Career-changer with a CCNA and foot in the door. Now what?

[unc92sax]

I am a career-changer and recently obtained my first IT job as a part-time Systems Analyst II at the community college that I attend. The job is going very well. I will be taking my CCNA exam on Thursday and am 99% sure I will pass. That will give A+, Net+ and CCNA. But I am always thinking ahead.

It appears that my job will not be turning full-time in the fall as I was hoping, but that may be a blessing in disguise. It will force me to move forward in my full-time search.

But before I begin that search, I am hoping to get started on a systems admin certification. In the Charlotte region (or in general), which system would give me more of an edge and a solid foundation; Windows, Linux, UNIX, or even Novell. I really have no preference (but I do love the command line) and I have discovered that difficulty is not issue. Like any of you, I can master anything I put my mind to.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

unc92sax,

I think that it would be best to check the local paper for jobs in the Charlotte region or do a search on Dice or Monster in that area and see what they are looking for.

I would say just from market share it would be Microsoft - Linux/UNIX and in a distant last would be Novell.

At the college I work we were Windows with Novell network about 11 years ago but have since moved about 90% Windows with some Linux/UNIX and no Novell at all.

Just my thoughts!



E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +