What should I do?

[jaygreene23]

I haven't really worked with computers for very long but I definitely think that this is what I want to do. I am currently working on a help desk in a hospital which is fine for now, but I am looking to get more in depth with computers. I currently have my MCSA/MCSE but only about a year and a half of experience. I have been looking to get into the Cisco programs(networking, routers, and switches) and was wondering if anyone else is doing it and how it is working out for them.

 

[xmsre]

Experience, certification, experience that exploits the certification. I'd look to get out of help desk and specialize, and you're headed that direction. I personaaly chose to specalize in storage, and it's worked out quite well.

 

[bchizary]

have to agree with the above, look for something inparticular to specialize and look for a big company to work for. I chose the iSeries and its much better than being a general 'it guy' for a smaller company.

 

[rasETL]

A hospital has many pieces of equipment that are computerized and require maintenance and setup. Maybe you should talk to someone in HR at the hospital to see if they would be willing to provide training on their equipment.

 

[beltmanjr]

Specialize as many prospective employers will find it easier to place you if they understand where you are going.

It isnt always easy though to understand for yourself what path you would like to take and to put a job title against it.

I recently decided to specialize in BI as I wanted a change from my role as IT Manager (very generalized). The companies I applied to found it hard to place me as I couldn't put a name to what I wanted to do.

But with some help I realized that the BI field came closed to what I really enjoy in IT. And once I broadcasted that I wanted to specialize in this field I got many job invites. I found a great company which was happy to exploid my motivation to learn all I can about BI. I have almost finished my first course now and have already been working in the field for 5 months now.

So think, talk, write down your thoughts and wishes and decide the field, down to the job title and career path you would like to walk. Then start specialization relevant to this plan. Put it all in your CV and post it on every job board around and at the HR department of the hospital. A motivated employee who knows where he/she wants to go is a very attractive asset to a good company.