helps a lot if your doctor loves to write scripts, too.

>>51399262
>Linux/UNIX admin
>2 years XP
>Bachelors in Information Systems, Minor infosec
>Went on company website
>50,000

Working towards RHCSA

>>51399732
From my understanding DoD always hires military and if you aren't a vet its hard to get in.

>>51403006
I have ITIL Foundation, companies that are service providers like it.

>>51402555

With A+, I tell people to lurk /g/ for about six months. If you've been here that long, you can do it without studying.

I'm doing MCSA (411) right now. I just read a few books and did practice tests to pass the firs test (410). There's less material available for 411 and 412 for some reason. Anyone have any tips on study resources? I'm just using a Sybex book, as well as the Microsoft study guide.

>>51411896
>spend six months lurking /g/ to pass A+

Or they could spend a 1-2 weeks studying for it after downloading a book or watching some youtube courses on it.

>>51411979

That too - had I known how piss easy the first half of A+ was going to be, I would've taken it while still in the class I took for it.

Can you actually get a job with CompTIA certs alone?

>>51412023
They're fine if you're looking for an entry level job.

>>51411500
Lead Carpenter for a mid-size construction company

>>51412003
>>51411979
Isn't it changing next month? not sure whether to do it now or jan

are programming certs really worth anything?

>>51399262
>IT Supervisor
>9
>a few tech classes and A+ classes, but no certs
>Started as a phone rep and got promoted due to my technical knowledge I self learned
>61k/yr

It's good to know how to talk to people in non-tech terms.

>>51412186
You will still be able to take the 80X tests for 6 months after 90X is released.

You could easily get your 80X cert before 90X even drops.

>Dicked around in Java for a couple years
>Went and took the cert exam
>Pass
>No company cares/knows what a cert is and tosses my resume once they see I don't have a degree

I dun goofed :^)

>>51412255
>Mentioning your Java cert when interviewing/applying for positions that aren't Java centric
??????????????????

>>51412269
They are though. I haven't gotten many interviews in the first place, but it either boils down to them saying "I see you don't have a college degree." or there was one guy who just outright didn't know what a certificate was.

Stay in school kids.

>>51412298
>Apply for Tech jobs
>have a BA in History
>get asked, why did you get a degree in history
>tell them it's a hobby and I wanted to get more in depth learning
>proceed to answer all tech questions they throw at me
>get job
Seriously, it doesn't even have to be a CS or tech degree. Just any degree

>>51412255
Is it really like that. I am SysAdmin/DevOps/Automation monkey and want to move into an actually development role. I was wondering what the best way to do that was, either to try and leverage my current skill set or just pick backup my CS degree I am half way through.

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>>51399262

>IS Help Desk Agent
>2-3
>B.S. in IT/no certs
>I applied while working in a another service desk job, my experience and doing well in the interview got me the job
>19/hr

I need to get out of the service desk soon, though this place they have plenty of IT jobs going to apply to one of them directly in a year. Hopefully they hire me, I am applying within the company that should help. I could be making $25/hr and not have to take phone calls all day, which is fucking stressful, but for $19/hr its not as bad. Last job I was making $14/hr with no benefits, now that was bad.

Though I feel like a fucking failure when I see on linkedin people I had classes with working as network engineers etc.

I'm 18, taking this networking program in school that actually seems pretty decent regarding teaching me the things most people with a job in the industry do every day. At this point I have; significant experience with general computer hardware maintenance including troubleshooting and soldering, A+ and Net+ certs, couple years of hands-on training with Windows and ganoo linux server administration, some security experience (took a class in another state paid in full by the NSA last summer), knowledge of Cisco router and switch configuration and a bit of C++, HTML, CSS, and Java programming.

Anything I should work on to help me out? Thinking of getting a CS degree just for the piece of paper and fucking around in college, but it looks like I'm already qualified for a basic job someplace and wouldn't really have to waste money on tuition.

>>51400310
>>51400295
>>51402945
>>51403008

Here it is, sorry for taking so long

https://mega.nz/#!I44AnJ6R!4P0Yp1RnI5zVEnr24Obg9yIgy7Y9tqMGafSQK1kLmZw


In the .zip there are:

-.vce exams
-pdfs with example questions too
-some material for the certification

for OCA you need to pass:
-1z0-51 (SQL Fundamentals I)
-1z0-52 (database administration I)

for OCP
-1z0-53 (database administration II)

I have .vce exams of those 3.

Those virtual exams have lots of questions, like 180 i think, but the real exams only have 70, don't panic.

Oh, I also added a cracked .apk to take those exams in the phone

To the OP:
>>51399262
If you are gonna make these threads from time to time, you can sticky the link and info if you want

>>51412850
>>51400310 here
God bless you my friend.

>Junior Support Technician
>1/4 of a year
>Diploma in IT/IS, paid for A+ through CC discount and will take it soon
>Indeed, one of the many places I applied to
>$10/hr, part time

I know classmates who work at Dell's SOC. They're willing to refer me if I just ask, but I feel like I'm not up to par and I'd fuck it up, unless it's nothing but nepotism.

What do? Currently looking for a full-time job, and I'm studying for the CompTIA holy trinity of A+, Net+, and Sec+ to get my fundamentals down before specializing on the side.

I might get a job doing help desk for the local health system.

Really, I just want a fulfilling career in infosec which'd also give me money on the side to buy supermotos and be a hooligan doing sik wheelies and stuff.

>>51399262

High School Student here.

I am studying CS (and IT) and I wanna go to university for CS too. The only programming language I know is Python but I understand some computing principles and understand how to code in Assembly. I know the basics of HTML and CSS, but I am not very interested in web design.

What is the next step? I know Python and can use it to do many things and have used it for personal practical uses which is why I'm glad i learnt it. Should I start a new language? Which one?

Thanks.

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Title: Sr SysAdmin/DevOps
Years Exp: 2
Degrees/Certs: None
How Did you get find/get your job: Appliced on dice, showed up to the interview. Interviewer now my boss pulled out a shell script and we traced through it and he had me trace through it line by line. Never once was my lack of degree, age, or experience mentioned.
Pay:35/hr

I don't know what it is like for other fields but for SysAdmin in my city no one seems to care much about my lack of degree. It is all experience and knowledge based.

>>51412321
This is SORT OF true.

Many employers want someone who has hobbies and interests in other things. I would say getting a CS or tech degree is more helpful though, but not required.

>>51399379
anon, could you torrent it or share it on the gnunet?

>>51411216
shut up, Aaron.

>>51408258
look at the new exams. Server-core (70-410) has an unhealthy balance compared to older exam weights

>>51412850
Guys, can we get more of this?

Maybe we could build a large collection of study materials?

What A+ practice tests do you guys find to be closest to the real thing?

I'm not a computer technician and don't work the help desk but I've browsed /g/ and have put together some of my own computers.

>>51413435
From what I remember of the A+ test, it was "what is this port do" and "what is control panel" type questions. A+ is shit.

>>51413486
Was that 220-801/220-802?

I feel like I could pass based on my knowledge alone, but then they pull shit like:

How many IEEE 1394 devices can you have hooked up in a daisy chain?

The answer is 63.

>>51413604
I don't know what IEEE is and I passed my A+ easily. Oops

>>51413621
Firewire = IEEE 1394

When did you take it?

>>51413638
2010 or 2011.

> all of this shorting on Sec+
> Have a Bachelors (unrelated field), vocational degree in infosec, Sec+, 3 years of it support Exp.
> Infosec jobs starting out pay like 14/h

WHERE do you people live to get these good paying jobs?

>>51413827
A lot of jobs share the same title but require different skills. For example I am >>51399707
My job title "Systems Analyst" is also incorrectly used to describe support desk jockeys like >>51412646 His full job title unabbreviated is likely "Information Systems Analyst."

That or you live in a state/country that pays shit, places that cost more to live tend to pay more, places that cost less to live tend to pay less.

>>51412850
thank you so much anon

>>51414137

Pensacola, FL

Like an It Support job pays like $10 an hour but they ask for credentials like a bachelors and 2+ years and maybe some other things.

>>51413003
OP here, i agree. But if you don't want a CS defree get any degree. Maybe not Womens Studies, but most others will do.

>>51399262
>Job Title
Information Security Analyst

>Years of Experience
3

>Degrees/Certs
MIS Undergrad
2 SANS certs
several Vendor certs
>no cisco tho
Working on a graduate degree -- masters

>How did you find/get job
university career center, internships

>Pay
$30/hr + significant overtime and bonuses

>>51412237
You give me hope. I only have my A+ (it is super easy to pass) and am going for an entry level job right now. In the interview one of the guys seemed really interested in how I could explain things to non-tech people and I used his example to explain how wireless freq. are like highways. Though I may have stumbled before the finish by not remembering the program I used to create my webpage (Fing eggpage point and click garbage). Oh well I don't even know how much they pay yet since I haven't got that far in the process but I'm supposed to hear next week and I'm really hoping for it.

>>51400381
CompTIA certs are useful if you don't have much experience.

A lot of entry level help desk/ call centers require them.

Can anyone tell me which IT jobs generally allow for a lot of OT? I dont mind working long hours.. I just wanna make that bank.

Also anyone working in a NOC? How are they?

>>51415747
SysAdmins and IT Analysts generally get the most OT outside of developers.

File: 123.png (34KB, 638x247px) Image search: [Google]

34KB, 638x247px

I was employed as a System Admin Intern about a year ago. Completely skipped the help desk phase. Going full time

Only been working 1 year, I'm only 21

Finishing my CS degree, graduating in the spring, and I have a full time position awaiting me. no certs

Myself and a friend of mind both applied through a buddy. He told me all the technical questions for the technical interview, then I looked them up and nailed them. Going sailing by coincidence for the first time in the same place as my new boss the weekend before helped too.

I only get paid 13 dollars an hour, but I forsee 3 years of experience as a system admin, I think that's worth more than the money, and I'll be getting a pay bump and great benefits when I go full time. My mentors care about me and are more than competent enough for me to learn from.

I spent 5 hours today just studying things today at work and I get paid to do it.

>>51416018
>13 dollars an hour

You understand that you'd make more than that as a brand new sales floor rep/geek squad tech working at Best Buy?

You'd make more than that working as a cashier at Target. I know, because I worked at Target part-time while I was going to school and the cashiers who had been working there for a while were capped out on their raises at 15$/hr.

>>51416132
Neither of those places start you at that, though. Source - worked at Target and worked in Best Buy.

You get to that 13/hr range after either getting promoted, or getting raises. Not immediately.

>>51416158
Starting cashier pay in Santa Rosa, CA, Target located on SR Ave. is 10 dollars an hour, you go up a dollar a year, capped at 15. I was the GSTL front-lane manager there and started at 13.

Congrats. You're making slightly more than a cashier and the same as I did just to put money in drawers and tell customers what aisle to push their cart into.

Except you have a college degree.

In fucking computer science.

Seriously, what the fuck happened? Either you're lying and don't have a job at all, or you really need to re-evaluate your priorities and apply yourself better, because you should be making twice that if you're smart and ambitious and willing to move to wherever the good jobs are located.

>>51416197
I'm not the guy with the 13/hr, but companies pay differently based on location. In my area, cashiers were lucky to see 10/hr. If that dude lives in a high cost area, and is only making 13/hr, then yes you are right. If he's in a low cost area, then he's making more than most in his area. Either way, Sysadmin intern/assistant positions should start at 15 easy.

>>51399262
Go for OSCP/OSCE. CEH is a fucking joke. Only get your CEH if you're going to get your LPT as well. Sec+ is just bare minimum entry level.

Anyone has some updated material covering the new version of the LPIC?

If you can get a full time position to get a feel for it, and stick with it if you can.

If your a people person who can self manage and are willing to learn new idea's or develop concepts to improve efficiency go into consulting, especially freelancing it. That's what I do.

Certs: Comp Tia (A+, N+, Security), CNNP (need to renew this year and too cheap/busy to do CCIE), MS Cert Pro, un-renewed Oracle SQL cert, U-dub Bach in Computer Science with many of my extra classes in business management.

Pulled in 7K for 3 days of work last week spending the next 2 weeks playing Fallout 4 (yeah I know) till my next appointment.

The "Cloud" shit is a security nightmare for clients but man it pays the bills.