No degree, dead-end IT job, where do I go?
I am an IT administrator responsible for 300
Windows XP clients and 20
Windows 2003 servers. I deal with all sever related problems,
user support, and some development. At home, I use
Linux and code in C and
Python. I have been in my job for three years and have no
prospects for promotion. I want to move on but I do not have a
degree. What do you suggest?
Look for a systems admin or security role
Having a degree is not a prerequisite to secure a new role. Most
companies say candidates must be "of graduate calibre". You have
shown tenacity and dedication to working in the IT world, and you
will be pleasantly surprised with the response you get should you
start to look for another position.
As always, before you put your toe in the water, I recommend
that you speak to your boss. You say there is nothing that the
company could do in terms of offering you a promotion, but is there
something that you could improve with the systems? Perhaps you
could present this as a project for you to work on. Is there
something in the source code that you could use your C skills to
streamline or improve?
If not, look at systems administration or network security
roles. Both are technical and would utilise your existing
skills.
The systems administrator is responsible for the efficient use
of the company's network. They ensure that all of the components,
hardware, software and networks fit together and work properly.
With
network security roles, you would get involved in planning,
co-ordinating and implementing
data security. Both require further training but would increase
your earnings and your interest levels.
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