Working in IT is an interesting opportunity for many people - plenty of jobs, flexible work, above-average salary. For applicants without experience or IT beginners, working in IT can be a big challenge. Get inspired by the story of a car mechanic who became a Senior Service Desk Analyst thanks to CompTIA certification.
Richards began his IT career with the CompTIA A+ certification, which is considered the gold standard for IT professionals. “I bought the book, studied the material thoroughly, passed the exams and got a job at Impact Networking,” Richards said. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made. This job gives me stability and the opportunity to work with inspiring people in a field that constantly forces me to think and solve new challenges. I'm really enjoying it.”
Richards approaches his studies systematically, which he plans to continue for future certifications. He uses the current books and supplemental resources to ensure he learns as much as possible. He takes detailed notes and transfers them onto flashcards, which he practices until the material is thoroughly memorized.
Richards now works as a Senior Service Desk Analyst, managing IT services for over 300 companies that rely on Impact Networking. “I handle a wide range of issues, from resetting passwords to solving more complex technical problems,” he explains. “Working for an IT service provider is fast-paced, and every day I learn something new. It’s never the same, and that’s what I love most about this job.”
CompTIA certifications are designed to ensure that the skills you learn are directly applicable to the job, and Richards is living proof. “During my studies, I learned concepts that I now use daily,” says Richards.
"IT is a very broad field. Working in IT gives me a fantastic opportunity to explore different areas and find out what I want to focus on in the future," adds Richards. He has now completed CompTIA ITF+ and CompTIA A+ certifications. His goal is to obtain CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ certification, which will allow him to work in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity.
When asked what advice he would give to people starting out in IT or changing careers, Richards replied succinctly: Study!
"If you want to get into IT, you have to know these terms as well as your shoes," he says. “Make sure you really enjoy working in IT. There is nothing worse than doing something that does not fulfill you. But once you find that IT is for you, give it your all.”
Text taken from: https://www.comptia.org/blog/drew-richards-it-support-to-cybersecurity
