Hi All,
I'm pretty new to this list and to CentOS, so forgive me if this kind of thing is shunned. I have really enjoyed following some threads on this list and learning what everyone out there is doing with the OS. I actually got started on CentOS when researching how to study for the RHCE without forking out big cash for Red Hat licenses, a donation is coming soon.
Anyway, I'm looking to do some part time Linux work (I'll work cheap, possibly free for a non-profit) and would like some suggestions on how others on the list have found odd job work. My goal with this work is to get some resume building Linux experience, help me pass the RHCE exam, and ultimately begin doing contact work or move into a full-time Linux/Unix position. I have two years experience administering HP-UX and Sun Solaris for a University, about 8 years total IT experience, and I've used Linux at home since 1998 or so; I just need some "real-world" Linux experience. I feel confident I can accomplish just about any Linux project using my broad background of experience and learning a little along the way.
The main problem I see is that I only have 10-15 hours per week to give this, as I have a full-time IT job as well, so flexibility on time of day/time of week of work is key.
Thanks, Nick
PS: Without starting a holy flame war, how do you all feel about the RHCE exam? Other preferred exams? I know exams mean very little in comparison to experience, but I feel without much "real world" experience on Linux it may be a good start at getting the first gig...
PS: Without starting a holy flame war, how do you all feel about the RHCE exam? Other preferred exams? I know exams mean very little in comparison to experience, but I feel without much "real world" experience on Linux it may be a good start at getting the first gig...
The RHCE exam is the only one that tries to test your mettle via actual practical tests. On this count I personally perfer it to the LPI exams which can be overcome by a 'brain dump' without any actual work experience. That is besides the fact that sometimes the LPI has faulty concepts behind some of the questions such as the stupid 'How much swap should you have?' of which the LPI correct answer is double your RAM.
You are correct that exams mean very little in comparison to experience. The RHCE will cover the basics of administration but real life will usually call for more knowledge and skill than what is tested. That goes even more strongly for the dumb LPI. Coupled with the fact that to get the LPI level 2 certificate actually costs more than trying to get the RHCE assuming success on all tests kind of makes it a no brainer.
Then again, with your eight years of experience, do you really think that a professional certificate will make a difference? Any reasonable manager who understands Unix/Linux should have no problem hiring you on that basis.
Feizhou,
On 12/5/06, Feizhou feizhou@graffiti.net wrote:
Then again, with your eight years of experience, do you really think that a professional certificate will make a difference? Any reasonable manager who understands Unix/Linux should have no problem hiring you on that basis.
Thanks for your comments. While I have 8 years of total IT experience, only 2 years was on Unix (part time undergrad job), no enterprise Linux experience. I think you are right, though, if a manager understands Unix/Linux I should be able to convice them of my compentency without a peice of paper.
Nick
On Tue, 5 Dec 2006 20:12:31 -0800 "Nick Webb" webbn@acm.org wrote:
On 12/5/06, Feizhou feizhou@graffiti.net wrote:
Then again, with your eight years of experience, do you really think that a professional certificate will make a difference? Any reasonable manager who understands Unix/Linux should have no problem hiring you on that basis.
Thanks for your comments. While I have 8 years of total IT experience, only 2 years was on Unix (part time undergrad job), no enterprise Linux experience. I think you are right, though, if a manager understands Unix/Linux I should be able to convice them of my compentency without a peice of paper.
Actually, an increasing number of managers do not look at certification. There are a lot of people who boast with their certification, but have little experience. Being able to solve a problem quickly in a competent manner is much more important than learning facts by heart. We have references for that ;).
At any rate, getting back on-topic: maybe it would be nice to have a job section somewhere (e.g. the Wiki?). At the NetBSD project we have a job mailinglist, and it has proven to be a good way for people to get a job related to their favorite project :^). And I am convinced that there are a lot of companies out there that'd love to get experienced CentOS administrators.
-- Daniel
On 06/12/06, Daniel de Kok daniel-lists@taickim.com wrote:
Actually, an increasing number of managers do not look at certification. There are a lot of people who boast with their certification, but have little experience. Being able to solve a problem quickly in a competent manner is much more important than learning facts by heart. We have references for that ;).
I suspect they could still be useful for getting past the first screen of recruiters/HR who, on occaision, don't understand technicalities of the skills and experience laid out in front of them on a CV.
I've had experiences with recruiters saying "Ah, but they need someone with experience doing $something and you don't appear to have that", and I've had to politely point out that $something is actual a smaller part of $bigger_something which is clearly listed *there*. :)
Will.
Daniel,
At any rate, getting back on-topic: maybe it would be nice to have a job section somewhere (e.g. the Wiki?). At the NetBSD project we have a job mailinglist, and it has proven to be a good way for people to get a job related to their favorite project :^). And I am convinced that there are a lot of companies out there that'd love to get experienced CentOS administrators.
That's a great idea, we have a job mailing list at a local Lug as well, and it works out great for both parties.
Nick
On 12/5/2006 9:49 PM, Nick Webb wrote:
PS: Without starting a holy flame war, how do you all feel about the RHCE exam? Other preferred exams? I know exams mean very little in comparison to experience, but I feel without much "real world" experience on Linux it may be a good start at getting the first gig...
I think the best thing to "get started" is to get some virtual server, administer it and try not to get somebody break into it. As a boss I'd rather be interested in you telling me that you've already rescued some just hacked machine from being further destroyed than showing me some exam paper, except for the case the company's toilet just ran out of ... :) ciao - Michael
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Daniel de Kok -
Feizhou -
Michael Kress -
Nick Webb -
Will McDonald