Information Technology (IT)

[JonathanLegend]

Had no idea there was an IT post here.  This is great.   

Wanted to ask this.  I have no certs.  But I've been awarded vouchers to go to a school and take about 3-4 boot camps.  I have done Level I Tech Support for Dell and have experience in Tech Support, Sales, Customer Service, etc. 

My question is:  If you were to start fresh with no certs, no degree and take 3-4 boot camps what would you pick?  I'm interested in either security or business in IT.  Security like CISM, CISSP, CISA, CEH.  Business like PMP, Six Sigma. 

I'm a total noob at this stuff so I've found that for a lot of these Security certs, you have to first get Security+ before anything.  And to get Security+, you have to get Network+, and A+ (I believe).  And for PMP you have to have hours of work/experience and Six Sigma you have to already have a bachelor's degree which I don't have.  

So from all of this, to get on the fast track I figure the best thing to do is just get my A+ first, then Network+, then Security+ (That's 3 right there).  I also feel like I shouldn't use a voucher for A+ cause I could maybe just self-study. If so, any particular sites/books anyone recommend? 

And from there try to pay out of pocket and get either CISM, CISSP, CISA, or CEH,  etc.  Am I right in this assessment? 

 

[capital sb]

You don't have to take A+ to take Sec+ or Net+ . I say taking A+ would be a waste of time since you are already in the field. If you want to go the security route I'd try to get as many higher tier certs (non Comptia) as possible that you are qualified for. Look into each cert and see which ones will help you get to where you want to be.

 

[dathbgboy]

I'm looking into taking some courses on Coursera and adding them to my resume under "Continuing Education" most BA gigs I've seen want you to know how to manipulated data, etc etc so I need to learn that to make me look more appealing.

Keep in mind BA is a broad term. You have BI BAs, Software Dev BAs, Infrastructure BAs, Financial BAs. All in theory are "middle men" between an Ops/Dev group and business stakeholders.

Yea, I'm aware. I'm looking into Software Dev and BI BA positions since my goal is IT Project Management. I've read and got input that BA is a great entry point into PM so that's what I'm going for. The course I'm going to do now is going to give me knowledge on using data and manipulating it w/ either Python or SAS. I'm leaning towards Python since I'm already sorta familiar w/ it and it works well w/ web app development since I want to do that on the side.

Just gotta find a way to get my foot in the door, after that, I can definitely handle my own and flourish.

 

[Mark Antony]

You have a BS? surprised it's so tough for you to lock in an analyst gig with one.

 

[unkn0wn]

Yea, I'm aware. I'm looking into Software Dev and BI BA positions since my goal is IT Project Management. I've read and got input that BA is a great entry point into PM so that's what I'm going for. The course I'm going to do now is going to give me knowledge on using data and manipulating it w/ either Python or SAS. I'm leaning towards Python since I'm already sorta familiar w/ it and it works well w/ web app development since I want to do that on the side.

Just gotta find a way to get my foot in the door, after that, I can definitely handle my own and flourish.

I think an IT BA or PC would be the best path to getting into PM. You'll have a lot of PM responsibilities as either and may be expected to drive smaller projects early in your career. I was the interim PM on a pretty big project ($600k +) after our og PM left the company and had an opportunity to veer towards a PM role even before that. I worked very closely with PMs and the PMO with the way my organization was structured though so your mileage may vary.

As @LuckyLuchiano  mentioned, there are many types of BAs. The same applies for PMs. Even in IT, you have PMs who drive different types of projects ranging from application software to ERP eCommerce. You will find that technology varies greatly from firm to firm and with that, the types of projects you work on. The fundamentals of PM will typically remain the same. Being too focused on one tech/language may limit the opportunities you have. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[skills]

Yea, I'm aware. I'm looking into Software Dev and BI BA positions since my goal is IT Project Management. I've read and got input that BA is a great entry point into PM so that's what I'm going for. The course I'm going to do now is going to give me knowledge on using data and manipulating it w/ either Python or SAS. I'm leaning towards Python since I'm already sorta familiar w/ it and it works well w/ web app development since I want to do that on the side.

Just gotta find a way to get my foot in the door, after that, I can definitely handle my own and flourish.

I'm a Data Analyst and I think I may be in the same course. Is it the one through Wesleyan University?

 

[dathbgboy]

Yea, I'm aware. I'm looking into Software Dev and BI BA positions since my goal is IT Project Management. I've read and got input that BA is a great entry point into PM so that's what I'm going for. The course I'm going to do now is going to give me knowledge on using data and manipulating it w/ either Python or SAS. I'm leaning towards Python since I'm already sorta familiar w/ it and it works well w/ web app development since I want to do that on the side.

Just gotta find a way to get my foot in the door, after that, I can definitely handle my own and flourish.

I'm a Data Analyst and I think I may be in the same course. Is it the one through Wesleyan University?

Yea, just started yesterday Which course are you taking? All courses for that path start at the same and I just started the first one and will complete the rest in the future.

unkn0wn Indeed, I'm still studying for the CAPM, life keeps getting in the way and I have to save the money for it. But I'm trying to gain some external basic skills outside of the PM focus. I have noticed that IT PM roles vary from SDLC, to Finance, to App development, etc. I'm going to try and stay towards SDLC and things in that realm. Maybe once I learn other languages like Java then I'll consider other avenues, don't want wanna get too ahead of myself though.

 

[skills]

I was enrolled in all of them. I started them last session but never got around to choosing a topic because I didn't want to download the datasets at work. That's where I do most of my online learning . I'm in the new session so if you're doing the blog thing let me know & I'll follow you.

 

[luckyluchiano]

a PM isn't getting their hands dirty in code or databases they are purely focused on budgets and metrics regarding project health. Knowing PPM tools and budgeting will do more for you than knowing a programming language as a PM unless its sometype of hybrid role. At this point I would focus on getting a BA or PM role and just sticking to it. BA is a career path in itself so unless you are in a hybrid role it isn't going to do much for you trying to become a PM. PMs are not worried about requirements or the solution, their focus is that the solution is delivered on time and within budget

 

[dathbgboy]

I was enrolled in all of them. I started them last session but never got around to choosing a topic because I didn't want to download the datasets at work. That's where I do most of my online learning . I'm in the new session so if you're doing the blog thing let me know & I'll follow you.

Aight, same this way. Maybe we can keep each other motivated to finish em

a PM isn't getting their hands dirty in code or databases they are purely focused on budgets and metrics regarding project health. Knowing PPM tools and budgeting will do more for you than knowing a programming language as a PM unless its sometype of hybrid role. At this point I would focus on getting a BA or PM role and just sticking to it. BA is a career path in itself so unless you are in a hybrid role it isn't going to do much for you trying to become a PM. PMs are not worried about requirements or the solution, their focus is that the solution is delivered on time and within budget

We've already had this discussion b, these companies adding skills that a PM doesn't need to have to the job descriptions so they can claim that they can't find qualified candidates

I've noticed BA has it's own path and I'm hoping that I don't get stuck in it, but that'll ultimately depend on me. The programming is something that I'm looking to do on the side, not within the role of a PM, but it also doesn't stop employers from wanting degrees in CS and exp w/ certain languages. I argue w/ my wife about the job descriptions and how they don't even come close to what an actual PM does and says "maybe they know something about that job market that you don't know" and I'm like nahhhhhh

This PM role I'm in right now (very small team, 3 including myself) all I'm worried about is time and getting the deliverables done.

 

[mmcmxi]

Are there any Cisco Voice Engineers here? 

 Just curious.

 

[luckyluchiano]

Aight, same this way. Maybe we can keep each other motivated to finish em
We've already had this discussion b, these companies adding skills that a PM doesn't need to have to the job descriptions so they can claim that they can't find qualified candidates

I've noticed BA has it's own path and I'm hoping that I don't get stuck in it, but that'll ultimately depend on me. The programming is something that I'm looking to do on the side, not within the role of a PM, but it also doesn't stop employers from wanting degrees in CS and exp w/ certain languages. I argue w/ my wife about the job descriptions and how they don't even come close to what an actual PM does and says "maybe they know something about that job market that you don't know" and I'm like nahhhhhh

This PM role I'm in right now (very small team, 3 including myself) all I'm worried about is time and getting the deliverables done.

Job descriptions are made by recruiters who know nothing about the actual roles lol. If you want to be a PM then I would focus on Jr PM and Project Coordinator roles. A BA job wont do much for you unless you luck uo and get into a role where you may be able to do PM Tasks but even the you wouldnt know until you get the job and by then its too late. Lol PMs are the LEAST technical people in an org, so hiring managers would more so be looking at budgeting,PPM, Excel, etc skills. At the end of the day different orgs all ask for different things so most important thing is getting your foot in somebodies door and going from there.

 

[fantastic4our]

Something I've been thinking about and figured I'd ask you guys. How do YOU decide if you want to stick it out at your current gig or strike out for new opportunities elsewhere?

A couple things have led me to this point, in no particular order 1. Money (always). 2. I'm getting bored with what I'm doing 3. Snitches on my team, but I can work around that. 4. My commute has worsened.

Money is the main thing. I've only been here a little over a year but we haven't talked raises or reviews and from talking to others in the company, that ain't finna change soon. But I'm gonna bring that to my boss after I do some more research.

The main pros are that I do have the ability to transition to other positions to easily get the experience I want. Plus flexibility. I at least want to stay here long enough to knock out the CCNA since I have access to a lot of Cisco equipment and can pretty much tinker unrestricted.

Are there any Cisco Voice Engineers here?   Just curious.

No but kinda in that realm . I work for a commercial Telecom provider and my dept pre-configs our IADs for different voice applications. You'd be suprised how many companies are still out here using straight POTS setups n ****

 

[willypete]

A couple things have led me to this point, in no particular order 1. Money (always). 2. I'm getting bored with what I'm doing 3. Snitches on my team, but I can work around that. 4. My commute has worsened.

1.My money is looking straight for where I'm at (even though I wouldn't complain if I made more).
2. I'm not necessarily bored with my job but there's no more growth for me doing help desk.
3. My team is trash and that is what made me want to look for different opportunities. Our team lead is a ****boy to the fullest and gives no dambs how badly he ***** up.
4. Mesh my commute isn't bad but I liked it better when I was at our other building, still not a reason to leave.

 

[dathbgboy]

A couple things have led me to this point, in no particular order 1. Money (always). 2. I'm getting bored with what I'm doing 3. Snitches on my team, but I can work around that. 4. My commute has worsened.

1.My money is looking straight for where I'm at (even though I wouldn't complain if I made more).
2. I'm not necessarily bored with my job but there's no more growth for me doing help desk.
3. My team is trash and that is what made me want to look for different opportunities. Our team lead is a ****boy to the fullest and gives no dambs how badly he ***** up.
4. Mesh my commute isn't bad but I liked it better when I was at our other building, still not a reason to leave.

Time to move on.

 

[capital sb]

Job descriptions are made by recruiters who know nothing about the actual roles lol. If you want to be a PM then I would focus on Jr PM and Project Coordinator roles. A BA job wont do much for you unless you luck uo and get into a role where you may be able to do PM Tasks but even the you wouldnt know until you get the job and by then its too late. Lol PMs are the LEAST technical people in an org, so hiring managers would more so be looking at budgeting,PPM, Excel, etc skills. At the end of the day different orgs all ask for different things so most important thing is getting your foot in somebodies door and going from there.

I have to agree with this. Just get your foot in the door with an org and maneuver from there. Just because you start in IT doesn't mean you will never be a PM, and just because you start as a BA doesn't mean you won't get to a PM role. It's all about getting into an org , making connections, working hard and getting great reviews, then applying internally to other positions .

I'm a software engineer with a CS degree about to switch to an IT role. I will be working on radars, it has 0 to do with what I went to school for, coding , or what I am currently doing.

Don't be so caught up and focused on starting out exactly where you want to be. A lot of time will end up passing by with this approach.

 

[osek206]

1.My money is looking straight for where I'm at (even though I wouldn't complain if I made more).
2. I'm not necessarily bored with my job but there's no more growth for me doing help desk.
3. My team is trash and that is what made me want to look for different opportunities. Our team lead is a ****boy to the fullest and gives no dambs how badly he ***** up.
4. Mesh my commute isn't bad but I liked it better when I was at our other building, still not a reason to leave.

There is no growth is my field also, I'm feeling like a lame since I commute to DC everyday working terrible hours and
having trouble finding a legit opportunity WITH GROWTH when people all around me are making good money..smfh

 

[capital sb]

There is no growth is my field also, I'm feeling like a lame since I commute to DC everyday working terrible hours and
having trouble finding a legit opportunity WITH GROWTH when people all around me are making good money..smfh

Too much money out here to be feeling like this. Have you been applying? What type of positions are you looking for?

 

[osek206]

Too much money out here to be feeling like this. Have you been applying? What type of positions are you looking for?

I keep telling myself there is tons of money out in the world. I'm just trapped in a field that lack progression, and I'm desperately
trying to escape it along with finding better work hours. Currently I'm in the environmental health field, but I'm learning
programming on the side and started working on my A+. Seems like a slow process so I'm considering a bootcamp of sorts.

 

[SuperQ]

Been doing IT for 6 years. Bored of the work. I deal with the systems and network infrastructure. I do it all from, setting up domains, firewalls, routing, purchasing, end user support, etc. I don't have any certs except a bachelors in Computer systems. Its a cool job. I have lots of downtime and can wear sneakers all day every day.

When I first started out, loved it but after getting deeper into it, I realized I don't think this is for me. Just really bored of the work. I'm in the mist of moving into a completely different field.

See, I'm on the opposite side of the coin from you. I've been in telecommunications for 17 years and am now going back for my BS in CIS to move into IT.

 

[unkn0wn]

Does anybody here have experience with creating software design from a set of requirements? What are some activities and deliverables involved in that? I'm applying for a more technical role and might be asked this

As a BA in the past, I would create some requirements/user stories/use cases based on feedback from the business. I'd then hand that off the the dev team and they would create an FSD and start development.

Ive also created flow charts and have been told this is a high level design

 

[luckyluchiano]

Does anybody here have experience with creating software design from a set of requirements? What are some activities and deliverables involved in that? I'm applying for a more technical role and might be asked this

As a BA in the past, I would create some requirements/user stories/use cases based on feedback from the business. I'd then hand that off the the dev team and they would create an FSD and start development.

Ive also created flow charts and have been told this is a high level design

I used to make "solution documents" which would be presented to the client, and some times I would include Screen Mock ups, and show the new fields being added, and what the database name for the field would be, and what database the field would be added too, and if the field triggered other functionality, etc.

 

[unkn0wn]

I used to make "solution documents" which would be presented to the client, and some times I would include Screen Mock ups, and show the new fields being added, and what the database name for the field would be, and what database the field would be added too, and if the field triggered other functionality, etc.

Coming to think of it, I assisted with something similar where we had to map our web fields to our fields in SAP tables. I'll be sure to bring that up.

 

[ijumpmani]

Didn't know this thread was on NT; hoping to get some insight from everyone.

Currently a few years out of school working at an audit firm performing IT compliance audits. It was good at first in terms of getting my feet wet but things have been going downhill over the past few years to the point where our personal growth takes a back seat to "just getting the work done".

I have my CISA and I started studying for the CISSP which I plan to take it over the summer. Any suggestions on what types of jobs to look for? I'm interested in getting more technical experience in Cybersecurity but I'm afraid that since I don't have any previous experience in that area, I'm pretty much starting completely over.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[luckyluchiano]

Didn't know this thread was on NT; hoping to get some insight from everyone.

Currently a few years out of school working at an audit firm performing IT compliance audits. It was good at first in terms of getting my feet wet but things have been going downhill over the past few years to the point where our personal growth takes a back seat to "just getting the work done".

I have my CISA and I started studying for the CISSP which I plan to take it over the summer. Any suggestions on what types of jobs to look for? I'm interested in getting more technical experience in Cybersecurity but I'm afraid that since I don't have any previous experience in that area, I'm pretty much starting completely over.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

the CISSP requires 5 yrs experience, are you saying you have no Security experience or Cyber Security specific?