IT Certification

[nitetrain8601]

I just started reading up on things until I get paid next week so I could buy some books on A+ and Network+. I'll also look into Cisco as well. A lot of the things I know about, but I don't know how they work. With that said, the stuff I've just been reading over the past 2 hours is pretty cool. Detailed inner working of Token Rings, BIOS, and the rest of I guess what would be the basics. As for the A+, it seems like I know most of it after reading things and taking a few practice tests. Maybe because I'm that nerdy to have taken a few of my computers apart before. I know I'm going to have to brush up on UNIX though.

[HuskyCaucasian]

Question, do you fellows here who are in the field have a degree that is related to what you do? computer science, etc....

I have no degree or certs in computing. I have some simple computer / network duties where I work and tend to work a lot with the computes here. But, we have 2 volunteers to handle the higher end stuff. but my situation is a little differant as I was hired by the church I grew up in. So, it's a bit unique. I probably wouldnt have a similar job in the "normal world".

[Whitewashed in '05]

I am currently working on a B.S. in Computer Information Technology focusing on Networking and Security.

 

I would definitely agree that I like my job in this field, but not love it. As long as I don't dread going into work the next day after clocking out I'm happy.

[kapkomet]

You aren't kidding. My friend works in the security department for Apple (in the Cupertino campus), and often shares his experiences with me in the interviews he gives people. One of his most often failed questions goes like so:

 

"If you had root on a *NIX machine, but could only use the default tools on the server/not install anything new or run any sort of script, what would be one of the first steps you take to figure out what kind of server it is, what it does, etc.?!"

 

Now you would be amazed that 99% of the "charlatans", as you called them, answer with, "I'd use NMAP or something similar to portscan the server." Which of course you cannot do, because he just said NO INSTALLING ANYTHING OR RUNNING SCRIPTS. As you pointed out, people lean on these types of programs to call themselves experts. When more simple commands such as netstat -an would give you the information he just asked for in 1/1000th the time. Or how about, I don't know...taking a peek at the process list?! Needless to say, these people don't get hired...but they a majority of his applicants. And their resumes are COMPLETELY fabricated/embellished. Bottom line, don't use tools/scripts to drive 100 miles when the place you're trying to go is only 1 mile away.

Ok, hell, I'm not an IT guy at all but I at least would know to run a process list (and at the top of that process list is the whole damn thing he asked).

 

 

[Y2HH]

Ok, hell, I'm not an IT guy at all but I at least would know to run a process list (and at the top of that process list is the whole damn thing he asked).

 

 

Yea, that should tell you how many people in the IT industry don't actually belong here. They are quickly being weeded out now, with the economy the way it is, and they won't be coming back. Most of these are leftovers from the IT tech boom where anyone who knew anyone could get a job in IT, even if they knew absolutely nothing about it.

[mr_genius]

Question, do you fellows here who are in the field have a degree that is related to what you do? computer science, etc....

 

i do, has worked well for me. depends on what you want to do. for someone who is going to push click their way through their career, the computer science education is merely for additional salary and job opportunities. more and more companies want a computer sci/related degree even for easy stuff.

Edited March 13, 2009 by mr_genius