IT Certifications and Careers (Official Discussion Thread)

Formerly Black Trash

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How far was the commute

Because it's insane to turn down 30 an hour in this current job market
Hour and 14 minutes

My job is cool and I get to potentially do more here

My boss like me

Unlimited PTO

That other job is a W2 contract position and I don't know enough
 
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Quick update on my end, market is trash, can’t even get a help desk interview. My networking game getting a lil better tho, made a few connections that might be able to get me a position somewhere. Also connected with a friend of a friend that will let me shadow him. Anyone else out there struggling to find something that’s entry level? Lemme get back to these labs tryhackme.

Thank you annd i definitely understand that i have years of customer service experience but looking at these helpdesk requirements for these jobs is dishearting. They almost want us to have a 4 year degree, multiple certs and im seeing alot of random SQL and other random requirements.

I went through the same things and this was back when the job market was good.

Now, the "tech" job market has imploded and the people making the decisions aren't being honest about it. Record profits and layoffs?
:aicmon:

They've cut the mid, mid-senior and senior roles so there's a lot of competition for those jobs when they get posted. And that hurts upward mobility for people trying to move on from entry level positions.

And when those entry level jobs do come on the market, there are a lot of candidates with a few years of experience applying because they're desperate and companies are taking advantage of the situation.

Companies are also consolidating roles to cut staff size and payrolls to a ridiculous point. I've seen jobs openings requiring people to be database and unified communications admins. Who the hell has that combination of skills? Most DBAs do and know nothing besides databases.

I know remote is preferred but I would throw all of my efforts towards the hybrid/in office roles especially if you live in an area that's doing okay job wise. It's better to compete against the people in your area vs the whole country. I would also look for "tech-adjacent" jobs. Like jobs that may not be strictly IT/IS but could get you some exposure to things like ticketing systems, etc. I knew someone that went from a customer service role at Comcast to working in a NOC.
 

semicko82

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Yea I dont have any experience, so I get the A+ certification. I have to choose between network and security???
You can get both if you want, but those certifications are pricey. You should do well with the Security+ if you're looking for a government job

Side note: A+ you will have to take two exams to be certified
 

xXMASHERXx

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Yea I dont have any experience, so I get the A+ certification. I have to choose between network and security???
I would say to start with the A+ even if you have experience just so you can familiarize yourself with the process of prepping for a cert and taking the test. A lot of people struggle with self study so starting off with an easy cert like the A+ is an easy way for you to get an idea of what it takes for harder certs. While doing that, start thinking about what your end goal is and research/ask questions to start building a roadmap for getting there.
 

Spade

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I would say to start with the A+ even if you have experience just so you can familiarize yourself with the process of prepping for a cert and taking the test. A lot of people struggle with self study so starting off with an easy cert like the A+ is an easy way for you to get an idea of what it takes for harder certs. While doing that, start thinking about what your end goal is and research/ask questions to start building a roadmap for getting there.
Yeah I only studied A+, then studied Network +, then studied CCNA and only took that cert. I got that cert (CCNA) last December but I may go back to study A+ and take that test. Should I do that?
 

xXMASHERXx

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Yeah I only studied A+, then studied Network +, then studied CCNA and only took that cert. I got that cert (CCNA) last December but I may go back to study A+ and take that test. Should I do that?
If you were able to get the CCNA I wouldn't bother taking the A+. CCNA is a harder and more value cert so the A+ wouldn't benefit you imo. Here is a cert roadmap that should help you determine your next move Security Certification Roadmap - Paul Jerimy Media. Keep in mind, no cert will guarantee anything. Being able to explain how the company will benefit from the knowledge you gained from studying and passing the test is the key part. Hopefully others will chime in as well to offer their advice but if you have any questions please feel free to ask. There are many knowledgeable people here who have provided advice throughout this thread that has helped me and many others:salute::salute::salute::salute::salute::salute:
 

Big Boss

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You can get both if you want, but those certifications are pricey. You should do well with the Security+ if you're looking for a government job

Side note: A+ you will have to take two exams to be certified


I would say to start with the A+ even if you have experience just so you can familiarize yourself with the process of prepping for a cert and taking the test. A lot of people struggle with self study so starting off with an easy cert like the A+ is an easy way for you to get an idea of what it takes for harder certs. While doing that, start thinking about what your end goal is and research/ask questions to start building a roadmap for getting there.


Thanks :salute:
 

Big Boss

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semicko82

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@semicko82 @xXMASHERXx


Is this the right book???



I just watched Professor Messer videos on YouTube and bought his practice exams
 

xXMASHERXx

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@semicko82 @xXMASHERXx


Is this the right book???



That's the one I used many years ago(obviously not that version since it's been 10+ years since I took it). Quick tip, if you can tolerate reading ebooks, many public libraries offer access to services like Libby and Hoopla for free as long as you have a library card.

 
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