Gotta Pick between 2 Jobs in IT Career
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Business Computing
Last response: in Business Computing
c911darkwolf
May 24, 2013 12:06:29 PM
So after 3yrs in a Entry level helpdesk job 2 job openings have opened up. My boss said he would support me applying for both since I have a established career of going above and beyond.
One is IT Datawarehouse the other is IT SECURITY.
I'm trying to decide which would open up more doors for me ? I really want to get my Linux+ and pure down the road.
so my question is this...
1. Which job has better pay scales normally?
2. Which might open more doors for me or make me a more desirable employee?
Paywages / Rates are not dicussed here and I won't violate the nondisclosure to find out. So I need some "Generic Advice"
Security would be Creating/deleting/updating access in Windows Domain/Unix Boxes/ ect...
Datawarehouse I dont know much about.
Any Advice is GLADLY taken!
One is IT Datawarehouse the other is IT SECURITY.
I'm trying to decide which would open up more doors for me ? I really want to get my Linux+ and pure down the road.
so my question is this...
1. Which job has better pay scales normally?
2. Which might open more doors for me or make me a more desirable employee?
Paywages / Rates are not dicussed here and I won't violate the nondisclosure to find out. So I need some "Generic Advice"
Security would be Creating/deleting/updating access in Windows Domain/Unix Boxes/ ect...
Datawarehouse I dont know much about.
Any Advice is GLADLY taken!
More about : gotta pick jobs career
raytseng
May 24, 2013 12:17:38 PM
i think it is up to you which area you are more interested in.
Datawarehouse means you will need to take care of databases which will place you closer to the business and applications that your company is involved in and the programs the company needs to actually produce a good/service.
Security is a broader topic, but this is typically an area in IT where you can still have no clue what your company does. In comparison to the datawarehouse job, They just want things to work. It seems from your description like 1 aspect is just being the user/password directory admin; however you could also get exposed to other aspects of security such as securing the network, perhaps things related to remote access, ways to keep all the employees compliant and up to date etc.
Security is a pervasive area in all companies, however it is an area where if a company had a wish, they would wish everybody was honest, there were no criminals and they wouldn't need security. "Security" really isn't the business the company is in.
In both there are lots you can do; it's more of a decision whether you want to get closer to the company's specific business by picking the Datawarehouse job; or if you pick the security job learn more about something general administration.
Datawarehouse means you will need to take care of databases which will place you closer to the business and applications that your company is involved in and the programs the company needs to actually produce a good/service.
Security is a broader topic, but this is typically an area in IT where you can still have no clue what your company does. In comparison to the datawarehouse job, They just want things to work. It seems from your description like 1 aspect is just being the user/password directory admin; however you could also get exposed to other aspects of security such as securing the network, perhaps things related to remote access, ways to keep all the employees compliant and up to date etc.
Security is a pervasive area in all companies, however it is an area where if a company had a wish, they would wish everybody was honest, there were no criminals and they wouldn't need security. "Security" really isn't the business the company is in.
In both there are lots you can do; it's more of a decision whether you want to get closer to the company's specific business by picking the Datawarehouse job; or if you pick the security job learn more about something general administration.
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chugot9218
May 24, 2013 12:20:08 PM
Both will be highly valuable in the future. You would be amazed how poor a lot of companies security is, it's a bit of a different job though, you essentially become the local soup nazi. Data warehousing is fairly complicated work and relies on a lot of creativity to draw conclusions from massive amounts of data. To me, it sounds as though the security route would be more applicable if you are not familiar at all with data warehousing, I would suggest fairly advanced knowledge of SQL if you intend to go that route.
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c911darkwolf
May 24, 2013 12:21:12 PM
nao1120
May 24, 2013 12:27:40 PM
The pay scale for either type is irrelevant.
I've noticed that you get paid more for the x years of service combined with how valuable you are in the role or roles. If your confident enough you can even ask straight up. What is the "scale"? Which i've done. lol. Assuming the company is doing well and has regular wage increases. If your manager is happy with you, and it sounds like that is the case and supports either type it'll be good.
These guys are right, either type there is a lack of good folks out there. Myself... I'm not into SQL, but that's a personal choice. Never was much of a programmer, nor want to be. Its an acquired taste.
IT security is huge, agreed. Myself, do an assessment audit every year, twice a year. Vastly important in any company. This component will always be important, and likely will spawn into various roles going forward.
I've noticed that you get paid more for the x years of service combined with how valuable you are in the role or roles. If your confident enough you can even ask straight up. What is the "scale"? Which i've done. lol. Assuming the company is doing well and has regular wage increases. If your manager is happy with you, and it sounds like that is the case and supports either type it'll be good.
These guys are right, either type there is a lack of good folks out there. Myself... I'm not into SQL, but that's a personal choice. Never was much of a programmer, nor want to be. Its an acquired taste.
IT security is huge, agreed. Myself, do an assessment audit every year, twice a year. Vastly important in any company. This component will always be important, and likely will spawn into various roles going forward.
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raytseng
May 24, 2013 12:28:04 PM
That's not to say if you pick the datawarehouse job instantly someone starts telling you what the company does.
It's up to you to shape your career and actively work and pursue and learn how your users are using the database and how it fits into your company's business.
A database admin could take a easily be as uninterested in their company as the security guy; and just blindly just make sure the database is up and maintained and just performing the steps that the users request without wanting to know what they are working on and what they are solving.
Or it could be the data in the database is just used for extremely boring stuff like payroll or HR that isn't the company's main business anyway.
Yea...So back to my main point
The key difference for me the way I look at it is what you want to get maybe in your next job or next step.
There are plenty of opportunities in either area, but the big choice here is DB one moves you closer to internal programs that the company uses; while the security one keeps you more of a general "caretaking" of a company's stuff; but it's not going to dive as much into usage of of the company's actual line of business..
Some people hate dealing with security, some people hate dealing with db stuff. Both jobs can be tough or easy for different folks.
It's up to you to shape your career and actively work and pursue and learn how your users are using the database and how it fits into your company's business.
A database admin could take a easily be as uninterested in their company as the security guy; and just blindly just make sure the database is up and maintained and just performing the steps that the users request without wanting to know what they are working on and what they are solving.
Or it could be the data in the database is just used for extremely boring stuff like payroll or HR that isn't the company's main business anyway.
Yea...So back to my main point
The key difference for me the way I look at it is what you want to get maybe in your next job or next step.
There are plenty of opportunities in either area, but the big choice here is DB one moves you closer to internal programs that the company uses; while the security one keeps you more of a general "caretaking" of a company's stuff; but it's not going to dive as much into usage of of the company's actual line of business..
Some people hate dealing with security, some people hate dealing with db stuff. Both jobs can be tough or easy for different folks.
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c911darkwolf
May 24, 2013 12:37:30 PM
I am currently in first lvl helpdesk, but I expanded our ticketing software I learned it and programmed it solely for years. I made a big enough difference that our CIO asked me to present my success at our yearly IT conference in front of 400ish IT professionals world wide. I just wanted to make sure I was advancing my career path in the right direction. Since my wife is a stay at home mom, Salary is also important : P
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raytseng
May 24, 2013 12:46:26 PM
I think you maybe putting yourself into a decision before you need to decide.
I would suggest, if you can,m apply or at least chat/interview with both of the hiring managers to learn more about the position and requirements; and for them to learn about your background. Bring your questions, don't be unprepared. Even if you ask just for a casual chat, expect it to be the same as an interview.
Perhaps after that chat; only one of the jobs may be a good fit.
I would suggest, if you can,m apply or at least chat/interview with both of the hiring managers to learn more about the position and requirements; and for them to learn about your background. Bring your questions, don't be unprepared. Even if you ask just for a casual chat, expect it to be the same as an interview.
Perhaps after that chat; only one of the jobs may be a good fit.
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raytseng
May 24, 2013 12:53:38 PM
As far as salary, either position has upside; but it depends on your natural skill. I will suspect that the db admin job is a little more specialized and so should have more potential then the general security admin.
However, if you are not good or not interested in databases or programming or it is really hard for you; that path may deadend and you won't make more money there. It matters to match what you are good at to maximize your talents or interests.
However, if you are not good or not interested in databases or programming or it is really hard for you; that path may deadend and you won't make more money there. It matters to match what you are good at to maximize your talents or interests.
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jwesley
May 24, 2013 1:34:53 PM
This article from Villa Nova University quotes a Money magazine article saying that Information Security jobs "are estimated to increase by 27% in the coming years."
From a quick read, Data Warehouse jobs are expected to increase by about the same rate until 2018. Additionally, IT security is (or can be) a subset of skills in the data warehouse field so, with the right skill set, you could do both. As far as opportunity or earnings potential go, it looks like the fields are pretty equal so choose the one that sounds more interesting to you.
From a quick read, Data Warehouse jobs are expected to increase by about the same rate until 2018. Additionally, IT security is (or can be) a subset of skills in the data warehouse field so, with the right skill set, you could do both. As far as opportunity or earnings potential go, it looks like the fields are pretty equal so choose the one that sounds more interesting to you.
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c911darkwolf
May 24, 2013 2:11:33 PM
USAFRet said:
Apply for both, and if called in, interview for both. Both are pretty specialized, and both in demand now and in the future.
I don't think either has a major advantage over the other as far as advancement and future prospects.
Go for it, talk to the managers, and see what happens.
The thing is i'm very buddy buddy with the SEcurity Manager and the Datawarehouse Manager asked to meet with me I didn't express interest in working with him. I feel like I would have my pick here.
Thanks for the great responses. I think i'm going to lean towards Datawarehouse as It seems to reflect better in my End Career goal of being a Linux Admin.
Thanks again everyone!
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DB people are freaks of nature.
My opinion, I would stray away from that. If you wanted to be more of a Linux Admin, the security route would be the way to go. Security and Admins work hand in hand to setup security practices. Going the DB route, you'll be specialized in performing a lot of routine maitenance and setting up DBs. Maybe some programming tossed in there depending on the needs.
The security part will be far more valuable as they're needed everywhere, whereas the DB portion while still heavily required is more silo'd.
My opinion, I would stray away from that. If you wanted to be more of a Linux Admin, the security route would be the way to go. Security and Admins work hand in hand to setup security practices. Going the DB route, you'll be specialized in performing a lot of routine maitenance and setting up DBs. Maybe some programming tossed in there depending on the needs.The security part will be far more valuable as they're needed everywhere, whereas the DB portion while still heavily required is more silo'd.
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c911darkwolf
May 29, 2013 9:17:32 AM
Well i've always had passion for Linux & Shell scripting. I'm geting into it all 4 of our computers in our house are all Linux
Wife's Laptop: Linux Mint 14
My Gaming Rig Linux Mint 14
My Laptop: Fedora 18
HTPC - XMBC
So've I have had practice networking and setting up software. I play everything from Steam games like TF2 to DDO and other games on my pc. I wanted to work towards becoming a Linux Admin so i'm currently practing to work up the courage to take the LPIC-1 Linux Exam. I was wondering if Datawarehouse or Security would be a better reference / help put me on the path to a Linux Admin once I get my certification to show I know the ideas/concepts of Linux. (I know certifications don't prove you know what your doing, but No ne will hire you based off of "home projects Knowledge" so a cert is all I got.")
Thanks for all the advice again guys
Wife's Laptop: Linux Mint 14
My Gaming Rig Linux Mint 14
My Laptop: Fedora 18
HTPC - XMBC
So've I have had practice networking and setting up software. I play everything from Steam games like TF2 to DDO and other games on my pc. I wanted to work towards becoming a Linux Admin so i'm currently practing to work up the courage to take the LPIC-1 Linux Exam. I was wondering if Datawarehouse or Security would be a better reference / help put me on the path to a Linux Admin once I get my certification to show I know the ideas/concepts of Linux. (I know certifications don't prove you know what your doing, but No ne will hire you based off of "home projects Knowledge" so a cert is all I got.")
Thanks for all the advice again guys
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I don't know crap about Linux to be honest. I'm all Windows, mainly supporting very large enterprise environments. Linux as a desktop operating system is great for small companies, maybe medium companies, but when you start getting into thousands of computers, Linux currently isn't a viable solution. Why? You don't have domain controllers, group policies, etc. Windows has that stuff.
Linux on the other hand is heavily utilized by my cyber security team for scanning Windows, Unix, and Mac systems. Linux is a great skillset for web hosting companies. Scripps Network for example is stictly Linux since they do nothing but streaming and video.
Linux security will, in my opinion, open up far more doors than datawarehouse. Everyone needs DBs and all, but SQL is pretty strong these days and that can go either way for the platform. Security is interesting and it will open a lot of door for side projects or your own business. Look at some of the white hat hackers.. "ethical" hackers.. people who try to find vulnerabilities prior to black hat hackers find them (bad hackers).
In the end, do what you like to do. Someone will pay you do it. Security will probably change more often and require more dedication to keeping up with everything. Datawarehouse is slow to change comparatively. If you're young and you don't have a family, I'd go the security route. If you had a family and you're not super nerd always toying with your computer, datawarehouse will be a good lifestyle. I guess if that matters.. if you can put the time in now, you'll be better off. In the end, either way, you have to put the time in before you get good at it and it pays better.
Either route, I'd put the average pay with someone who had 3-5 solid years of experience around $80,000 in most cities. Larger cities with a higher cost of living with pay more to accomodate.
Linux on the other hand is heavily utilized by my cyber security team for scanning Windows, Unix, and Mac systems. Linux is a great skillset for web hosting companies. Scripps Network for example is stictly Linux since they do nothing but streaming and video.
Linux security will, in my opinion, open up far more doors than datawarehouse. Everyone needs DBs and all, but SQL is pretty strong these days and that can go either way for the platform. Security is interesting and it will open a lot of door for side projects or your own business. Look at some of the white hat hackers.. "ethical" hackers.. people who try to find vulnerabilities prior to black hat hackers find them (bad hackers).
In the end, do what you like to do. Someone will pay you do it. Security will probably change more often and require more dedication to keeping up with everything. Datawarehouse is slow to change comparatively. If you're young and you don't have a family, I'd go the security route. If you had a family and you're not super nerd always toying with your computer, datawarehouse will be a good lifestyle. I guess if that matters.. if you can put the time in now, you'll be better off. In the end, either way, you have to put the time in before you get good at it and it pays better.
Either route, I'd put the average pay with someone who had 3-5 solid years of experience around $80,000 in most cities. Larger cities with a higher cost of living with pay more to accomodate.
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c911darkwolf
May 31, 2013 8:23:33 AM
We live in a small town, so i expect the pay to be down. If i'm not spending time with my family (wife +3 kids) then i'm tinkering with my PC/homenetwork or playing teamfortress 2 lol. Linux is a choice and it's one I enjoy so i do it. I think the datawarehouse might be the better route as this point because the Security department is things like Setting up access to Domain/As400/Unix Boxes, it's Not network security (a seperate team). Part of what the Datawarehouse group does is programming & Administration and some of the servers they admin are Linux. My honest end Career goal is to make 75k + as a Linux Admin or Senior Linux Admin. I would be content with that for the rest of my life lol.
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