Hello all,
I have a quick question for those that might know,
Would a degree in Computer and Information Science (CIS) be enough to get in the Unix Systems Administration door at the junior level? Or is Computer Science a better choice.
The reason I ask is because a degree in CIS is the only option that I have available to me at this time.
Thanks in advance,
-Adam
That should be enough to get you started - while going to college, make contact with folks involved in the computer systems there. Look for a way to help out, find a part-time job in computers, learn more from doing than from the books and folks will be offering you a job if you show you have the talent and drive.
Sorry I forgot to state this, I'm going to school Online! No face-to-face with the college teachers or facutly! This is one of the down falls of being in the Air Force and stationed over seas! I've been trying to ask the net admins at work questions but they all pass me off like I was a child!
Any other advice woulld be appricated.
-Adam
Keep bugging those admins - let them see you are serious. Buy them some beverages after work. Try to get a transfer to computers within the A.F. (if you aren't in it already). If anyone mentions they are working on something (setting up a new network on a weekend...), volunteer to help.
I am actually what we call a 3C0X1 ( about.com job discription ) I'm usuly a system/network admin, however in my current job I'm a PC tech and Web Browser Driver! I found out that they got a new boss, but have not bother her yet, been on nights, but plan on doing so soon.
Thanks again for the quick reply!
-Adam
Bru,
I think you're in the perfect place for job placement after you get out of the service. Most of DOD (important) computers will be a UINX/Linux server. I know that with a clearance it will also help you with finding a job. The higher your clearance the more jobs offer your get. I think that a degree in CIS is great. You should definitely network with the contractors working there.
Unless it's much different than a degree in MIS, I don't think it will be enough to get you a Junior admin position. Some of the previous posters had great ideas like volunteering to help out the admins there to garner some experience. Also, if you have access to a free box, install UNIX/Linux and try to do some admin tasks like setting up SAMBA, NFS, mounting, run levels, X Server, filesystems, etc, etc.
larryase:
I actully have an AIX machine that I'm a user on, legacy program, and there is a SparcStation 5 that I'm trying to get an acount on; as well as our internal network has a mix of Unix & Windows. But like I said earlier I'm not an administrator of any kind at my job. But I do plan on bugging the admins now that I'm on days.
dangral:
As far as installing a *nix on my home computer, all 4 of mine run some version of Linux. And in time I'll be working on setting them all up to be some type of server. I also plan to have 'em dual boot, so I can break stuff without screwing up daily activities.
And as far as the bit on a MIS degree, I don't know how much the two have in common, looks like I'll need to look into that.
Thanks for the replys!
-Adam
P.S. larryase I have a Top Secret clearence.
get good at shell scripting so you get intimate with the systems better and quicker .. read a lot of books ... browse the forums for interesting questions ... read some more ... and show the admins that you understand their work ...
most places in boston --- from what i gather in the ads --- want an admin with a comp sci or elect engg degree and/or years of experience ... however, they will also interview people with interesting resumes that show possibilities with the jobs they're posting for ... once you get past the resume filters, you can get in once you convince them that you can walk the walk and not just talk the talk ... and you don't really need a CIS or comp sci degree although they can help a lot ...
btw, i don't have a comp sci degree either ... but i can walk the walk in most places ... the other places i stay away --- for now 
... and clearances usually only apply if they're related to the job you're applying for ... but having them won't hurt at all ...