Network+ and Security+

["Martin Tran" <martinqt () gmail com>]

Hi everyone,

I've been in the IT area for about a year or so.  I came from an
engineering background from University of Maryland and never really
gone into that working field.  So I jumped into working IT b/c I liked
being around computer and learning the ins and outs on certain
processes.  Right now, I'm working in Helpdesk (I'm recently in charge
of Symantec administration side since no one in my company wanted to
claim it...I have also took initiative to make batch files for many of
the applications used on users workstations) and wanted to know how I
can better myself with certifications or if I should get my masters in
information systems?

I definitely do not want to be in the Helpdesk (since the pay isn't
great at all) position for long and wanted to improve and grow into
being a security or network or even a system administrator.   Yeah it
sounds like I want to get up and  start fast making it BIG as an IT
guy, but I know I work hard in what I do since coming from a different
study/background.

So right now I picked up a Network+ book by Sybex written by David
Groth.  That seems pretty good to start I think.  And after I was done
with that book and exams, I wanted to grab myself a Security+ book
too.

If you guys can give me advice on your success and some insight on a
direction on certifications(or go back to school for a masters in
Information Systems)  I would greatly appreciate it!

Sorry for the long email :( but what is the going salary for a
helpdesk position? Or with my qualifications, what should I be aiming
for?

B.S degree in Engineering @ the University of Maryland
Focus area was Electrical and Mechanical (Minor)
1+ experience working with MSOffice, Symantec, MACS, Win98/00/XP etc
In charge of Symantec Clients/server etc

Thanks in advance for your feedback and sorry for the long email.  Take care



-- 
Martin