A path in network / security administration ... need advice
Hello everybody. I am in a certain situation and I can use some advice.
I have been working for the past 7+ in the help desk field. During that time, I have gained good experience with Activity Directory. I am able to maintain an AD environment with simple tasks like creating users/computers, passwords, groups, email distribution & security groups. I have done some things with group polices and sharing permissions. I have A+, Net+, MCP 2000 (Client & Server). I went away from certifications to get a Bachlor's in Information System Security at ITT. Currently, I have a Help desk position with light AD administration (like I mentioned above) I am sticking it out at this job because my boss is very dedicated on giving me experience to higher level things like SQL, xml, MACs, cisco & dell switch (there is 2 on my desk which i get to play around with commands).
I know I will not be able to easily go into a security position, and sometimes I fell my 2 1/2 years of ITT was a waste of time & money. For someone to jump from a Help Desk position to a Security position is impossible in the IT job world. I am living with my parents for next few months which consists of me doing this Bang head on wall while my parents are doing this ... I need a plan. I really need to find the right path because I want to think my ITT education was not a waste and I need to get out of Help Desk. At least getting into Network or System Administration which obviously pays better then Help Desk and is a better shot to a Security position. Any suggestions on how to get there?
BTW, prior to this I started at FAU and graduated with a Bachelor's in Biology. It was just after where my interests went into computers. I have been reading about Computer Forensics here and there. Does anybody have any feedback on that, considering I have two Bachelor's in Biology & a computer related field?
Expert's answerI would recommend to start looking at the job boards for positions similar to what you would like your next job to be. Depending on the size of the company your next position will be at, the job might be network admin only, security admin only or maybe a combination of the two. It is good that your current boss is being supportive; not everyone enjoys that kind of situation. A plan is always a good thing, and can show the right employer your motivation for moving up and improving yourself. I would suggest talking so recruiters/headhunters looking to fill those kinds of positions to see what kind of experience you will need for the positions they are trying to fill. Depending on the particular recruiter and prospective employers he or she is representing, you might just find a company that is will to give you a chance to move into the kind of position you are looking for with a little less experience. Getting what experience you can now will be good in the long run. Make sure to document that as well as you can. Consider getting a certification or two along the path(s) you are thinking of pursuing. While this won't make up for a lack of hands-on experience, it will show a perspective employer that you have the ability to learn new roles - and show that you have a baseline of knowledge that has been verified either by an independent source (i.e. Comptia in case of Security+) or by a vendor (i.e. Cisco in the case of one of the switches you are working with). To help make up for a perceived lack of experience in the fields you are looking to move into, you might have to consider a job that pays the same as - or even less than - what you make now and working your way up. It might also be a possibility to take a position where your "new" duties are only a part of your total duties in order to get your foot in the door. As to your current degrees, I would suggest de-emphasizing the biology one unless you happen to be pursuing a job with a biology-related company. Some companies, right or wrong, could see you with two bachelors degrees as being "over qualified" without even looking at your other qualifications or experiences. |
A Comment Regarding Language
I will accept the possibility that English is not your first language and, therefore, may have some issues writing in English. I'm going to venture, however, that you are an American citizen, and if that is the case, shame on you, especially if you hold a degree in Biology. Your language and structure is atrocious and, if I were human resources in HR I would not think twice about tossing your résumé into the trash.
You must present yourself, at all times, with confidence and presence of mind. If you present yourself as an imbecile on the internet, people will think you are one. If you take the time to craft meaningful statements and speak as if you had extensive educational background, which you say you've had, people will treat you with respect. I would certainly expect more care in communication from someone holding a BS in Biology!
You have the tools in your toolbox, now you just need to fish them out and use them. The first thing, though, is to get your language skills out of the internet gutter. People you communicate with don't treat it any less important simply because its on the internet. Take pride in yourself and how you appear. Would you go to a job interview wearing a ratty T-shirt and dirty jeans? Of course not!
As for advice, push hard to get into the service delivery department at Biotech firms. Biotech is huge and hot and you can't lose. Once you're in there, stand up and let them notice you. Whenever you're working on someone's PC, take notice of their work and make it known that you know what they're talking about. The more you know about computers and the industry in which they are used, the more leverage you have for moving forward.
Go get 'em, Tiger!
PS: Move out. You've saved enough money. Now you need to be independent.
Getting out of your rut...
It sounds like you a have some solid experience to draw from. Since you sound single and are apparently in need of getting a broader experience base, I would recommend you start looking at some consulting/integration companies. As long as you can present yourself in a somewhat professional manner, can pickup new new technologies pretty quickly, and don't mind a little pressure then it may be a good fit. You will definitely get exposed not only to new technologies but also to potential employers. You will get a lot of experience much faster than trying to climb through the ranks at a single company.
I have been a consultant for over 15 years and started 2 companies. My last company I employed 20 consultants and was acquired by a larger integration firm. I have hired consultants that had a lot less experience than you but had a desire to learn, grow, and work hard. They are all working for Fortune 500 companies today and proud of where they have taken their careers. You can do this but you need to step out of your comfort zone sometime to make a change.
Good Luck,
Patrick
Layer 8 Solutions, LLC
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