The question: what are the options for aNovellengineer?
I have been an IT support engineer for eight years and need a
change. The problem is that I work with Novell and
Lotus Domino, and jobs in these technologies are few and far
between. I would really like to concentrate my efforts on e-mail
and web security. I am also debating whether to move into
Cisco and pay my way through training. What would you
advise?
The solution: Cross-train in a dual-platform
company
Novell and Lotus technologies are not as popular in the UK as
they once were. However, because there are not many sites still
using these technologies, people with your skills will be in demand
with certain businesses. They will also tend to have higher
salaries than their Microsoft counterparts.
The ideal situation for you would be to move to a company that
operates both Novell and Microsoft technology and will allow you to
cross-train. A good recruitment agent who knows your local IT
infrastructure market well should know the sites in your area that
operate Novell and Microsoft and can approach them on your
behalf.
Before you specialise in e-mail security, you need to decide
which technology you are going to stick with. Also, classroom
qualifications without commensurate commercial experience, such as
a CCNA, are not enough to persuade an employer to hire someone.
Alternatively, you could stay where you are and put a business
proposal together to install Microsoft. Also, Novell is still very
popular on the Continent if you fancy a change of scenery.
Solution by Alex Richardson, managing consultant,
Hudson
The panel: Computer People, Hudson, No Limits Coaching, The
Training Camp, Wreay Group
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