Consult the experts on your carrer
The question:
Spoiled for choice?
I have a broad-based computing degree and five years' experience
contracting in Lan admin and technical support; systems support
with operating systems such as Windows NT and Unix; and
configuration of 3Com devices and Cisco routes. I want to move into
a permanent post, but I am unsure which skill set to use to market
myself. I have invested in training materials for Solaris
Administration certification as well as a Cisco router. Should I
continue with Lan admin and support with network operating systems
or concentrate on Cisco routers and pursue CCNA
accreditation?
The solution:
Plan a different mix
Once you get into a permanent job, it can be more difficult to
change direction than it is for a contractor, so you are right to
give your next move such careful consideration.
You should not package the decision up into these two choices. It
seems that you would be better placed to go down the Cisco route
and combine this with Unix rather than Windows NT. NT 2000 is a
completely saturated market, and is subject to a lot of churn. This
means there are often opportunities, but once you reach a certain
level it is much harder to progress.
Unix, on the other hand, is a more technical, higher-level and
better-paid skill. Used heavily within the financial and banking
sectors, there are currently more opportunities for IT personnel
with these skills. Unix ties in very well with Cisco-based
operations, and is a great skill to have for networking. Combining
these skills gives you the best of both worlds and opens up a
greater range of career options.
These skills enable you to become a network security specialist, an
area which is currently very much in demand owing to the
distribution of many larger networks over a number of sites. This
also opens up opportunities in network management and data
networking.