2nd level support would like to move on to Network Engineer

Psygnosis

Hi
I need some advice here (hope this is in the right forum wasnt sure whether to put into Work)
I have been working on a 2nd level HD for the past 2 years for a bank. I'm slowly becomming de-motivated in my current role as the work is tedious at the best of times, also management don't help.

I would like to move into a network engineer role. What course (evaning preferably home study) would people recommend doing. At the moment Im about to start the A+ exams then hopefully move to the N+ plus. What other similar courses that are recognised within the industry would peeple recommend.
Bear in mind Im more of a hands on type person, studying theory isnt really my thing.
I tried some mcp's but found them incredably diffuculy bacically I didnt have the background and found myself way out of my leauge (MCP in windows 2000 server) Its more the Hardware side of the industry I am intrested in.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Im 27 years old at the moment

WhiteWashMan

been in exactly your situation

was 27, doing desktop support and wanting to get into network support.
the A+ and network+ courses are good (i got them as well), and you can try looking at the server+ one.

although, these days, you might want to look at security or it project management+ courses.

i moved to england and became a field engineer, which meant i had to deal with networks as well. i eventually became a hardware engineer, and then went into IT sales.

still not sure how it happened

but good thinking. make plans to be a network engineer, but take small, realistic steps.

ToxicPaddy

I was in a similar role as yourself.. stuck in a rut and not going anywhere fast and
the place was full or moronic idiots passing themselves off as management..

So I left and moved to a smaller more personal company.. I started doing internal
stuff, internal end user support and the basics like PC and laptop rebuilds, looking
after backups and minor server issues.. Since then Ive progressed and look after
most of the internal stuff as well as moving towards the bigger toys like sun servers,
cisco routers etc..

One thing I found was that in smaller companies you get better opportunities to get
your hands on the hardware as the larger companies bring you in for a specific role
and you may aswell be wearing blinkers as its not worth your while even looking at
another role within that company unless someone is planning on leaving..

Go do the exams, A+, N+ and Server+ these are all good starts and will have
something on your CV to make you stand out. Also try and look at the MCSA, its only
4 exams and not as bad as the MCSE.. Cisco is another option CCNA is a start and
once you have been bitten by the bug you'll find it a lot easier to get into studying
for something that holds your interest..

With the current IT climate, it will take time so be patient, things are changing and
opportunities will arise.

Make sure you make the most of your current employer, express interest in doing
some courses and see if they will help cover some of the cost.. it will show initative
on your behalf and an opportunity may open up to you.. if not, at least you are
getting it on paper and making yourself a more attractive package to other possible
employers

Tox