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Posted: Feb 13 2012 05:38 pm

Howdy folks. Been a while.

I'm sorry I haven't fulfilled your wishes and abandoned you yet.

My life has been a batch of hectic hell. If you're a facebook friend, then you probably know this already.

1) Baby. He's on the way, Due April 8th. My first kid, and will be a little boy. His name will be Jackson. Everything has been going smoothly up to this time.

2) Navy. If you follow the news you know the Country is currently in an economic crises and the defense budget has been cut. That leads to manning cuts. After 7 1/2 years of service, I am being pushed out of the Navy which seq-ways into my next topic.

3) Jobs. Currently on a job hunt. It's not fun out there. I have approx. 6 months until I'm out the Navy. If anyone knows somewhere that is hiring and they like prior military, please let me know. I'm already checking into the larger corporations that are military based, but either way, it won't hurt for suggestions. If you use LinkedIn, I'd love if you connected with me. All of my experience is listed there. http://www.linkedin.com/pub/joshua-smith/44/100/20

4) A+ Certification. Working on it right now, goal is to have it knocked out by March 15, then to kick off my Net+ and Security+. For you computer guys who probably have this, any advice or tips/tricks would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the huge data dump. I hope everyone else is doing well and I'll try to pop in more often. Very Happy

Posted: Feb 13 2012 06:10 pm

Atma wrote:

I'm sorry I haven't fulfilled your wishes and abandoned you yet.

Madness. Don't you abandon us!

As far as work goes, I suggest looking into law enforcement, possibly on a state or federal level if you can get into that. You are definitely qualified in that department. I would also suggest looking at energy companies, as they love hiring ex-military.

Posted: Feb 13 2012 06:28 pm

Post 9/11 GI Bill. You'll be making E-5 BAH-type salary depending on the location of the school, get time to spend at home with the new family and more time for certs with them all at your fingertips. It's kind of what I'm doing.

Posted: Feb 13 2012 06:44 pm

I've thought about using my GI bill, but I'm possibly saving it for my Wife. She's already a qualified Medical Assistant and she'd like to go back to become a RN.

That's why I'm trying to grab as many certs as I can. I have a few Navy Specific classes and 8 years of Military experience. I'm currently an E-6 so I have the leadership experience as well.

Just reaching out, never know who might know someone who knows someone.

Posted: Feb 13 2012 06:46 pm

While I don't have any job contacts for you, Atma, I will be keeping you in my prayers. Keep working hard and I'm sure everything will turn out well.

Also, Jackson is a great name for a ~~dragoon-in-training~~ boy, and here's wishing him the best of health.

Posted: Feb 13 2012 06:48 pm

Atma wrote:

I've thought about using my GI bill, but I'm possibly saving it for my Wife. She's already a qualified Medical Assistant and she'd like to go back to become a RN.

That's why I'm trying to grab as many certs as I can. I have a few Navy Specific classes and 8 years of Military experience. I'm currently an E-6 so I have the leadership experience as well.

Just reaching out, never know who might know someone who knows someone.

Two things: Don't wait too long, they expire, and I dunno if she can because she already has a degree I take it?

Posted: Feb 13 2012 08:00 pm

I haven't asked the question, she may not be able to use the GI bill in which case we are both prepared for. Also in which case I will probably end up using it and going to school then.

Joined: Apr 09 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3112

If Governor Corbett gets his way, then natural gas digging in Pennsylvania is going to have a big boom in the coming years once his bill is written and passed. There may be some openings in companies that may appeal to you, or take advantage of your training.

Joined: Aug 05 2008 Location: CA Posts: 867

You might have some luck in the Defense Industry, it's just sad right now with the economy being so crappy, but they love military experience, especially supervisory as I'm sure you're aware, and the big focus right now is cyber security.

Half of my family is in the industry. My father does UAVs in Sacramento, and is the director of the Cyber Intelligence business sector at Northrop Grumman. Aunt does integrated systems with missiles, and my uncle does signal processing for radios. I can do some asking around for you, but most jobs require a degree, yet given your experience you might not need one.

Edit: Of all the people I just spoke of, none of them interface with the Navy(They work with the Army/Air Force), but just from conversations with them in the past, I know that some of these individuals they get their contracts through are ex military who work in the private sector now and contract with the government. I have no idea how you might obtain that job, but those guys make lots of money, and I know of at least one that does not have a degree.

And grats on the kid.

Link: http://careers.northropgrumman.com/military_veterans.html

Even though it requires a degree, am I wrong to assume you meet all the other requirements? Might want to apply anyways:

https://ngc.taleo.net/careersection/ngc_pro/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=107281&src=JB-10200

Joined: May 22 2008 Location: Goshen, VA Posts: 6544

Just make a living selling your semen, your boys can clearly swim.

Posted: Feb 13 2012 11:17 pm

Quote:

***This position requires an ACTIVE TOP SECRET level security clearance with SBI to even be considered. If you do NOT possess at least that first requirement, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY; as you will NOT be selected.***

Already a No. I only have an Active SECRET Clearance.

With that said, if anyone you spoke with is generally interested in my experience, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/joshua-smith/44/100/20

It has just about everything listed.

Thanks for even asking around. Really means a lot.

Posted: Feb 13 2012 11:28 pm

@om*d wrote:

Atma wrote:

I'm sorry I haven't fulfilled your wishes and abandoned you yet.

Madness. Don't you abandon us!

As far as work goes, I suggest looking into law enforcement, possibly on a state or federal level if you can get into that. You are definitely qualified in that department. I would also suggest looking at energy companies, as they love hiring ex-military.

this. the CCA is always hiring

Posted: Feb 14 2012 04:44 pm

I'm sure this isn't news to you, but have you tried Military OneSource? They specialize in finding jobs for vets and transitioning military folks. They'd be well worth a look if you haven't already.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

Get your A+, skip your Net+ and Security+

Once you have your A+, go get a job. Apply to every university you can and get into their systems. Your military background mixed with an A+ should allow you to find a desktop repair job. While you work that job, let them pay for your next cert. You can skip the Comptia ones and go for Microsoft, Apple, or Cisco ones. While you work towards those, you can play with VMs and learn much more about software.

If you take it seriously, within 3-5 years you can be well beyond desktop support and IT can be a career rather than a job.

I am a little frazzled today because our IT organization just had a Reorg and I am now reporting to a new Manager/Director/Sr.Director. I am excited, but have had a tremendous amount of change for one day. Let me know what you are thinking and I'll be happy to provide further info about an IT career.

Posted: Feb 26 2012 02:03 am

Sorry for the delayed response but while I'm still active duty GP, the Navy will pay for my A+ Net+ and Sec+ so I want to knock it out with them.

EDIT: Also, my current job uses VM's through Windows 7, so getting some hands on with them now.

Posted: Feb 26 2012 02:17 am

Sounds like the best approach so far. Keep us updated, Atma.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

Atma wrote:

Sorry for the delayed response but while I'm still active duty GP, the Navy will pay for my A+ Net+ and Sec+ so I want to knock it out with them.

EDIT: Also, my current job uses VM's through Windows 7, so getting some hands on with them now.

Can you get MCPs and Cisco certs?

Those would be more valuable to you in the long run. Much more valuable.

Posted: Feb 27 2012 02:43 pm

yeah. according to the hosting guys here at work, the CISCO certs are priceless

Posted: Feb 28 2012 01:06 pm

These are what they would cover (listed under IT) going to put it under a spoiler, because it's a long list.

Reminder though, I have to have learned/studied for this exam and passed it BY September 1st.

[SPOILER:15eed1b7f7]
ASIS International
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)

BICSI
Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

Business Espionage Controls & Countermeasures Association
Certified Confidentiality Officer

Check Point Software Technologies, Inc.
Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)
Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
Check Point Certified Security Expert Plus (CCSE+)

Cisco Systems, Inc.
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) - Routing and Switching
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) - Security
Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security
Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
Cisco Security Solutions and Design Specialist

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
CompTIA Advanced Security Practioner (CASP)
CompTIA Project+ Certification
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID+)

Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)
Associate Electronics Technician (CETa)
Certified Computer Service Technician (CST)
Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)
Certified Network Systems Technician (CNST)
Certified Satellite Installer (CSI)
Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC)

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
GIAC Certified Firewall Analyst (GCFW)
GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX)
GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN)
GIAC Gold Standard Certificate (GGSC)
GIAC Information Security Professional (GISP)
GIAC Legal Issues in Information Technology and Security(GLEG)
GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA)

Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals
Associate Computing Professional (ACP)
Certified Computing Professional (CCP)
RADAR Electronics Technician (RAD)
Telecommunications Electronics Technician - Journeyman (TCM)
Wireless Communications Electronics Technician - Journeyman (WCM)

International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)
Certified Electronics Technician - Associate-Level

Novell, Inc.
Certified Novell Administrator (CNA)
Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)

Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE)
Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS)
Broadband Premises Installer (BPI)
Broadband TelecomCenter Specialist (BTCS)
Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS)[/SPOILER:15eed1b7f7]

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

username wrote:

yeah. according to the hosting guys here at work, the CISCO certs are priceless

Most certs aren't worth it if you have the experience beyond their value. So, you don't need Net+ if you have been working with a DHCP/DNS service and you understand how a network works.

However, if you require entry into one of those types of jobs and you don't have previous experience, the cert is your ticket.

Additionally some certs such as Cisco ones are pretty much requirements if you want a job working with Routers and Switches.

Atma wrote:

These are what they would cover (listed under IT) going to put it under a spoiler, because it's a long list.

Reminder though, I have to have learned/studied for this exam and passed it BY September 1st.

[SPOILER:e8157f8c35]
ASIS International
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)

BICSI
Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

Business Espionage Controls & Countermeasures Association
Certified Confidentiality Officer

Check Point Software Technologies, Inc.
Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)
Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
Check Point Certified Security Expert Plus (CCSE+)

Cisco Systems, Inc.
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) - Routing and Switching
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) - Security
Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security
Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
Cisco Security Solutions and Design Specialist

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
CompTIA Advanced Security Practioner (CASP)
CompTIA Project+ Certification
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID+)

Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)
Associate Electronics Technician (CETa)
Certified Computer Service Technician (CST)
Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)
Certified Network Systems Technician (CNST)
Certified Satellite Installer (CSI)
Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC)

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
GIAC Certified Firewall Analyst (GCFW)
GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX)
GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN)
GIAC Gold Standard Certificate (GGSC)
GIAC Information Security Professional (GISP)
GIAC Legal Issues in Information Technology and Security(GLEG)
GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA)

Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals
Associate Computing Professional (ACP)
Certified Computing Professional (CCP)
RADAR Electronics Technician (RAD)
Telecommunications Electronics Technician - Journeyman (TCM)
Wireless Communications Electronics Technician - Journeyman (WCM)

International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)
Certified Electronics Technician - Associate-Level

Novell, Inc.
Certified Novell Administrator (CNA)
Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)

Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE)
Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS)
Broadband Premises Installer (BPI)
Broadband TelecomCenter Specialist (BTCS)
Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS)[/SPOILER:e8157f8c35]

Go for these two:
A+
CCNA Certification

Get that A+ done FAST and focus on the CCNA with more time.

Posted: Feb 28 2012 02:35 pm

CCNA? I didn't see that on the list, Typo maybe? Or am I retarded and can't find it on my own list?

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

CCNA would help you get the CCDA.

If they will train you from nothing to get the CCDA, you can skip the CCNA.

At least that is how I understand it.

Posted: Feb 29 2012 02:14 pm

Certs are worth something even if you have the experience to overshadow them. That gives you just one more thing to back up the amount of effort and work you have put in to what you do. The government in general has a few websites set up to help with the transition process out of the military. I was saved from getting booted by the skin of my teeth, and they are cracking down even harder. Rule of thumb is, the bigger paper trail you have the relates to your field, the more attractive you are to prospective employers. That goes especially for IT, Aviation, engineering and related career fields like that.

Posted: Apr 22 2012 10:25 am

Update for those who care...

Baby is here! Jackson was born April 10th at 12:45am. 7 pounds 13 ounces. He's doing great and we're all at home. I'm currently on Baby leave although I am dreading going back to work on Monday Confused

I was also selected for Navy Reserves. It opens doors for me, and at worse I can volunteer for deployments and mobilizations which would keep me "Active" for a while to keep the money coming in.

Job hunting is still dumb, but I'm now dumping all of my energy into it now that the little guy is here and I'm not getting a nursery ready.

I stopped working on my A+ since I'm planning on using my GI bill when I get out towards a Cyber Security Degree. The course includes becoming certified anyway.

Thanks for the support over these past few months. It's very appreciated. You guys should see me popping in more often now Very Happy

Posted: Apr 22 2012 10:33 am

Congratulations on the new addition to your family, Atma! Good luck on the job hunt!