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I graduated with a degree in CompSci last summer, and I've been working a junior IT support position for the last 8/9 months. I've picked up lots of skills including some networking - switches and firewalls mainly, vSphere virtualisation, Exchange, AD, Linux, hardware - fixing client machines, printers etc. and other general troubleshooting skills.
About two years ago I did my Windows 7 Installing and Configuring certification, and at the moment am *trying to* study for my CCENT (which I'll progress onto CCNA).
I was wondering though how else I could improve my knowledge to make me better - any skills or training I should learn, things to study, things to make me more employable in the future..
What worked for you? How did you get to where you are?
Don't seek out random skills. Do some research, find the job title of the next position you want, look at national job postings and see the most common requirements and skills needed. Then go out and get those skills.
vSphere is really hot right now and probably will be for at least a few more years. Linux experience is more commonly needed in large orgs and always looks good on your resume. See if you can learn some storage skills as well. Always good to know and it doesn't change that quickly. Also, if you have the opportunity and want to do more on the desktop side, look at learning Citrix Xen Desktop (virtual desktop). I see that more and more these days and it seems to be catching on more than VMWare's desktop virtualization product. The Windows 7 cert is good to have, but other knowledge will take you further.
Do you prefer the networking or systems side of things? In most companies, these are separate roles but a smaller shop may expect you to know both. In any event, it sounds like you're on the right track and should have no problem getting in as Jr. Admin somewhere.
FWIW, I have 14 years of experience in IT. Like most, I started on the Help Desk. After a year, I moved into desktop support and deployment, then got some server experience as part of that, and eventually moved into a Systems Administrator role. These days I'm primarily an Exchange Administrator with some VMWare and storage as well. If I can make one suggestion, work as closely as possible with the higher level guys in your company. Most enjoy passing on knowledge to those that are eager to learn. Don't be afraid to take on new responsibilities, but know your limits. It's OK to ask others for help.
Feel free to ask me other questions if you have them. Good luck!
People skills, and high EQ, those are very important in addition to technical skills.
That's what I was going to suggest -- people skills. Also learning what the end users need and how they use the software. What various software is supposed to do from a non-IT view.
That's what I was going to suggest -- people skills. Also learning what the end users need and how they use the software. What various software is supposed to do from a non-IT view.
Also a lot of patience.
+1. In addition to the technical skills I listed, you also need to be very patient with end users and have a way of explaining things to them in a way they can understand without being condescending. It's a fine line. You may have already experienced this though. IT definitely isn't for everyone, especially those that are easily frustrated!
As an IT manager I can't stress how important are you basic people skills, common sense, and time management as crucial job survival skills.
It doesn't matter how much you know, you can never know everything. It comes down to maintaining relationships with your peers and manager.
My job is provide my staff with the resource they need to do their job and manage their task loads. I often see competition within the ranks or people that aspire for promotion through the wrong path.
In an IT org, the less you know the faster you get promoted. Sounds weird? That's the way it is.
If you think you know it all with all the latest tech or think you have your hands on the wheel of mission critical tech at the job. Then you have a less of a chance at promotion.
How can management promote you when they need you at the very same spot. Don't think that your job is forever safe because it is my job as a manager to maintain redundancy at all time and have other people at the bullpen ready in case you are MIA.
The key to success in IT is to maintain good relationships and don't fault others right away. Taking ownership is a big step towards promotion and inspires trust. Blaming others or pushing responsibility only creates friction.
You often find the people that are most successful in IT knows enough and understands thoroughly than people who shows off what they know and has a lot of holes.
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