Information Technology (IT)

I've had enough of my current job and am looking for a new one closer to home. Hopefully I'll be out of here by January. I can't stand waking up so early and driving out to DC anymore.

:x:x I'm right there with you homie, 95 295 BW parkway are complete jokes past 7:00.
 
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I start work at 7, but wake up around 5 and get on the 66 by 6. It's the drive home that sucks ***.
 
I start work at 7, but wake up around 5 and get on the 66 by 6. It's the drive home that sucks ***.
I probably pass by you every day :lol

I'll wave from the HOV next time. :lol

P - taking HOV on 66 will cut your commute down dramatically. There have to be people willing to carpool in your office.
 
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Is there anyone here who is good with resume's? I'll pay you if I have to, I need to get a resume' improved on as soon as possible. Real trap ****.

If you're willing to pay, why not use a resume' building service? Or just make one and we can provide feedback. There might be a resume' thread here, you could take a look at some tips or advice.
 
I probably pass by you every day :lol

I'll wave from the HOV next time. :lol

P - taking HOV on 66 will cut your commute down dramatically. There have to be people willing to carpool in your office.

Have to be in at 6:30 out the door around 5:15-5:30, no HOV on 95 :{ just a ton of terrible drivers.
I have about 40 minutes in themorning sometimes, M-W sometimes 35 minutes getting home.
Thurs-Fri is easily 1 hour +. Never thought I'd be waking up this early, and lasting so long without
burning out which I've pretty much reached. 66 is a mine field, I don't think I could do that commute
at all.
 
I start work at 7, but wake up around 5 and get on the 66 by 6. It's the drive home that sucks ***.
I probably pass by you every day :lol

I'll wave from the HOV next time. :lol

P - taking HOV on 66 will cut your commute down dramatically. There have to be people willing to carpool in your office.
:lol :lol

I've been riding with a co-worker lately. We usually take the 395 to GW Memorial to 495 to 7 on the way home. It's honestly the stop and go traffic on the 7 that is the most irritating.
 
Why don't yal take the toll road instead of 7? I don't know how people drive down 7 during rush hour.
 
Great thread. Learned a lot so far from a lot of the post.. Trying to figure out my success in IT. 
 
I am working in the Networking field for the past two years. Hit me up if yall have any questions. I just finished up getting my CCNP, but I have some vmware certs as well. I have a bs in Information computer technology with concentration in computer networking. I got lucky that my school had some good connections with companies in my area (RTP). Cisco, RedHat, Lenovo, HP, Dell, Extreme Networks, IBM, etc etc...the list goes on. So many companies for this field. You don't even have to work for a vendor, you can try to work for an enterprise company and get lots of experience.
 
I randomly got two emails from LinkedIn today. One was to meet someone to discuss insider threats (yawn). Don't know the guy. Another was offering me a $110-$160K job for a Unified Communication Enginner job. Unfortunately that's not my strong suit and the joke would be on them as far as my network engineering skills go, lol.

And welcome aboard coldfreshpillow.
 
thanks man I been on NT for years as (puddinpopp) but lost access to the email I signed up under so I had to create this one.  Hahaha unified communications is very services based. For a job with that amount of pay, best believe they gonna make sure you know what you doing. Most people in here debating the value of certs..I think the main reason companies want people with vendor certs is that they get a huge discount on hardware and software licensing from vendors depending on the amount of certified people on their teams. 
 
This is a good thread

Micro technologies are also good to get into. Asp.net and share point admin/developer jobs are paying really good
 
CFP, the person who contacted me is a gold partner. They even mentioned CCIE training opportunities. But best believe nothing is for free or altruistic.

I can't do that web design/programming stuff (despite taking a class here and there). But definitely a nice feather to have in your cap.

Personally, cyber and SDN seem to be the big thing right now. The Sony Hacks have revealed the importance.
 
Yeah SDN will be here sooner or later, but that all runs on existing technology. Understanding how a packet traverses a network is one of those things that will never change, no matter how many packets you encapsulation or put in wrappers. All the new stuff aside from decoupling the data plane from the control plane are buzzword technologies being used to drive revenue by these vendors. Security I def agree with ya on that. I honestly think security is boring. But thats for me, I never really liked reactive positions. I have friends in security and most just use tools to scan based on definitions from other companies. 
 
Is A+ even looked at or worth it now days?
Depends. Do you know anything about computers? And would you like to know more at a competent level? This is the question from a personal level.

The cert doesn't have much value unless at specific places (Frys, Tiger Direct, Best Buy, Dell, desktop support roles, etc). The cost is pretty high. For the DoD, which is the "big" pusher for CompTIA certs, it has no value. Probably better off getting Sec+.

Also, it's a two part test with two part cost. This is the question from an organizational level.
 
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Still need to finish my A+. Passed the first test over a year ago and put off the second. Don't need it for the job, just a personal endeavor.
 
NT Fam I need your help!! So pending a background and drug screen check I just got a job as a Comcast Call Center as a Tier 1 Technical Support Specialist. I graduated this past May with a BA in Information Technology. Is this a good first job to take for an aspiring IT professional? I don't have any true experience so I'm not in a position to be picky. However, I'm hesitant because the pay is low(17/hr), commute sort of far (45mins each way), and the job doesn't even require a bachelors degree. That stuff really doesn't matter to me though if the experience will be helpful down the road. It's basically their biggest call center in the US and the job entails providing billing support to customers as well. Here's the job description, let me know what you think.

Job Description:
CAE – Technical Support – Horsham, PA

Tasks:
- Possesses excellent knowledge of Windows and Macintosh operating
systems, internet/IP, web browsers, e-mail and other PC operating and
connectivity technologies. Diagnoses PC hardware, software, operating
system and cable modem and cabling issues.
- Demonstrates knowledge of TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, cable modem and routers to
successfully evaluate and resolve escalated help desk tickets in a
timely manner and follows-up with customer to ensure resolution.
- Performs advanced-level network diagnostics to identify and resolve
network configuration issues from the modem to the Internet backbone
(e.g. misallocated IP, duplicate IP, router configuration, etc.).
- Provides feedback to training to assist in enhancing CAE IP curriculum
- Collaborates with other business partners and internal departments to
resolve complex customer issues.
- Stays informed of all current methods, technology, policies and
procedures.
- Identifies customer call trends and recommends process improvement
opportunities.
- Displays excellent verbal and written communications skills, including
interest and ability in working with all levels and types of customers.
- Consistently demonstrates ability to meet higher performance
expectations (increased KPI/MPS).
- Regular, consistent and punctual attendance. Must be able to work
nights and weekends, variable schedule(s) and overtime as necessary.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
 
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Help desk is a great start, good customer service and call handling skills, those are valuable. Guys with degrees and certa are a dime a dozen, soft skills, not so much. Don't get lazy though, keep that short term, 2 yrs max. Keep learning new things and looking for new opportunities.
 
Help desk is a great start, good customer service and call handling skills, those are valuable. Guys with degrees and certa are a dime a dozen, soft skills, not so much. Don't get lazy though, keep that short term, 2 yrs max. Keep learning new things and looking for new opportunities.

Yeah I'm definitely going to be searching around for other opportunities pretty soon. Just trying to make sure this job will be a good starting point. Anyone else have any opinions.
 
You may very well hate working for Comcast. Technical know-how is just one aspect of the job. A large portion of your performance will be based on customer service metrics and your ability to pitch and have customers sign up for more Comcast services. Just read this article: http://www.cracked.com/article_21756_5-reasons-working-comcast-worse-than-you-think.html

That being said, if you are really adamant about getting any experience you can, it might be a good temporary position to use as a springboard for a better one (it is easier to get interviews/offers when you have a job, after all.) Just know that some of your salary will be eaten up in commuting costs, call centers are usually high stress environments, and you may have to sacrifice your nights/weekends (based on the job description.)

If I were you, I'd take another look at the job description and try to decide if it's worth 17/hr.

--------------------------------------------------------

Any NTers working for EMC?

8o
 
I'm currently doing tier 1 for another ISP and if it's anything like where I work you'll get tired of it soon but should be able to use it to spring board into something better.

I hate the metrics more than anything and our supervisors care more about our sales numbers than anything, although it might be different there. Call handle time, customer survey scores, reciting scripts will often be more important than actually, ya know, resolving issues and helping people. For example, we're not supposed to troubleshoot router problems at all outside of power cycling the equipment. Anything else is transfer them to their manufacturer, our for pay technical service or our Home Networking department if they have one of our wireless gateways.

It's good experience, especially if nothing else is lined up. You reeeeaaally learn patience and being able to explain semi complex things to those that are not technically sound (and those that think that are). Walking someone's half blind 80 year old grandma through inputting IMAP email settings into Outlook or doing a release and renew is always fun :lol

I've been like a year and have been letting the resume fly since I finished this Net+ recently so we'll see what takes.
 
I suggest you edit the company out of your post.
 
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