If I had to start over...which IT path would I take?

[@cs51207]

5:40 CompTIA A+ 12:00 CompTIA Network+ 14:50 CompTIA Security+ 16:20 CompTIA Linux+ 16:40 (maybe) CompTIA CySa+ and/or CompTIA PenTest+ 17:17 CCNA 25:58 choose cloud

[@leahtistrahmad1369]

Clutch!

[@eman0828]

I would skip Linux+ and go with a RHSA esp for Sysadmin/Cloud Sysadmin

[@dustinhaygood8963]

Is all of this still relevant or would you change anything if you wanted to get into IT security?

[@ytubs]

godsent

[@eman0828]

@@dustinhaygood8963 You necessarily need half if that. I below past HelP Desk and Desktop Support without any certs. I would only study the funerals and go for vendor certifications from Cisco, Microsoft and Amazon. Security Plus would be the only comptia cert I would go for.

[@tuurbow]

This video is exactly the type of content we want to see, Transparency and honesty. No pushing some cert thats the latest flavor of the month. We want to hear the truth so we dont waste time studying for a cert that will be worthless by the end of the year. We appreciate the honesty, even if it may burn bridges with vendors, who cares. What we need is someone to provide insight in what direction to go.

[@dilbyjones]

Also...unforeseen circumstances...

[@mitchmalik8963]

I'm in the field without a degree, so certs are the way to go. This helped a lot!

[@truthbetoldministries8883]

@@mitchmalik8963 what certs did you receive if you don't mind sharing

[@Adrien_broner]

@@mitchmalik8963 tell us what certs u learned to get a career

[@Muhammad-sx7wr]

Interesting fact when coffee was first introduced to Europe they thought that it was a sinister evil drink. Also that it made you Muslim if you drank it.

[@robbysingh8557]

25:40 is a good summary point for any viewers that need a refresher for his recommendations.

[@RememberTheLord]

Omg thank you!

[@sant7566]

Thanks mate!

[@tahamuqtader353]

Thank you Legend

[@Anatol_SG]

You're a legend! Thank you

[@Artificial.Unintelligence]

Was just about to do the same thing 🤣🍻

[@dutzit1]

Its not easy your right. I went from 13 years of Real Estate to IT at the age of 44. Now I have my degree in IT (just got it at 46) and run the IT dept for a large pharma company.

[@JorgeAlmazan]

It's never too late to start!

[@robertrivas6361]

dreams

[@M4V3RiCkU235]

Come to my country: no one hires after 35 as junior. Even in IT. You are consider "too old" to keep up.

[@PicyPoe]

That is the worst! Imagine staying in the company for 10 years trying to climb all your way up to the top, you pass all certs, you do all you can for the company - only for someone with 0 prior background in IT become your boss, taking all your hard work away... I mean I am happy for you that you got such position, but that is complete bollocks for people under you.

[@LibaaxTopG]

@@M4V3RiCkU235where are you from?

[@James-sc1lz]

In my opinion cloud and DevOps are the best careers. I left my last employer to work for a cloud provider. Working remote is the way to go. You’re right. More freedom as well not having to look after hardware and datacenters, I’ve always hated cabling and installing hardware and racking servers. Let the vendor deal with that side is my opinion

[@pataleno]

Agree, I'm 51 and was a engineer most of my life. Lifting cabling and sweating my balls off. I'm done with that now.. I need a easier life.

[@rollingon6358]

What exactly do you do now?

[@freeagent9753]

Looking to get into Helpdesk first, I want to be a Cloud Engineer .. how did you get to that point ?

[@reptilesgamers00]

Is this a google shill? seen a lot of them lately

[@eman0828]

DevOps is not an acutal role in IT. It's a cultural methodology. A DevOps Engineer is really a Systems Administrator under a different name that utilizes a DevOps approach with automation. Many IT job titles are ambiguous these days for the same role.

[@tylerfulz5478]

I switched to IT from an electrical maintenance career at age 32. I'm now 34 as a NOC Specialist, work for a medium sized service provider (MSP and CSP), have 2 certifications in ITIL and A+. I've learned so much in the last 2 years. I've studied CCNA, AWS practitioner, and Linux systems. I seem to have a knack for monitoring software as well, Solarwinds MSP and LogicMonitor. Sky's the limit. The new CCNA is boring but still worth it for now like Chuck said. I was told by the network guys that Network+ was harder. The network guys are kind of dicks. Im leaning towards systems and hoping to work in cloud eventually before I turn 40. Learning containers, serverless computing, and security are big right now.

[@ciprianghenghea7779]

Are really network guys dicks ?? I literally couldn't decide between systems and networking. Which has better future in the cloud ?

[@user-qc9rq3vb2z]

@@ciprianghenghea7779 depends on who you meet, I've only had tier 1 tech experience in NOCs before and I've met both assholes and kind people. But if you show em respect and show them that you're willing to learn then they'll respect you in return .

[@shadymf]

Tyler, I'm sorry to hear you have that impression of a particular jobspace. I'm my opinion, if they are dicks, it wouldn't matter what area they are in. Unfortunately there are a lot of people in IT who have a god complex.

[@tylerfulz5478]

Yeah it really just depends. I don't mean to say ALL network guys are like that. Depends on the type of day they're having and all that. They seem to be pretty busy all the time and making multiple changes daily. And sometimes they are on their own on-call schedule for specific customers outside of the company on-call schedule, so maybe some of them become bitter over time. Working with multiple different carriers can be stressful too when therer are issues. There are some systems guys that don't like to be bothered as well, so it just depends.

[@Ad000121]

I'm looking to get into IT as a network engineer at the age of 35, hope I'm not too late . I've got a degree in IT about 10 years ago but I didn't use it . Recently I've passed my A+, N+ , Sec+ , currently doing CCNA but I don't have much experience. Any tips that you can recommend

[@phill1491]

I’m 31 and am starting in IT from scratch. Thank you for this video!

[@CoachRobboxing]

Right there with you!

[@waqaranjum910]

I scratch and won 5 bucks🤣🤣🤣

[@Visitor1898]

Same as you

[@Ktranphoto]

Hey Phill, how goes your IT journey so far?

[@mphathisisibanda5408]

I’m 33 and starting over

[@Spiritgun4Life]

I’m currently 35 years old , started school for computer programming and information last fall. Currently taking network 2 , Computer maintenance. Stumble on to your channel and I do appreciate the information your giving. Thank you.

[@monkemode8128]

How's it going?

[@andyli]

Thanks for this video Chuck, I watched it about 2 years ago, got into IT and now into cyber security. Very clear path you laid out in this video for getting started in IT.

[@stevenmontgomery5532]

Chuck, this is my 1st time making a comment on a KZbin video ever... But I am 34 and I have traveled the world, had so many different jobs, just life... I have always loved IT, or just the technology world... Watching just the 1st 15 minutes of your video rang loud and clear. I'm gonna make it happen! Thank you!

[@neverrello]

How is it going sir

[@Ricocase]

A+>Net+>Sec+>Linux+>CCNA> pick a cloud... work like an ant doing grunt work

[@tulasideviful]

Great summary!

[@anthonygarcia-zq8ip]

What do you mean?

[@johnp7158]

thanks for the summary!!

[@gokurocks9]

Substituting that Linux+ for a LPIC-1 makes you look big pro

[@jeffyepez921]

@@gokurocks9 what is that

[@powmanmoto]

I'm also 31 I have been trained inA+ before (government job requirement). This channel amongst others has been very inspirational and stimulating pushing me back into the IT world. I'm kicking myself because a few years ago I was experimenting with Linux, python raspberry Pie etc. And then due to position changes took a break from it. I too hope to one day achieve a remote IT job. I love that there is so much room to learn more and grow.

[@mcgonagallerys]

I wasn't planning on moving into IT or anything, I'm studying something completely different. I just installed Linux on a computer for fun and loved it. Also during quarantine I was thinking of starting to learn how to code just for fun and was specifically thinking of learning Phyton. Funny how you said those are the two most requested skills in the industry. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.

[@whit6079]

This is so helpful and honest. I am so happy I found you on KZbin!! You are amazing to do this all for free. Your resources are fantastic. I can’t wait to get started. This really explained everything that overwhelmed me researching IT jobs.

[@serviceprovider6956]

I’m so happy I found u babe. How u doing ;-)

[@fng9651]

@@serviceprovider6956 Yikes bro.

[@Stoneface_]

@@serviceprovider6956 chill out

[@ChristopherEGr33n33]

Ha ha Chuck, what you outline in the start of this is so similar to my current story and the first few steps I am taking. It is uncanny. Almost 30 First kid due in a few weeks. Hard Job for the last decade that's taken me away from family a lot and damaged the body a bit. Transitioning to the IT world with a goal of Networking and Cyber Security work oneday. Studying A+ and CCNA. Your guidance and content is life changing. Thank you.

[@RyanHemlock]

I rarely ever watch an hour long KZbin video. But this content is just so freaking good I couldn't stop listening and watching. Network Chuck you are the freaking man!

[@martinfernandez2815]

I love it. I’m studying for my a+ right now and I have network+ is coming up in a couple of months. It’s so exciting learning new things and trying them out and then helping people with their tech issues. Even if it’s just friends and family right now. But thank you for the idea to start applying now. I’ll get on it.

[@raakuu]

Yeah ..helping people in in tech issues is our major goal ,rathey than money.

[@guestbarajas9906]

Thank you for this video. I am past my time to go back to school but I am a mother of a recent high school graduate. He doesn’t know his plan but honestly I keep pushing for IT. Glad to have something to show him especially in our Dallas area.

[@JorgeAlmazan]

Personally - if I was just now getting into the IT industry I would still put a lot of my focus on networking and cloud! What can I say, I love plumbing :)

[@everdrakonis9587]

You love following burried lines.

[@freshcotech79]

I'm a plumber that loves tech. And hopefully getting. Job in networking and cloud.

[@J.0.E]

Thank you for this. I've been a refuse worker in north TX for 5 years and hit a brick wall in this field just had two kids and I love coding, this gave me new hope for the future and got the gears working again. Thank you man.

[@naimuniverse]

Hello from Afghanistan Mr. Network Chuck I learn a lot from your great great videos here in Afghanistan there is no job since the fall of gov for network engineer my favo is your CCNA videos and hopefully you make CCNP videos I am having fun with your teaching method specially when you make funny moments it really make more interesting your lectures Thanks.

[@shsleo]

aws and linux all the way, its the future (devops/cloud in general)

[@KeithLburns]

Linux is old. Under the radar for over a decade. I doubt it'll shine brighter than corpo closed source apps. The greater world dont care about the details just the working application

[@creolekolbytv]

Linux? You really think Linux can be revived and beat out windows

[@KeithLburns]

@@creolekolbytv Linux isn't dead its just not mainstream

[@beautifullytextured6136]

Ughhh... Linux is listed in the majority of Cloud job descriptions. Though it maybe old, its not going away

[@gavinstuart6704]

@@creolekolbytv linux is the number one operating system companies use to hose their servers

[@Build5Nines]

There's some solid advice in this stream! On the note of getting your first experience; just go out and make you own. Volunteer, blog, vlog, or do what ever you can to play with the technology and put something out there to show what you know. Also, go participate in local meetup groups to meet others in the industry and make connections within your local market. These activities will help you greatly! Good luck, and you can do it!!

[@kkrad1]

You are the most entertaining IT & Engineering instructor I have ever seen & believe me I have seen a whole bunch of them; You get an A.

[@bbcinsideyou9115]

I'm 12 but I've been interested in a IT career and ethical hacking since I was 5 years old and I really enjoy all of your videos

[@MariaCurry]

I wish you all the luck in the world. Follow your dream. Sometimes it won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

[@patrickhallermann3844]

Best clear and authentic advice on helping people in their IT journey on KZbin.

[@colduz289]

I am watching this video at 21 with 4 years of SysAdmin experience (Military), I have my Security+ and am halfway to my bachelors in Cyber Security. This made me realize the opportunities beyond the military, still anxious to separate in a couple years but this really made me confident in my decision to pursue IT straight out of high school.

[@updateserver]

how many months did it take for you to get your security + cert?

[@updateserver]

and how many hours did you study for a day

[@Technie87]

@@updateserver They get it through tech school - I would try looking up how long the Cyber tech school is or call a recruiter and see if he can help you out.

[@sheldonbernstein333]

This guy is the real deal. Love the straight talk. Listen n learn

[@tulasideviful]

Me too! so much value here..

[@salsewa]

Hello Chuck, I had changed my career and I followed ur advise and studied comptia n+ and watched lots of videos preparing for interview as a help desk job and applied for all the help desk jobs in my area and landed a job as a help desk finally !! Am in the IT WORLD and moved to the proximity department in same company but I want to move towards a bigger income so I am thinking of CCNA

[@bradwitter795]

Thank you Chuck. I enjoy your videos. I am trying to get back into the IT world after being out of it for 30 years. Also trying to get into the security side of IT and ethical Hacking..Will be spending many hours behind the computer watching these videos and playing with hard ware and software. Thank you again for putting this kind of stuff out there.

[@piros100]

I got my first IT job as an English major student. I was lucky because they needed people with good English communication skills and they had exceptionally good network engineers for 3rd line support who were willing to pass on their knowledge. I actually have not finished my English studies but really want to continue working in IT, but don't know what path to take. My father was a programmer, my little brother is learning software engineering and I started learning programming not so long ago and I like it.

[@yaboy7120]

what did you end up choosing?

[@forklift385]

Im new to IT and looking to get my start in it after 23yrs as a certified car stereo installer so thank you for this

[@New2Golf]

I switched to programming at 47, 8 years ago.

[@camilovasquez8530]

Inspiring 👍

[@JustDalton]

New2Golf - What as your previous experience and what path did you take?

[@New2Golf]

@@JustDalton I worked at NASA for the Space Shuttle Program supporting Shuttle Guidance in Mission Control. My degree is Aerospace Engineering. After the Shuttle retired, and they let 6k engineers go, I used my limited python experience as an alternate skill. I have been doing it ever since. It helps that Python is in high demand. I have zero certifications.

[@ericg3065]

@@New2Golf Yes but you're a rocket scientist dude. It's not like you went from driving trucks to programming. Lol!

[@New2Golf]

@@ericg3065 I was litterally a truck driver contracter for the Post Office before I went to college for areospace engineering, 10 years after graduating high school with a 1.8 GPA. I graduated college with 3.78 (on 4pt scale). If I can do it, anyone can.

[@Morggin]

I have been doing network engineering since 1994 started in the USAF. I have my Microsoft MCSE, A+, Security+, CCNA, CNA (Certified Novel Administrator) and I have been using Linux as well on a daily basis since 1994. I'm currently studying C++ and C#. I also have many many years of experience setting up and configuring firewalls and VPN. I have set up VPNs between hospitals and many other businesses in the Tacoma/Seattle area.

[@buenosdiasgracias6219]

This is a bigger picture+down to earth video 😯 thanks for helping us with this huge time saving decisions Chuck !!

[@vboy131]

For entry level best route, I suggest getting a Data center network tech job. We do tons of remote hands work for the who is who in the Silicon Valley. You get to learn all sorts of systems from over 100s of companies. Company will also help you get certs once you decide what you want to do. I've seen these Techs move up pretty quick going this route.

[@jahanz3bkh4n21]

How can I get it? I am new in IT with zero background

[@akhilav6741]

@@jahanz3bkh4n21 If u have a basic idea about computers and Hardware Do CCNA Routing and Switching or If u have Nill knowledge About Computer and Hardware go for CompTIA A+ & N+ this is the pathway for IT . after Landing a job and working there for 6 Month you can concentrate with Cloud Or Security Or Data Centre Or Wireless Or R/S.

[@noam235]

@@akhilav6741 bookmarked comment

[@AKWillowTree]

Dallas here as well. Forty-six years old and moving into IT. Just started studying for Comptia exams. I don't even own a laptop but I'm going to crush this!

[@uav5594]

Did you crush it?

[@thewatcher4552]

Glad I found this page. Less than 10 seconds in you said the exact words IT support. 👊🏾👍🏾❤ Bingo. Veteran looking to get my foot in the door.

[@neeshespieces]

I can’t tell you how much you helped me with this video. Thank you so much. I am transitioning careers.

[@patrickfrancis5509]

I’m late 30’s, five kids, 14 years as a 91C mechanic, five years in manufacturing leadership, and still looking for a job that I can do long term. So here I am, starting my IT journey. This video is coming at the right moment for me.

[@overty3720]

How's it going after 4 months?

[@malenkoicp]

Be careful of working those extra hours, because it isn't always appreciated, I worked through lunches when I was on service desk, not only did no one notice, I was also reprimanded for it because they thought I was working up a case to take them to court for making me work through lunch. If they had spoken to me about it before bringing me into a HR meeting when they found out, my answer would have been that I am not hungry through out the day and I might as well spend the time on the phone rather than trying to find something else to do during lunch. Also, a lot of the time I was just too invested in what I was doing that I would lose track of time and miss my lunch anyway. Just saying that a lot of advice like "Do extra hours for free, they will appreciate the help and notice you and you will move on up to be the CEO in no time" etc, is a little bit of outdated advice. Your mileage may vary, it might work out for you... you might work for a company that will appreciate it. But if you don't, it could come back to bite you.

[@russellashburn6268]

I think with a lot of advice Chuck's advice on this depends on where you work. Once you land that first IT job, put in a few months of extra/hard work and if it isn't noticed, go to the next company.

[@farukm7627]

I've got 3 University degrees, Cisco, AWS, Azure, etc. If I had to live my life over, I wouldn't do any of them. Instead I would learn to cook. At least I wouldn't go hungry, and I could have made my wife, my parents & family happy over the decades.

[@NetworkChuck]

I’m learning to cook, do it all!!

[@pataleno]

Funny. When I left School I went to College and did cookery. Then went away to Sea. I came home at 21 and went to University and did computer Science, Programming, Cisco, AWS, Linux etc so did the reverse to you. Cooking is for Fun. It doesn't pay the bills.

[@mitchellcorona8]

Haha I learned how to cook first because I was tired of eating garbage, now I need Dinero for dinner so IT.

[@zewlson8617]

I'm 33, been a chef for 10 years now, hold a law degree that I've never used and guess what I wanna change my career to IT after a friend of mine insisted to built my own PC for the first time. So I started to study for Comptia A+ but damn is not easy and the networking stuff I find it so difficult with so many abbreviations. Not sure if I'll be able to finish the course and land that first job, kinda lost my ambition even though i don't wanna do cheffing anymore I hated it at this point after 10 years.

[@techleron1495]

You need to learn cooking "RIGHT NOW!"

[@1231josue]

I'm in a low point right now, this video helped me so much thank you.

[@Quinton1969]

I'm 52. Always been a JOAT. All self-taught. Been SysAdmining for 22+ years. Thinking of going between Network+ and Security+ for awhile, even if it's just to add to my collection of skills. Thanks for your insights. Never needed to get a cert or a degree before. Besides the HR Gatekeeper, not sure which one would carry more weight.

[@MarkGast]

"Wide base of knowledge" ... that's a yes, boarding on duh. In the IT department I work in we all have a separate specialties but we can fill in temporarily for each other's positions. I can be programming one day and deploying a printer in a remote office the next. Learn, learn, learn, all the time.

[@8cyber.muse8]

Finally the practical discussion about which jobs are desired and make more money. Passions die out. But skillsets and rewards that are great for them and match them is the highest motivation for me long term.

[@coldsteel5125]

Thanks for your videos! Definitely gives me a hope of getting out of construction 🤙

[@pinkplayspkmn5011]

I just wanna thx u man and yes I’ve been into computers / it since I was 8 and I’m 31 now and every time I talk about something tech related I get excited which is another reason why I appreciate you man the energy is on point 🤎🤟🏿

[@petrov3190]

Very interesting video and great and honest discussion, amazing stuff. As a networking guy I am focused on wireless and security and actually I'm doing both, also advanced my value with linux administration course with redhat and centOS and cloud fundamentals. Cloud is getting huge attention and absolutely deserves it, but I have to say wireless and security are out there and will be for a long, long time.

[@daviddavis8476]

So as someone who is approaching 30 I recently decided that I needed a change in my career. Currently I am in industrial maintenance I lucked into this job because of my inventory experience. Nearly every day I deal with computers in some form or another, whether its diagnosing the machinery or the computer its self at times. I decided to go to back to school and earn a degree. In my current job I thought maybe it would give me an edge. Iv come to the realization that even once I finish my degree I may have to change jobs to get anywhere with it. so I've been looking at the different paths I could take. With this my focus has shifted from just a finishing school to deciding which certifications I plan to get. Of course it will start with comptia a+ but after that I'm largely undecided. I really appreciate your content. I have been mauling over this the last few days and your content as well as a few of the other creators is giving me a decent idea of the options I have.

[@darren429858]

I work for a college, I tell my student workers about the same, you should be able to knock out the comp tia trifecta relatively easily if you are just coming off of a 2 year degree. Also as an employer I love it when applicants have a home lab git hub or youtube channel.

[@SpragginsDesigns]

I love your content man. Beared gentlemen as well. 30 years old this year. I went back to school from truck driving locally almost 2 years ago, a big decision to make, and KZbin Revenue was decent enough to pull the plug. Got my Certification in Web Design and Associate Degree in Web Design/IS. In between that, I studied all the frameworks like Vue.js and React.js. Then moved into IT and Pentesting with Kali Linux. And my college hired me in the IT Department and Web Design and Marketing Department. Still there full time paying the bills for me, my wife, and our kids and branching out to other companies soon building my LinkedIn resume and resume in general since I hate Linkedin. And I cannot move anywhere since me and my family owns our home here. Not just a lease break and don't want to sell my home.

[@Konstantyne_Payne]

I've been debating on switching into the IT field after years in the automotive area. I only just began to learn about Networking and everything involved. I was always intrigued but also intimidated by how vast the knowledge needed seems to be. I'm 30 but I'm going to do it.

[@charlieosko4151]

Do ittttttt!

[@LNDCRUZIN]

Do it I was very lucky to be able to get into it and it’s been amazing

[@Bw2788]

Glad I found this i am 33 with 5 kids thinking about changing into this field from automotive repair. Army vet who just can do auto repair any more physically

[@user-su7fr5jv5t]

I'm getting into pentesting at 45 and I've never worked in IT.

[@jeremykelly8446]

Any success? I'm not far behind you, at 43.

[@susanmorton4262]

I'm in my thirties and we are all screwed, they are only hiring people with experience or in their 20s, the economy everywhere is crap, and thanks to everyone selling out to china, they have millions of people taking all the jobs. It's basically the end of the world for 1+billion people at least.

[@failadin1]

@@susanmorton4262 Better tighten up those bootstraps and get to studying! The world wont slow down for you!

[@Ashley.CD24]

This is so inspiring! Good luck to you on your journey!

[@SpragginsDesigns]

@@jeremykelly8446 I went back to school from truck driving locally. Got my Certification in Web Design and Associate Degree in Web Design/IS. In between that I studied all the frameworks like Vue.js and React.js. Then moved into IT and Pentesting with Kali Linux. And my college hired me in the IT Department and Web Design and Marketing Department. Still there full time paying the bills for me, wife and kids and branching out to other companies soon building my LinkedIn resume and resume in general since I hate Linkedin.

[@Christopher.dreamless]

To whoever this may help; I did 5.5 years in the US Army as a satellite comms operator, and I crossed trained with some network guys... I became a government contractor with no certs and minimal experience.. what was more important was WHO I KNEW.. and I make $120k entry level Data center room on a military base.. now I can get certs etc etc and move up.. shake tons of peoples hands and these contracting companies LOVE Sec +, CCNA, Casp and from there just choose which route you want

[@j0hnny4rc4de]

Nice, another Dallas dude.. The CompTia path I went was A+, Net+, Sec+, then Linux+.

[@TM-rh7zs]

Did you do classroom based learning or elearning?

[@2011Marcus]

What was your first job offer ??

[@Dagothdaleet]

I currently work in counseling and am very much over it. I have always had interest in IT and am going to make the switch. This video was very helpful. Thank you. Starting my A+ studies today!

[@DarkHorseSki]

I'm a network engineer and security engineer... and I am a classically trained programmer with a Bachelors in Computer Science... I would suggest that programming and scripting skills are useful, but they are near the bottom of the list of skills to learn (and script programming is among the easiest.) I agree that CompTIA works well as starting training. I teach those courses on nights and weekends for extra money and to keep my skills sharp.

[@DallasFort1857]

What certs outside of cloud AWS etc would assist a cloud engineer? I. E .. CCNA, CCNP, SySA+?

[@DarkHorseSki]

@@DallasFort1857 Well, CompTIA has a Cloud+ which is not too bad... Cisco based skills at the CCNA level are pretty much always helpful. Then it depends on how you are using the cloud... generally I would say that Linux, with Kubernetes and Docker is probably the most generically desirable.

[@DallasFort1857]

@@DarkHorseSki Thanks! I'm just starting IT as I EAS from the Marines... What's a better combo 1) CCNA W/ CCNP Or 2) CEH W/CySA+ Or 3) CySA W/ Splunk? The goal is to work from home and having a little trouble determining which certs I should do?

[@DarkHorseSki]

@@DallasFort1857 I'd rank those choices 3,2,1 simply because Splunk is highly in demand since it is such a fine SIEM tool. Splunk is also ideal for the work from home person. #1 is way behind 3 and 2.

[@DallasFort1857]

@@DarkHorseSki So what your saying is that CySa+ w/splunk offers the highest salary and best possibility to find a work from home job?

[@rickharms1]

1979, purchased AppleII. Moved to NY 1982, worked for a computer store. Only tech books were machine coding 6500. Spent the next 30 years learning and supporting servers, desktops and networks. ( remember token ring?) Now retired. Glad I am not starting out now. Good luck to all, budget for a lot of expensive books and now, online courses.

[@EnvoGump]

Im so glad I came across your channel. You have helped me so much. Thank you a ton.

[@grail9558]

I see a lot of different and valid advice in the comments regarding where to start. I think the answer depends on each person’s level of computer related knowledge. If you have little to no computer related knowledge or experience then I would say the CompTIA A+ is a good starting point. You need to build upon good foundations. IT is a very wide field and there are many roles and paths you can take. My suggestion would be to figure out what exactly you want to do within the IT field. This will help you make a plan for your education and/or certification needs.

[@JorgeAlmazan]

I completely agree with this ^

[@jsorcha1595]

Thanks, lots of helpful info. I am a 55 yo woman trying to get into IT & out of clerical hell. Have Community College work in programming COBOL & a few others, plus A+ & Network courses, but no certs. Also trying to learn Python. Feel like I'll be stuck forever.

[@techmonk341]

One thing at a time. Watch the iptv pro A+ video series, then review an A+ book, then review a few practice exams, watch another A+ video series, then take the A+ exam. One cert at a time, one language at a time👍🏿

[@TheB1nary]

I'm 50 this year and have 16 years of experience in IT. I would hire someone like you in a heartbeat! What I don't want as a manager is a script kiddie, someone who thinks they know everything or that arrogant person you tend to get in every application pile...I'd be looking for A+ as a minimum and a passion for all things IT. More than lots of certifications, I would ask you to tell me about how you use technology at home and in what ways you help other people use technology. What soft skills do you have? Capitalise on them in your CV. More than all of that -- do NOT give up!!!

[@THEGREENAPPLEKID]

Knock them all down one at a time. Pretend you’re collecting gym badges or something.

[@MohamedAli-h7q8b]

Thanks man when i feel bored of studying i just watch your vids to charge up some batteries, keep up the inspiring work man

[@dreo6769]

This was done 2years ago. Can you please update it to 2022. Educative

[@TinieMassive]

Im in this situation at 27, ive learnt the A+ content but im skipping the A+ and doing the Network + (saves money), then i think I will go Security + and CySA + (could change but Im pretty confident)

[@cmilligan1586]

I'm 35 years old, over the road flatbed truck driver and tired of always being away from my family. Just got into a motorcycle wreck and going to be out of work for 4-5 months and thinking of switching my career path. Since I won't be able to work physically this is the chance to get a couple of certs. I always loved building my own computers and now I can try and focus on this. Thxs for this video, looking forward to more!

[@Charles-ow3fo]

I related to this soooo much! I myself just got A+ and I'm constantly popping my head in the IT department where I work and getting to know everyone 😁

[@dustinlayne1886]

A few years ago I started in Tech and got my A+ after some research. Then I smashed out Network and Security + certs. I didnt know what to do for a while but I've recently settled on CySa, Linux, and then take on the cloud. I dont have any one at my work or life that has done anything similar, it was a relief to hear your ideal path. Sometimes I questioned if it was worth it or the right path.

[@oalemilee6428]

My plans are to follow the same path as what you said... Would you tell if Should I go on or change ma plans?

[@kairoswave]

I became a System Engineer in March I know Linux and have 2 years work experience Web development, I don't have any certs, I am just studying for my Security + and will be pursuing the OSCP and CEH since these seem to be favored.

[@JorgeAlmazan]

Sounds like a good plan

[@spyderdyneincorporated6600]

I went Network+ because although I had passed the Cisco CCNA voucher exam, by the time voucher arrived (2 years of Cisco over 4 semesters...) the new GUI stuff was on the exam and I hadn't been trained on any of it. Go do A+, then Network+, then Linux +, then move to AWS certifications. By the time you complete the first two of that list you will have a decent IT job.

[@barshd1]

Passed my security plus a year ago, I also do plc automation and I have a security clearance landed a great job studying for my CCNA right now. I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do after I get my CCNA. I have to say I've gotten over 20+ job offers within the last year.

[@JorgeAlmazan]

Congrats! Very impressive :)

[@barshd1]

@@JorgeAlmazan Thanks.

[@xXsomberXx]

do you have a degree in anything?

[@barshd1]

@@xXsomberXx I don't have any kind of degree in the IT field, But I have a BA in Humanities but it's pretty much useless.

[@GeorgeDrippy]

Security clearance is a golden ticket

[@notsure7874]

I started at basically third level support for a large bank. I didn't have ANY working experience. 35k / year in the midwest, and it worked into a programming job. Networking is the key! I found that ONE GUY that would give me a shot.

[@menash8313]

I'm relatively young at only 21, but I decided to pursue this career path. Currently working on ccna, afterwards advance to python, azure, and probably security. I've got a long road ahead of me!

[@trunk2874]

Im 19 im relatively new to networking can you recommend me where to start should i focus on geting comtia certificates and building home labs and learning on practical examples and then learning python or what you think is best to start with?

[@eddier2k9]

Thanks Chuck for clarity. I’m in the beginning of my IT career and will start with A+ despite having a couple years of experience. Looking forward to starting.

[@kg4gav]

I havent watched the whole video yet...but this is where I am. I am a broadcast engineer with about 20 years in the TV/Radio/electronics area. I am 43 and going back to college for my BS in IT/Cloud computing. All the basic certs are part of the curriculum. TV Broadcasting infrastructure is all going IP in plant. In order to stay relevant in my field, I have to know more IT than I currently do. Otherwise, I will have entry level guys starting with more IT background and experience than me, as a Director. Guess who would get shown the door if I cannot manage and support them and speak their language.

[@TheB1nary]

Good luck buddy!

[@Ni-yc6un]

Most IT jobs require " Ability to move up to 49lbs as well as stand and walk for 10-12 hours at a time with or without reasonable accommodation". Is this a must for all the roles or what is your experience in this?

[@BurnaBwoi]

Not all roles but if you’re doing desktop support you’re expected to lift/carry/move desktop computers, printers and peripherals. If you’re a server admin you’ll be expected to lift, move and do “rack & stacks” of servers and appliances. Same for network admins and routers, switches, and network appliances. However with everything being virtualized & going to the cloud it’s not as bad as it used to be.

[@BurnaBwoi]

Desktop support you’ll be doing a lot of walking & standing depending on the size of the company. Server & network admins, not so much unless you’re in the datacenter.

[@shadymf]

It will depend, but it's not uncommon for any IT role to help do things like rack network equipment.

[@theamazingpowderedtoastman4816]

I take it this is an Amazon IT job lol

[@Ni-yc6un]

@@BurnaBwoi does system admin has these physical requirements as well?

[@ThermalCowboy]

Switching to IT at 38, here we go, thanks for the videos, subbed

[@rainerpasquini]

I was looking at the comments and to be honest with you, this is the best comment and most close to the reality. "CCNA+Cloud+Linux+Automation=Hybrid Engineer required for the future." This is basically what companies started looking for and they will keep looking on a close future.

[@remylauren7604]

whats automation? isa (cap) certification?

[@Native_love]

As a 6 figure IT consultant turned 6 figure FTE with a fortune 500 company my advice is to jump in! Volunteer for those crazy projects everyone else is afraid of! The more you shine in online meetings, the more the upper "brass" recognize your name. Build your reputation and develop your people skills! Never lie. If you don't know be humble and ask for help! And always take care of your health! :-)

[@Slartipartfast42]

My way: 10 years of smoking weed and doing nothing ! Now i turned my hobby into a job, did LPIC-1, then CompTIA N10-007 and next month CCNA inc. !!

[@dutzit1]

This is awesome.

[@aregshmavonyan3862]

What material did you use for LPIC1?

[@Elienguitar]

How long did it take you to study/work towards your LPIC-1?

[@dean6125]

while smoking weed? maybe a study tip as i hear you can work out everything when on weed

[@M4V3RiCkU235]

Conclusion: Was a good weed in the long run. Joking :))

[@dj_redlocks]

I have been taking the more traditional route - college/university Comp Sci degrees, focus on software engineering, entry-level IT job. It's been more of a grind but I feel like I am getting a serious foundation, so when you mention the ability to pivot jobs, to learn new technologies quickly, being comfortable with code, programming and engineering, my ears perked up. I also think being able to move between working with people and working with technology also helps fill out a robust skillset to stay agile in the technology industry.

[@GregoryMcCarthy123]

Started software development at age 32, now I’m 36 still doing it all self taught.

[@5thfloor584]

What's the reason for this and How would you plan of getting a job? Having a cyberS, IT, or CS degree is by far the best in terms of getting jobs not to mention the pay is better (basically allowing you to skip 2-5 years compared to self-taught and boot camp learners). I'm really curious about your reasons, as I don't quite understand how people without degrees get jobs (or jobs that are actually high paying).

[@MrYounis26]

@@5thfloor584 People with no degree are more hungrier and learn more, also sometimes university sucks the life and fun out of learning and you get stuck in a loop of only learning for exams and assignments. Basically what I'm saying is that people in university are not as prepared as people who are self taught or go to boot camps.

[@5thfloor584]

@@MrYounis26 That is a little subjective... Sure maybe for some people, your assumptions could be true, but claiming the majority fit into this is silly (sure we both would have our biases). Non-degree programmers only know how to program, CS students go through lots of advanced subjects that would help tremendously with innovative ideas or solutions to unique problems as they have knowledge that you can't exactly learn by yourself. So, that part of CS would "burn" you out, but it's a one-time thing that you can't learn later. Also, having a CS degree makes you stand out, and due to it being much much harder to complete the graduates would on average be more intelligent/ diligent with their work. Too many people are going the self-taught/bootcamp route, a lot of which wouldn't really fit into a "nerdy"/CS environment. People are going down this route for money most of the time, employers seem to understand this well as getting jobs as a CS grad is real easy. But both routes do have pros and cons, CS imo is just more special as you can't just take a bootcamp...

[@michaelvivirito]

@@MrYounis26 I'm assuming you didn't go to university?

[@Tech-nicallyBlack]

This was literally my plan before I even found this video! Yessssss thank you 🤍

[@williamsteary6434]

Love your stuff Chuck! I work in Dallas as well. "Breaking" in to Network and Cybersecurity stuff is not easy for a 50+ yoa guy. Luckily I've had 2 couple of decades experience in IT in application support. Do you have recommendations for someone such as myself? ...and thank you again sir for putting all the great content out there. Love having you as a local hero!

[@Nomar1102]

This is the situation I am on at the moment, I have been working great jobs but getting tire of them after 2 to 3 years, I love computers been working with them for several years now. Now that I am 31yrs old with 2 kids I just started my first IT job in Temple, TX. Is exiting and nerve-racking for me because I want to be good at this and grow in this field all the way to retirement. This video is really laying it down for me I really appreciate all this information.

[@geoffreyphilip]

Play on 1.5 speed

[@cdouglashall]

The alerts going off are killing me but he seems honest and expert and he is reinforcing my research so I hope it's as good as it looks. But 1.5 speed might solve that issue, he must have ADHD? But he is also testing software. That alert bell is killing me though...

[@brosert]

Always been a dev, but briefly worked for a Telco (generating automated network plans). The quals they looked for for Network seemed to be Cisco - even though from memory a lot of their stuff was Juniper. At the time there was a local exec from one of those companies that kept talking about "Netowrk as a service" or "Network as an application" - specifically the idea that many NetEng are now scripting rather than configuring individual devices. Not a big fan of Python (as a dev) but I'll admit it's nifty for quick scripts. The way my tools develop tends to be (1) get sick of repetitive or tedious stuff (2) write a shell script to do it (3) get to something that is a bit cumbersome in shell (often file handling stuff can become annoying), so whip up a python or perl type script. (4) consider a fully fledged (compiled) application if necessary (a lot of them end at 2 or 3). For that reason, I'd suggest learning them in that sort of an order - Linux/shell will speed you up, then when you something more, python or similar etc. I wouldn't really bother with PowerShell. I've translated bash to PowerShell using stackoverflow and similar - probably makes windoze peeps cringe when they look at it, but I don't see it really useful unless you're a WinAdmin or similar (plus I think you can just import a lot of .Net stuff into it if you need to do tricky stuff)

[@silentthriller]

Side note: If you've been dabbling in IT for years, but not employed in it, I'd skip to an advanced certification like Security+ or even more advanced depending on where you want to go.

[@Ohhelmno]

The one downside to going cloud now is that a lot of shops are gonna lose a lot of extra revenue, I mean they’re also gonna lose a lot of expenses too, but many shops run a data center out of their data center to offset the costs and do hosting for smaller businesses or government clients and such or offer secure offsite data storage for these other places and such. I mean, again, it’s expensive to upkeep those as well… the worst part is gonna be they’re gonna eliminate a lot of local jobs in certain places… like, if BlueCross decided to stop having a data center in our city at their HQ we would lose probably close to 2,000 local IT jobs and have nowhere to go cause it’d be relocated to Atlanta or whatever big city they’re hosting a lot of server space now. A good portion of those jobs could probably move, however, all the jobs under 80K are likely stuck here and either gonna have to fight over the rare jobs in mid sized or small businesses and/or remote jobs… or go into like sales or customer service or government IT work, unless the Government goes cloud too… which it will, inevitably… might hang on til later especially to the most sensitive data or due to local laws and stuff but… it would be a disaster for a lot of people… so, gotta start learning it now.

[@paxtonpeterson9792]

I work at Starbucks rn.... you’re right it doesn’t pay well

[@gregoryhearne9427]

I have 15 years of installation and repair experience for AT&T… I can troubleshoot faults on fiber and copper cable and I can splice and repair copper and fiber cable …. Install fiber ONT’s and modem’s for residential customers… I also dabble in computer hardware ( I built my own gaming PC) …where should I start, what would complement my skills

[@YarredC]

I just received my A+ this past Friday. I'm a senior IT major with a concentration in enterprise systems. I'm also about to start a part-time service desk position this Tuesday on my college campus as my first IT job. I'm trying to figure out what my path is from where I'm at now. After A+ I can't really say what I want to focus on per se. I was hoping the service desk job will help me figure it out but, I don't think it will. So I'd rather not wait and go ahead and prepare for the next step of my career.

[@MrBrainy33]

Thats why i focus on a LPIC after my CCNA bc Windows is present everywhere and we all startet handling Windows Clients. The difference is on Windows if u want in IT...handling a Server. If u can manage Win / Linux Envoirement you have value to every company and then decide which way to go if u feel that the company you are working is fine for you.

[@ktthompson1471]

im getting my associates in cybersecurity , network + cert, security + cert, learn python , learn c++ , learn how to use servers because Im trying to understand how to incorporate this all into cybersecurity. Im not trying to earn 6 figures because im also interested in making printed circuit boards and working from home or not some cubicle or call center.

[@spyderdyneincorporated6600]

Security is a dark and scary career hole, and most of it's most prestigious practitioners are absolutely clueless about technology. ;)

[@doug13293]

WAIT WAIT you chose my path!!! Im im at the security+ lvl probably gonna go for aws

[@peepeepoopoo-x6h]

Did you have any certs beyond A+ when you landed your first job?

[@folarinmobolaji4664]

This is a really nice video. Most IT guys need direction. Great job 👏

[@sasquatch989]

Coursera has a python automation certificate now. Covers git, python, bash, and some puppet

[@husseinyoussef6998]

What is it called?

[@АлександраДубовик-ц1с]

@@husseinyoussef6998 ru.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-it-automation

[@Madmok128]

Network architect here with 18 years of experience working in the industry. I can say that one of the most valuable skills at this moment during a job search to add to route/switch and security would have to be scripting/automation. I was laid off from my professional services/post sales position and indeed is the best engine to utilize. I'm getting interview after interview multiple remote interviews scheduled for the same day and it can get confusing because it's hard to differentiate between the roles and the organizations the interviews are scheduled with. When I started in the industry I acquired my CCNA in 2002 and could not land a job. Post 911 and post dot com bubble; companies were not hiring wet behind the Ears CCNAs with no experience like they were prior to 2002 and in the mid to late 90s. In one of my ccnp night classes I meet a salesman working with a local Cisco Gold partner and was able to lock down an internship working 24 hours a week in their NOC. After working there for 3 months or so I was called back to work the 12 hour weekend shift making a lousy 10$ an hour. I did it anyways and during my 3 months there as an employee I passed my routing exam for the CCNP and when my resume went online with just 6 months experience in the NOC I was getting calls for jobs making 20$ an hour (which was great in 2003 for a noob like me). The rest is history. Also, don't worry about having new jobs every Couple of years. That's going to happen especially if you're Working W2 and 1099 contract roles.

[@Madmok128]

Let me also mention that at one point knowing only Cisco was just fine. I did for the first 8 years of my career. Then I went to work for an Avaya partner. Had to learn junos, screen os, extreme networks, fortinet and that was when my value jumped and jumped high.

[@Madmok128]

When I got my first job working as a civilian contractor for the DoD, I had to agree to take and pass the security+ exam which I did and at that time it never expired. The test was not that difficult BUT I also had almost 10 years of network security/firewall experience. In regards to the CCNA, mine has expired along with my CCNP and CCDP. The NA is awesome for noobs because it covers not just proprietary information, but industry standard as well (ieee specifications, OSPF, and obviously the OSI model).