Networking as a job

[Ie0n]

Anyone with experience? I know it's a huge topic, but I'm not sure about what job I want, apart from "something with computers"

Thanks in advance

[Guest Kloaked]

I don't have first-hand experience, but I'm following into that sector. My mom is a systems admin and she works with a couple other IT folks: a programmer and another guy who does just about everything.

 

Basically, if you wanna know what the real IT field is like from professionals, go read /r/talesfromtechsupport. While they're funny stories, a majority of the issues they solve for users are typically very simple issues that anyone who is decently versed in PC's (like most people on LTT) can solve. There's way more to their jobs than what they post, but they'll all tell you that most of your work is facepalming at the stupidity of some people.

 

My mom has confirmed what I said too. Most of the time she deals with people who think turning their monitors off and on is rebooting their system and things of that nature.

[Johannes_Lazor]

Personally i dont want a job directly with computer exept if i own the company.
I work as a Electrician(or atleast study, Im at real companies doing jobs for them 3 days each week though)
Im still only a "general" electrician, Im moving towards automation, Programming machines and such since it sounds cool.

It would Feel a bit one sided having computers both as a hobby and work according to me

Edited September 21, 2014 by Johannes_Lazor

[Guest]

I've been working in the IT business for the past 10 years. I have a diploma in programming but went to IT Support instead. For the past 10 years, I've touched pretty much any aspect of IT, but networking is one that I enjoy the most. I am currently working my way for a CCNA certification. A full-time networking tech/admin/engineer is usually not working on Layer 1 issues. Most of the time, he will be working to improve the network (speed and redundancy) as well as be participating in infrastructure projects. A part-time networking tech will be working with L1 issues and many other things. Most enterprise don't need to hire a network technician full-time because once their network is set and working, there is no need for a full-time network tech. Bigger companies such as Bell, Microsoft, Google will require a full-time tech because of how their network is big.

 

When you look at jobs offers a lot of companies will hire "network technicians" but when you read carefuly the job description, you'll notice that the employee will be doing pretty much everything related to IT in the business.

[Samfisher]

It depends if you have any interest in networking.  Do a regular Comp Sci dip/degree and get some experience working in the IT field.  Any decent sized company will have their own IT team and you'll learn how to do most things there.  Even if you don't, you will be around people who perform networking tasks and you can see the scope of their job.

 

Some bigger companies will also pay for your certification (like my company does) for CCNA/CCNP courses which will further enhance your knowledge of networking and enrich your resume.  I work in a game publisher so we deal a lot with systems and networking.  I'll try to answer any questions if I can