I’m currently a line cook, considering making the switch, but I’m a little confused about where to start. A local community college offers some certs that seem promising.

I have a little relevant background, a minor in comp sci, but that was some years ago (trying to relearn some of the material in my spare time now).

  • JigglySackles@lemmy.world
    14·
    3 days ago

    Depends what sector of IT you want in. Tech support on the phone, just apply. Tech support deskside, maybe get can A+ to stand out but otherwise just apply.

    Systems administration, if you don’t have experience, a cert can fill that gap. Microsoft server or azure/365 certs will be helpful if you want to go into windows. Any of the Linux server certs if you want to go that route. Some of the Linux ones are more affordable too.

    Networking likes certs a lot more, especially Cisco shops. If you have advanced certs in Cisco you can get in easy a lot of places. Fortinet has a lot stronger presence these days than it used to though and the NSE4 is a great way to get into it. Huge companies tend towards Cisco, Aruba, and sometimes Dell. Medium and small tend towards other more affordable brands but Fortinet is a solid option.

    The downside to certs is that many are expensive to get. Companies often will help maintain them. Good companies will help you get one if they think you are able and they think you will stay. But you need to be in the door for that.

    If you want a place that will take in low experience and build you up fast, an MSP might be an option. You will usually touch a lot of things and get a lot of experience in a short amount of time. Downsides are pay and workload. You will not be paid fairly for the output expected. At least I’ve never seen it. So one approach is to get some exp from an MSP, then move on to a proper company after a year.

    I’m leaving IT after a very long time for Software Engineering at the moment. IT burnt me tf out, ran me over and then backed up to make sure the job was done right. So I have a pretty sober view of the field and try not to bias it. It was great till it wasn’t. Feel free to ask me anything you want and I’ll do my best to give you a fair and honest response.