What should I know for IT jobs

[looseliam]

So, I got fired in January (best thing that's happened to me in a while.)

I don't want to work in the automotive industry anymore. I worked in IT for few years over a decade ago. Naturally, what I knew then doesn't apply anymore.

I consider myself technologically-inclined and savy, though not an expert in anything current. Except maybe using rm -rf when I shouldn't

I think I'll start looking for work again in 2-6 months.

What should one know rather well in today's IT environment? Should I spend a bunch of time with AD, virtualisation, or what?

I've got quite a bit of time on my hands, so I'd like to prepare.

Any feedback is most appreciated.

TIA

 

[Corny]

Well what kind of IT position are you looking for? Programmer? Systems adminstrations? Sales?

Virtualization is a big thing in cooperate now. However .. imho there is not much to learn, unless you program for it. Once you know the basics .. the differences are only between the platforms and how certains things are done there. VMWare still being the big player.

 

[looseliam]

No programming - I've come to learn that I can hack the basics, anything more is beyond me.

It'd be looking more towards server/desktop support. Preferably behind the scenes as people irritate me when I'm not drinking.

I have an IBM blade server I'm going to throw ESX on it, maybe vSphere when I can *cough* get it, and play around.

I just want to get my feet wet to the point where I'm not like "well, I'm a quick learner."

 

[Corny]

the classic admin in the cellar jobs are getting rare these days. especially if you want to work at bigger companies. so be prepared to need to deal with people.

most server support jobs are highly specialized, general unix experience is a plus. for windows, better have some silly certificates, at least for the bigger companies. you should have a basic grasp of most server softwares. setting up and configuring mail, web and db servers is a must. windows networking is usually needed, too. esx and the likes are a plus, knowing the hardware of rack-based servers, too. bonus if you can control the java EE crap and SAP

 

[trinket]

looseliam, [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Information-Technology-Jobs-America-Government/dp/1933639261/]this book[/ame] might be worth a glance as well - even if as a library/interlibrary loan item if you don't want to buy it.

 

[looseliam]

^ I was waiting for a "computers for dummies" book on that link lol

Thanks guys.

 

[trinket]

^ LOL! No, we think higher of you 'round these JUB parts than to suggest that!

BTW I like your "best thing that's happened to me in a while" spirit. A lot of people who were miserable in an old job or career path find that little nudge sometimes points them to a direction and passion that they wouldn't have done on their own volition. Making lemonade! Keep us updated on your journey.

 

[looseliam]

I had been complaining I haven't had a vacation in a while. Be careful what you wish for I guess =]

And if there's no vodka in said lemonade, I don't want it

 

[Spiff]

I am currently in IT, get paid very well for it, and work for a very successful and financially respected company in the pharmaceutical industry. I have worked here for over 14 years. I am very glad to have a job there.

However, I know that at anytime I can lose my job to offshore outsourcing. Our company has already been doing it for several years, and I have dodged several bullets. I am sure they will continue to do it. I have seen many colleagues lose their jobs over the years due to "strategic restructuring". And I know our company is doing the same thing that most other IT shops are doing. It's happening most anywhere you go. The only thing saving me right now is my 14 years of business knowledge with my company, which is not as easy to outsource (but they are getting more crafty about it).

It does not matter how much IT skills you have or how experienced you are, IT jobs are among the first to be slashed or exported when board rooms are discussing where to cut spending. Software, hardware, support, middle management. . it does not matter. These jobs are among the easiest to outsource to cheaper labor markets. And in today's economy, there is no indication of a brighter outlook in this field.

So in short, to answer your question, what you should know is that IT can be very lucrative, but it is one of the least secure fields you can be in right now. At least in the U.S.

 

[maxpowr9]

While not directly related, it is somewhat relevant. One of the reasons my company hired me for finance was that I had a proficient understanding of many finance and accounting software programs such as SAP, Oracle and I am Bloomberg certified also.

I do agree with Corny that a basic understanding of any HTML/java language etc. is a given. Some companies will demand Microsoft certifications but that just shows you have your shit together. I got mine for Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access back in 2008 for Office 2007 but they lapsed when Office 2010 came out (FU Microsoft).

I do have a few friends that do website design and marketing and they make a pretty penny at it but that also involves a little creativity.