Hey everyone,
I'm currently working in a factory job, but back in 2015-2016, I completed tech school for IT where I earned my A+ certification and studied for Network+ and Security+. Unfortunately, I never took the exams, and by the time I graduated, I couldn't find a job in the field, so I had to put IT on hold. Now, I'm wondering what my best starting point is. Should I renew my A+ certification and aim for the trifecta of Network+ and Security+? I have some knowledge still, but I know I'll need to relearn things and get hands-on experience with labs. I want to maximize my efforts and ideally transition into a new, fulfilling career by mid to late next year. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
There are definitely jobs in IT sectors like cybersecurity and network administration, but the job market can be tough. Don’t fall for the hype about tons of open positions; it's not as easy as it sounds out there. Before diving in, make sure to research the demand in your area to avoid jumping into something that's still risky.
Thanks for the heads up! I’ll definitely look into the local market conditions.
It sounds like a great time to apply for helpdesk positions! Sure, certifications are nice, but actual experience is what really counts. Some of the smartest people I know got their foot in the door without degrees or certifications, just real-world troubleshooting experience. Keep sending out those applications! My first job came after I applied multiple times to the same place before getting noticed. Also, building a homelab is a fantastic idea; it can give you practical skills that are super useful.
Search for job listings with terms like help desk or desktop support. These positions can be a great way to get your foot in the door and gain valuable experience. From my experience, a lot of hiring managers prioritize actual work experience over certification alone. Getting in at the ground level might open more opportunities down the line than just focusing on certs.
That's good to know. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for those roles!
It's definitely a smart move! Don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience.
While there are existing threads with similar questions, it's good to seek recent advice due to how fast the job market is changing. Depending on what area of IT you're interested in, it might also be useful to check out dedicated professional forums. And don’t forget about the shift in advice over the years; things change quickly, and it’s crucial to stay updated.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll look for those forums and try to catch up on the latest trends.
Definitely! There’s a lot of value in following the latest discussions in those spaces.
True, I’ve seen many qualified folks really struggle to get interviews lately. It’s important to know what you're walking into.