>>19883571
define decent

>>19883606
Uses/involves computers... makes above $11 hourly. I just need something to help me fund the rest of my education.

a+ cert
linux cert

>>19883664
yes. get net+ if you are into networks. linux+ if you are into linux. The hard part will be finding a job that isn't full time

does ccnp worth getting?

>>19883745
yes

>>19883693
I'm happy with doing full time work/full time school. As far as A+ and net+ certs, what kinds of actual work will I be doing in the field?

Thanks, everyone ITT, for the help

Get your CompTIA A+. 2 test's an hour each 220 701/702 . study lots and use CBT Nuggets
IC3 is the easiest test in the world
Both are computer hardware tests
or
Get into networking, buy your own cisco equipment. and use lots of different study materials

>>19884021
>each 220 701/702
What do you mean?
As far as A+, what kinds of jobs can I get as someone with no experience?

Thanks for the help brohammad

>>19884176
You can get a job at Micro Center, Fry's, or Geek Squad
Just an FYI on GeekSquad, 1/2 the time you'll just be selling extra services to raise the service bill

CCIE is good. Will cost you several months and several thousand dollars to get however.

>>19884253
Hell, Geek Squad is all I have to look forward to? Do they even pay above min. wage?

>>19884176
The first test is easier It's the 220-701 which covers basic PC parts and memorization is required. for instance the maximum speed of USB 2.0 devices 480/mbits
The second exam is the 220-702 which is more in-depth and covers troubleshooting
You will have to memorize the steps to the troubleshooting process

>>19884287
With a proper teaching degree you can work at a trade school teaching everything you just learned to high-schoolers while making a considerable amount of money through taxes paid by combined residents of the school-area (118k)

>>19883571
Redhat certified engineer is a good one

I'm 32 and I earn ~100k pa. I have no qualifications and no certs. Started at the bottom (Desktop support, minimum wage) and worked my way up so its definitely possible to have a decent career in IT with some skills and a bit of luck.

I'm in Network Support now. Routing, Switching, IP Telephony, Storage, Firewalls etc

>>19883571
If you're interested in networking, I would start with the ICND1 Cisco cert (it's part 1 of the CCNA certification). If you pass the CCNA you'll probably be able to land some sort of entry level job in the IT industry.

It's pretty easy to study for the CCNA (ICND1 and ICND2) using free software like GNS3.

What are you interested in doing?

>>19884412
A Precinct Chief is a position only offered in free-standing Geek Squad locations. About the same as a DCI (Has a badge)

And then there is the almighty Secret Agent, who goes one month long assignments. (Such as recently when U2 went on tour, there were a few Secret Agents with them) They were responsible for managing communications for the band on their tour. Most Secret Agents are Special Agents that get recuited for this task and become a Secret Agent.

Pay Rates:
COA - $8-$9/hr
CIA - $11-$12/hr
CIA-senior - $12-$14/hr
DCI - I believe about $18 - $20/hr
Cadet - $14-$15/hr
Double Agent - $16-$22/hr
Special Agent - $25/hr +
Secret Agent - no idea but i can assure you they are well fed.

Hope this helps.

>>19884413
I don't have any experience with networking so I have no idea whether I'd like it or not. I'd call myself a Windows "power user"; I'm very comfortable with tech and it's definitely one of my hobbies or "passions" or whatever you'd call it. As far as what I'm interested in doing, I have no clue whatsoever. I don't know a lot about the available options, so I figured I'd ask /g/.

>>19884354
Impressive, although I need decent work to bankroll a proper teaching degree

>>19884405
You also started 14 years ago. A lot has changed since then. With the economy in the shitter, you can't even get a job in the mailroom anymore without your BS in Mailroom Science.

>>19884496
so much win

Geek Squad sucks, don't work for them. I have seen their tools, and they can't get shit done. That's why all they ever do to PCs is format/reinstall or sell a new one.

I'm a tech at a local place, I have only a one-year certification from a community college and I make 13 bucks an hour, and I'm allowed to take whatever I want out of inventory. Best part is that I'm actually given the discretion to fix things with whatever tools I need. I can't imagine how impotent you would feel having a total of about 10 tools, only one or two of which really do anything.

>>19884521
What do you mean 'tools'?

Anyway, what do you do on a day-to-day basis, and what kind of cert do you have?

>>19884545
He probably means approved programs to remove viruses, speed up the pc and such.
>I don't use tools i go in and remove them myself

>>19884496

My company still employs know nothings to do desktop support (Actually the foot in the door jobs tend to be changing toners, installing monitors, swapping mice etc) but yeah you will need some luck to get your foot in the door.

Recessions are nothing new... 1995 we were just coming out of one too.

So wait, which certs can land me a job that isn't Geek Squad?

>>19884545
By "tools" I mean their utilities. Here, I have boot cds with Hiren's, loads of antiviruses, tons of cracked software, etc. They aren't allowed to use any of that. They get one cd with Best Buy brand registry cleaner and other crappy garbage.

Generally, our business comes from repair, lots of broken laptop screens and bum power supplies, and also removing viruses. Lately we've gotten a lot of custom systems. I've built about five gaming computers a week for the past couple months. Usually I have about 3-4 hours a day of downtime, which I can play videogames or watch movies (or post here).

My cert is just a 12 hour program at the community college for computer repair, though I don't think it factored in to getting me the job.

>>19884471
Mid level networking jobs usually involve planning out and installing/configuring the routers/switches/access points/wifi controllers that connect all the devices of an organization, and reconfiguring them as needed.

Your best bet case scenario for ANY tech job would probably be getting into the field by finding a job working for a small to medium sized organization where you have to wear multiple hats (the primary usually being desktop support, for entry level positions).

That multi-hat job allows you to get a taste of everything and discover what you really like doing or are more curious about.

For example, I worked for a few years for my college part-time putting together shitty podiums with PCs and projectors for classrooms, then got the multi-hat job described above, and found out I was interested in networking, then specialized from there.

>>19884651
Those aren't tools but various software programs with a step-by-step wizard.

>>19884651
Thanks brah.

>>19884651
>tons of cracked software, etc. They aren't allowed to use any of that

Have fun getting fired not having any references.

>>19884425
Those are actual staff position names?

Well fuck.

>>19884698
>Your best bet case scenario for ANY tech job would probably be getting into the field by finding a job working for a small to medium sized organization where you have to wear multiple hats

Good tip, I learned shitloads when I worked for a small company where I was the only person doing IT. AKA the computer guy.

>>19884788
How do you even find those kinds of positions, though? Where you're just the computer guy for some small company? (That sounds great for an entry-level position!) And do they pay more than minimum wage?

>>19884805
Did desktop support, then moved to a small company to do desktop support with another guy who was more senior, he left and they never replaced him. I ended up doing everything for a couple of years before moving on for better money somewhere else.

>>19884805
The company that I was hired by paid $16 to start. I was JUST doing desktop support. Our department consisted of me, a programmer, a database guy, and the IT director (who did all the server stuff).

I think I actually found that job using monster, and they hired me on BECAUSE I didn't have much experience; they didn't want to pay someone $20/hr+, and would rather hire someone less experienced and let them grow while paying them less. I don't think that's a very commonplace ideology for hiring managers, but it sure turned out great for me.

instakk gentoo

>>19885052
Granted, this was in 2007, just before everyone went from hiring mode to firing mode, so it was probably about 1/2 luck, 1/4 economy, 1/4 good interview.

>>19883571
YES,

Cisco stuff,

CCNP
CCNI
CCNA
Security Plus

Get those and you can land a government job starting around Grade 11 pay. That's like $75k/year. Providing you can pass background checks and shit. All you do is monkey with LAN/WLAN shit all day and go to lots of training stuff.

I work on a tech bench at a very small shop . I have no certs at all . I have 4 felony convictions . I do anything from data recovery, virus removal, hardware upgrades/swap outs. Whatever . I make my own hours and negotiate my pay on a daily basis with the owner. I don't work every day because i dont want to . I get paid fairly for the work I do. I'm certain other people get paid more for doing less than I do, but I don't worry about that . I am treated with respect and fairness .

>>19885154
Jawesome, thanks

>>19884844
>>19885052
No certs to start off with?

>>19885278
Just the listed stuff. Certs like A+ are completely worthless in that arena. They don't even care if you only have a GED. So long as you can do that shit and pass their security bullshit you are in. A lot of times they will contact you out of the blue, depending on your location.

>>19885278
nope I had nothing. Helps if you interview well I guess

>>19885323
They contacted you from/via Monster?

>>19883571
If you want to do IT repair/admin, you can definitely go down this route. In most countries employers will liaison with polytechnics/community colleges, and it might even land you a job straight after you're finished.

If you're interested in software engineering, you can get entry level jobs at many companies who will train you on the job, or offer a kind of apprenticeship. The quality of such education and the work you'll do will vary a LOT depending on who you go to. Many companies offer this type of thing, from IBM to non-tech companies with large tech departments (think insurance companies, banks, etc.).

>>19884425
Jesus, those are all below entry level IT Grade pay for the government. The people doing their IT work make more money than the people risking their lives. They start at over $36/hour, entry level.

>>19885392
No, like you are flagging certain check lists in certain agencies as you build your experience and they contact you with someone that stops by or calls you on the phone.

>>19885470
Now I'm confused--I think I got mixed up by the two or three people responding to the same questions. Are you referring to gov jobs?

>>19885573
>Are you referring to gov jobs?

Yes. The really good ones.

Software Developers != Computer Scientists

Unfortunately, the majority of colleges and employers don't get the difference.

bump for OP

>>19886146
Thank you

>>19885741
I'm not interested in programming regardless

>>19885638
Thanks.

Bumped

how to get government jobs without them randomly contacting you?

Bumped

>>19886480

Depends on your country

In some countries all you need to take is a civil service test wherein its a simple test on how much you know about the goverment,law, rights etc.

if you passed it then you're eligible instantly to work for the goverment

>>19888396
What about the USA, specifically?

>>19888481

Our country's laws is highly based on the U.S law so yeah you might as well google your state + civil service exam

BTW you might as well search for "contacts" in the government

like it or not real life networking > your skills and certs

I admittedly hate it for I too am socially inept and hate people

Good thread. I'm in OP's same position. fukken saved.

>>19884622
>>19884622
>>19884622
>>19884622
>>19884622
>>19884622
this
this
this

>>19890528
Why don't you read the thread?

>>19890562
Nobody answered directly

If you want a job, you can't expect to get it without experience.'

I've been in the biz for nearly 10 years, and I have a degree and about 6 certs.

If you really want to start a good career, you need to take the jobs that nobody else wants.

Get that experience. When you identify what skills you need in that job, get the skills you need to kick ass in it. Once you've got those skills to rock the first job, start advertising yourself for the second job.

>>19890786
That sounds great on paper, but can you put it in concrete terms? "Take a bad job and move up" is the mantra everyone knows... but how does it apply to the real world? You can't start as a Geek Squad retard and work your way up to a real career--it just doesn't work that way.

Any advice for how it *does* work? Much appreciated!

CompTIA A+, entry level MS certs(MCP, MCDST, not sure what they offer currently) should be able to get you on doing basic helpdesk or hardware/software technician repair work usually in the $10-$12/hr range.

I'll vouch for CBTnuggets video training series as one of the best to use if they offer what you're looking for, but don't solely rely on any one set of training material. Different instructors put different amounts of emphasis on certain topics and they may explain something in a way you understand more easily.

>>19891152
do you recommend a+ alone or with the other ms certs? are multiple needed for the entry $10-12 position or just a+?

biump

>>19883761
You'll be lucky to get a job putting any of that networking knowledge to any real use. At your experience level, the Net+ will likely just be something to make your resume stand out. It's not that impressive to HR either being that it only covers networking theory and not practical application.

Vendor specific certifications like Cisco are much more in demand, cover the same theory material and teach you how to actually use specific devices. For roughly the same cost and effort required, I'd go that route in the long run. As I said before though, having more advanced certs won't help you get your foot in a higher end position if you have little/no experience.

>>19884285
Anyone who applies to GeekSquad or any other entry level position with a CCIE would get turned down for being overqualified. I'd like to meet someone who obtained their CCIE in "several months," too.

>>19884363
Again, RHCE would be overkill. Along with the majority of the certs in this thread.

OP, A+ or MCDST should be enough to get you into an entry level technician job without too much effort and will only require a few weeks of studying or less, depending on how much you already know.

>>19891289
Obviously, the more certs you have, the more you'll stand out to HR or whoever's in charge of hiring. The A+ alone should be enough for a young kid in school to get an entry level job, but it really depends on the job market in your area. You probably already know a good bit of the material covered in the A+ and MCP/MCDST if you have been tinkering around with computers a while and consider yourself a power user.

>>19891532
>>19891468
Thanks a bunch, I appreciate it.

You mentioned that A+ and MCDST are enough to get going, but are there any sort-of "middle-ground" certs which don't require ridiculous amounts of time but will still give me the credentials I need to move up a bit? After some brief research I can tell that many of the certs mentioned ITT take months (or even years?) to fully prepare for and obtain, so I'd like to know what my options are in the meantime.

Thanks again!

>>19891729
Most certifications follow a path you can continue to expand upon throughout your career.

MS has their entry level MCP, which only requires one exam. The MCDST requires two, and the MCP exam counts for that. There's the MCSA(I think they renamed it not too long ago), which was 4 exams, and the previous certs count toward it as well. It keeps going on from there.

Cisco has the CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, etc as well where each prior exam counts towards a future one as well.

Most other vendors have their certs in a similar fashion.

>>19891856
new one is called MCITP, np

Been browsing the thread but didnt read every post, have an oppotunity working at a computer part/repair shop for a while and want to get into working with computers, not sure specifically on what though.

Is this a good place to start and then just get certs as i go, or should i be going to schooling for most of it?

>>19891729
I would suggest that you aim for the CCNA it took me about 3 months to prepare and as i was walking out of the testing center they asked if i was looking for a job and gave me a business card.

http://blogs.payscale.com/salary_report_kris_cowan/2010/03/it-certifications.html

>>19891899
Wow. What're you into now?

>>19891729
But to answer your question, unless you're some aspie neckbeard who was coding in five languages by 16, any of the mid-level certs will require several months of training. Even then, you probably will only have memorized factoids solely required only for testing purposes. You may be able to pass the exam, but you probably won't know enough to pass an interview or most real world issues you run into.

>>19891985
So what do I do? Study hard, pass test, fall on my ass until I have enough real-world experience to make up for my lack of learning prior to exam?

>>19891985
That's pretty much the most truthful thing about certs.

That's also true of anything else in this industry, you can't rely on things and have to adapt.

But the nice things about certs (the good ones anyhow) is that the information has practical and theory based stuff, which can be useful for expanding your knowledge base and keep on trucking.

If you study the material and and faced with a real world issue (what the hell does that even mean anyhow?) the knowledge you have will provide a foundation to build upon.

I doubt an interviewer would know shit about your job unless they have a position in the company.

If they do, good luck and just make it seem like your smart- it's everything in life.

>>19892041
No, that's unrealistic if you actually have in demand certs.

If you study hard enough and bullshit your way through the mom and pop shop interview you'll get the experience needed to actually possibly move up.

ITT OP thinks he came get a decent job without any hard work at all OP is a fag

certifications is shit and associate is the "ass" degree. Get a BS.

>>19892041
Pretty much, sadly. A degree/certs are a great way to get noticed and land an interview, sure, but experience is the key to landing(and keeping) the job.

>>19892091
nah, these day it's 80% bullshit and 20% hard work...of course you use that 20% to learn how to bullshit.

>>19892112
The same old tired you need experience for a job but you need a job to get experience.

Its about knowing the right person at the right place at the right time.

1.Connections
2.Right person
3.Personality
4.Experience
5.Industry standards knowledge

Thats how I see the ladder of importance

>>19892112
>>cert
>>notices

LOL

>>19892076
>>b/s through mom and pop shop interview
In that context, you're right, but I assumed we were talking about getting hired on for a larger business.

>>19892134
no you need to know how to bullshit because thats all what it comes down to,

>>19892152
So then what od you do when you can't handle the job? lol you can;'t jus tb/s it

>>19892151
Not at first you won't.

>>19892152
Well that's the point- the bullshit you have to face in order to get the job first then get to actually using the experience.

>>19892170
Actually you can, you just have to be able to make up for it later.

For example, I know shit about programing, but picked up python because our database was running some hacked together 24 hour project that the original guy left. I had to fix it up and guess what, understood python.