Getting my foot in the door

jlee1546

I am currently enrolled in a Linux/Unix Network Administration Associate degree program. Being a single father, and because of finances, an Associates degree is the best that I can do right now. I figure it is better than nothing.

My instructors are telling me that I need to learn Windows Network Administration first. Supposedly, as "they" say, I will not be employable with only Linux/Unix skills. I was told that to work in the Atlanta market Windows networking is indispensable. Now, is this true?

Also, I am learning shell scripting and Python. I am a beginner with both. However, I live, eat, and breath this stuff. I am making progress.

I do not solely depend upon my school work to learn. I try to read books, man pages, and the like in order to further my knowledge. Can anyone give me some advice on what else I can learn to make myself more "employable?"

My problem is that I have become so enamored by Linux that I have dropped Windows and went strictly to the other side of the fence. Again, my instructors warn me against this. However, I am just doing what is of interest to me and following my passions. A year ago I was working in the landscaping industry. never once did I dream that I would be back in school, using Linux, learning about a language named after a snake, or, for that matter, even know what a kernel was.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Remember, though, I am a single dad working with limited and depleting resources.

mfillpot

In the Linux/Unix market experience is the key, I highly recommend building a name for yourself by actively contribution on projects that are used for Network administration on sites such a github and sourceforge, then linking them to your linkedin account and resume. In addition you can look for volunteer work to do with non-profits to gain experience.

in addition, just as with windows admin you should look into the potential of getting certifications on your chosen technologies.

It is true that windows based systems are easier to find, but they require much less knowledge and experience, which results in less pay and less potential to move up. By being a Linux specialist you can easily differentiate yourself from others and stand out to the organizations that are using Linux bases systems.

ben

I have to agree with Matthew about Windows knowledge and poor Linux job requests, if you want to promote yourself with just one (huge) Linux skill you may have some troubles (or at least that's what I'm experiencing now). Try to focus on a specific field (security, SOA, virtualization, ...) and get something more "cross-platform" you may find more opportunities if you're an IT guy.
Certifications are now becoming a must, if you wish to enter into the networking field (routers, switches, ...) then maybe a low level Cisco exam is appreciated, ITIL's are also well known if you're trying to get an employment in a big corporation

Hope it helps
Ben