I just graduated college with a math degree and landed a job in the IT field. I am pretty good with computers, but I have never really had the opportunity to deal with them in this kind of scale. My boss keeps talking about VPN, LDAP, Internet Protocol stuff, among other things that are over my head. Does anyone know of some good resources I could check out to start reading up on this stuff. Free stuff on the internet would be ideal, but any help would be much appreciated.
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New IT Job: Could use some advice
- Thread starter dan08
- Start date
Hi,
What is your job description and responsibility? Do you need to know how VPN's, LDAP, ect work or are you in a help desk type position where a general overview is all you need to know? If you need only an overview then a quick internet search is all you need. If you need more in-depth knowledge on VPN, LDAP, ect then you need some hands on training to supplement your research to understand it all.
What is your job description and responsibility? Do you need to know how VPN's, LDAP, ect work or are you in a help desk type position where a general overview is all you need to know? If you need only an overview then a quick internet search is all you need. If you need more in-depth knowledge on VPN, LDAP, ect then you need some hands on training to supplement your research to understand it all.
MasterRacker
Active member
Look for study guides for CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications. Even just the table of contents would give you a good list of IT related to read up on. Don't spend a ton on guide materials though. I simply suggest those to give a subject matter list. Once you have a list of topics, as stubnski mentioned: the Web is your friend.
(Never hurts to look for used books at your local Salvation Army/Goodwill ,etc. either.)
Jeff
[small][purple]It's never too early to begin preparing for [/purple]International Talk Like a Pirate Day
"The software I buy sucks, The software I write sucks. It's time to give up and have a beer..." - Me[/small]
(Never hurts to look for used books at your local Salvation Army/Goodwill ,etc. either.)
Jeff
[small][purple]It's never too early to begin preparing for [/purple]International Talk Like a Pirate Day
"The software I buy sucks, The software I write sucks. It's time to give up and have a beer..." - Me[/small]
- Thread starter
- #4
FredWagner
MIS
MasterRacker's suggestion is all you need - you're already hired, so you just need to be familiar with the terms and concepts in the certs mentioned. If you want to study and get the certs as well, very cool. Reading the threads here on this forum is also an excellent way to expand your knowledge - see what kind of problems have been posted, and the solutions that have been posted, and which worked. If you see a post which solves a problem for you, or which explains a concept for you, be sure to thank the poster with a Star for the post!
Fred Wagner
Fred Wagner
KenCunningham
Technical User
I would only add that you should make your mantra 'check twice, press return once'. Best of luck!
The internet - allowing those who don't know what they're talking about to have their say.
The internet - allowing those who don't know what they're talking about to have their say.
Another very important point... Is this the job and career path you really expected to have after completing college? If so, then great... welcome to IT and you will learn on-the-job stuff which will allow you to get comfortable over next few months. If this is not the real job you desire... hang in there and learn what you can, build up your toolkit for the next job... I would certainly check out training (online free or instructor led) especially if company is paying for it... ttyl
Steve Medvid
IT Consultant & Web Master
Steve Medvid
IT Consultant & Web Master
johnherman
MIS
I would forget about certifications at this point and concentrate on gaining knowledge and experience. Most certs require a level of experience anyway. As you work with other IT professionals, you'll probably come to realize which certs are valuable in your field and at your company. And the demand for certs changes.
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Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because there is more manure there - original.
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Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because there is more manure there - original.
Dan -
Congratulations on your graduation and getting a job!
I agree with many of the previous comments. If you are still unfamiliar with the common acronyms, certifications should be pretty far down on your list right now. For starters, I would suggest a Google search on new terms - it's free and it's fast. Oftentimes this will give you enough information to have a basic idea of what people are talking about. You might even start keeping a glossary so you have a quick reference handy (in case, for instance, somebody brings up LDAP in a meeting - it might be nice to have the definition on your smartphone in case you've forgotten what that is). Wikipedia can often be useful for a quick, moderately in-depth expository.
I would suggest concentrating on gaining job proficiency and, if you decide you are going to stick to IT, figuring out what area(s) interest you the most - databases, graphics, phone apps, ... Then start working your way into your preferred areas. At first, you are probably going to be spending a lot of time studying the topics that you are responsible for. But eventually, you do become good enough at what you do that you can start enjoying your off-time again.
And finally, you have found one of my favorite resources - Tek-Tips is a really good place to get help with specific issues and questions. But be advised - people are liable to want to see what you have tried so far before giving you an answer!
Good luck!
- Dave Bridges/Black Forest, CO
Congratulations on your graduation and getting a job!
I agree with many of the previous comments. If you are still unfamiliar with the common acronyms, certifications should be pretty far down on your list right now. For starters, I would suggest a Google search on new terms - it's free and it's fast. Oftentimes this will give you enough information to have a basic idea of what people are talking about. You might even start keeping a glossary so you have a quick reference handy (in case, for instance, somebody brings up LDAP in a meeting - it might be nice to have the definition on your smartphone in case you've forgotten what that is). Wikipedia can often be useful for a quick, moderately in-depth expository.
I would suggest concentrating on gaining job proficiency and, if you decide you are going to stick to IT, figuring out what area(s) interest you the most - databases, graphics, phone apps, ... Then start working your way into your preferred areas. At first, you are probably going to be spending a lot of time studying the topics that you are responsible for. But eventually, you do become good enough at what you do that you can start enjoying your off-time again.
And finally, you have found one of my favorite resources - Tek-Tips is a really good place to get help with specific issues and questions. But be advised - people are liable to want to see what you have tried so far before giving you an answer!
Good luck!
- Dave Bridges/Black Forest, CO
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