Working with Linux

Hey lads,


Not sure if this kind of thing is allowed in the ILUG, but I'm a recent 
enough convert to GNU/Linux - currently running a community spin of Manjaro 
on two machines and Tahrpup on a netbook. I also have a Pi3 running 
Raspbian.
I spend a lot of my free time tinkering with my installs or messing about 
on the terminal and so far I've really enjoyed the experience. Though 
there's way more to learn, I know more about my Linux system and my 
hardware now than I ever did as a Windows user. Not to go full Stallman; 
but it has felt liberating.

I've been thinking of transitioning into IT for some time, possibly by 
returning to college to do a conversion course, BA or a Springboard course.


I understand that for many of you, Linux is part of the every day at this 
stage, so I can also understand if you find yourself scoffing at my 
new-found infatuation with all things Linux: but I'm wondering if perhaps 
the 'grey-beards' of the group (not discriminating against the beardless) 
can offer me some advice or insight into working with Linux as a 
professional - as a systems admin or otherwise.

One question I have is probably the most frequently asked one: how 
important is certification? Would being Linux certified give me a head 
start over somebody with a general CS/IT qualification? Or is a combination 
of both the best bet?

How common are entry-level positions or internships in the Linux world? I 
haven't seen too many on the various job sites.

What other IT related fields would you get to involve yourself in Linux, 
besides working as a sys admin? I'm thinking web design or applications 
development might have some overlap.


How big of a barrier is it not coming from a tech background?

Some context context on my work/education history: I have a MA in Writing 
and have worked for several years as a freelance writer, specifically 
writing about the arts and doing PR for various cultural institutions. I 
also have some teaching experience and more or less bilingual. Not sure how 
much of my experience would count as 'transferable' or if there's a niche 
in the IT world that somebody like myself would fit in better than others. 
Another obstacle is that besides having taken courses in Python and Java 
Script through websites like Code Academy, I am not well versed in any 
programming language - hence me wanting to return to education.


And if I can ask a personal question, for those of you that started off 
dabbling in Linux as a hobby and later transitioned to working with Linux 
as professionals, how has your experience affected how you feel about 
Linux? Do you feel 'burnt out' at all, or have you been able to maintain 
some level of enthusiasm?




I've done solo research into the topic, so I don't want the ILUG to feel 
like I'm using you instead of Google. It's just that it all still feels 
fairly vague to me and I think personal insights would help resolve that.

Many online resources are also quite US centric. I will be Cork based for 
the next few years, so if anybody has an specific advice about working in 
IT in Cork, that would be brilliant.



Thanks for your time and patience,

-Wolfgang




-- 
Irish Linux Users Group
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