Hey Martin,
You have miles to go, and many of us are somewhere on this way too :)
Anyways, I did my Bachelor's in Information Technology and then started
with Server Administration in Linux. Completed my RHCE and CEH trainings
but didn't took exams. I did my CCNA cert. during BTech University
Studies. Slowly then I shifted to Security Research, particularly into
IDS/IPS, Vulnerability & Exploit Analysis and want to continue in it.
These days I am targeting GIAC Security Certs (GSEC etc.). So, if you
want to switch from System Helpdesk into Server or Security side, you
can start strengthening your skill set by participating into Forums, and
mainly Googling your curiosity!
Apart from self study, you can also attend trainings and conferences at
your place and receiving up to date info in security trends etc.
You already opted for Network+ and Security+ but I am not sure of these
as I started with CISCO CCNA. But, these will definitely give you a
start and a little push.
Rest, lot many members are always there to help you in your specific
questions, queries or curiosities :) But, do try first to google a lot
for your query as that will encounter you with a broad spectrum of
knowledge and sidelines to your highway to success + enjoy your work!
Cheers Martin & Best Wishes for your journey to success, cherish it!
--
Securely yours'
- Rishi Narang | Security Researcher
+ E-mail: x72.x6e (at) gmail (dot) com
+ MSN Id: rishi.narang (at) hotmail (dot) com
+ Mobile: +91.988.6982.678
Martin Tran wrote:
Hi everyone,
I've been in the IT area for about a year or so. I came from an
engineering background from University of Maryland and never really
gone into that working field. So I jumped into working IT b/c I liked
being around computer and learning the ins and outs on certain
processes. Right now, I'm working in Helpdesk (I'm recently in charge
of Symantec administration side since no one in my company wanted to
claim it...I have also took initiative to make batch files for many of
the applications used on users workstations) and wanted to know how I
can better myself with certifications or if I should get my masters in
information systems?
I definitely do not want to be in the Helpdesk (since the pay isn't
great at all) position for long and wanted to improve and grow into
being a security or network or even a system administrator. Yeah it
sounds like I want to get up and start fast making it BIG as an IT
guy, but I know I work hard in what I do since coming from a different
study/background.
So right now I picked up a Network+ book by Sybex written by David
Groth. That seems pretty good to start I think. And after I was done
with that book and exams, I wanted to grab myself a Security+ book
too.
If you guys can give me advice on your success and some insight on a
direction on certifications(or go back to school for a masters in
Information Systems) I would greatly appreciate it!
Sorry for the long email :( but what is the going salary for a
helpdesk position? Or with my qualifications, what should I be aiming
for?
B.S degree in Engineering @ the University of Maryland
Focus area was Electrical and Mechanical (Minor)
1+ experience working with MSOffice, Symantec, MACS, Win98/00/XP etc
In charge of Symantec Clients/server etc
Thanks in advance for your feedback and sorry for the long email. Take care
