/CCT/ Career and Cert Thread

are certs really worth it? I haven't seen one job ask for certs

It's freelancers world faggots

>>56215390
most places don't care about certs unless you have no experience

>>56215504
huh?

>>56215236
bump

>>56215236
Got my IT Fundamentals
A+ coming up.
Then Net+, Sec+, and maybe Linux+ (because you can list 3 certs (HR won't know what hit them))

>>56215874
how much are you paying for all these certs

>>56215904
A little over a grand in total if I get all of them. I have no experience so this is about the only alternative until I can get an IT related job.

>>56215874
Sec+ is the only one worth anything to employers.

>>56215236
im learning some network basics atm, don't know wether I should go CCNA or N+. In the meanwhile im looking for a entry level technician job so I can get some experience in but they all ask for is
>muh A+ Certification

I feel like I should focus on A+ instead of Net+ or CCNA but I'm just a pleb who needs direction and motivation.

>>56216635
same boat.

godspeed.

so If I go to college to get a Bachelor's, do I really need anything more than A+?

>>56215236

>IT Support Specialist Level 1
>No prior experience
>No Certs or degree, only classroom and self taught experience
>Job is at a casino, applied for a transfer from food and beverage and charismatically made my way into the department
>35k/year
>Somewhere in Las Vegas

Job is half help desk half on the floor ground work. AMA.

>department gives us free subscriptions to Lynda and ITProTV and we all have to actively be improving our skill set so that's cool

>>56216635
Everyone has told me to skip A+ and straight away go N+ and CCNA/ITIL

The only reason I provide ITIL as an option with CCNA is due to the recent Cisco backdoor access from the NSA hack and how Cisco nuked 5 figures worth of jobs.

>>56218382
Do you ever get to witness that uber secret surveillance of card-counting players at your casino? Are you learning things along the way at your help desk job?

>>56218417
The IT Office and Cold Room are literally right next to Surveillance. AFAIK any interaction when resolving their technical problems is all done remotely by our position. Only the Director or our managers have authority to go into their room, or at least they are the only ones that have ever taken care of their support tickets.

I always learn something new every day even if it's not IT related. For example on Saturday night, I was on a solo night shift overseeing a vendor help prep some SQL backups for us. I didn't know yet at the time but the backup interrupted a service that prevented card holder vouchers from working at any of our venues. But when a user reports a problem and generalizes that no coupons/vouchers are working you kind of have to investigate on your own. It was a saving grace that I had knowledge of the vouchers from having worked there before and after narrowing down that it was one voucher in particular I put two and two together that the guy doing our backups accidentally paused the Host service that recalls player information to authorize the transactions so I only needed to restart the service.

I would've probably been screwed or taken longer to do it if I didn't have such information otherwise.

>and the funny thing about that situation was the backups were supposed to be done overnight on the graveyard shift but because the guys were connecting from the east coast they didn't properly relay timezones to my supervisor.

>>56218679
Any cool perks that the casino gives you?

>>56218382
no bad senpai

>>56215236
>unemployed
>7
>none
>i didn't
>$0 per year
>NC

>>56218997
Nothing to really brag about casino wise. Standard 20% off employee discount on food and trinkets (doesn't apply to alcohol so can't buy from liquor store but managers will come you a drink if you come on your day off with friends) and get exclusive rates on rooms if I wanted to stay a weekend assuming it's not a holiday or blackout day.


I think the best thing that is department exclusive perks. Besides the Lynda and ITProTV subscriptions, we get a certification reimbursement program. You sign a form saying what certification you are taking and how much it costs and if you pass and get cert'd you get 100% back

> Junior tech
> 5 months
> A+, MTA
> craigslist
> $12/hour

It's a mom and pop shop and I'm pretty much the only tech besides the boss. It's okay, I get to set up servers for medical places and fix computers but the boss is an ass and I have to do shitty cabling jobs sometimes in greasy bars and factories and stuff. I'm trying to finish out my trifecta as quick as possible then get some Linux certs so I can have a nice desk job and not be running cable in ceilings for experience.

Also I signed a horrible non compete for this entry level job. I was desperate for experience and now I'm stuck at the job until I can move.

sure if you actually have experience certs don't matter, but I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised at what my A+ has done for me. I've had 2 recruiters cold call me in the last month, which is a great change from working at a liquor store and not doing anything related to IT. People do look for A+ to fill basic bitch level jobs, which is what I can get right now.

>>56219315
Dude I'm this guy >>56218679
>>56218382 and I fucking love doing that shit from time to time. You will get absolutely bored out of your mind if you just stare at nodes all night waiting for something to break up or downstairs.

I mean if you enjoy shitposting on 4chin and get paid for it then go for it. The one thing I will say is that if you live in a large city like Vegas or LA or Dallas, they usually hire through contractors and temp agencies unless you have 3+years work experience at high volume locations. Only me and one other guy in my department were hired directly (or transferred in my case) so don't get too excited once you get your certs.

>>56215236
>Network "Engineer"
><1 year
>none, finished half a bachelor's in computer engineering
>knew a guy, they needed someone right away and they didn't need education or experience
>$25k/yr plus about $7k in mileage
>East TN

>>56215236
Any MIS majors know if employers are looking for certs?

hey guys going to start my bachelors soon, am almost done with my associates

i want a little advice
lets say you were in a situation where due to certain circumstances, graduate school tuition is 100% free

should I go to law school, or would getting a masters in something IT related still be a good idea

>>56219529
>law school

don't.

just look up horror stories of people that fell for the law school meme. there are no well-paying law jobs anymore, and if there are there are 500 overqualified people applying for each of them.

How do you make the transition from help desk to tier 2 support? I have roughly 2 years experience and a 3 year degree (they call it an advanced diploma in Canada).

>>56219559
Can vouch. My dad has been practicing for 20 years, he's a partner of a decent size firm, yet he still hasn't even paid off his law school debt and he's still paying on a house too.

>Director
>14
>ITIL Intermediates, ITIL Expert, PMP
>Worked my way up from support stooge
>$100k + bonus
>Southeast US

If you get a CompTIA cert other than a Security+, you're flushing your money down the toilet.

An ITIL Foundations (or Lean or Six Sigma Yellow) are great certs for employers because it shows that you know how IT shops are supposed to be organized and operate. Any technical skills can be learned on the job if you aren't a total moron.

You can go far in the technology sector as long as you are eager to learn, a good problem solver, an aren't that shithead that sits around surfing the internet all day wondering why all your colleagues are getting projects while you're slowly being phased out.

>>56219625
>>56219559
what do I do after my bachelors degree then

I have a totally free ride through college, and I'm not smart enough to be a doctor

>>56219706
do something with networking or IoT imo

>>56219706
get a job you nigger. get internships in computer science while obtaining your bachelors, that will give you experience to help land a good job out of the gate once you graduate. Look up what is in demand in IT and specialize in what interests you. Become an expert in something and you have value employers WILL pay for.

Seriously. Learn computer science or engineering or something actually useful. I was in the same boat as you and got a useless political science degree and it took me three years after college to find respectable work.

>>56219744
>>56219764
I'm planning on doing Bachelors of Science in Informatics with a minor in business so its not that i'm worried about, its whats after

I don't know what to do for graduate level studies

>>56219846
Do something to further specialize you in an in-demand IT field in graduate school. Its not a necessity, but I would never say to turn down a truly 100% free grad degree in a useful subject. Find a field of IT you are really interested in during college and in a few years when its time to apply to grad schools choose somewhere that is really good in your specific sub-field.

You don't need grad school in the US desu, which is where I'm assuming you are from.

>>56219873
thanks my fellow african, and will do

File: fdsvsgraa.jpg (213KB, 2880x1620px) Image search: [Google]

213KB, 2880x1620px

CCNP here with on 3yrs experience in IT
I have an associates and bachelors in IT too

currently at 85k salary in a very cheap part of the country.

keep studying bros. and get your work to pay for as much as they will

>>56219652
what N+ cert do you recommend if anything?

I'm working on ITIL and S+ and for fun looking at CEH eventhough I have no chance in hell right now to get the recommendation and vetting to take the cert.

>Job Title
Application Administrator with a focus on IAM and application delivery controllers.
I build systems and put out fires...

>Years of Experience
3 years

>Degrees/Certs
A+, Net+, Sec+, CCNA R/S, CCNA Security
BS in IS and currently pursuing a MS in IS

I'm currently working towards a RHCSA and targetting the CISSP by the time I hit my 4 years of required experience.

>How did you find/get job
Started as an intern and worked my way up. At the speed IT is going now, passion and a willingness to accept change is a necessity.

>Pay
60k


I'm currently debating if I should start looking for a new job now or wait until I have a CISSP. I've wanted to go into infosec since I was in college, and I've spent the past 3 years year sharpening sysadmin skills in preparation.

>>56220271
How is studying for the RHCSA? Any tiips? I plan on doing it in the future.

>>56220481
I'm using my employer's Red Hat training subscription and going through the RHCSA fast track class. I think I will ultimately have to supplement it with Jang's book because I feel it's lacking in some areas. I've always heard great things about Jang's books.

My ultimate goal was to get ahead of all the changes coming with Systemd in RHEL 7, but I've been disappointed so far by the training.

>>56220271
>all those bullshit certs
>60k
Was it fucking worth it?

>>56219652
I have a Green belt in Lean Six Sigma. Is that any good?

i must be really smart or something because i make like 4x everyone in this thread, am probably younger than all of you, and have no certs

i dont know what to make of that

>>56220838
my old network admin at my job used to say that anyone who requires certs doesn't know anything about IT

>>56216133
A+ is the only one of those with value actually, many employers toss our resumes of people with Sec+ over no sec cert.

>>56216635
Avoid net+ go straight to CCNA, if you have a diploma or degree in computing or IT you can skip the A+ too. ITIL is only really useful if you are going into Information Systems or Project Management, which you won't if you aren't a social person.

>>56218349
If you have a bachelors you don't need an A+ at all, go for a CCNA and a MSCE.

>>56220800
From a professional standpoint, absolutely not. When interviewing people for new positions at my current place, we flat out don't acknowledge certs.

I fully acknowledge the Net+ and A+ as a complete waste. I was a young jaded college student looking for an in.

The Cisco certs at least gave me a strong fundamental understanding of networking that I use today.

I ultimately view the value of certs as extra motivation to get off my ass and learn something new. I've found I learn new topics best with structured learning and most certs provide exactly that with a small reward at the end. Professionally, they're only good for fooling HR and dumb managers.

I know for a fact I'm underpaid currently. It's really a matter of me stop being a cuck and taking a small risk. This is my first IT job and it's been hard for me guage when it's truly time for me to leave.

>>56220800
those are all entry level certs.
they are just resume padding and you can somewhat prove you know about the subject. hes doing better than most people with only 3 yrs experience

>>56215540
This isn't true. Certs are more valuable than degrees. Literally every IT job requires certification unless you have tons of experience.

>>56221038
Skip MCSA? Do you even know what you're talking about? MCSE is the same level as CCIE.

>>56221140
You can't skip MCSA to get a MCSE, so you must do both of course. You also meant to say like a CCNP, CCIE is the third level. The problem is the MCSA isn't that good of a leg up unlike the CCNA which is a major leg up. A CCIE also blows every Microsoft cert out of the water, if you have a CCIE you are making mad cash.

>>56215236
>SWE Intern
>2
>BS
>Online
>100k prorated
>Mountain View

>>56221124
depends on the place
but for IT in general id say
experience > certifications > degree

>>56221157
CCNA is entry level. No employer is going to be impressed that you have a CCNA. MCSA is also entry level. When I compared CCIE to MCSE, I meant that there isn't a higher certification for Microsoft, and thus it is the MS's equivalent of the CCIE.

But yeah, CCIEs are making dough.

>>56221218
even CCNPs are making money

>>56221236
Yeah. CCNP and 5+ years experience should be making six figures. I know a guy doing exactly that. I just got my CCNA and working on CCNA Security now. Not sure if I can learn the entire curriculum from Packet Tracer 7, so I may invest in some 1841s and 3750s. Also, I am looking for a job, and only one interview so far in the last couple weeks.

>>56221218
Net+ I'd consider baseline, which is why you should avoid it and go for a CCNA instead. CCNP I'd say is overkill unless you are applying for a network admin job.

Frankly MCSA certs honestly are not that impressive, they only show that you can regurgitate factoids. Many MCSA cert holders don't know a god damn thing about actually doing their job, whereas that isn't really a big deal with Cisco certs. That is why I recommend taking it all the way to MCSE, because many employers have been burned by shit MCSA cert holders.

Also;
>I meant that there isn't a higher certification for Microsoft
What the fuck, when did they kill off the master and architect level certs?

>>56221262
you can get any ccna just using packet tracer. you can even do the ccnp route using only emulators. the ccnp switch you'd probably need actual equipment or unetlab level emulation.

set your standards low for that first job. just get in the door anywhere. that job on your resume is worth more than those ccna's

>>56221585
I am doing my best, lad. The thought of doing tech support for a year is sickening to me though. I hope I can get in a NOC as an overnight worker or something.

>>56221622
>For a year
Unless you have tertiary education you will suffer three years minimum of helldesk. Enjoy that stage of your life.

>>56221645
I live in one of the major tech cities in the United States. I have yet to see a network-related job ask for more than a year experience in IT.

>>56215236
I got LPIC late last year and just passed RHCSA. Not sure what's next, maybe AWS or CCNA?

>>56221733
>RHCSA
Is having a beard a requirement for this?

>>56221733
Not a requirement but helps.

>>56221748
I'm retarded, see:
>>56221796

>>56220481
>>56220758
>>56221748

This helped me as a for general test taking tips and awesome tips/tricks (use the 10 day free trial):
https://www.safaribooksonline.com/library/view/red-hat-certified/9780134193281/

Personally I used linuxacademy + CentOS 7 VM. Although I do high level tech support stuff at the company I work for so I get daily practice too.

I heard a few udemy classes are good. YMMV tho.

Jang and Sander van Vugt are good for teaching you stuff.

>>56220481
>>56220758
>>56221748

here's my chicken scratch notes, pretty much covers all the stuff you'll be taking on the test:

http://pastebin.com/EwnGpsby

>>56221691
Are you talking about a decent network related job, or a NOC Technician? Because the later is a step up but it is a horrid job as well. The only difference is that you will feel like shit but you won't be thinking about jumping off the nearest bridge as well.

>>56221932
whats wrong with NOC?

>>56221691
I live in LA and I can tell you that I've seen it a lot

>>56221955
It is way too hectic and you don't even get your own private cube/office.

>>56221932
I've heard of many people working as a NOC Technician for their first jobs. I feel like it'd be better than tech support. What do you think makes it horrid?

>>56221998
What are the actual calls like for tech support or NOC? Do you need to be on the phone with people WHILE you try to solve their problem? That sounds stressful as hell.

>>56222009
It is much better then tech support, don't get me wrong there. I am merely stating it is still not a comfy job.

> Do you need to be on the phone with people WHILE you try to solve their problem?
With tech support this will be required, how much of it depends entirely on where you work. Best case scenario call ins are infrequent and most issues will be emailed into a ticketing system. When it comes to NOCs it is mostly rushing around ensuring everything remains operational, with some items in a ticketing system as well.

The worst possible IT job is tech support at an ISP which involves reading a script to a user on the phone while they berate and swear at you.

>>56222112
Second part was meant for >>56222019

>>56222112
>involves reading a script to a user on the phone while they berate and swear at you.
Holy shit. I...can't even imagine going through this. So that's why all call center workers sound like they're robots. It's because their souls have been crushed from the work that they do.

All the jobs I am applying to emphasize phone etiquette and presence. I am very monotone and autistic on the phone. I am definitely not a "people person". I wouldn't be able to think while someone is describing what sort of problem they are having over the phone. 90% of the jobs I quality for are desktop support though. I am hoping for a miracle that I get a NOC job or a non-shitty ISP job.

>>56215504

pajeet, no company in America will hire you irl

this thread is for people looking for steady income

>>56222190
Tech support that only deals with internal users isn't completely horrid if it is a decent place, aim for that if you can't get a NOC.

>Mediocre tier
NOC Technician
>Bad tier
Internal Tech support
>Awful tier
External user tech support
>Suicide tier
OEM/ISP Call Center

>>56222285
So, what are the steps up after NOC Tech? What is the sweet gig I should aim for when I'm CCNP?

>>56215390
They are plus, but noone cares about degree/certs if u can prove you are useful and have the knowledge

>>56218382
I work in a casino in the surveillance department (shift supervisor) and want to move to IT... which oddly is right next to our offices as well.

Anyway, I'm currently working on the CCENT/NA and A+ (though in reading the A+ exam guide, I'm not learning anything I don't already know yet).

One question I do have; is a simulator enough (I use Boson NetSim atm) or should I be buying some equipment for these Cisco certs?

I've considered doing one of those packages online and getting the whole CompTIA set, how do you go about arranging the exams?

The last time i did one it was included as part of a course so i never had to sort that stuff out.

>>56222458
Download Packet Tracer 7. Literally all you need until CCNP.

File: 20090414-potd.jpg (34KB, 500x375px) Image search: [Google]

34KB, 500x375px

>Job Title
I.T. Contractor
>Years of Experience
7(professionally)
>Degrees/Certs
I say I have a A.S. in Comp. Networking, truth be told, I don't. I've got a number of certifications from the college, network/fiber certified thru FOA, and I am generally a fucking computer nerd. I find myself teaching people 20+ years in the business tricks regularly. Only reason I don't have the degree was because I gave fuck all about general education, don't really care for pol sci or multicultural health.
>How did you find/get job
Started off interning for a managed IT systems corp, decided I hated working for other people, started up little PC repair service on craigslist, worked a few other shit jobs(Support.com etc) off and on, got treated like shit, said fuckall and moved to literally middle of fucking nowhere(but the economy here is secretly booming) and now I work for 2 local companies as a contractor and the contractor regular, OnForce, Workmarket and Field Nation. And my own personal clients.
>Pay 35 - 150/hr

>Location nope.jpg

and I'm 27... feels a lot better than being a intern. for a point of reference, I've been on /g/ since I was 20 and a intern. Thanks /g/

So basically, CCNA and CCNP are only certs worth the time and money?

>>56223099
The only entry level certs unless the company is a Microsoft partner. Microsoft partners are forced to hold a certain ratio of employees with Microsoft certs to keep their accreditation.

As hard as it is to predict, do you guys think there will be good money in Networking a few years from now?

>>56222513
Is there a macfag version of packet tracer? I don't want to use wine because that shit is apparently filled with trojans etc.

>>56215390
Certs *can* compensate for lack of experience or education.

>Job Title
Network Service Delivery
>Years of Experience
11
>Degrees/Certs
Pos-Graduate Cisco Networking
>How did you find/get job
From School
>Pay
800€
>Location
Portugal

>>56223328
None for Mac. http://ccna-v5.net/cisco-packet-tracer-7-0-32bit-64bit-windows-free-download.html

Works great on Wine if you're interested.

>>56220160
If you haven't started studying for a Network+, I would recommend studying for a CCNA, instead.

>>56220824
Green Belt is fine.

The key to Six Sigma (any cert actually) is really understanding the core principles. If you're in an interview and someone questions you about what Six Sigma taught you, you can say that it's shown you "methods for identifying inefficiencies in processes and ways to reduce wastes."

If you're going to move further in your career (AKA into management), you're going to have to buy that 40k-80k cert called a Master's Degree. This is the road block I'm running into in my career

>>Job Title
Cyber Transport Technichian (lol amirite?)
>>Years of Experience
Only about 1 year of actual work now.
>>Degrees/Certs
Sec+; currently working on an online degree through WGU. It's a cert based bachelors. Should have my CCNA R/S and Security by the end of next year.
>>How did you find/get job
Sold my soul to the USAF
>>Pay
lol
>>Location
Japan

>>56223328
>>56223898
Don't be a fag and just use GNS3. It's not a simulator like packet tracer. It emulates pretty much any Cisco firmware you give it.

Certs just represent the knowledge you should have to people outside of the field, aka the people who will hire you. Instead of sitting there talking about the differences between SNMPv1 and v3, you can point to a Net+ or CCNA, and tell them to pay you more.

>>56224004
GNS3 is pretty good, but not really required for CCNA. It's a lot easier to use Packet Tracer. For CCNP or the other CCNAs, virtualizing routers with GNS3 is more of a requirement if you don't want to throw your money away on old gear.

Would someone be able to fill me in on the value of a security+ cert? I have always been intrigued by security and it seems like a good starter cert. Curious how employers see this and if it's worth obtaining.

>>56221645
i only did help desk for 3 months before quitting and doubling pay and much better title

>>56226319
Most certs are worthless unless you also have experience. Sec+ isn't anything special, but it shows that you are actively pursuing something and that you know some basics.

>>56227067
Yeah I have 2 years of experience and post secondary. I don't expect it to be anything special I'm more so curious if employers value this specific cert.

>>56222714
nice fampai

>>56226356
Do tell.

Where should I start off to become a networks administrator without going to college?

are there any good free online sources where I can learn everything to get certs?

>>56228146
pirate Lynda shit or Mike Myers CompTIA books

>>56221851
>>56221882
>>56220758

Thanks, I really appreciate it!

Can someone post the Mediafire/Mega link to all those Cert Books?

I know one of you anons has it. And it should be in the OP because its insanely useful.

>>56228556
Seconding this. If anyone has a torrent I'd be willing to seed it for a long while.

>>56227913
I had no experience, no certifications. Got a job doing help desk for an ISP. Mostly troubleshooting wireless connectivity for home users.
3 months later I got my Net+. Starting throwing my resume out there with my new cert and experience. ( I did not put any dates on my resume for how long I had been working)
Got a few calls and the first interview I did I nailed it. Title was Network Technician and paid 24 bucks an hour.

Since then Ive gotten my CCNP and make quite a bit more. Sitting at 3 yrs experience.

Certs are there to pad your resume so you can get interviews. Practice interview and be ready. know your shit

>>56223970
And I thought I was the only AF fag on here

>>56215236
>Job Title
Software QA Engineer
>Years of Experience
5
>Degrees/Certs
A+ and Security+, both expired
>How did you find/get job
Started with a job at NMCI doing generic IT. With the experience from this I got into an MS Exchange support role at MS. After a couple years at MS, I applied for a support position at a mailbox migration software company. They hired me on for support, and in downtime they had me do QA for new features in their migration software. After a couple months they decided to move me permanently into QA.
>Pay
$92,900 / yr
>Location
Work from Home - currently in Bothell WA.

>>56228634
I have it on my laptop and I DID have it on this comp before I formatted.

So uh plox. Anyone?

>>56229292
wow, what does your job description?

>>56223970
>>56229123
How do these military jobs work? What are you essentially getting out of it past experience and military service? Is it worth it?

>>56230589
Experience, a clearance (sometimes), money for school and some certs if you work it right.
Personally, I've been lucky, I work on the actual network. We manage something like 300-400 switches. I mean being the military you dont get to play around with a lot of stuff the way you could outside but not many people my age and with my experience can say they actually work with a live environment like this.

Buuuuuut, I got very lucky, I waited for the right job, got a good base, and actually got a good shop. I've heard of people basically working layer 1 onsite support with our training.

>>56230589
I imagine it to be a NEETS dream come true.
>A bit of cash
>Living expenses covered
>Get to train and shit
>Could live the rest of your life on NEETbux or finally become a normie after a few years
Only downside is that you have to listen to what mommy tells you to do. :^)

>>56230739
Ah I see, thanks. I was entertaining the idea since I've seen some well off people who started in the military, but fuck it I've got bad enough luck as is. Don't want to get shafted stationed at some sand dune hellhole doing basic bitch support

>>56215236

>>>Job Title
Web Design/ Developer

>>Years of Experience
At this Job for 5 Years.
Been tinkering and messing with computers my whole life

>>Degrees/Certs
Absolutely hate school but were I'm at they offer alot of degrees in the field / Working on A+, Network, and Security CompTIA after that Cisco certs.

>>How did you find/get job
Family (Great Grand Father was one of the first VP's of Motorola)

>>Pay
15/hr Each Cert = a Raise where I work. So 3 raises coming my way

>>Location
USA FL

The Company I work for is a Multi-Million dollar company that's part of a multi-billion dollar company (Motorola Solutions)

>>56230886
It really all depends, just if you do decide definitely don't let the recruiter push you into an open contract or some other job. You can say no. Also go Air Force and 3D1X2, it's where you want to be.

>Unemployed
>About 2 years or so
>No degree, but A+, Net+, Security+, Linux+
>Got internships through program I'm in
>No pay right now
>New York City

Just completed a cybersecurity program and did an internship at a cybersecurity place where I learned jack shit. Sucks that I got the Net and Security+ from this class, but I know damn well I won't be able to find a cybersecurity job with no experience or degree...Guess it's back to helpdesk until I work my way up.

What hourly price range should I ask for, given those certs but lack of degree? I'm thinking in the 20s?

>>56230577
Our developers code software that handles mailbox migrations. My job is to run a full Active Directory, MS Exchange, and SQL lab with multiple domains that I can use to test migrations. I also create test cases, which we then run at the end of each dev cycle to make sure there are no regression bugs. There is a lot of Powershell scripting involved on my part for automating things like mailbox/user creation, generating content in the mailboxes, etc. It is also my job to think about edge cases or situations that are "outside the box" when testing out new features. For example, if the new feature involves public folder migrations - will it work when the public folder is of a different container class? or if the public folder is on a different PF mailbox? These are the kind of things I will test on a daily basis.

>Database manager
>Programming/Database fields since 1998
>2:1 in computer science, loads of week/two week courses, Oracle OCP
>£68k per yr

My words of wisdom would be to avoid development work in the UK completely.. Pay is complete bullshit, you do 5 times the work (are expected to be on call weekends and travel between multiple sites if database related)..

If you can't avoid it and you want the most money; get Oracle certifications

>>56231000
you don't want to/can't get a degree?

>>56231380
Never really had the time

I'm too old for /g/ so here's my first job from 2008:

>Software engineer (product developer)
>0, but with three summer jobs
>MS in CS
>Recruitment agency
>$51k
>Norway

>>56222190
>Holy shit. I...can't even imagine going through this. So that's why all call center workers sound like they're robots. It's because their souls have been crushed from the work that they do.
thats basically what happens. we get fewer hours if we don't make quotas, and make 7% more if we get a few more calls in per hour.
every day people would ask if I was a robot.
i said the same script 100 times a day I basically was a robot...

How reliable is a career in embedded systems? Anyone with experience in it here?

>>56231324
So the money is in Oracle?

I work with SQL on a daily basis and have been wondering if SQL DBA would be a good alternative if I ever lose my job.

>>56215236
>>Job Title
Tech director
>>Years of Experience
11
>>Degrees/Certs
None
>>How did you find/get job
Founder
>>Pay
$40k
>>Location
Chile

I don't think certs are worth that much, really. Sometimes a miss knowing a bit more of CS fundamentals, but overall I do fine.

Syseng
3 years
Self taught
80k package
Melb

>>56232171
its good if you end up in big company, anything else, including freelancing is almost not there. If you are in the US your chances are better.

>>56231453
Fellow Norwegian, what do you think the IT industry will look like here in a few years?

Current job: U.S. Army as a network systems operator.

Pay: 55k a year including entitlements

Currently working on my bachelors degree while I'm in. Bachelors of Science in Information Technology with emphasis in Cyber security.

I already have experience actually setting up and running a network for hundreds of people at a time so I get to work with the actual equipment before I even have a degree. Just have no idea what I'll actually do with my degree once I get out of the Army. Any ideas for a career?

>>56223446
Please tell me that's weekly.

>>3 years as a SysAdmin
>>No Degree
>>No Certs
>>70K
>>Boston

>>56222714
where?????

>Job Title
Network Support Engineer
>Years of Experience
5
>Degrees/Certs
No Degrees, MTCNA and MTCTCE
>How did you find/get job
Posting on CL
>Pay
52k
>Location
Arizona

>Job Title
Systems Administrator
>Years of Experience
6
>Degrees/Certs
AS/BS
>How did you find/get job
LinkedIn
>Pay
$85k
>Location
NJ

Advice: Don't get bullshit certs. just to get them. Get a few to get your foot in the door; let the company you work for pay for the rest.

>>56219652
ATL?
>>56223970
RIP. That program is awesome though, how do you like it? Worth the time?

>>56234601
Go work for the FBI or some sort of government contract work. NoKappa, look it up.

>Job Title
Sr Risk Management Analyst
>Years of Experience
1 year
>Degrees/Certs
BS in Cybersecurity, CISSP, Sec+
>How?
Luck mainly. Finished school in 2014, had a job as a train dispatcher for 9 months. Hated the hours, took a shot and went to a service desk job for the government. Was there for 2 months and they needed a Security Engineer so I was hired for that. 9 months later the contract was getting ready to expire with no word from the winner of the next contract so I applied for a job as a Risk Manager at a bank and got it.
>Pay
$95k
a>Location
Nebrask

How do I pay the lowest price to take my exams?

>>56235817
Get your employer to pay for them.

Certs: A+,Network+,Windows System Admin,Cisco. plus stuff I've learned from doing IT work on my own for the past 10-15 years.

Job: I work in a damn print shop. Trying like hell to transfer out of there. I know some people in the IT dept and I've made no secret of the fact I'm wanting out of my current job. Only thing is currently the bean counters are screaming "NO Money" & "Cut Costs" so the possibility of a IT job opening up is nil right now. I work for state government so I'm set employment wise unless the gov goes bankrupt.

>Manager, IT Operations
>5+
>A+, Net+, MCSA
>lol craigslist
>USD $82,000
>Arlington Heights, IL, Houston, TX, Toronto, ON (travel to all three bases regularly)

Started as Tier 1 phone support, worked my way up to Tiers 2 and 3, then from Sys Admin to management. Certs got me noticed by HR, but that's about it. My boss only cared about my experience, and since beginning to interview and hire guys myself, I've been the same. That being said, I may go for an ITIL cert later down the line if I flake out on going for an MBA.

>>56221052
>
I ultimately view the value of certs as extra motivation to get off my ass and learn something new. I've found I learn new topics best with structured learning and most certs provide exactly that with a small reward at the end. Professionally, they're only good for fooling HR and dumb managers.

That's exactly how I feel, but I don't even have any IT-related certs.

Should I go to an online college to get a degree or just rack up certs?

These look appealing to me
http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/information_technology_degree_security
http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/information_technology_degree_networks_admin

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>>56232257
>director
>40k
>I do fine
thats helpdesk money is US

>>56236167
I got a BS from WGU. So did my boss. And one other coworker.
Really we all did it for the included certs. Not a bad choice imo.

>>56222232

no it's not, this thread is for people hoping to land interviews

income depends on personal ability in the tech and also, but mostly, selling yourself

>>56236207
right on man


I'm hesitant to jump into this (because I'm trying to be debt free) but from where I stand there's no way up, career progression wise, without having some certs or a degree (both?).

>200-120 being discontinued tomorrow

fuck me up senpai

>>56236167
>>56236207
I've heard the information security is the better of the two because it includes the CCNA. Also, you can complete a few of the courses on Straighterline beforehand for dirt cheap and the credits will transfer.

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>>56215236
>jr linux sysadmin/ network/ voip tech @ MSP
>2.8 at current office, we are small it's hard to move up
>no previous experience
>highschool diploma
>ssca and dcap (after hire, office paid)
>working on lpic series just because im learning stuff i didn't know and makes life easier
>also working on security+ to baby steps a security track
>room mate got me interview, talked them into it after that
>40k canada foodstamps
>canada, somewhere

I'll be taking a break soon or doing school part time, i want a degree so i can learn better studying discipline or at lease waste some money pretending to, i'd like to do security consulting or just open like a garage/ music studio

idk i guess im easy

>>56218382
Which casino? Hopefully not the Excalibur, that's where all the old people go to die.

>>56236305
How much do you get a month in Canada in foodstamps?

>>56236305
3333.33 before the tax whores steal my moneyball

it's like 40 on the dot we don't have a creative hr person

>>56236326
and i was kidding money just feels worthless, but it's still CAD

plus benefits like optical, dental, meds, private hospital, but im a kidfag(late 20s) so im indestructible and don't need it till 35

apparently

>>56218679
>not backing up from a slave

i know it's generalizing, but really?

i guess maybe our clusters are low grade but honest... oh well, like you said, their mistake

>>56236167
My fucking god I'm getting raped. I'm 2 yrs into my Bachelors from CTU Online and I'm gonna be at like 50k debt when I'm done.

I was studying for the A+ exam and kind of just stopped. It's not because the material is hard but I can't find the motivation to really care about it.
Any tips regarding it?

>>56236310
Oh god no. The only thing good they have going is Tournament of Kings otherwise that casino should just rot.

>>56236509
Believe me I was just as confused about the procedure. Like I said I wasn't supposed to oversee the backup as it was still during peak hours on a weekend and they were supposed to connect on graveyard when shit settled down.

>>56235724
>how do you like it? Worth the time?
Just getting started in it, but after seeing some friends and coworkers go through I'd definitely say it's worth it. Especially if you have the time and energy to push yourself through it.

Former:
>2nd level Wintel / VMWare support
>2,5 years
>none valid, I finished some training for vmware and M$, never exceeded for certificate process
>recommended by fellow student who was already employed
>embarassingly low
>eastern europe

The idea of supporting was fine, I learned a lot.
But the:
- slow ITIL principles and processing
- managers/employers switching nearly every 3-4 quarter
- lazy people
- rearrangements of customers twice per year
- lack of documentation
were just enough to kill the mood. It seemed that anyone hardly cared about improving quality in service. The only positive aspect is acquainted people during the career, but that's only positive aspect. I've decided to switch it to developer now.

Next month:
>c++ developer
>again recommended by colleague

- Last quarter spend on evenings and weekends learning / reminding c++ from uni with c++ primer - done
- Finishing learning of git - inprogress
TODO:
- gmock / gtest
- SIP protocol


>>56219652
>ITIL
I loathe this in my previous job. It is amazing how many unnecessary crap is being processed to perform simple operation on server. I understand the necessity of documenting changes and making sure that I won't shut down unexpectedly some important server, but still.
Time to process ITIL in web-tool - 45 mins - 1 hour
Time to perform operation - 5 minutes.

Is Server+ worth a damn?

>>56235751
>Years of Experience
>1 year
>Degrees/Certs
>CISSP

This is literally impossible, how do you have a CISSP with only one year of experience in the security field?

>>56215390
Don't know where you live or what your experience is, but they helped me get a job.No one cares about your self taught skills here unless you got some cert to prove it

>>56228556
Don't use books, buy test questions