Navigating the Epic Journey to an IT Career Wrap Up
In September we have been talking about IT careers and Cyber careers. I hope you are moving forward in your studies for a successful career. Studying for certification exams requires a systematic approach to cover the exam objectives to gain a solid understanding of the concepts and skills tested. Don’t miss study tips in my study blog.
Prepare to pass your certification exams with study materials. Everyone has a different way of learning, it is hard to say what the is the best product for an individual to learn, you have assess that for yourself.
Determine what you need to seat the concepts in your mind (Do you learn by reading, listening, or doing, or all of the above).
Don’t go in without a plan, plan to succeed!
Plan your studies, study your plan.
For students who learn better in more of a classroom based learning with an instructor explaining topics, utilize computer based learning video series where an instructor teaches the concepts.
For those who learn well by reading, look to exam guides. You can find a complete understanding to prepare for a certification in an all in one book that will cover your from the basics to passing the exam. If you are an existing tech, looking to pass the exam, I like to call you “swiss cheese” knowledge techs. You know what you work with well, but need to fill in the “holes” to pass your exams, and don’t want a book that covers the basics. You are looking for the exam facts.
Get your hands dirty, practice, practice, practice. Whether it is working with setting up the hardware or configuring the software, get some time working on your skills. Use online interactive simulations to help you learn technical concepts and practice. Hands on labs help ensure a seamless and coherent learning experience for you.
Certification practice exams are expensive, prepare to pass the first time. Practice exams are a great way for you to know when you are ready to take the actual exams. You can use them at the end of your studies to see if you are ready to take the exams. If you are using as a final check, don’t just trust that one pass is good enough, be certain to take several exams and ensure your scores are consistent. If you choose to use practice questions as an integral part of their study, be certain to use a larger pool of questions. More questions help ensure that you are learning the concepts, and not just memorizing the answers to the questions in the database.
Mike
Don’t pay full price. Save on the cost of certification exams with Discount Exam Vouchers.
Ready more study tips for passing certification exams
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub
Navigating the Epic Journey to an IT Career Part Three
Everyone knows cybersecurity is the buzzword now a days. Face it in today’s world, these positions are essential for organizations looking to build strong defenses against cyber threats. But what do entry level cybersecurity positions do? And how do you get a job in cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a broad term that refers to protecting organizations from digital attacks. Cybersecurity professionals install and manage security software to search for vulnerabilities within an organization’s digital systems, and create protocols to protect companies, consumers, and information from malicious actors.
Monitoring networks: Watching network activity for signs of suspicious or malicious behavior.
Incident response: Investigating security breaches, containing their damage, and implementing measures to prevent occurrences.
Vulnerability assessment: Identifying weaknesses in systems and networks that could be exploited.
Access control: Managing permissions and ensuring that authorized individuals have access to sensitive data.
Security awareness training: Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices and potential threats.
A cybersecurity team secures networks, proprietary applications, and systems against online threats. These teams create layers of protection across networks, computers, and data. Cybersecurity analysts work in a security operations center, where they monitor security alerts, investigate incidents, and coordinate responses to security threats. SOC analysts utilize specialized software to help detect issues. They utilize incident response procedures that help coordinate responses to threats.
Incident responders use digital forensics to investigate security events. This role includes assessing systems for risk, automation testing, and conducting system analysis to identify threats and react to potential breaches. It is a role that requires an eye for detail and the ability to communicate across company departments. Incident responders are required to create comprehensive reports for management and communicate with those from non-technical backgrounds.
Junior penetration testers are responsible for identifying vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems and applications by attempting to exploit them, but with the intent to provide recommendations for improvement. They utilize hacking techniques, knowledge of security tools, and a commitment to ethical hacking practices.
Not all cybersecurity positions require a degree in computer science or a related field, in fact experience and cybersecurity certifications can be as valuable in this job market. Consider pursuing certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CySA+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These certifications can begin and advance you in a cybersecurity career.
Build a portfolio: Demonstrate your skills by creating personal projects or contributing to open-source cybersecurity initiatives. This can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and online forums to connect with professionals in the field. Networking can help you learn about new opportunities and get your name out there.
Practice: Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends by reading industry news, attending webinars, and participating in online communities. Practice solving cybersecurity challenges to improve your skills.
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s important to be adaptable and continue learning throughout your career.
Mike
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub
Navigating the Epic Journey to an IT Career Part Two
IT can be versatile; you can start out at the help desk and work your way up to any number of specialized jobs as you grow in your knowledge and skills. Remember if you are entering the field, you must build your resume, so take that entry level job and keep looking as you build your resume.
Entry level tech jobs
For an entry level tech, the two most common jobs are help desk technician or IT technician. In either position you support technical issues. Help desk and IT technicians are utilized by all sizes of corporations. Remember also that lots of things are IT, not just the typical PC. Look at companies that do POS systems, most every store uses POS these days and they are IT based.
Help desk technicians tend to spend more time resolving user issues by the phone or by remote into the user system. Help desk tends to work more with specific software or systems.
IT technicians are more likely to spend time completing work to resolve the issue onsite and tend to see a larger variety of issues. An IT technician should be able to troubleshoot, know how to use several operating systems, and understand the basics of IT networks.
Let’s face it, a lot of jobs ask for a year’s experience. You can volunteer your time to help with tech support, you can get an internship, you need to get your hands on even if it is just practice, practice, practice. If you don’t have it on your resume, how do you stand out. Showcase your knowledge and commitment to the tech industry by getting certifications. Certifications on your resume help show employers your knowledge.
CompTIA’s A+ is really the industry standard for entry level positions. The A+ Certification allows employers to know that you have a solid foundation in understanding harware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic network knowledge. CompTIA Network+ focuses on networking fundamentals,including network infrastructure, protocols, and troubleshooting.It lets employers know you understand topology, IP addressing, routing, and basic network security.
If you are just starting your IT career, check out my new self-study Career Paths. Next week I will talk about entry level cybersecurity and have a demo of a Security Operations Center.
See you next week,
Mike
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub
Navigating the Epic Journey to an IT Career
People always ask me how to get into an IT career. Let’s face it, in today’s tech driven world, IT can be a smart and rewarding choice, the field offers a wide range of opportunities for those with the right skills and mindset. If you’re interested in the journey into an IT career, over the next few weeks I will be sharing my thoughts.
Assess yourself, honestly. What are your interests, skills, and goals. Explore your interests and strengths to determine which IT path aligns best with your aspirations.
Set time to find and take training. Most IT careers require some level of education or training, whether self-study or in an instructor taught program. Once you have an idea of where you want to be, you must find the path. Keep in mind that IT is a dynamic field, so you can always pivot and explore new areas as you gain experience.
If you are new or transitioning to IT, self-study can take you far so commit the time. If you are looking to break away from the entry level, select a specialization that resonates with your interests and career goals. Self-study can work for specialization, but more advanced careers may require instructor-led training.
Especially for self-study obtain certifications. Many of my courses focus on industry known certifications; CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, PenTest+, and for the newbies ITF+.
Get some hands-on experience. IT is all about getting your hands on. Consider internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical knowledge and build your portfolio. Create personal projects or contribute to open-source projects to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers.
For those breaking from the entry level job, follow your interest path. Consider Internet of Things, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis. The IT industry is constantly evolving, so a commitment to lifelong learning is essential. Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, attend workshops, and consider pursuing advanced certifications or degrees to advance your career.
It is who you know, network. Surround yourself with IT, attend industry conferences, meetups, and online forums to connect with professionals in your chosen field. Getting into an IT career requires dedication, continuous learning, and adaptability. Remember that perseverance and a passion for technology will be your greatest assets as you work towards achieving your IT career goals.
Stay tuned for more career information in September. Until next week, start reviewing some career path information. Below are links to IT Career Paths or Cybersecurity Career Paths. Take the time to chart your future.
Mike
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub
Back to school for IT career starters too!
Ah, the scent of fresh notebooks and the sound of brand-new sneakers scuffling down the hallways—it’s that time of year again: back to school! But wait, hold your groans and eye rolls! Flip the script and telling you why this is the perfect moment to dive headfirst into a new career adventure. Dust off your thinking cap, because we’re about to explore why going back to school isn’t just for kids—it’s a time for adults to embark on a career transformation.
Remember when the idea of homework could turn your stomach into knots? Now it’s your chance to enjoy it. In September, we will focus on talking about how you can go back to school for a new career. Forget the mandated studies in school, this fall dive into subjects you’re passionate about that can lead to a career you love.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts employment in computer and information technology occupations to grow, and IT offers a number of different career pathways. One of the entry level positions for the IT industry is a computer support specialist. Support specialists are the first line of defense for users experiencing computer problems, both onsite or by phone support. They provide technical assistance to individuals or organizations, helping them resolve issues with hardware, software, and networks.
The median salary for a computer support specialist is $60k. Don’t just take it from me, read it at the BLS, click for article Many jobs computer support positions do not require a degree, and even BLS suggest that people starting these careers gain certifications. Click for article The bottom line is if you are willing to study for your certifications, and take an entry level position, you have a great opportunity to begin an IT career.
It is never too late to investigate a new career. Start now and create your career path.
1. Design your study schedule
2. Choose your career path
3. Set your pace and stick to it
This time around, you’re on a mission. Procrastination? No way! Whether you are trying to break into the information technology (IT) industry or advance your current IT career, IT is the career to be in 2024. Total Seminars has the CompTIA certification training to help you start your journey. Join our blog over the next few weeks as I talk about certifications for IT careers.
Talk to you next week,
Mike
Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!
US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.
Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.
E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub