Hey guys. I know there are quite a few IT professionals who hang out here at the 'temp, so I was hoping to pick your brains a little bit to help me prepare for a job I'm in the process of applying for. The job is mostly IT support. Entry level job that deals with network management, user help desk support, telecom admin, etc.
A little background first. I graduated from college with a degree in Management Information Systems, where I took all the normal courses in computer programming, web development, network administration, database management, etc., but I graduated back in '98. I'm sure most of what I learned is completely outdated by now. I spent a few years working as a software consultant, but that wasn't really in an IT capacity. It was more in testing, troubleshooting, training, software implementation, etc.
I work now as a CAD operator, but things have gotten a bit stale for me in this field.
I stay pretty much up to date on personal computer trends, and I have decent skills for troubleshooting and updating PCs, Windows, simple databases, etc. I'm always the personal IT guy for friends, family, and co-workers. I have some experience setting up and troubleshooting simple WANs, LANs, and print servers.
So my main question is, what are the most common sources for industry information for IT guys these days? Any recommendations for the best industry publications, and/or websites that IT guys frequent? Any other advice for getting up to speed on the latest in IT lingo?
Are there any certifications that would be easy to achieve within a couple months?
Any other general advice that would help me pad my application a little bit, or give me a leg up during the interview process?
I know that's asking a lot, but I'd appreciate any advice you have for helping me make a bit of a career change.
Thanks, Sizz.
A little background first. I graduated from college with a degree in Management Information Systems, where I took all the normal courses in computer programming, web development, network administration, database management, etc., but I graduated back in '98. I'm sure most of what I learned is completely outdated by now. I spent a few years working as a software consultant, but that wasn't really in an IT capacity. It was more in testing, troubleshooting, training, software implementation, etc.
I work now as a CAD operator, but things have gotten a bit stale for me in this field.
I stay pretty much up to date on personal computer trends, and I have decent skills for troubleshooting and updating PCs, Windows, simple databases, etc. I'm always the personal IT guy for friends, family, and co-workers. I have some experience setting up and troubleshooting simple WANs, LANs, and print servers.
So my main question is, what are the most common sources for industry information for IT guys these days? Any recommendations for the best industry publications, and/or websites that IT guys frequent? Any other advice for getting up to speed on the latest in IT lingo?
Are there any certifications that would be easy to achieve within a couple months?
Any other general advice that would help me pad my application a little bit, or give me a leg up during the interview process?
I know that's asking a lot, but I'd appreciate any advice you have for helping me make a bit of a career change.
Thanks, Sizz.