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What skills can I add to stay ahead of the curve?
I've received my A+ certification recently and have started setting up a home lab and familiarize myself with active directory. I am applying to entry level positions but unfortunately have not received an offer yet. My question is, what do I need to add to my skill set that would be allow me to be considered as an ideal candidate? There is a lot of information on the internet, but with so much being available, it's hard to know in which general direction to go towards. Thank you for taking the time to help!
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Angel’s Answer
Hi! Congrats on your A+ certification! To stay ahead, focus on practical skills like networking (get Network+), basic cybersecurity (Security+), and scripting with Python or PowerShell. Explore virtualization tools (e.g., VMware or Hyper-V) and cloud platforms (AWS or Azure fundamentals). Hands-on projects in your home lab will make your resume stand out!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Estefan !
You seem to be doing all the best things for a career in Help Desk Support and I commend you for already setting up a work space at home. That's fabulous and a perfect start !
Since you have your CompTIA A+ Certification already, you have taken a good step forward. You may want to consider adding more certifications if you can to add to the skills you already have. The certifications you can consider are a Google IT Support Certificate, AppleCare Mac Technician Certification, HDI Customer Service Representative Certification, ITIL Foundation Certification, and the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate. You can find information online about how to take these certifications which will not only boost your skills but add to your qualifications.
As for sending out your resume for employment with a company, don't give up. Continue to send your resume and cover letters out to all prospective employment opportunities for both on site and remote online work. Give yourself a goal to send out a certain number of resumes per week and keep a list of all the places you send to.
In the meantime, think about going for a Bachelors Degree at a nearby college. Although some computer people don't go for the college degree, most do have at least a Bachelors Degree which employers may see as stronger credibility, so college may be something that could give you a huge boost in the competitive business world.
Another thing that you can do to start obtaining work and add to your work experience is to start your own service. Draw up a business plan for your service and create a website for it. You would then have to do a great deal of networking and promote your business at trade shows, conventions, schools or wherever your target clientele are. You'll have to exert a lot of active initiative but it's worth it if you want work.
You are fortunate to be in Los Angeles because you can easily attend Techspo Los Angeles 2025. It would be a good place to network and learn more about the business. Many events to attend and it may be instrumental in making some contacts. I left a link to their website for you below.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the very best !
TECHSPO LOS ANGELES 2025 https://techspola.com/los-angeles-computer-technology-events/
You seem to be doing all the best things for a career in Help Desk Support and I commend you for already setting up a work space at home. That's fabulous and a perfect start !
Since you have your CompTIA A+ Certification already, you have taken a good step forward. You may want to consider adding more certifications if you can to add to the skills you already have. The certifications you can consider are a Google IT Support Certificate, AppleCare Mac Technician Certification, HDI Customer Service Representative Certification, ITIL Foundation Certification, and the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate. You can find information online about how to take these certifications which will not only boost your skills but add to your qualifications.
As for sending out your resume for employment with a company, don't give up. Continue to send your resume and cover letters out to all prospective employment opportunities for both on site and remote online work. Give yourself a goal to send out a certain number of resumes per week and keep a list of all the places you send to.
In the meantime, think about going for a Bachelors Degree at a nearby college. Although some computer people don't go for the college degree, most do have at least a Bachelors Degree which employers may see as stronger credibility, so college may be something that could give you a huge boost in the competitive business world.
Another thing that you can do to start obtaining work and add to your work experience is to start your own service. Draw up a business plan for your service and create a website for it. You would then have to do a great deal of networking and promote your business at trade shows, conventions, schools or wherever your target clientele are. You'll have to exert a lot of active initiative but it's worth it if you want work.
You are fortunate to be in Los Angeles because you can easily attend Techspo Los Angeles 2025. It would be a good place to network and learn more about the business. Many events to attend and it may be instrumental in making some contacts. I left a link to their website for you below.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the very best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
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James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Estefan!
Skills to Add for Career Advancement in IT
1. Networking Fundamentals Understanding networking is crucial for IT professionals. Familiarize yourself with concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and subnetting. Consider obtaining certifications like CompTIA Network+ to validate your knowledge.
2. Cybersecurity Awareness With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, having a foundational understanding of security principles is essential. Learn about firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and basic security protocols. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ can enhance your profile.
3. Cloud Computing Skills Cloud technologies are becoming integral in IT environments. Gain experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. Understanding cloud architecture and services can make you a more attractive candidate.
4. Scripting and Automation Learning scripting languages such as PowerShell or Python can significantly improve your efficiency in managing systems and automating tasks. This skill is highly valued in IT roles where automation can save time and reduce errors.
5. Virtualization Technologies Familiarize yourself with virtualization tools like VMware or Hyper-V. Understanding how to create and manage virtual machines is beneficial for roles involving server management and infrastructure support.
6. Soft Skills Development Technical skills are important, but soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are equally critical in the workplace. Employers often look for candidates who can effectively collaborate with others and communicate technical information clearly.
7. Continuous Learning Mindset The IT field is constantly evolving; therefore, adopting a mindset of continuous learning will keep you ahead of the curve. Engage in online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy), webinars, or local meetups to stay updated on industry trends.
8. Hands-on Experience Continue building your home lab to gain practical experience with different technologies and scenarios you may encounter in real-world environments. Participate in open-source projects or volunteer opportunities that allow you to apply your skills practically.
By focusing on these areas, you will enhance your skill set significantly and increase your chances of being considered an ideal candidate for entry-level positions in IT.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. CompTIA CompTIA provides industry-recognized certifications that validate skills across various IT domains including networking, security, and cloud computing.
2. Cisco Networking Academy Cisco offers resources for learning networking fundamentals and cybersecurity principles through their comprehensive training programs.
3. LinkedIn Learning LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of courses on technical skills (like scripting) as well as soft skills development tailored for professionals seeking career advancement in IT fields.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN====================|
|=================Programming For Your Nutrition Education===================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Skills to Add for Career Advancement in IT
1. Networking Fundamentals Understanding networking is crucial for IT professionals. Familiarize yourself with concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and subnetting. Consider obtaining certifications like CompTIA Network+ to validate your knowledge.
2. Cybersecurity Awareness With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, having a foundational understanding of security principles is essential. Learn about firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and basic security protocols. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ can enhance your profile.
3. Cloud Computing Skills Cloud technologies are becoming integral in IT environments. Gain experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. Understanding cloud architecture and services can make you a more attractive candidate.
4. Scripting and Automation Learning scripting languages such as PowerShell or Python can significantly improve your efficiency in managing systems and automating tasks. This skill is highly valued in IT roles where automation can save time and reduce errors.
5. Virtualization Technologies Familiarize yourself with virtualization tools like VMware or Hyper-V. Understanding how to create and manage virtual machines is beneficial for roles involving server management and infrastructure support.
6. Soft Skills Development Technical skills are important, but soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are equally critical in the workplace. Employers often look for candidates who can effectively collaborate with others and communicate technical information clearly.
7. Continuous Learning Mindset The IT field is constantly evolving; therefore, adopting a mindset of continuous learning will keep you ahead of the curve. Engage in online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy), webinars, or local meetups to stay updated on industry trends.
8. Hands-on Experience Continue building your home lab to gain practical experience with different technologies and scenarios you may encounter in real-world environments. Participate in open-source projects or volunteer opportunities that allow you to apply your skills practically.
By focusing on these areas, you will enhance your skill set significantly and increase your chances of being considered an ideal candidate for entry-level positions in IT.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. CompTIA CompTIA provides industry-recognized certifications that validate skills across various IT domains including networking, security, and cloud computing.
2. Cisco Networking Academy Cisco offers resources for learning networking fundamentals and cybersecurity principles through their comprehensive training programs.
3. LinkedIn Learning LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of courses on technical skills (like scripting) as well as soft skills development tailored for professionals seeking career advancement in IT fields.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN====================|
|=================Programming For Your Nutrition Education===================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯