Re: Working with Linux

On 25/11/16 18:33, [email protected] wrote:
> 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

Hey Wolfgang,

Thanks for documenting your enthusiasm.
It's great to see, and the secret sauce to success IMHO.
If you're enthusiastic about this field you'll do well.
It's just a matter of which route is the fastest.

It's quite subjective how one best learns.
Some prefer study, while others are more practical.
Personally I don't have, nor was ever inclined to get,
any certifications, as I feel they go out of relevance
quite quickly, and can be too specific and commercial.
Some prefer formal education, while others getting
their hands dirty, like on some open source project for e.g.
I was lucky in that I had a technical degree before
I got interested in open source, but a conversion course
to an IT degree would both ease your progress in the field,
and also provide some broader info before you specialize.

Specialization is necessary really for navigating this
now vast field. Having a particular area of expertise,
be it a language, or service, or whatever, will both
give better satisfaction that you're working at a level
that is really beneficial, and is a good focus point
in a CV or interview.

An often overlooked aspect in a technical career is effective
communication, both personal and especially written.
Having an MA in writing is a huge advantage over the
common or garden software engineer, and combined with
enthusiasm in a particular technical area (which most
do not have), you can't go wrong.

Good luck.
Pádraig.

-- 
Irish Linux Users Group
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