How to get out of end user support..?

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dawks

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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I've been the sole Network Administrator for around 100 Windows users providing ALL aspects of IT, from sourcing, configuration, maintenance, training/support etc for 7 years now. I really want to get out of end user support and move on, but have had little success thus far. I do have A+ N+ and MCSE certs. I'm looking at getting CCNA and CCIE (if it will help). I also have a 4-year degree in Business Management.

Any suggestions?

Whats a typical way to get CCNA/CCNP/CCIE? I have a Train Signal video.. What can I do for labs? Do I need to buy a Cisco router? Do I just apply for an exam at a testing center when I'm ready?

Also looking at doing CISSP, but I need a sponsor.

Probably going back to University next year for a completely un-related topic if I can't find a decent job soon.

Looking to move away from the cold that is Canada, so SF/LA/Vegas/Phoenix/TX/FL...

Thanks!
 

Lithium381

Lifer
May 12, 2001
12,452
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CCNA can help you get out of direct end user support, but not indirect support. They'll say the network is slow and then you have to go figure out why.. . . you don't have to sit with them for hours trying to figure out what version of driver they're running, how they managed to install a pack of 50 "free screensavers" etc.. . :D
 

seepy83

Platinum Member
Nov 12, 2003
2,132
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Also looking at doing CISSP, but I need a sponsor.

If you want to get your CISSP, just prepare for it and take the exam. After you pass, you can find someone to sponsor you, or fill out a form and submit it to ISC^2 to get them to validate your background/experience without someone sponsoring you. I'm in the middle of this scenario right now...took the exam on 3/31 and now I'm just waiting for results. I know a couple of people that are CISSPs, but I haven't had any contact with them in many years so I don't know if they would be willing to vouch for me.

I have a very similar background to yours...6 years of full-time experience doing all aspects of IT for a 60-employee organization. Job Title is "Systems Administrator" but I really do so much more than that. MCSE and GIAC GSEC certs. B.S. in MGT/MIS. Fortunately for me, the pay and benefits package here is good enough that I'm content. But at the same time, I'm putting myself in a situation where I haven't been able to focus on 1 area and become a SME (subject matter expert) in that part of IT. I'm trying to be diligent and attain that kind of expertise on my own time by taking classes and reading as much Info Security content as I can handle, but it's difficult to accomplish when my 40+ hour work week is spent doing a variety of things that are outside the scope of Info Sec.

Sorry for the rant/hijack...but it applies at least a little to the OP.
 
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