Need Advice

[NetworkGuy101]

Hello, I am currently in the USAF and I am a network admin. I am looking at getting out soon. I do pretty much everything from setup from scratch and maintaining. I do firewalls and voice setup. What are the more important certifications I can go after that will get me hired? I dont want to leave my job security but I am ready to settle down now. Any suggestions?

 

[OhhPancho]

Security is currently a hot speciality with some new certifications. If you say you work with firewalls then head down that path. I understand the AF often wants you to be a jack of all trades master of none type of technician. However if entering the civilian world I would recommend focusing on one area of expertise and drawing on your breadth of knowledge from other areas to compliment that.

Then once you get comfortable in the civilian world you will be able to make better career decisions and tweek the direction you think you want to go.


Good luck!

 

[Advocate]

just seen your post

ex-marine (out 3 years)

first decide what you like doing best ... might as well enjoy it !

hardware ?
networks ?
software ?
management ?
training ?
mixture ?

this will help you home in on required training/certification - but do not underestimate potential of experience to employers - after all they NEED to know that you can get the job done

considered going independent ? initially with contract via agency ?

i specialise in rdbms dirty work amongst other things - but do NOT underestimate your mil training ie CAN DO ! WILL DO !

my biggest selling feature among repeat clients is FLEXIBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, FLEXIBILITY !

i also spend a lot of money keeping myself in date with training (invest in myself)

job security is a thing of the past as far as i am concerned - i feel that i have more security with short contracts than most permanent employee ... i am mentally prepared to look for a new job every few weeks/months

good luck ... unless you need more help

david
Best of Irish Luck, David.
djwilkes@hotmail.com