CompTIA Feature Articles

Shawn Bolan Shares His IT Experiences

Shawn Bolan went from tennis pro to IT pro in a just a few short years. Bolan took a circuitous route to IT, beginning his career as a professional tennis player. He played competitively for five years, and then took up a new role at tennis clubs and YMCAs as a tennis pro. It wasn't long before his skill with computers became known, and his unofficial job role was as the go-to IT person because he was more knowledgeable than the IT staff.

Devin Carlson Uses CompTIA A+ to Sell His IT Skills

Devin Carlson has nearly nine years of experience in IT, but his recently-earned CompTIA A+ certification has helped him prove his value to customers as an IT professional. Carlson earned the certification because it was one he has always wanted to get. He had noticed that CompTIA A+ was required or considered an asset by many clients.

Heather Keever Shares Her IT Experiences

Heather Keever wasn't sure what she wanted to do when she "grew up." As a freshman at Messiah College in Grantham, Penn., she explored her options through introductory courses. A course in Computer Science gave her the direction she needed – it was so enjoyable, Keever soon made IT her chosen career path. Six years later, Keever is the IT Director for both the Wheaton Sport Center in Wheaton, Ill. and HealthTrack Sports Wellness in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

CompTIA Security+ Updated Exam Objectives

The updated CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) exam will launch October 2008. CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that validates knowledge of access control, assessments and audits, cryptography, network infrastructure, organizational security and systems security.

Joshua Van Camp Shares His IT Experiences

Joshua Van Camp was working on his business degree at Michigan State University when he started to think of ways that would make him more marketable while job searching. Having spent time working on his own computer, he decided to pursue a CIS degree at Siena Heights University to compliment his business degree.

Nima Khamooshi Shares His IT Experiences

Nima Khamooshi was in college when his friend earned a degree in information technology (IT). He was impressed by the starting salary his friend was offered. Nima thought since he had always enjoyed playing with computers, figuring things out, and solving problems, IT would be a nice fit for him.

Certification Fills the Skills Gap

Research released by CompTIA shows that there are skills gaps in several key areas. When comparing reported proficiency in skills to the importance of those skills, the skill with the widest "gap" in proficiency is security/firewalls/data privacy.

Ed Puchot Shares His IT Experiences

If it wasn't for Ed Puchot's brother, he would never have wound up in the IT industry. Ed's brother, Samuel, started his career working on his CompTIA A+ certification. After a few months, Ed noticed how Samuel could answer any question about computers that was thrown at him. Samuel later gave Ed his CompTIA A+ book.

Certifications Keep Mark Schroeder on Track

Mark Schroeder keeps his skills up-to-date by studying for the latest versions of the certifications he holds. Schroeder works as a network engineer for CACI, Inc., as a contractor for the U.S. Air Force.

He recently earned all three designations of the updated CompTIA A+ exam. Schroeder first took the CompTIA A+ exam in 1998. He renewed his certification in 2005 and decided to renew a third time with all three designations.

"The reason (I renew certifications) is because I don't have a lot time to read IT or computer periodicals every day and keep up with the latest and greatest technology," Schroeder said. "CompTIA has done an outstanding job in keeping their certifications on the brink of technology and not only on the brink of technology, but also what you need to know to be successful in the IT world. So when a new exam comes out, I try to study and get up to speed with the exam so that I learn everything I need to know for the challenges that I face every day."

David Whicker Shares His IT Experiences

David Whicker is adamant that those wishing to enter IT need to love it.

Whicker worked hard to get to his current position as a systems engineer at Miller Brewing Co., and he says it was all worth it.

Whicker began his IT career seven years ago. He started college studying programming, but after finishing the first semester in that subject he decided he would rather do networking and administration, and switched to that curriculum.

New Year’s Resolutions for IT Professionals

Many people view the New Year as a time to make a fresh start in their personal life or career.

Sello Tlabela Shares His IT Experiences

CompTIA turned Sello Tlabela into an IT guru. Tlabela was working for a company that was partly involved in IT when he decided to pursue a CompTIA A+ certification and go into IT himself. He now holds CompTIA A+, Network+ and Linux+ certifications as well as an additional engineering certification.

Fred Larkin Shares His IT Experiences

Fred Larkin’s day is quite different for most IT helpdesk administrators. Larkin works 12 hour days, six days a week, occasionally wears full body armor and a helmet to work, and must be on the alert for mortar attacks, which occur frequently.

IT Pro Shares His Job Search Tips

Finding that first job or changing careers can be tough for many IT Pros. After each issue of CompTIA IT Professional Access, our editorial inbox receives several e-mails asking for career advice; how and where to begin.

Vicki Gould Shares Her IT Experiences

Vicki Gould wasn’t always a technician. She started off working as a communications coordinator in the medical information services (MIS) department at a local hospital. After being laid off, she was offered a position as an MIS technician.

IT Professional Salary Growth: How to Ask for and Get a Raise

A significant number of the 1,501 IT Professionals who responded to a CompTIA Web poll (15%) received a salary boost of 20 percent or more in the past year. In years prior, IT salaries had stagnated somewhat, but in the last couple of years, they are on the rise again.

Starting a Career in Cyber Security

With increasing threats of data theft, viruses and browser attacks, businesses today have made cyber security a crucial part of their IT operations. Even HotJobs.com recently named cyber security, and the specialty of steganography, in their list of lucrative careers in new fields.

Standard Error Codes Help Increase Efficiency for IT Pros

The jobs of IT technicians have just been simplified. The Services Section at CompTIA has updated the standard error codes, which will allow technicians to identify problems and solutions for equipment they are working on with a simple 6-digit code.

George Rothwell Shares His IT Experiences

George Rothwell has always been interested in technology that is used to automate tasks. He started writing software in the fourth grade, and after college he co-founded an RFID consulting and solutions business.

Creative Ways to Land a Job

In today’s world, the traditional methods of job hunting may not be enough. You need to get creative to land that perfect job. But the basic rules still apply. While you may need to employ unconventional search methods, you still need to adhere to the basic standards of the professional world.

Mike Mancuso Shares His IT Experiences

As chief technology officer at SYMX Corporation, Mike Mancuso sounds like just another IT guy. But Mike’s job goes beyond servicing the customer; the application he controls saves lives.

Online Training Available Through Creating Futures

Creating Futures is a program run by the CompTIA Educational Foundation. Creating Futures provides training to transitioning U.S. veterans, individuals with disabilities, youth at risk and dislocated workers. The training and vouchers for the certification are available at no cost to participants thanks to generous donations.

Currently, Ricoh has donated 100 seats of online training for CompTIA certifications and there are still openings available.

Joe Pinedo Shares His IT Experiences

Joe Pinedo got into IT by accident. But it was a happy accident, because now, Pinedo has a job he loves, working on an Air Force base as a Computer Support Specialist Technician where he supports rocket launch personnel.

Passion for Security Leads to Online Magazines and Industry Event

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, it seemed only natural that Donald C. Donzal would start his own ventures one day. As the Director of IT for the Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Don had built a successful career, but his true passion was IT security.

Municipal Wireless Market Opportunities for VARs

The municipal wireless market is growing rapidly, as more smaller communities and rural areas are demanding Internet access that is faster and easier to use than dial-up.

Alex Rosier Shares His IT Experiences

Alex Rosier persevered and wound up with a job he loves. He was working as a waiter/bartender for catering companies, and no longer enjoyed it. He decided to see if he could parlay his lifelong love of computers into a new career.

Starting a Business? Get Certified

Fernando Callender has more than 10 years experience in the IT industry. As a software engineer specializing in Internet, e-commerce and integration technologies, he was ready to start his own business.

Security Considered the Hottest Technology

A recent CompTIA Web poll revealed that the highest number of respondents (24.3%) feel that security technology will have the greatest impact in the coming year. Wireless data applications and convergence were closely behind, at 13 percent and 12 percent respectively.

Lee Myers Shares His IT Experiences

In high school, Lee Myers’ guidance counselor told him he would have a great career as a truck driver.

But Lee wasn’t interested in trucks, he liked computers. He found a job at Circuit City; however, he soon realized that selling computers might not be the right job for him either.

CompTIA Study Shows Security is a Top Priority for Management

Security training is proving to be very valuable to employers. Thanks in large part to proper training, fewer breaches are caused by human error alone. Spyware, e-mail attacks and viruses account for more than half of all security attacks. Viruses account for twice as many attacks compared to 2005, and viruses/worms and spyware/malware lead the list of concerns for the future.

IT Pros Maintain Their Skills

The majority of respondents (86%) to a Web-based survey launched in IT Professional Access said they choose the training they need based on their own career plan. Five percent choose based on their employer’s requirements or recommendations, while two percent are told by their employers what they need to take.

Tommy Akin Shares His IT Experiences

A broken promise led to the start of Tommy Akin’s IT career. Akin was working in the auto business as a Fleet and Lease manager for a nation-wide auto dealer’s auction when he purchased a PC-XT from a local computer store for about $3,000.

Security Knowledge Important for Your Career

Looking for a leg up at work? Take a cue from management and brush up on your security skills. The Annual CompTIA Security research report, "Information Security: A CompTIA Analysis of IT Security and the Workforce," shows that managers are very concerned with security.

David Weig Shares His IT Experiences

One man's junk is another man's treasure… or in David Weig’s case, one car dealer’s old computer is another man’s new career. When the dealership David Weig worked for upgraded their system, he decided to save one of the old PCs from the junk pile.

IT Professionals Feel Upgrading Business Skills is Important

IT professionals feel that employers want them to not only be able to do their jobs, but to be personable while they are performing their duties as well. When presented with a list of six different major skills, IT professionals believe that employers value 'interpersonal and communication' and 'technical' skills the most when considering candidates for employment or advancement.

Creating Futures Launches Pilot Program in Jacksonville, Fla.

Transitioning military personnel are being given an opportunity to receive valuable training that will help in their careers. CompTIA’s Creating Futures program has launched a pilot training program in Jacksonville, Fla. The program has been developed for Active Duty Personnel and Veterans. Participants in the program are training toward their CompTIA A+ certification.

Tom Pintaric Shares His IT Experiences

Tom Pintaric lives in Calgary, AB Canada and works for an engineering/consulting company that hosts contractors on a full-time basis and deals with a variety of projects out in the field. His current job role is that of an IT Server-desktop-network technician.

Pintaric holds two CompTIA certifications, CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+. He pursued his first certification because he had very little experience in the field, and said being fresh out of school is the "worst” because everyone is already looking for you to have the skills when you enter the workforce.

RFID Center for Excellence Trains and Applies Technology

As RFID technology is growing more popular, it is important to keep up with this growing technology. The RFID Center of Excellence at Pennsylvania State University, Erie, has created an educational program that has already trained over 550 industry professionals in the past 15 months.

Linux Training Important to IT Industry

The majority of respondents to a recent CompTIA survey feel that it is important for a person supporting Linux to complete training. Nearly three-quarters (72%) believe a vendor-neutral Linux certification is valuable to them/their organization.

The survey was conducted in order to better understand the usage of Linux in organizations, and the amount of IT worker support given to it, a Web-based survey was launched internationally on Dec. 6, 2006 to CompTIA IT Professional Access subscribers, randomly chosen CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ certified people and CompTIA Research panelists.

Starting Your Own Business

Starting your own small business is a dream many people have. Who wouldn't want to call the shots, be their own boss? But the fear of losing stability is often a roadblock to getting started.

But there are things you can do give you the best possible chance at owning and operating a successful business venture.

Could You Work From Home?

Telecommuting is a growing alternative for professionals across all industries, including Information Technology. According to The Telework Advisory Group for WorldatWork, an international association for human resource professionals, there are approximately 45 million Americans that telecommute, and that number is expected to increase to 100 million by 2010.

Working from home is an attractive option for many professionals; there is no commute and it allows for a flexible schedule. But telecommuting isn't for everyone, and it can be a difficult transition for someone who has been in an office environment.

David Hardy Shares His IT Experiences

David Hardy had worked in the textile industry for about six years when he decided he wanted a career change. He took computer classes at a technical college and now holds his CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications.

David now works as Systems Engineer for the Laurens Co School District. He has been working there for four years and also has worked for a local ISP for three years.

Tim Dami Shares His Experiences as an IT Professional

Tim Dami never thought he would be traveling by canoe to fix a computer.

Working in the United States as a mid-level manager in the service industry, Tim already had communication skills; he simply wanted to learn how to work with technology. So Tim went back to school for computer repair, but realized that it was hard to find a job without any hands-on experience.

Job Prospects Bright for IT Professionals in 2007

The coming year looks prosperous for those working in the IT industry. The Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report states that increased IT hiring is expected for the first quarter of 2007. The report polled CIOs, 16 percent of whom plan to add IT staff in the next three months. Two percent predict cutbacks, which means that there will be a 14 percent net hiring increase.

A Career in Computer Forensics

IT professionals with an investigative side can put their talent to work. Computer forensic expert was recently listed as one of the top careers for 2007 by Careerbuilder.com. Computer forensics is defined as the application of the scientific method to digital media in order to establish factual information for judicial review.

Mike Zuro, network engineer at CompTIA and former Illinois suburban police officer, simply describes it as "finding and taking information off a computer or similar type of device."

Going Out on Your Own – Tips for Becoming an Independent IT Consultant

Many people who work in IT are called upon to help fix their families and friends computers. You might be known as Mr. or Ms. Fix-it to all these people. If you enjoy these personal consults, you might be thinking – how can I branch out on my own and gain enough clients to support myself (or supplement my income enough to make it worthwhile)?

Obviously, you can probably rely on getting good "PR" from your friends and relatives. But there are lots of other ways you can gain a circle of loyal clients.

Justin Durrant Shares His Experiences as an IT Professional

In five years, Justin Durrant was able to advance from a level-one help-desk technician to a Windows Systems Engineer at Fair Isaac in Arden Hills, Minn.

Durrant was able to break into the IT field after obtaining his CompTIA A+ certification a few years ago.

Writing the Perfect Resume; Acing the Interview

Your resume is your first impression. Employers look to resumes to provide a quick and concise summary of a candidate’s experience; and decide from the resume if the candidate is worth interviewing. In order to make the most of your job search, you must start with a good resume.

Eric Kilgore Shares his IT Experiences

Eric Kilgore's interest in computer's developed when he was fairly young. He had fun with BASIC programming in junior high and has been a hobbyist computer builder since the 1990s.

Kilgore holds CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications, an MCP in Windows 2000Pro (70-210), MCP Windows 2000 Server (70-215), MCP Windows 2003 Server (70-290), and is pursing his MCSA and CCNA.

Training Important for Wireless Technology Support Staff

The most popular wireless technologies currently supported by respondents include Wireless t 802.11 Wireless LANs (95%), 802.15 Bluetooth/Ultra-Wide Band Personal Wireless (31%) and FireWire (18%). The results come from a Web based survey distributed in August to CompTIA IT Professional Access subscribers via notice in the newsletter, CompTIA and Convergence Group members, and CompTIA Research Panelists via e-mail invitations. The survey closed with 684 responses.

Hiring managers say project management training is an asset

An overwhelming 98 percent of respondents to a recent survey say that whether their staff has adequate skills or not, they could use additional project management training. The Web-based survey was sent to CompTIA members, CompTIA research providers and CompTIA IT Professional Access subscribers. The survey closed on Sept. 19 with 431 responses. Of the respondents, 45 percent currently manage or supervise staff who need or would benefit from basic project management skills, One-third of respondents just didn’t manage any staff, and the remaining 22 percent said either their staff already had those skills, or they didn’t need them because their job did not require it.

Following a balanced study diet

Following a balanced study diet will help give you the complete knowledge to pass the test. The balanced diet is comprised of three rules:

1. Look at the exam topic from several perspectives. Combine different study methods while preparing for your exam. Attend training or a hands-on lab, use a book and download the exam objectives.

2. Understand the exam objectives. Review the objectives and know the emphasis (percentage) for each exam domain. You can download objectives for all CompTIA certification exams by clicking here. Practice test questions are also available, click here to download.

3. Know your learning preferences and select study methods suited to them. Maybe you learn faster by studying alone with a book, or maybe you like the classroom setting and having an instructor. Whichever method you choose for your primary study technique, make sure it’s the method that works best with your learning style.

Eric Logan shares his experiences as an IT professional

While working for a major automobile manufacturer and working on a degree in management, Eric Logan was intrigued by an introductory “computer concepts” class that was a requirement for the degree.

“During the class, I started investigating career possibilities in IT and by the end of the quarter, I had changed my major and the rest is history, as they say,” Logan said.

Logan is now the Systems Administrator for the Goizueta Business Library at Emory University, as well as a part-time instructor.

Logan holds CompTIA Network+, MCP, MCDST, ACHDS, and Dell certifications and is currently working on CompTIA Project+ and ACTC.

What skills should you have to get hired? CompTIA member companies respond

Good news for IT professionals - more than one-half (54%) of respondents to a recent Web-base survey indicate needing new tech support/customer service hires in the next 12 months in order to achieve business goals. Customer service and tech support were highlighted by respondents as extremely important skills for employees at a successful organization. Respondents to a recent Web-based survey ranked customer service and tech support as extremely important (68%), closely followed by sales (59%) marketing (40%) and general management (40%). When combining “important” results with “extremely important,” a slightly different ranking occurs, with tech support/customer service still ranking highest at 92%, but operations is the second highest ranked at 86%, followed by general management at 85% and sales at 81%.

Certification test taking tips

Taking an exam can be stressful, but following these simple test tips can help ease your anxiety:

1. Slow down and carefully read the question. If you don’t understand it, reread it. Don’t rush through and guess, sometimes it may just take a few moments to process.
2. Do not expect to find clues or a consistent writing style for every question. CompTIA certification exams are written with the assistance of dozens of Subject Matter Experts, therefore, the answers do not fall into a certain “pattern.”
3. The “best” choice is always the right choice. Some distracters will seem technically correct, but if there is a better way to approach the question, go with that choice.

Julia Olson shares her experiences as an IT professional

Julia Olson feels like a hero every day. Self-employed as a home technology expert, Julia provides on-site PC repair and network configuration to home users.

She discovered her knack for working with computers after earning a B.S. in Italian and living and working in Europe for three years. When she moved to Hawaii in the late 80s, she realized her language degree didn’t really translate into a job in the States.

The importance of an IT internship

IT careers are "hands-on," and gaining real-world experience gives you an advantage over other entry-level IT professionals. One of the best ways to gain experience is through an internship. Randall Palm, Chief Technology and IS Director at CompTIA, agrees that an internship is an important aspect of starting a career in IT. "A new graduate may possess all the latest IT knowledge, but without real-world experience that knowledge can be useless."

In the past, finding an internship to apply your IT knowledge may have been difficult, but a recent CompTIA web poll found that 49 percent of organizations surveyed said they plan to hire summer interns for their IT departments, up 6 percent from last year.

IT Pros comfortable with distance learning

Results from a survey of more than 600 IT Professionals show that they are very interested in distance learning. Sixty-nine percent have already taken a distance learning class in the past five years, and 92 percent would consider taking distance learning classes in the next five years.

While distance learning has existed for decades - through mail-order courses and independent study, for example - it is only more recently that technology has begun to have a large impact on the number of students enrolled in distance learning courses. Distance learning is gaining credibility in a world where more and more interaction is taking place online. Computers enable students to enroll in a university or training center miles away without having to relocate.

Learn about other IT professionals in the industry.

This issue features Ken Jennings, a system administrator and telephone technician.

Most important skills for IT Professionals

A recent CompTIA Web poll showed that the most important skill for someone looking to start or advance their career is networking technologies, with 44 percent of respondents choosing that as their top answer. Other top skills include problem solving (19%) and customer service (13.7%).

Time management tips for a productive workday

Learning how to manage your time wisely is one of the most important skills you can obtain. Time management skills give you the ability to effectively complete projects, solve problems and keep your stress level down.

Savvy IT Pros can reap benefits of technology dependency

Many people are addicted to their favorite technology. For some, laptops are lifelines. If given the choice to use only one technology per day, the greatest number of respondents to a recent CompTIA Web poll said they would limit themselves to using their laptop. Nearly half (45%) of all respondents said they would use the laptop, and the next most popular item was a desktop computer, with 20.7 percent of respondents naming that as the sole technology they would use. A distant third choice was a Blackberry, with 8.7 of respondents.

This dependence on technology is also occurring in Europe. Emarketer reports that a survey by Intel shows that Europeans are more at-ease with technology than they were five years ago. Intel surveyed more than 6,000 people on their opinions and usage of consumer electronics. More than three-quarters said they were “comfortable and enthusiastic about new technology."

Want to keep your job? Be well-rounded

The majority of jobs that are outsourced to independent contractors or third-party providers are technical ones, a report from the Society for Information Management said. The report also showed that business skills and capabilities represent five of the top 10 skills to keep in-house. Project management skills were also in the top ten skills to keep in-house.

eMarketer reports that a survey of U.S. IT Executives by Forrester Research shows that 36% plan to increase the amount of jobs they outsource, while only 8% plan to decrease it.

Top jobs are in IT

You can stop worrying about the IT employment shortage of years past. The IT industry is now a very secure place to be. Case in point - five of the top ten best jobs are in IT. According to a recent article published by Careerbuilder, software engineer, application engineer, software systems analyst, database administrator and network systems analyst, are among the fastest growing and highest paying job titles in America.

Training and Certification is the way to prove you know security

CompTIA’s fourth annual security study, "Committing to Security- Fourth Annual Benchmark Study: A CompTIA Analysis of IT Security and the Workforce," focused on areas and issues surrounding security training and certification, including IT security breach assessments, IT security training’s effectiveness and current and future hiring patterns.

IT professionals work hard to keep skills current

Many IT professionals do not think their employers understand the requirements involved in maintaining IT skills or the elements of IT career development. A CompTIA survey shows that a majority (85 percent) of IT workers themselves are actively involved in their own training and educations.

CompTIA TechCareer Compass maps your goals

The CompTIA TechCareer Compass helped IT Pro member Rick Melone take his career to a new level. When his employer announced that the company would be relocating out of state, Mr. Melone embraced the change as an opportunity to stay in his hometown and seek a new position with a project management focus. Mr. Melone used the TCC to determine what training and certifications he needed to get the job he wanted. His efforts proved successful.