This Is Me And Why I'm Here

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Hi all! This is my first post. I generally like introducing myself before posting in specific sub-forums (although this time I'm doing both at the same time). My name is Ryan Scheffer. I've had a two-year associate's degree in Computer Network Systems from ITT-Tech since 2009 and I've been working as a PC technician at Staples (retail stores) since 2007. My family recently provided me an oppurtunity to leave my position there and focus my efforts on getting certified and I am soooo happy and anxious to get started! I've never felt very confident in interviews for a position in my field for two reasons:

1. My experience at Staples over the years - from associate to lead technician - has been, IMO, very basic. It's consisted mainly of simple hardware replacements, OS installs, and removal/installation of software (All of it overpriced). Most of what I consider to be more technical operations - like true hardware diagnostics, OS troubleshooting, and CPU/Mobo replacements just to name a few - are done through third parties. I felt more like a service writer at a dealership, i.e. sales oriented.

2. Even though I graduated with a 4.0 at ITT, I left with an overall feeling of not accomplishing much. ITT felt like more of a business than a school. If it wasn't for only one good teacher, and some of my own extra-curricular studies, I doubt I would've learned anything.

So here I am beginning a path to what I hope will be a feeling of confidence when asked whether or not I can do something. I'm starting off with my A+ and Net+, of which I am currently studying for the former. From there I'm uncertain, but I'm sure I will either go MCITP or Cisco. Thank you all for offering a community of support for aspiring IT people like me.

 

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Welcome to CF, the A+ currently in the 2009 objectives is set to retire at some point in the near future (date is uncertain at this time), with the 2012 objectives taking over... I just wanted to inform you of that to give you a good idea of where the A+ currently is.

 

Welcome to CF

NB

 

Welcome to the forums! The opportunity you have is great so make the most of it

 

Welcome to CF, good to have you here.

 

Thank you all for your replies!

Shadowwebs: I am aware of this. Unfortunately, because of the opportunity I have been given, I cannot wait around for the 2012 objectives study material to be released. I have to study right now. When I put in my two weeks at Staples, I was unaware of the 2012 objectives. I may have waited had I known.

 

Welcome to CF Ryan!

With the experience you have, it should help you in finding technical support type roles such as desktop support. I know what you're feeling as a few years back I felt the same way, but its a matter of time before you move up. I have a friend who worked at staples in a similar capacity for a few years before landing a desktop support role. I am sure in your job, you must have some customer facing experience and the foundation for technical support which is definitely a good thing when hunting for jobs in this field. Certifications like A+ and Network+ will help you, I know it helped me when I first started.

The time you've been given to study for exams is great, its hard having to work a full day then go home and study. Feel free to post a thread if you need help with anything, that's why we're here

 

Welcome to CF!

 

Thanks again everyone. Out of the several certification related forums I've joined, this one has been by far the most welcoming. I really appreciate a place where so many people are nice enough to make the new guy feel like you've made me feel.