Work for Dlink or Cisco/Linksys 3

[electronicsfreak]

Im still in college so I have quite aways before I start working with someone. However, I am wondering how hard it would be to get a job at either of those and if it would be worth it? I am majoring in Internet Security. Going for Bachelors first, then Masters. Just was kind of curious on peoples thoughts and advice.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[mrdenny]

What kind of position are you thinking about applying for with those companies?

Both are large companies, which are going well so they should be fine to go and work for.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[electronicsfreak]

Honestly im not sure yet. Like I said im still in college right now and new to the open field of working for companys. Right now I just work on peoples computers at home. What positions are usually with companies of this sort?

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[mrdenny]

There will be dozens of different positions at companies like these. Help desk, system admins, security staff, network engineers, project managers, customer support, etc.

Being fresh out of school with no professional experience you'll be looking at a help desk, customer support or technical support positions.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[electronicsfreak]

Oh joy lol. I hate talking to those types of people. Bring the noose.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[mrdenny]

We all hate those kinds of jobs. That's why they are left to the new folks in the industry. These positions are the entry level positions which everyone who moves up does at some point. You have to do your time in the low end jobs before being able to move up into the higher end jobs.

The help desk / tech support type positions are also how the industry weeds out the people who just aren't cut out for the IT industry.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[gbaughma]

Heh... I had a local cable company turned ISP *beg* me to come manage their help desk.

I remember saying to him "I doubt that you're willing to pay me what I'm worth."

He says "We'll start you off at $32,000 *PLUS* we'll give you free cable and high-speed internet!"

I said... "Ummm.... first of all, I don't live in the town you service, second of all, double that, and we'll talk."

lol

I've been in the I.T. business for 20+ years now. I guess at this point, I'm just "hunkering in" and working towards retirement. I love doing R&D though... and I love programming... the nice thing about being a "one man shop" (part of a larger IT department, but the only person at this particular location) is that it gives me the autonomy to try new things and keep busy. The down-side to that, of course, is that anything with a wire in it becomes my responsibility (video cameras, cable system, telephones, electronic doors, on and on and on....) but that adds diversity and keeps me from getting bored doing any one thing.

BUT, what I'm getting at is that yes, I've done the chump jobs, and had to claw my way up little by little. And I still handle service calls. Once you get into "Customer focus" frame of mind, it becomes easier.

Just remember... Everyone is your customer. Not just the ones who buy your product, but every person in your company who you support as well.



Just my 2¢
-Cole's Law: Shredded cabbage

--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[electronicsfreak]

Good advice there. Glad I started this so I know what to look forward to and know how things go. As like I mentioned, im still in college and so I have no clue how things started out or went. So I seen this and thought id post on here and see how things go.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[acewarlock]

Alot of companys have Intern job's that let you get a feel for what you want to do. Even though a company may not be looking for anyone, they do hire Interns to fill in.


This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

electronicsfreak,

It would not hurt to pick up your CCNA and CCNP while in college - I saw a BS degree program at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC that had CCNA and CCNP as part of the degree program.

Lots of colleges have Cisco Network Academy classes as part of their degree programs!

As for what Cisco is looking for you might want to start here at Cisco -

http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac40/about_cisco_careers_home.html

or here: Graduate and Intern Career Programs -

http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac40/univ/index.html

or if you have never been to a Cisco Networkers convention it is a great place to "network" with Cisco employees as well as learn a TON!!!!

They are not cheap :-( but I have been to 5 and have loved the experience

Cisco Networkers 2007-2008

Cisco Networkers, Cisco Systems' annual user conference, is the most important conference in the networking industry. Whether you've attended Cisco Networkers before, or you're new to the conference, you'll find many ways to take your network, your company, and your career to the next level.

At Cisco Networkers, Cisco engineers and developers will give you the intensive, comprehensive, technical training you need to turn today's change into a competitive advantage.

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le21/le34/learning_networkers_home.html

Hope this helps!


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

 

[electronicsfreak]

Very informative stuff there. As for going to one of the conference, id love to do that if ever possible. Cant right now lol. I think ive watched that video before. Id really love to go to one of their conferences. Maybe one day lol.

I plan on getting both CCNA and CCNP and a few other things. Im finally about to my core classes at ASU.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon