Moving from Desktop/Server to Network

[NetwkSupport]

Hi Guys, I get the feeling im stuck at a bit of a career crossroad at the moment and would like some advice with my chosen direction if anyone can offer it?

I've been in IT for about 5/6 years now, have dealt with everything from desktop helpdesk support to server maintenance, builds, configuration, managing s/w roll out projects, installing network hardware, firewalls, etc.

I want to move away from desktop/server support and into something more challenging (for example a Network Infrastructure/achitect role or even something involving VoIP??) but am lost as to where I can find good learning resources, what the best path to take is to get to my goal, should I be looking into Cisco or Network + or anything else??

being a contractor I have to pay for my own training too so I can't "rely" on a employer to help me grow into a new position...if that ever happens :0)

Any ideas ???

[Daywalker]

How do you install network hardware and firewalls at the moment with no training?

Networking = Cisco.

All their courses can be found on their website. Pick something that is in demand, like security, voice or wireless. I use a combination of home labs, cisco/microsoft press books and experience. All employers want 5yr + experience, especially when moving into something important like firewalls or voice which is new, expensive and to a certain extent untested.

[NetwkSupport]

Thanks for your advice bud, i do have a basic understanding and network skills was really looking to find a the best way to expand via self learning and which sector to tackle. I think im going to look into VoIP or even wireless and see whats what.

CHeers

[ratewhore]

Go security instead of networks. Loads of network bods around, not so many security bods, especially good ones.

Courses? Cisco and GIAC are good for hands-on techy stuff. Can't go wrong with knowing Pix and Checkpoint. CISSP is going the way of the MCSE, totally overrated in my opinion but as an entry level qual will get your foot in the door.

And of course, the security market is bouyant...

[NetwkSupport]

Excellent thanks for the advice i'll look into security aswell

[Mordac]

Are you having a fecking laugh? You've been in IT 5 mins and now you're a fecking Network Architect? I'm sorry to piss on your fire "bud" but I think you need a spell back in Permieland. If you can hack it as a network expert there, then have a crack at contracting.
And to the joker who reckons CISSP is overrated, have they changed the entry criteria? Last time I looked, it was a 6 hour exam, the passmark was a moving target (only the top 25% were guaranteed to pass) and even if you did pass, you then had to be approved by them before your accreditation was given. Any muppet can pass an MCSE (I should know, I've got 2) but I doubt you could say the same of CISSP.

[NetwkSupport]

Mordac

I didnt say I was at network architect level, if you read my post properly you would have noticed that I said I want my career to go in the direction of being an architect ONE DAY when im ready.

Your right, any muppet can pass MCSE - after all like you said you have two and so have definitely earnt the right to be a complete muppet. Kiss my motherboard baby.

[ratewhore]

Mordac,

I say it how I see it. I work with plenty of CISSP's, some good, some crap. Most are network engineers who crammed and passed the exam. The number of CISSPS who I have interviewed who aren't up to scratch is beyond belief. For fecks sake, a 16 year old passed it!!!

Go outside and take your head for a sh1t before you sound off at me, you small-minded feckwit!!!

[Mordac]

>For fecks sake, a 16 year old passed it!!!

Now I know you're having a laugh - one of the conditions of taking the exam is 4+ years experience in a relevant role. I believe candidates are also audited as to their quals and experience as part of the acceptance criteria. I suspect a 16 year old (even a tall one with a deep voice and facial hair) would be caught out.

>I want my career to go in the direction of being an architect
And I wasn't joking when I said go back to Permieland. Contracting is all about providing a specialist service. Even if you've done the training you won't have the experience, and without the experience, no client will hire you anyway. You might be a desktop support bod with Prince2, but that doesn't make you a project manager. There is plenty of scope for acquiring new skills while contracting, but I'm willing to bet no-one is going to offer you the chance to train up to network architect level while you change their backup tapes. Still, I could be wrong...


>a complete muppet. Kiss my motherboard baby
Oh come on, you can do way better than that. You're in IT for fecks sake. Look at Ratewhore:

>"Go outside and take your head for a sh1t before you sound off at me"

That's an insult worthy of the name.
Now, fu.ck you and the horse you rode in on.

[ratewhore]

You're quite right of course Mordac, you do need experience do be a CISSP proper. However, without it you can be an associate which is the case with the 16 year old from, as it happens, India.

As far as the exam goes though, it's a multiple choice and yes, you do get 6 hours. The CISSP's I know get through it in 2 or so hours. At the end of the day you can cram for it and as for the experience, these network engineers I was talking about can massage their CV's to reflect security experience.

And consider this, you can earn credits to maintain the qualification by reading a magazine or attending InfoSec.

So, myself and other security specialists I know, do not necessarily rate the qualification.

As for my remarks, I have many more, but for another time and place...