Job guidance

[OogieBoogie]

Hello everyone,

I'm seeking some guidance on applying for my next job. I recently began working as a desktop technician in the retail industry a few months ago, and currently, i have no qualifications other than studying towards my IT degree. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what steps I should take. I've been considering obtaining certifications like A+ and N+, but I'm uncertain about what skills and qualifications the IT job industry specifically values, especially given my limited experience.

 

[123Eish]

I would say do a bunch of courses on Udemy, they are really affordable and will allow you to explore many of the different aspects of IT like software engineering, AI, data science, etc. you can use this to gauge what really interests you and pickup some skills along the way.

At least an interview can see that you are going the extra mile to up skill yourself outside of university.

I would not spend tons of money on high end certs if I am not sure if it is the area I would like to work in.

 

[Dylan_G]

Hello everyone,

I'm seeking some guidance on applying for my next job. I recently began working as a desktop technician in the retail industry a few months ago, and currently, i have no qualifications other than studying towards my IT degree. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what steps I should take. I've been considering obtaining certifications like A+ and N+, but I'm uncertain about what skills and qualifications the IT job industry specifically values, especially given my limited experience.

What do you want to be? What are your career aspirations? What was covered in your degree?

 

[OogieBoogie]

What do you want to be? What are your career aspirations? What was covered in your degree?

I haven't really thought much about my long term career goals. Right now just trying to figure out which direction to take for my next job since my current jobs sucks and im curious about what the job market is like for someone like me who doesn't have much experience. I'm wondering what I should do at this point and what would be worth it for me.
Well for first year degree covers basic stuff for maths,networking, programming and so on.

 

[OogieBoogie]

I would say do a bunch of courses on Udemy, they are really affordable and will allow you to explore many of the different aspects of IT like software engineering, AI, data science, etc. you can use this to gauge what really interests you and pickup some skills along the way.

At least an interview can see that you are going the extra mile to up skill yourself outside of university.

I would not spend tons of money on high end certs if I am not sure if it is the area I would like to work in.

Good idea,thanks

 

[InvisibleJim]

A+ and N+ might be helpful in getting a better IT support job and they are relatively affordable. As you already have some relevant work experience, you will probably understand the material in context and you will probably find that it fills in a couple of gaps in your foundation.

Looking at the Microsoft 365 material in Microsoft learn might also be worthwhile as M365 is widely used so will be relevant in a lot of IT support roles. Microsoft Learn is free and the exams are also fairly affordable.

I agree with @123Eish that there is a trap where you can overinvest in getting 'all the certs' but have trouble finding a role because you're more certified than you are experienced. So you need to proceed incrementally - take a couple of certs, get the next step up job wise, maybe your new employer will assist in acquiring more expensive/involved qualifications.

 

[slimeball]

Everyone has A+ and N+ and imho is a low value cert to have. Alternatively you could go off grid, build a underground bunker and ration beans because global war is around the corner according to the WW3 and Russia/Ukraine 'experts' on here.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

all depends where you want to go from here,
A+/N+ is like a Driving license, just having that is no guarantee of a job,

Id be far more willing to invest in somebody with A+/N+ then without, at least some of the concepts will be understood.
as others have said Udemy good place to start, also trying out different Fields in IT seeing what works for you,

I know there loads of Code Guys here who will tell you coding is not for everyone, but pays a ton, because its so challenging to write effectively.
honestly just see where things take you, your on a interesting path to take, loads of roads and places to go after A+/N+

@My_King did loads of MS certifications, so what would your suggestion after A+/N+ be?

 

[My_King]

all depends where you want to go from here,
A+/N+ is like a Driving license, just having that is no guarantee of a job,

Id be far more willing to invest in somebody with A+/N+ then without, at least some of the concepts will be understood.
as others have said Udemy good place to start, also trying out different Fields in IT seeing what works for you,

I know there loads of Code Guys here who will tell you coding is not for everyone, but pays a ton, because its so challenging to write effectively.
honestly just see where things take you, your on a interesting path to take, loads of roads and places to go after A+/N+

@My_King did loads of MS certifications, so what would your suggestion after A+/N+ be?

If you OP likes managing then I suggest

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert​

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert - Certifications

Azure solution architects have subject matter expertise in designing cloud and hybrid solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, including compute, network, storage, monitor, and security.

learn.microsoft.com

Start with something AZ 900 and AZ 104. Then do above.

This places one right in the current technology.

 

[slimeball]

Also remember that comptia A+ N+ certs all expire after some time which means you have to re-certify like every 5 years. If you are going to get a certification try get one that doesn't expire.

No way i'm going to get re-certified like 50 times.. It's a nonstarter