I’m convinced something brought me to this channel. Going through the exact Same thing right now. Currently in the Army out here on recruiting with about 2 1/2 years left till I ETS. No I.T background whatsoever, just the will to grind. Trying to do everything I can to make sure I have a smooth transition. Definitely needed to hear this. I subbed and turned on the notifications! SN: also been considering the networking/security route as well!
im 18 , (&) have a job as a computer technician for a school district, where i basically fix everything in the district technology wise " printer jam " " computer has a virus " " shorcut wont load webpage. Although the pay is definitely amazing for the job. it seems very unprofessional. There is literally 2 people in the whole IT Department. Me ( who runs to 4 different schools fixing things ) Director which has Technology issues at the main office. Honestly, there is hardly any tickets. Some days i have to look for work. I hate that bc i feel like that's slowing me down. I love learning (&) it just seems slower ig bc some days there arent even any tickets. Im currently in college for computer networking which is taught using (CiscoNetAcad) so i basically only know cisco equipment . . I absolutely love the networking side of things ... Configuring cisco switches (&) routers is very interesting! Just building the network and configuring everything (&) we done actual math when subnetting not using a sundt calculator.. (&) seeing the complete project work / communicate is very satisfying. Im sure there is very much more to networking A WHOLE LOT! but that is what caught my eye. This August will be a year ive been at my job a year (&) I graduate college next year (May 2022). I just like staying busy (&) always want to be a contribue to something big. So I just feel like I have to move on to get the knowledge that I want to learn. Mississippi is horrible for opportunities. I want to learn more about networking after this job .. im not sure if I should go for helpdesk or what path tp really take to get where ii want to be ( in the network engineering part of things ) i know thats going to be a journey while working on certs as well. I just need an insight on after this job. Im honestly not learning at the job as i may have stated earlier. ii was told by a cisco professional to try to get a networking support/technician job in a NOC.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 haha perfect timing im moving to Fortworth Texas after college next year. Im about to start studying for CCNA soon. You have yours? If you do please provide tips? Really trying to have my CCNA for ii finish next year. can sort of be my mentor?
Loved your journey, somewhat similar with my journey as well but got that special recruiter treatment as well lol. Got out of the Marines, absolutely with no IT background. Just recently got a new position of Sys/Network Admin with tons of exposure to different tools. Currently working on super cool project. That clearance will help a lot
Wow...instant subscriber. I was in the USAF and I was a 3E0X2 (Electrical Power Production) the AF version of your job. While I was in the AF I thought about the Healthcare route and went to school for Health Science but now that I'm out, I have been looking into getting started when anything to do with computers. I have majority of my G.I. Bill to utilize.
I work as a ☁️ sys engineer. I’d recommend taking either help desk job or apply for a tech support role. Do it 6 months to a year. Once you do your time, the sky is the limit.
I'm in that position bright now. I plan to get my CCNA during my 6 month contract. Any other tips to move into another position once my contract is finished?
@@KingJagan Always be ready and willing to switch positions. I say this because you can be the best at a topic. However those who survive long term know multiple disciplines. Also never be loyal to a company. Always be willing to change, go to another company, switch jobs, gain a higher salary. A job is not a family. I personally don’t stay at a company for more than 3.5 years.
I 100% agree with TS. Although I loved the culture at my helpdesk job I chose to leave for an admin role when the opportunity presented itself. Same goes when it comes to moving down here to NC for another Admin Job. Gotta pay the cost to be the boss.
I got security + and tried to get a job for 5 years with no luck. I finally got a break at a company I worked and I’m 6 months into my IT career. Very tough to get companies to give me a chance.
I hope your resume was on point. The filters these companies use for resumes are pretty good, so you have to trick your resume into getting seen. I have no experience and in school for my sec+ but the first phone interview + my resume got me my second call back for a level 2 IT job. I had to decline the offer because of school, but it was nice to see the time put into a good resume come into fruition.
Not sure if its trademarked but you need to do it, "Blood, Sweat, and Caffeine". Thank you for your honesty and relatable content. More I.T. nobes need this!
cool seeing your journey. im on a similar one, I quit my career 2 years ago and took a job as a cabling engineer with a view to becoming a network engineer. similar to you I got a job in network admin before getting my CCNA (exam is this april) and now thinking about where to branch to after that. Its a great career path, seems to me that you will get out of it exactly what you put in, progression seems fairly straight forward.
I can somewhat relate. I got my AAS in CS . Didn't utilize it then went to Uni after but my credit transfer got messed so I had to take more classes. Then realized why am I in school and wanted the practical experience. Tried to join the military lol. A friend told me about the A+ and slowly started to study for it. I ended up getting it last year around this month then COVID-19 hit. I still applied for entry-level but it was hard. Also started study for the CCNA. As the year goes by, no luck with interviews or jobs because of lack of experience. And started to lose hope badly. But now I got an opportunity to join a nonprofit to mentor me to get entry-level certs and job placement. Its gonna a long 22 weeks
Aww man that's rough. Have you tried to land an internship of any kind? The hardest part about breaking into the industry and getting you footing after landing a cert. Don't lose hope, check out some of these staffing companies like Brooksource and TekSystems. they often have jobs for folks with little to no experience.
@@Stoneface_ The Nonprofit program I joined helped a lot. I got a job after the program thanks to alumni. I networked more and thanks to another alumni they helped me get into FAANG
This video could not have come out at a better time. I am struggling with exactly the same concerns about moving to the IT industry, so every time I watch your videos I'm getting my motivation back. It's just hard to make that transition, that first step. Your content makes it seem less daunting, so thank you for that!
@@TheBuffNerd7539 Thanks for the motivation! I am about to apply for a comprehensive networking course (sort of bootcamp) which includes win server, ccna, ccsa and linux essentials. It seems like a well rounded program to me. I'm also planning on finding an entry level gig while I do, of course. Besides already started self-learning A+. Hope it works out. Thanks again and keep doing what you do!
Congrats on all the success. From my personal experience, the most sure way to get that entry level position in IT is to join the military. I have went to college with friends who were in the military and all had jobs lined up upon completion while I'm still struggling to get a help desk role almost a 6 months later. I have applied to gov't jobs just to be denied for veteran first preference. I'm not hating, just an observation.
I joined the military in 2014 too (Navy) as an electrician. I got out early 2019 and decided to go the college route. (Cyber Security). Now i'm trying to land my first internship.
@@Stoneface_ got an internship doing help desk. After graduating, i got a job as a network technician.(primarily layer 1 with a bit of layer 2 troubleshooting). Got my network+ and security+ during this time. 5 months later I landed a job as a network administrator making good money. After i do a year here i'll be looking to get into Cybersecurity.
For me at least I started getting more call backs when I had my resume looked over and started making a tailored application for each posting, it is hard but it seems to be working as am getting alot more first interviews now
I agree with Brennan, you have to ensure you get past the vetting process. Make sure your resume is top tier and get your soft skills on point as well. Stay persistent! Nothing worth getting is easy.
Hey Battle, great video. Would love to chat with you more. Need some insight into what pathway to take and how to go about it. Is there a place I can DM You?
I have completely 0 experience and qualifications but I want to get my foot in the IT industry, I was thinking long term goal is network security or network administrator manager. If I have no prior knowledge in information technology would I be shooting myself in the foot by directly trying to obtain the Network+ then security+ without attaining the A+. I've read that if you attain Network+ you don't really need the A+. Do you think I would I be able to secure an internship with those 2 certifications and hopefully secure a job opening. Thank you for the content, keep up the hustle!
Don't go for the Net+.. Go A+ first and then go for the CCNA. Everything covered in the net+ is covering in the CCNA plus more. With the A+ alone you should be able to land an intership. I did lol and I only half half of the A+ at the time of the interview.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 thank you for the insight I appreciate it! I'm going to start college this upcoming fall to get an A.A.S in network information technology, I hope it works out. God bless you for helping others out by sharing your experiences! Take care!
Hey sir you and I have a very familiar situation except with a couple differences. I’d like to do a joint talk one day over zoom to show other members of the military it is possible to do IT when you didn’t do anything similar in the military.
@@KingJagan nice! Hey I'm pretty much at that point right now it seems like I can get past the initial HR screen as I am getting first interviews but can't seal the deal for whatever reason whether it just be someone more qualified or my soft skills
Confidence in interviewing is super important. You need to convey that you're a fast learner and will do what it takes to resolve problems. Home lab is important to bridge gap between theory and real world experience.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 Can you point me to a guide on a virtual homelab. I can't afford equipment right now, but I haven't found any good guides for virtual labs.
Needed this big bro! Got 5 months left and trying to get my CCNA and sec+ but dont know where to start new life: Texas or North Carolina? Any tips?advice?
Hey man can you do a video on tips for the network +. I’m planning to take it next month. Also a day in a life of a network engineer will be great ! Again we appreciate the content !!
That could work. After you get trained up, you should apply to some civilian Helpdesk roles. That AIT training alone should be plenty of valuable experience.
In my previous role I was all over downtown Detroit working on different network issues at different building but at my new job I am in a NOC with no windows lol. It all depends on which tier you are working at. Tier 2-3 does all of the bouncing around, and tier 1 is stationary for the most part.
I really enjoyed the video, I’m considering the military route and water your advice. I’m current 26, recently got security plus, will have my MS in Cyber security in a few months, and have a security clearance through my job already. I’m considering going the military route and wanted to know if you had any advice. I’m looking into the Air Force reserves and plan on making my decision this year. I apply to a lot of jobs but can’t seem to get picked up, especially for government even though I’m already in. I applied to a job recently and was told I was highly qualified however due to how many people applied only veterans were being considered. I know the training and benefits with the military could help especially with getting the TS/SCI, GI bill and VA loan, along with other benefits. What do you think? Any advice you would give someone in my position that’s thinking about joining?
@@TheBuffNerd7539 right now I have a Top Secret clearance and I’m trying to do cyber threat intelligence or IT auditing but I’m open to doing anything within cyber security to gain experience
Having that experience will definitely increase your odds. Certifications alone are not enough, you still have to have practical experience and great soft skills in order to land a admin role. (In my humble opinion)
In my particular unit, I had poor leadership. Also I was going through a lot personally. Being in for those 4 years, I feel like I learned almost nothing about my job as a 91D.. Also I wanted to get into IT in the private sector because I knew it was something I wanted to make a career. Also I knew I'd make more money.
I’m convinced something brought me to this channel. Going through the exact Same thing right now. Currently in the Army out here on recruiting with about 2 1/2 years left till I ETS. No I.T background whatsoever, just the will to grind. Trying to do everything I can to make sure I have a smooth transition. Definitely needed to hear this. I subbed and turned on the notifications!
SN: also been considering the networking/security route as well!
im 18 , (&) have a job as a computer technician for a school district, where i basically fix everything in the district technology wise " printer jam " " computer has a virus " " shorcut wont load webpage. Although the pay is definitely amazing for the job. it seems very unprofessional. There is literally 2 people in the whole IT Department. Me ( who runs to 4 different schools fixing things ) Director which has Technology issues at the main office. Honestly, there is hardly any tickets. Some days i have to look for work. I hate that bc i feel like that's slowing me down. I love learning (&) it just seems slower ig bc some days there arent even any tickets. Im currently in college for computer networking which is taught using (CiscoNetAcad) so i basically only know cisco equipment . . I absolutely love the networking side of things ... Configuring cisco switches (&) routers is very interesting! Just building the network and configuring everything (&) we done actual math when subnetting not using a sundt calculator.. (&) seeing the complete project work / communicate is very satisfying. Im sure there is very much more to networking A WHOLE LOT! but that is what caught my eye. This August will be a year ive been at my job a year (&) I graduate college next year (May 2022). I just like staying busy (&) always want to be a contribue to something big. So I just feel like I have to move on to get the knowledge that I want to learn. Mississippi is horrible for opportunities. I want to learn more about networking after this job .. im not sure if I should go for helpdesk or what path tp really take to get where ii want to be ( in the network engineering part of things ) i know thats going to be a journey while working on certs as well. I just need an insight on after this job. Im honestly not learning at the job as i may have stated earlier. ii was told by a cisco professional to try to get a networking support/technician job in a NOC.
Yes look for those type of roles and get out of Mississippi lol. Find a big city to move to. That's where a lot of the opportunities are.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 haha perfect timing im moving to Fortworth Texas after college next year. Im about to start studying for CCNA soon. You have yours? If you do please provide tips? Really trying to have my CCNA for ii finish next year. can sort of be my mentor?
I like that: "keep your head in the books...stay positive, stay safe" 👍🏿
Loved your journey, somewhat similar with my journey as well but got that special recruiter treatment as well lol. Got out of the Marines, absolutely with no IT background. Just recently got a new position of Sys/Network Admin with tons of exposure to different tools. Currently working on super cool project. That clearance will help a lot
Yes Sir! We are almost twins! Stay Motivated!
Wow...instant subscriber. I was in the USAF and I was a 3E0X2 (Electrical Power Production) the AF version of your job. While I was in the AF I thought about the Healthcare route and went to school for Health Science but now that I'm out, I have been looking into getting started when anything to do with computers. I have majority of my G.I. Bill to utilize.
I work as a ☁️ sys engineer. I’d recommend taking either help desk job or apply for a tech support role. Do it 6 months to a year. Once you do your time, the sky is the limit.
I'm in that position bright now. I plan to get my CCNA during my 6 month contract. Any other tips to move into another position once my contract is finished?
@@KingJagan Always be ready and willing to switch positions. I say this because you can be the best at a topic. However those who survive long term know multiple disciplines. Also never be loyal to a company. Always be willing to change, go to another company, switch jobs, gain a higher salary. A job is not a family. I personally don’t stay at a company for more than 3.5 years.
I 100% agree with TS. Although I loved the culture at my helpdesk job I chose to leave for an admin role when the opportunity presented itself. Same goes when it comes to moving down here to NC for another Admin Job. Gotta pay the cost to be the boss.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 Great stuff man,
Btw how did you manage to get into networking from your helpdesk role?
@@TheBuffNerd7539 how long did you work help desk before switching and did you pass Network/Sec+ shortly after getting A+?
I was a CNA as well before the Army for 2 years and wanted a medical job upon enlistment and ended up in RF LOS w/ SATCOM sprinkled in eventually
Similar here. After the AF, started knocking out Comptia certs. Working on Cisco now. It can be a bumpy road.
I got security + and tried to get a job for 5 years with no luck. I finally got a break at a company I worked and I’m 6 months into my IT career. Very tough to get companies to give me a chance.
I hope your resume was on point. The filters these companies use for resumes are pretty good, so you have to trick your resume into getting seen. I have no experience and in school for my sec+ but the first phone interview + my resume got me my second call back for a level 2 IT job. I had to decline the offer because of school, but it was nice to see the time put into a good resume come into fruition.
Not sure if its trademarked but you need to do it, "Blood, Sweat, and Caffeine". Thank you for your honesty and relatable content. More I.T. nobes need this!
cool seeing your journey. im on a similar one, I quit my career 2 years ago and took a job as a cabling engineer with a view to becoming a network engineer. similar to you I got a job in network admin before getting my CCNA (exam is this april) and now thinking about where to branch to after that. Its a great career path, seems to me that you will get out of it exactly what you put in, progression seems fairly straight forward.
Yes I agree! Reward comes to those who continuously learn and bet on themselves!
I can somewhat relate. I got my AAS in CS . Didn't utilize it then went to Uni after but my credit transfer got messed so I had to take more classes. Then realized why am I in school and wanted the practical experience. Tried to join the military lol. A friend told me about the A+ and slowly started to study for it. I ended up getting it last year around this month then COVID-19 hit. I still applied for entry-level but it was hard. Also started study for the CCNA. As the year goes by, no luck with interviews or jobs because of lack of experience. And started to lose hope badly.
But now I got an opportunity to join a nonprofit to mentor me to get entry-level certs and job placement. Its gonna a long 22 weeks
Aww man that's rough. Have you tried to land an internship of any kind? The hardest part about breaking into the industry and getting you footing after landing a cert. Don't lose hope, check out some of these staffing companies like Brooksource and TekSystems. they often have jobs for folks with little to no experience.
Any update?
@@Stoneface_ The Nonprofit program I joined helped a lot. I got a job after the program thanks to alumni. I networked more and thanks to another alumni they helped me get into FAANG
@@krillonusa damn that's great. Are you a network engineer?
@@Stoneface_ No, I didn't end up taking the CCNA exam. I'm still in frontline support
This video could not have come out at a better time. I am struggling with exactly the same concerns about moving to the IT industry, so every time I watch your videos I'm getting my motivation back. It's just hard to make that transition, that first step. Your content makes it seem less daunting, so thank you for that!
Stay positive and keep your eyes on the prize! There will be hard times but of course as you know, Hard times don't last, but hard people do :D .
@@TheBuffNerd7539 Thanks for the motivation! I am about to apply for a comprehensive networking course (sort of bootcamp) which includes win server, ccna, ccsa and linux essentials. It seems like a well rounded program to me. I'm also planning on finding an entry level gig while I do, of course. Besides already started self-learning A+. Hope it works out. Thanks again and keep doing what you do!
@@alexanderbistritski9999 All the best👍
Congrats on all the success. From my personal experience, the most sure way to get that entry level position in IT is to join the military. I have went to college with friends who were in the military and all had jobs lined up upon completion while I'm still struggling to get a help desk role almost a 6 months later. I have applied to gov't jobs just to be denied for veteran first preference. I'm not hating, just an observation.
I totally get it, its hard getting your footing in the beginning. Have you tried applying to internships? That's how i got my foot in the door.
im a 25 uniform and imma bout to get out im trying find something to do when i get out and trying find my purpose
I joined the military in 2014 too (Navy) as an electrician. I got out early 2019 and decided to go the college route. (Cyber Security). Now i'm trying to land my first internship.
GRIND IT OUT! If you can add this to your load go for the Sec+. That plus a degree will surely get you a good role.
Any update?
@@Stoneface_ got an internship doing help desk. After graduating, i got a job as a network technician.(primarily layer 1 with a bit of layer 2 troubleshooting). Got my network+ and security+ during this time. 5 months later I landed a job as a network administrator making good money. After i do a year here i'll be looking to get into Cybersecurity.
@@NateHoskins congrats bro and good luck
It’s been around 2 months after getting my CCNA (no work experience). Still no calls or emails back. Clock is ticking.
For me at least I started getting more call backs when I had my resume looked over and started making a tailored application for each posting, it is hard but it seems to be working as am getting alot more first interviews now
I agree with Brennan, you have to ensure you get past the vetting process. Make sure your resume is top tier and get your soft skills on point as well. Stay persistent! Nothing worth getting is easy.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 it worked out for me! I start next week as a NOC Analyst!
Great video with clean honest information. Keep at it.
Thanks! I'm on the job lol
Very relatable, getting my cerucistion this month and cybersercuity badge next month hopefully
All the Power to you Brotha!
Hey Battle, great video. Would love to chat with you more. Need some insight into what pathway to take and how to go about it. Is there a place I can DM You?
IT is only 'future proof' if you adapt with the changes and remain flexible. Even then, I wouldn't say it's future proof.
I can respect that. You definitely have to evolve with it.
thanks for the vid. hard work does payoff. love the content.
Thanks for watching!
I have completely 0 experience and qualifications but I want to get my foot in the IT industry, I was thinking long term goal is network security or network administrator manager. If I have no prior knowledge in information technology would I be shooting myself in the foot by directly trying to obtain the Network+ then security+ without attaining the A+. I've read that if you attain Network+ you don't really need the A+. Do you think I would I be able to secure an internship with those 2 certifications and hopefully secure a job opening. Thank you for the content, keep up the hustle!
Don't go for the Net+.. Go A+ first and then go for the CCNA. Everything covered in the net+ is covering in the CCNA plus more. With the A+ alone you should be able to land an intership. I did lol and I only half half of the A+ at the time of the interview.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 thank you for the insight I appreciate it! I'm going to start college this upcoming fall to get an A.A.S in network information technology, I hope it works out. God bless you for helping others out by sharing your experiences! Take care!
Thank you for this content 👊🏾 Military words are tru.
Hey sir you and I have a very familiar situation except with a couple differences. I’d like to do a joint talk one day over zoom to show other members of the military it is possible to do IT when you didn’t do anything similar in the military.
That's something that definitely needs to happen. Once I get settled we can make this happen.
Congrats man! into IT.
Next: do you like to transition to become a Software Engineer?
Are you a software engineer?
Coming from a recent college graduate in Computer Systems this hits home for me, any tips on finding an internship in IT?
I just got my first entry level job as a computer systems major. I didn't have any internships, I spammed applications, and got really lucky.
@@KingJagan nice! Hey I'm pretty much at that point right now it seems like I can get past the initial HR screen as I am getting first interviews but can't seal the deal for whatever reason whether it just be someone more qualified or my soft skills
Confidence in interviewing is super important. You need to convey that you're a fast learner and will do what it takes to resolve problems.
Home lab is important to bridge gap between theory and real world experience.
I agree with the comments above! SOFT SKILLS are crucible and definitely invest in a home-lab.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 Can you point me to a guide on a virtual homelab. I can't afford equipment right now, but I haven't found any good guides for virtual labs.
Needed this big bro! Got 5 months left and trying to get my CCNA and sec+ but dont know where to start new life: Texas or North Carolina? Any tips?advice?
If you have a clearance stay in NC. This is the Mecca of Clearance jobs! I heard Texas has some good opportunities as well.
Hey man can you do a video on tips for the network +. I’m planning to take it next month. Also a day in a life of a network engineer will be great !
Again we appreciate the content !!
Sure, I will do a comparison between the Net+ and the CCNA.
Yessirrr another banger!
Would you encourage those who want to pivot into the IT fields to go into the reserves with an IT MOS ?
That could work. After you get trained up, you should apply to some civilian Helpdesk roles. That AIT training alone should be plenty of valuable experience.
As a network administrator, are you confined to an indoor space all day or do you have the chance to get outside for a bit?
In my previous role I was all over downtown Detroit working on different network issues at different building but at my new job I am in a NOC with no windows lol. It all depends on which tier you are working at. Tier 2-3 does all of the bouncing around, and tier 1 is stationary for the most part.
@@TheBuffNerd7539 Thanks boss.
I really enjoyed the video, I’m considering the military route and water your advice. I’m current 26, recently got security plus, will have my MS in Cyber security in a few months, and have a security clearance through my job already. I’m considering going the military route and wanted to know if you had any advice. I’m looking into the Air Force reserves and plan on making my decision this year. I apply to a lot of jobs but can’t seem to get picked up, especially for government even though I’m already in. I applied to a job recently and was told I was highly qualified however due to how many people applied only veterans were being considered. I know the training and benefits with the military could help especially with getting the TS/SCI, GI bill and VA loan, along with other benefits. What do you think? Any advice you would give someone in my position that’s thinking about joining?
Nice! Well let's see. What type of clearance do you have and what is your ultimate goal when it comes to your career?
@@TheBuffNerd7539 right now I have a Top Secret clearance and I’m trying to do cyber threat intelligence or IT auditing but I’m open to doing anything within cyber security to gain experience
Did you get an internship without being a college student? I haven’t seen this opportunity. I would like to do this.
Yes I went to a job fair where they were offering internships to veterans.
Good stuff buddy keep grinding! What you think about that star link though !?
Star Link? lol
How old were you when you joined the military if you dont mind me asking?
20-21
Hey bro, diggin your content! I'm on the CCNA route. What's the best switch (hardware) in your opinion to start out with? Thanks!
A Cisco 2950
www.ebay.com/b/Cisco-2950/51268/bn_7023416662
Do you have to go through Help Desk to then get into System/Network Admin?
& Is the Comptia A+ a good cert to start entry level?
Thanks.
Without knowledge or experience you won't really have chance...
Having that experience will definitely increase your odds. Certifications alone are not enough, you still have to have practical experience and great soft skills in order to land a admin role. (In my humble opinion)
Notification Gang!!!
Sir Why you quit as army?
In my particular unit, I had poor leadership. Also I was going through a lot personally. Being in for those 4 years, I feel like I learned almost nothing about my job as a 91D.. Also I wanted to get into IT in the private sector because I knew it was something I wanted to make a career. Also I knew I'd make more money.
How old are you?
28