/CCT/ Career and Cert Thread

What are you working towards? Need advice? Share your study resources!

Post it in here

If you've got a tech career:

>Job Title
>Years of Experience
>Degrees/Certs
>How did you find/get job
>Pay
>Location

Other urls found in this thread:

safaribooksonline.com/library/view/red-hat-certified/9780134193281/
pastebin.com/EwnGpsby
ccna-v5.net/cisco-packet-tracer-7-0-32bit-64bit-windows-free-download.html
twitter.com/AnonBabble

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

It's freelancers world faggots

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

huh?

bump

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))

how much are you paying for all these certs

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.

Sec+ is the only one worth anything to employers.

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.

same boat.

godspeed.

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

>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

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.

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?

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.

Any cool perks that the casino gives you?

no bad senpai

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

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.

Dude I'm this guy 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.

>Network "Engineer"
>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

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

>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).

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.

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

do something with networking or IoT imo

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.

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

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.

thanks my fellow african, and will do

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

even CCNPs are making money

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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

>RHCSA
Is having a beard a requirement for this?

Not a requirement but helps.

I'm retarded, see:

This helped me as a for general test taking tips and awesome tips/tricks (use the 10 day free trial):
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.

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

pastebin.com/EwnGpsby

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.

whats wrong with NOC?

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

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

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?

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.

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.

Second part was meant for

>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.

pajeet, no company in America will hire you irl

this thread is for people looking for steady income

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

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

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

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.

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

>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 Sup Forums since I was 20 and a intern. Thanks Sup Forums

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

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?

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

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

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

Works great on Wine if you're interested.

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

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

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.

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.

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