I'm an avid lurker of the list I know many of you are
Net Admin's and the like. Perhaps, you can assist me...
I am considering a career change into Networking and need
some advice. Where should I start?
I have been told that although a bachelor's degree is nice it
is not necessary. I would like to believe that as I am not getting
any younger (27).
I have been told that the Novell and Microsoft certifications are
good resume builders and can get you work, but I am afraid that without
matching work experience I would be wasting my time and money to pursue
them at the start.
I am learning unix currently and am also setting up a BSD network on my
machines at home. I am also thinking of setting up a mini-NT network at
home as well so I can start getting familiar with them. (I have 3 PC's at
home.) Good idea-couldn't hurt or waste of time?
I can take a 6 course "certificate" at a local junior college in
Networking. Includes a unix course, intro to comp. networks, overview of
dos/win systems, unix system and network admin, comp. maintenance for
programmers. I can take these at night while still working to support
myself. Good idea or waste of time?
I can take two year associates program in Network admin. Which includes the
above plus a database course, a C and C++ course, business computer systems
and some general ed. courses. Better idea or bigger waste of time?
Other suggestions have included picking my own course work for about 10
classes of networking and programming.
Obviously, I'm just looking to get my foot in the door and be given the
opportunity to gain skills and grow. I currently have lots of PC/Mac
software experience (database/graphics) and am now working installing Apple
Networks using Apple Network Admin Toolkit for local school districts. I
have built my last two pc's from motherboard on up and have been immersing
myself in Networking books, web sites, etc.
I frequently spend long hours configuring systems and tweaking software
and love doing it. I also enjoy keeping up with technology. Both of which I
feel will be important skills. My fear comes from the programming end of
it. I know I can pick up C and C++ if necessary, I just don't want to end
up writing C all day long, every day. In that respect, a friend suggested
sales/consulting. I see myself as the man under the desk and at the
terminal keeping things going.
Any suggestions/advice? Please be kind as I am sincere and spending every
moment I'm not at work trying to get this together.
(sorry about the length)
Thanks to all and please respond directly,
Chris
ubik @
pdnt .
com
Anyone have any advice, suggestions?
References:
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