I'm really ready to move on from being the go-to person for firefighting in my IT job. I'm looking for advice on certification paths that could help me transition into a high-paying architect role, where I'm involved in the design process but not solely responsible for the implementation or stuck on-call. I've previously held the RHCSA and MCSA certs (though they're a bit old), and I have a decent amount of experience with VMware and Azure. I have some Bash and PowerShell skills, but I wouldn't call myself an expert in any of these areas. I'm more of a versatile generalist, and it's starting to wear on me. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Just a heads up—there's a big influx of certified federal IT folks applying for these architect roles right now. It’s tough out there if you’re just starting out. You might want to think about alternative gigs, like driving for Uber or Lyft, while you figure things out for the next few years.
If you're aiming to design and not be hands-on with all the nitty-gritty, consider moving to a larger organization. Smaller companies often require everyone to wear multiple hats, which means you'll still be stuck firefighting. To break away from being a generalist, start building a solid portfolio to showcase your accomplishments with quantifiable achievements. Also, take a look at different types of architects and check job listings for common certifications. Roles often lead towards management positions, and if you want to avoid the fire-fighting, you might need to ramp up on leadership skills too!
Absolutely! In smaller firms, everyone helps out with issues, which can drain your energy. Meanwhile, larger companies usually offer more specialized roles, where you might never even have to interact with an end user. Certain jobs focus solely on specific areas, like network administration or system administration, which can free you from the chaos.
Totally agree! The workplace culture varies a lot between small and large companies. In small teams, if someone is out, it can take a real toll on productivity. In bigger firms, there's a real need for people to specialize in their designated roles.
First off, think about what you're really interested in. Figuring out what excites you and what you dislike can guide your next steps. When you're interested in something, learning and getting certified becomes way easier because you're more engaged. Plus, while you're sharpening your skills, you're also more likely to find new opportunities.
For sure! The competition is fierce, so if you have a job, definitely hold onto it!