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This is a bit different than my usual technical questions... I understand if it gets removed. I'm getting out of the navy and looking for a "real people" IT job. I've got about 6 years experience as an electronics tech and 3 years as a network admin/desktop support tech. I've got A+, Net+, Security+, and MCSA(2003) (not exactly big money certs, I know)

So my question is ... what sort of job should I be trying to get? Should I just be trying for an entry level sysadmin type job or something a bit more advanced?

I will also be going to college, so what will help make me marketable as far as a degree/education?

I'm pretty excited to be separating from the Navy, but it's a little bit terrifying as well.

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Whoa! A+! Move over CCNA! Smart guy coming through. -- You actually bothered with the A+? – Tom O'Connor Jul 11 '11 at 11:08
Haha. I walked in, took it, and passed. It's a requirement for DoD IAT level I and II techs. All the certs were paid for by the Navy, so I can't complain. They start with the basics because a lot of their techs are starting from absolutely zero computer knowledge. – Daniel Ball Jul 11 '11 at 12:29
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On another note ... we all start somewhere. The upvote is because I'm fairly certain it was jocular, but ... I'm asking for help, not degradation. Can you troubleshoot an HF transceiver to a faulty component with nothing but a tech manual because it's three in the morning, we lost communication, and we need to talk to the Marines on shore RIGHT NOW? I can. – Daniel Ball Jul 11 '11 at 12:43
@Tom - there's a lot to be said for the A+ and the like - they're good for establishing a baseline to build other training on, we do that all the time when hiring people in to entry level IT positions, for example. – DJ Pon3 Jul 11 '11 at 13:22
@Tom hey i've got an A+ ... of course i got it to get out of 2 college classes that would have cost me 2x as much as the cert (which when you pay your own way through college is nice) – Zypher♦ Jul 11 '11 at 16:45
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closed as off topic by pauska, Iain♦, Scott Pack, Chris S♦, jscott Jul 11 '11 at 12:46

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2 Answers

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What kind of job do you want? That's the kind you should be looking for.

If you want a job as a systems/network administrator then go for it. There should easily be companies looking for someone with your experience level. You may not find a position at a Fortune 500 company, but certainly there are positions at 50 user + companies that need someone like yourself.

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Thanks Joe. A bit trickier ... what sort of pay/salary should I be looking for? – Daniel Ball Jul 11 '11 at 11:17
That is trickier and is going to be dependent upon the company and the region you're going to be living/working in. If you can find something in the mid 40's I'd say that's a good start. – joeqwerty Jul 11 '11 at 12:15
Thanks again. I can live off that at least ;) – Daniel Ball Jul 11 '11 at 12:42
Glad to help... – joeqwerty Jul 11 '11 at 13:32
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I completely agree with Joe on the "What job do you want" front. For pay, try salary.com or payscale.com to get an idea, other websites exist too.

For degrees, I usually recommend Majoring in Computer Science, Computer/Management Info Systems, or Electrical Engineering (depending on your area of interest); and Minoring in Business (a few classes you'll definitely use over your career).

If you really want your degree to mean anything, find a good school for your degree (there are websites that specialize in listing the top school for various degrees); chase a bachelors, absolutely get good grades (B [3.0] or better; don't bother if you can't get that cause it's the first thing they'll want to know about your degree).

(Don't mention any of the + certificates, as you've seen, they're mocked pretty relentlessly. Certs more than one version old, like MCSE2003, are also worthless unless you've got the updated certs to match it)

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Yeah, I know they're not really worth a damn, but I wanted to make sure you knew where I'm coming from. Should I not even put them on my resume? I mean, I've got little else to go on but those certs and my limited experience. I'm working on upgrading to MCITP ... I'm close enough to getting out that the navy won't pay for it so I have to make sure I'll pass on the first shot ;) – Daniel Ball Jul 11 '11 at 12:49
@Daniel, I wouldn't mention the + certificates for anything unless the company specifically requires them. If you're going to college, you'll want a part time job anyway, best look at medium size companies for that opportunity (many should like that you're chasing a degree, and may offer a full time position after graduation). Your experience is coming from an organization known for boiling things down for the least common denominator, your experience will be best highlighted by projects and major accomplishments that you can share. – Chris S♦ Jul 11 '11 at 12:55
Hah. Yeah, the navy is a special place to work. Appreciate the advice. – Daniel Ball Jul 11 '11 at 13:01
@Daniel: Definitely put your MCSA on your resume. It is old but it's still perfectly legitimate, as the MCSA/MCSE certifications don't expire. They become less relevant in the job market but W2K3 is still going strong in many companies. – joeqwerty Jul 11 '11 at 13:46
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