IT Certifications and Careers (Official Discussion Thread)

[Apollo Creed]

Honestly the hardest experience and skills to acquire is the business stuff and being able to talk and present to business users. You have the hard part done!

Lol yea, most technical cats are not socialable at all. I worked in sales selling computers at best buy and in wireless for a few yrs in college so thats where i learned to be anle to "understand business needs" and "present technical solutions to non technical stakeholders". The lack of certs have been my weakpoint since certs and yrs experience are what get you the interviews.

 

[Ice_MF_Mike]

Lol yea, most technical cats are not socialable at all. I worked in sales selling computers at best buy and in wireless for a few yrs in college so thats where i learned to be anle to "understand business needs" and "present technical solutions to non technical stakeholders". The lack of certs have been my weakpoint since certs and yrs experience are what get you the interviews.

I speak to recruiters regularly who tell me how difficult it is to find that combination. they are literally throwing money at people with that skillset.

 

[Apollo Creed]

I speak to recruiters regularly who tell me how difficult it is to find that combination. they are literally throwing money at people with that skillset.

yea I`m 27 now, which Is why I`m trying to get this skill set up know so I feast in my 30s and retire in my 40s then move into Education and entrepreneurship

 

[Julius Skrrvin]

Oh so now that I got my new gig going recruiters lighting up my email and phone

Could have used that a couple months ago

 

[patscorpio]

I speak to recruiters regularly who tell me how difficult it is to find that combination. they are literally throwing money at people with that skillset.

yup..the years ive done training clients on software on site gave me that skillset...6 years worth

 

[Apollo Creed]

yup..the years ive done training clients on software on site gave me that skillset...6 years worth

What do you do if I may ask?

 

[patscorpio]

What do you do if I may ask?

i think i told you before breh...business analyst..im in management

 

[Apollo Creed]

i think i told you before breh...business analyst..im in management

my bad. I`m a BA also looking to eventually be a Solution/Business Architect. If I can't do a lateral move to one of the Architect roles in my company I`m thinking about getting into Sales/Solution Engineering

 

[Ice_MF_Mike]

my bad. I`m a BA also looking to eventually be a Solution/Business Architect. If I can't do a lateral move to one of the Architect roles in my company I`m thinking about getting into Sales/Solution Engineering

im a sales engineer. Love it!

 

[kevm3]

Oh so now that I got my new gig going recruiters lighting up my email and phone

Could have used that a couple months ago

That's tech's biggest problem. They don't want to let anyone new in the door and train them, but once you're in the door, you'll have all kinds of offers.

 

[Apollo Creed]

im a sales engineer. Love it!

Do you mind if I PM you so we can chat via email?

 

[Ice_MF_Mike]

Do you mind if I PM you so we can chat via email?

nope. hit me up.

 

[Mainevent_7]

Bring up the CIA triad in one of your meetings to sound smart.

Definitely do this! Also use the phrases "Defense in depth" and "due diligence" for good measure.

When I was interviewing with the Project lead, I definitely brought up the CIA triad, Access controls, AAA, defense in depth and the security+ cert. Within a few hours I get an email saying they want me to join the project.

 

[Torrez]

I'm about to begin studying for the CCNA using the videos on this youtube channel: Andrew Crouthamel

Is this a good option or should I perhaps invest in one of the Udemy courses instead?

I'm almost 31 and currently an ESL teacher, and I know basic html / css but I have never studied networking or anything else related to it. I'm interested in giving myself more options going forward. I feel like with my ESL cert I already have some flexibility, and options as I can teach locally or move abroad anytime I want but the Networking cert could give me more consistent work.

I work more than a few part time jobs right now. I have been able to ask the main job to reduce my shifts so I could have time off. Would it be best to study for the CCNA and then get an entry level job? or is it possible or advisable to do CCNA, then CCNP or other certs consecutively?

 

[acri1]

I'm about to begin studying for the CCNA using the videos on this youtube channel: Andrew Crouthamel

Is this a good option or should I perhaps invest in one of the Udemy courses instead?

I'm almost 31 and currently an ESL teacher, and I know basic html / css but I have never studied networking or anything else related to it. I'm interested in giving myself more options going forward. I feel like with my ESL cert I already have some flexibility, and options as I can teach locally or move abroad anytime I want but the Networking cert could give me more consistent work.

I work more than a few part time jobs right now. I have been able to ask the main job to reduce my shifts so I could have time off. Would it be best to study for the CCNA and then get an entry level job? or is it possible or advisable to do CCNA, then CCNP or other certs consecutively?

I probably wouldn't go past CCNA until you get some actual IT work experience.

You don't want hiring managers to look at you as a "paper cert" ie. somebody who crammed for exams but has no real-world experience. Truth be told, if you're serious about getting into IT I'd start looking for a tech support/helpdesk/pc tech job even before you get your CCNA. You're probably going to have to start out in that kind of role anyway, so the sooner you get your foot in the door the better.