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Old 04-07-2008, 01:55 PM   #1
Mohtek
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What skill sets would you recommended for getting into the IT industry>


Hello everyone,

I would like to work for schools, doing their infrastructure as much as possible in Open Source (Linux, LAMP...Firefox etc).

What list of skills would you develop to get "in the door" as a tech?
What would you suggest?
 
Old 04-07-2008, 01:59 PM   #2
custangro
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mohtech View Post
Hello everyone,

I would like to work for schools, doing their infrastructure as much as possible in Open Source (Linux, LAMP...Firefox etc).

What list of skills would you develop to get "in the door" as a tech?
What would you suggest?
my A+, Network+, and Linux+ got me through HR...but my knowledge got me the job.

Depends what you mean by "in the door". Certs help...but you have to know your stuff..

My boss; has no degree or cirtifications...but he knows Solaris inside out...

It just depends...

-C
 
Old 04-07-2008, 02:08 PM   #3
pixellany
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My son got into this industry in the mid-eighties by starting in the shipping department of a local Apple dealer. The one skill that got him OUT of the shipping department is that he had become a whiz at using our new 128K Mac. To this day, he has no certificates of any kind.

The point (if there is one) is that there are many paths to the same goal. One way or the other, you have to show people what you can do.

In those early days, my LACK OF skill was probably correlated with the fact that I am NOT in the IT industry.....
 
Old 04-07-2008, 02:24 PM   #4
custangro
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The point (if there is one) is that there are many paths to the same goal. One way or the other, you have to show people what you can do.
I agree 100%!

There are many paths you can choose from. Each path will take you to the same goal.

I would take a few suggestions and see which one fits you best. Then go for it (or IT if you get my joke ).

-C
 
Old 04-07-2008, 02:28 PM   #5
DotHQ
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If I was trying to break into the IT industry today besides classes at a local college I would try to get a job at a local ISP. They don't pay a whole lot but boy do you get experience that can pay off big time later.
 
Old 04-07-2008, 02:33 PM   #6
pixellany
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Another thought:

As I was going through school and early career, I became acutely aware of two groups of people: Type 1 wants to know all they can about the subject at hand. Type 2 wants to pass tests.

My impression is that most IT jobs need type 1.

In my business (Scientific instruments for space), there is essentially zero tolerance for type 2.
 
Old 04-07-2008, 04:00 PM   #7
custangro
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Originally Posted by pixellany View Post
Another thought:

As I was going through school and early career, I became acutely aware of two groups of people: Type 1 wants to know all they can about the subject at hand. Type 2 wants to pass tests.

My impression is that most IT jobs need type 1.

In my business (Scientific instruments for space), there is essentially zero tolerance for type 2.
So very true...

But many times you can spot these "paper" IT people...

Too bad the market is saturated with these people...it makes it hard to hire someone...

-C
 
Old 04-07-2008, 05:13 PM   #8
anomie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mohtech
I would like to work for schools, doing their infrastructure as much as possible in Open Source (Linux, LAMP...Firefox etc).
Do you already work for an educational institution, or is this just an industry that interests you? Are you currently a student?

Depending on your situation (and your bills), I'd imagine volunteering in a similar role -- e.g. as a sysadmin assistant -- would be a great way to get started. Any expertise you can develop on your own beforehand in Linux and the LAMP stack would go a long way in demonstrating to your employer that a) you're serious; b) you can do the work.

Good luck.
 
Old 04-07-2008, 09:03 PM   #9
Micro420
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Get as much experience, education, and certifications as you can. Knowing the right people will increase your chances of getting into the IT industry
 
  


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