Two in the hand or one in the bush? 1

[unc92sax]

Actually one in the hand and the most desired one not yet found.

I am a career changer (former band teacher) with A+, Net+ and am certain I will get CCNA in May. I have no IT degree yet and NO ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE.

However, I have been offered a job as a part-time Systems Analyst II with the community college where I am taking classes. This job could become full-time as soon as May (but more likely August) and involves mostly end users and very little infrastructure. My career goal is network admin.

Should I accept the guaranteed (in the hand) foot-in-the-door ISA II job NOW and eventually move to networking or...

wait to pursue a non-guaranteed (in the bush) entry-level job in networking after CCNA status in May.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[IT4EVR]

You could still take this job knowing that this is not your intended destination.

Although working with end users can seem frustrating, I believe you will learn a great deal from real-world people with real-world technical issues. Not enough respect is paid to "end users". But those who are good in the computer field look to end users in high regard, for they are the customer.

This sort of job could really hone your problem-solving skills as well, which will further equip you for the next jump.

Plus if you do this job well, you end up getting some great experience, something to put on your resume and a good reference for your next gig.

But in the end, don't let anyone else influence your decision. Accepting a job is a personal decision and you must weigh the costs and benefits of every option.

The wisest people are those who are smart enough to realize they don't know it all.

 

[LadySlinger]

I agree...right now most employers are looking for experience over degrees/certs. so if you have something that you can get a hold of, do it.

Plus for me, end users keep me creative. They keep me thinking and help me learn to deal with stress without cursing...outloud. They will help you in the end for hands on experience as like GR8Solutions said.

You can still look and if something else comes up that sounds interesting take it.

 

[kb90062]

I am presently working to become a Network Admin also. End-users have profected my troubleshooting skills because they are creative themselves. I believe that experience alone will help you to become the best Admin possible.

I wish you the best in your decision.

 

[IT4EVR]

KB, I'd agree that users are often able to enlighten us in the tech field. While I don't implement all ideas suggested by end users, I've incorporated quite a few of their suggestions. They allow you to look at the other side of the coin, the area often uncovered by the computer professional.

Too many computer professionals and IT departments are so insulated from the end user that they espouse an ivory tower mentality. Could it be why a lot of software applications don't meet the need of the company? Probably...

Sorry if I got off topic here. As far as analyzing a job offer, I think it's worthwhile to have at least a 3-year plan of where you want to be at the end of that time and how you are going to get there. Often the road to that end is not a straight line to the top, but involves a bit of a journey.


The wisest people are those who are smart enough to realize they don't know it all.

 

[pokerace]

I would take the job now because you do not know how long it will take to find an entry level networking position after you receive your CCNA. Also, don't depend on the part-time position to become full time . There are just too many variables. For example, the person who offered you the position probably wants it to be full-time, but his/her boss might have other ideas.

 

[Grenage]

If you will only be there for a month (until you receive your CCNA) before moving on, then I wouldn't recommend it. It would be a good learning experience if you are willing to stay there somewhat longer.

I would probably take the offered job if it were me. As the previous posters mentioned, you can learn a lot working with computer users.


Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.

 

[BJ9]

I had an instructor tell me once that if anything an end-user did surprises you......you surprise too easily.

I am a systems administrator and I work extensively with our end users both here in our home office and also remotely with 25 remotes sites and 5 roaming supervisors. I love it. I truly enjoy working with the end users. I've learned so much from them and they've actually enhanced my career by giving me many cudos to the bosses.

No matter what type of IT position you end up in, if you can communicate effectively and pleasantly with the end-user you will more than likely be a success.

Long winded way of saying I would take the position to get my foot in the door, get some IT experience but most importantly to get used to working with end users.

They will definately keep you on your toes!!!

 

[lgarner]

Take the job. Gaining experience is never a bad idea, and you need to remember that it's easier to get a job when you already have one.

I can't tell from your post whether you have something waiting for you in May or not, but a CCNA doesn't guarantee immediate employment. It could still take some time, time during which you could be gaining IT experience. It might not be configuring routers, but it's still a *lot* better than trying to get work with no experience at all.

 

[pkiscribe]

I would have to say I agree with all the post above. I have also changed careers. I have been working on a help desk for the past 3 years, it has greatly enhanced my troubleshooting skills and because of this my focus has shifted from basic systems adim (not trying to imply this is simple by any means) to system security. When you interact with the end-user you find the problems in your area. Where I live it seems security is a big issue, and while this will be an issue where ever you go, you can get and idea of the market place that you will enter when you start your IT job search and how to gear your training. Everyone has pretty much said this but you have to remember the end-user is the reason we are here. The better we understand them the better we can support them.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

unc92sax,

Take the job, I work for a community college and did exactly the same thing in 1997 - started part-time in Computer Science in the summer - this could be because most colleges are VERY slow in the summer, Fall and Spring are the crazy semesters!!

That became a full-time position about 6 months later maintaining about 500 computers in Computer Science. It also lead to a part-time position teaching Cisco networking classes. 9 years later I am still here and I have gained a ton of experience as well as earning an AA and several AS degrees for FREE. I am finishing my BS in Technology Management as well as my CCNP study, most of it paid by the school.

You will also be surprised by the contacts that you might make - I can not tell you how many network admins have been in my Cisco classes - you tend to hear about those unadvertized jobs!!

Hope this helps!!



E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +