IT guys, what should I be learning to climb the ladder?
Discussion
I've been working in I.T. Support for around 6 years now, but I'm absolutely fed up with not making any real progress. I'm 29 and am still around the bottom of the ladder, doing 2nd line support. I've had enough. I want to improve my skills and find a £25k+ job (with a view to getting up past £30k within a couple of years after that) or have my current employers (preferable, as this is the first place in a long, long time I've genuinely enjoyed working) look at what I am doing and say "Yeah, he deserves a raise".
I know my way around desktop support like the back of my hand, and I have decent experience with installing Server O/S, using WSUS, deploying WDS images, adding drivers to images etc. and I even sat an exam in configuring Exchange 2007 last year, which I passed.
But I often find I just have no idea what some of the higher up guys are talking about. I need to know more about servers and networking, but I don't know where to focus on. I never have, and I have found myself left behind because I've never made enough conscious effort to find out what I should be learning and to then learn it.
Can anyone offer up any good suggestions? I'm sick and tired of hearing about people five years younger than me who have way more skills and as a result earn more money, have a nice car, nice house etc. Basically all the stuff I want! Should I study for and sit the Microsoft Server 2008 Network Infrastructure exam? What then? Should I be buying an old Cisco router and playing around with it? Are there any other things I should consider?
I know my way around desktop support like the back of my hand, and I have decent experience with installing Server O/S, using WSUS, deploying WDS images, adding drivers to images etc. and I even sat an exam in configuring Exchange 2007 last year, which I passed.
But I often find I just have no idea what some of the higher up guys are talking about. I need to know more about servers and networking, but I don't know where to focus on. I never have, and I have found myself left behind because I've never made enough conscious effort to find out what I should be learning and to then learn it.
Can anyone offer up any good suggestions? I'm sick and tired of hearing about people five years younger than me who have way more skills and as a result earn more money, have a nice car, nice house etc. Basically all the stuff I want! Should I study for and sit the Microsoft Server 2008 Network Infrastructure exam? What then? Should I be buying an old Cisco router and playing around with it? Are there any other things I should consider?
If you can do desktop support already then you should be able to find your way around MS server stuff pretty easily
Maybe concentrate on learning: VMWare ESX, Cisco IOS and firewall stuff like iptables (ie not Zone Alarm). Citrix stuff can easily be self taught too - ie http://www.dabcc.com/miab/
Maybe concentrate on learning: VMWare ESX, Cisco IOS and firewall stuff like iptables (ie not Zone Alarm). Citrix stuff can easily be self taught too - ie http://www.dabcc.com/miab/
itsnotarace said:
If you can do desktop support already then you should be able to find your way around MS server stuff pretty easily
Maybe concentrate on learning: VMWare ESX, Cisco IOS and firewall stuff like iptables (ie not Zone Alarm). Citrix stuff can easily be self taught too - ie http://www.dabcc.com/miab/
Cheers, that Citrix site looks great. I will also try and pick up some cheap old Cisco gear on eBay and start teaching myself. Only problem with that is I have heard the commands differ a fair bit between different pieces of kit.Maybe concentrate on learning: VMWare ESX, Cisco IOS and firewall stuff like iptables (ie not Zone Alarm). Citrix stuff can easily be self taught too - ie http://www.dabcc.com/miab/
I have worked in a Citrix environment before, but more at a user support level than any proper administration.
As for MS Server stuff and VM Ware ESXi, I have done plenty of setting up and installs etc., I'm just more moderately skilled in each area rather than being an expert on any of it. My biggest weaknesses are networking, i.e. the Cisco stuff, and knowing what to look for/do when servers are running slowly or errors are occurring etc.
Then there's stuff like NAS, SAN's and so on where I don't know a great deal about them.
Edited by BlueTwo2 on Monday 16th May 16:32
Sorry yeah I mean ESX, not ESXi
Two different products. ESXi is for small businesses and home users. ESX isn't. The trouble with SAN's etc is that if you don't have the hardware available to play with you'll never learn much. Especially with the clustering technology and software now.
Two different products. ESXi is for small businesses and home users. ESX isn't. The trouble with SAN's etc is that if you don't have the hardware available to play with you'll never learn much. Especially with the clustering technology and software now.
Virtualisation is big at the moment.
Voice over IP, SIP - Cisco or Avaya are leaders here but MS Lync Enterprise Voice is coming up fast.
Networking
Security
Essentially you need to make yourself the to go to guy for something.
And remember being an expert in something doesn't mean knowing everything, it means knowing more than the next guy.
I work in an area that crosses lots of different technology, loads of TLA's many I don't know as they are often industry specific. Google is your friend, it's amazing how many people struggle to understand stuff that's freely available on the net. Be a quick learner, a logical thinker and pick something that looks like it's moving and be the expert.
Voice over IP, SIP - Cisco or Avaya are leaders here but MS Lync Enterprise Voice is coming up fast.
Networking
Security
Essentially you need to make yourself the to go to guy for something.
And remember being an expert in something doesn't mean knowing everything, it means knowing more than the next guy.
I work in an area that crosses lots of different technology, loads of TLA's many I don't know as they are often industry specific. Google is your friend, it's amazing how many people struggle to understand stuff that's freely available on the net. Be a quick learner, a logical thinker and pick something that looks like it's moving and be the expert.
Speak nicely to the boys doing the work you aspire to. Ask to shadow them for a day or two. Listen to what you're told.
Make it part of your development goals to spend a day a fortnight with that team maybe? On your own time perhaps.
Pick up the MCITP booke on Amazon and start reading. Make a lab at home and see what tickles your interest..?
Make it part of your development goals to spend a day a fortnight with that team maybe? On your own time perhaps.
Pick up the MCITP booke on Amazon and start reading. Make a lab at home and see what tickles your interest..?
Don't assume that just because you are doing desktop stuff now that you *must* then move on to server support as a career path. I realise this is what most people tend to do (myself included) but it isn't necessarily the way forward for everyone. Server support has become a 24X7 game and that means call-out, weekend work etc. Not everyones mug of tetley...
By all means take the MS server exams to get a grounding (although you've already done the exchange one so you must know a bit already?). I'd then look at specialising in an area that interests you the most. Vmware and virtual desktops seems quite a good thing to learn at the moment. The better money tends to come with project work so dont rule out a switch into the project side of things in the future.
By all means take the MS server exams to get a grounding (although you've already done the exchange one so you must know a bit already?). I'd then look at specialising in an area that interests you the most. Vmware and virtual desktops seems quite a good thing to learn at the moment. The better money tends to come with project work so dont rule out a switch into the project side of things in the future.
Bikerjon said:
Don't assume that just because you are doing desktop stuff now that you *must* then move on to server support as a career path. I realise this is what most people tend to do (myself included) but it isn't necessarily the way forward for everyone. Server support has become a 24X7 game and that means call-out, weekend work etc. Not everyones mug of tetley...
By all means take the MS server exams to get a grounding (although you've already done the exchange one so you must know a bit already?). I'd then look at specialising in an area that interests you the most. Vmware and virtual desktops seems quite a good thing to learn at the moment. The better money tends to come with project work so dont rule out a switch into the project side of things in the future.
^^This^^ is good advice, especially with regards to the project management side of things. I know several people who have gone down the Microsoft qualification route but the slight salary increase never seems to make up for the initial outlay. Have you spoken to your line manager about career progression, it may be possible for your current employer to pay for qualifications if where you want to go fits with their plans.By all means take the MS server exams to get a grounding (although you've already done the exchange one so you must know a bit already?). I'd then look at specialising in an area that interests you the most. Vmware and virtual desktops seems quite a good thing to learn at the moment. The better money tends to come with project work so dont rule out a switch into the project side of things in the future.
BlueTwo2 said:
Not really, it's a fairly compact setup, but the company has just been bought out, so don't know what will happen in the long term. On the other hand, I'd happily stay and continue in my current role, providing increasing my skills can be rewarded appropriately.
It is more likely you need to move to be better compensated and to develop your skills. To do that these days you need qulificationsMCITP
ITIL
Get one of these
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
add 8gb ram and a couple of TB drives, install ESXi ona USB stick and use the drives for VMs, use evaluation ISOs from MS of their server range and build your own AD /sever network etc for MCITP
Also there are a lot of demo/trial/free appliances on the vmware site
http://www.vmware.com/appliances/
From the comments you've made i'm afraid that the number 1 suggestion i'd have is "leave"
There doesn't seem to be the room to grow in your current company so try finding a new one with more growth potential. One of the major IT companies would be a good bet as you will often find decent internal job vacancies that will allow you to move around and grow your skillset.
Self taught learning is all well and good but most employers will be looking for practical experience using technologies, not just that you can read a book - especially if you want a 3rd line or better job. I've lost track of the number of CVs I've seen where people have claimed all kinds of qualifications but it becomes painfully clear they have only been on a course or read a book on the topic and never used them in a live environment.
If you do want to go down the self taught route then pick technologies that are complementary with the ones you are experienced with - that means you'll be able to show real experience in the area if not maybe with that exact technology.
I don't think that there is a silver bullet answer to this question, do some reading around your subject area - despite being dull some of the IT blogs etc can help introduce you to new concepts. If you're in a conversation and don't understand ASK SOMEONE! Looking a bit daft for a minute is a small price to pay to avoid ending up being a bit daft and not understanding what might be a quite simple concept - plus you probably won't be the only one plenty of people use all the buzzwords going and have no idea what they actually mean.
Good Luck
There doesn't seem to be the room to grow in your current company so try finding a new one with more growth potential. One of the major IT companies would be a good bet as you will often find decent internal job vacancies that will allow you to move around and grow your skillset.
Self taught learning is all well and good but most employers will be looking for practical experience using technologies, not just that you can read a book - especially if you want a 3rd line or better job. I've lost track of the number of CVs I've seen where people have claimed all kinds of qualifications but it becomes painfully clear they have only been on a course or read a book on the topic and never used them in a live environment.
If you do want to go down the self taught route then pick technologies that are complementary with the ones you are experienced with - that means you'll be able to show real experience in the area if not maybe with that exact technology.
I don't think that there is a silver bullet answer to this question, do some reading around your subject area - despite being dull some of the IT blogs etc can help introduce you to new concepts. If you're in a conversation and don't understand ASK SOMEONE! Looking a bit daft for a minute is a small price to pay to avoid ending up being a bit daft and not understanding what might be a quite simple concept - plus you probably won't be the only one plenty of people use all the buzzwords going and have no idea what they actually mean.
Good Luck
Stuff that is big at the moment.
virtualisation
Anything HA - Sun Cluster 3.4/Oracle RAC 10/11g
Anyting containing Zones/Containers - Solaris
LINUX - Most flavours
If you can get on a course for the Sun Exadata your made for a while. Only our place and 1 other company has it live however there is a severe lack of knowldege on the things and any work requires the assistance of Oracle. This will change.
Leave the windoze environements and try to get in on a UNIX sys admin job.
If its any help do a Sun Sys admin exam, part 1 and 2 are pretty easy, just read the book and you'll be fine.
Most cisco certifications are quite good to have though these are not easy, not even the CCNA one (entry level).
You could try to get into storage, always handy so try to get some work/training on brocade switches or EMC sans.
virtualisation
Anything HA - Sun Cluster 3.4/Oracle RAC 10/11g
Anyting containing Zones/Containers - Solaris
LINUX - Most flavours
If you can get on a course for the Sun Exadata your made for a while. Only our place and 1 other company has it live however there is a severe lack of knowldege on the things and any work requires the assistance of Oracle. This will change.
Leave the windoze environements and try to get in on a UNIX sys admin job.
If its any help do a Sun Sys admin exam, part 1 and 2 are pretty easy, just read the book and you'll be fine.
Most cisco certifications are quite good to have though these are not easy, not even the CCNA one (entry level).
You could try to get into storage, always handy so try to get some work/training on brocade switches or EMC sans.
Edited by carl carlson on Tuesday 17th May 14:11
Thanks guys, really appreciate the advice.
I have actually only been here for 6 months, so wouldn't look to leave until having completed a good 12 months' minimum. I was out of work before coming in here, which is when I did my Exchange exam, so that my time was spent doing something productive.
I tend to sturggle for motivation at times and this has been a big factor in holding me back int he past. I've given myself a good kick up the backside now and want to crack on. I'm about to sit an exam for Configuring Windows 7. After that I will do another similar exam to gain an overall MCITP qualification then move onto the Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Exam.
Once these are done, I am going to decide on a proper direction, aided by some of the suggestions above, and start learning what I can.
I have actually only been here for 6 months, so wouldn't look to leave until having completed a good 12 months' minimum. I was out of work before coming in here, which is when I did my Exchange exam, so that my time was spent doing something productive.
I tend to sturggle for motivation at times and this has been a big factor in holding me back int he past. I've given myself a good kick up the backside now and want to crack on. I'm about to sit an exam for Configuring Windows 7. After that I will do another similar exam to gain an overall MCITP qualification then move onto the Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Exam.
Once these are done, I am going to decide on a proper direction, aided by some of the suggestions above, and start learning what I can.
My only advice - take the opportunity to look at how you could improve things overall rather than just fixing stuff. When you find something suitable, run with it. Sure fire way to get noticed, and gain valuable experience along the way. If there isn't the scope to do anything like that in your current job, leave. 
TCP/IP. routing and an understanding of the OSI model is a good start.
Avoid vendor specific qualifications and understand how the ones and zeros do their stuff.
If you understand hysterisis, acks, nacks packets headers etc it'll stand you in good stead for the rest of your career.
Understad datacomms from the ground up rather from the top down
Avoid vendor specific qualifications and understand how the ones and zeros do their stuff.
If you understand hysterisis, acks, nacks packets headers etc it'll stand you in good stead for the rest of your career.
Understad datacomms from the ground up rather from the top down
Assuming you want to progress technically rather than as a manager...
Do you currently work for an IT Service provider or a regular company in another sector?
You can specialise as a programmer, Unix guru, networking guru, Citrix guru, windows guru etc. You will be a special person if you can focus on more than one of these areas and become an expert. Pick one area to start with.
If you want the stress of being 'the man' then I suggest you plan to get your certs and set a date to start applying to IT service provider and support companies.
Working for an IT company you get to do site visits to multiple customers which are much more interesting I find, than being stuck in house in one place. Also these companies expose you to experienced techies which gives you the opportunity to learn and rapidly get into other areas.
When you join an IT company you will be an unknown entity. You could sit back and slip into what you know comfortably - a second line support role again - and stagnate. Avoid this. As the relatively unknown new hire, you can put yourself forward to work on more complicated jobs and get in at the deep end. You just have to be ready and confident that you can do the basics and Google the answers to fill in the gaps in good time - and be very friendly with those who are better experienced so you can call them for a nod in the right direction.
Good exercises for your home test environment with 180 day trial version of Windows Server software:
Build a server. Install Active Directory. Join a workstation. Set up some group policies. Back it up using the built in program. Format it. Recover it entirely from your backup - a bare metal restore. Make notes to help you remember the gotcha's. Same with an Exchange server... and SQL databases.
You can specialise as a programmer, Unix guru, networking guru, Citrix guru, windows guru etc. You will be a special person if you can focus on more than one of these areas and become an expert. Pick one area to start with.
If you want the stress of being 'the man' then I suggest you plan to get your certs and set a date to start applying to IT service provider and support companies.
Working for an IT company you get to do site visits to multiple customers which are much more interesting I find, than being stuck in house in one place. Also these companies expose you to experienced techies which gives you the opportunity to learn and rapidly get into other areas.
When you join an IT company you will be an unknown entity. You could sit back and slip into what you know comfortably - a second line support role again - and stagnate. Avoid this. As the relatively unknown new hire, you can put yourself forward to work on more complicated jobs and get in at the deep end. You just have to be ready and confident that you can do the basics and Google the answers to fill in the gaps in good time - and be very friendly with those who are better experienced so you can call them for a nod in the right direction.
Good exercises for your home test environment with 180 day trial version of Windows Server software:
Build a server. Install Active Directory. Join a workstation. Set up some group policies. Back it up using the built in program. Format it. Recover it entirely from your backup - a bare metal restore. Make notes to help you remember the gotcha's. Same with an Exchange server... and SQL databases.
I work in the IT Dept for a company that does vehicle tracking and that sort of thing. I've been thinking back to a meeting I had last month for some feedback fromt he boss, and he mentioned that nobody here really knows much about the phone system, so I think learning about this must be a priority for me.
We use an Avaya system, if anyone can suggest where to look for help on this? Obviously I'll Google it, but sometimes people have better suggestions.
We use an Avaya system, if anyone can suggest where to look for help on this? Obviously I'll Google it, but sometimes people have better suggestions.
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