Bored of I.T, what other industries could I go into?
Bored of I.T, what other industries could I go into?
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Discussion

Pig benis

Original Poster:

1,076 posts

210 months

Thursday 2nd November 2017
quotequote all
Hello folks

I have been working in I.T for around 8 years now, which in the grand scheme of things is not very long, however I am bored.. Like, really bored. I'm fed up with the constant drone of
'why isn't this fixed yet'
Constant project work to go alongside the daily grind stuff, and both need to be done ASAP
Fed up of ungrateful users
The worst part for me though is my passion for this line of work is gone

So a little background into my IT career. I started as a very enthusiastic 1st line tech and have since moved up into 3rd line / Infrastructure work, supporting a network with 10k users, across multiple sites, running 4 fully spec'd data centers, all with a mixture of Windows and Linux.

Now I still love my techie stuff, I always have done, but I would like to do something different with my career, something more rewarding and in all honesty, more fun. I'd love to do something that requires a strong IT background just in the automotive world. I'd also love to do traveling with work, as being stuck in an office / data center has become tedious.

Is there anything that anyone would recommend? Or am I barking up the wrong tree and should just suck it up?

I've been looking into pen-testing and going into the security side of cars, as that does sound very interesting, do we have any pen-testers here on this forum?

Thanks all
P.B

HiAsAKite

2,551 posts

276 months

Thursday 2nd November 2017
quotequote all
I work very closely with a number security testers.

You need to have the right mindset, and it varies from very mundane (and dull) commoditised vulnerability scanning at one end, to "red-teaming" and simulated attack assessments/ CREST STAR engagements at the other, where you are emulating attack group techniques,and using your own developed and research exploits at the other.


As a taster, look at OSCP (https://www.offensive-security.com/information-security-certifications/oscp-offensive-security-certified-professional/ ), and see how you get on/whether you have an aptitude for it, or alternatively look for the various cyber 'capture the flag' competitions that are run by large cyber outfits and some agencies at times.

Jerry Can

5,164 posts

252 months

Friday 3rd November 2017
quotequote all
Pig benis said:
Hello folks

I have been working in I.T for around 8 years now, which in the grand scheme of things is not very long, however I am bored.. Like, really bored. I'm fed up with the constant drone of
'why isn't this fixed yet'
Constant project work to go alongside the daily grind stuff, and both need to be done ASAP
Fed up of ungrateful users
The worst part for me though is my passion for this line of work is gone

So a little background into my IT career. I started as a very enthusiastic 1st line tech and have since moved up into 3rd line / Infrastructure work, supporting a network with 10k users, across multiple sites, running 4 fully spec'd data centers, all with a mixture of Windows and Linux.

Now I still love my techie stuff, I always have done, but I would like to do something different with my career, something more rewarding and in all honesty, more fun. I'd love to do something that requires a strong IT background just in the automotive world. I'd also love to do traveling with work, as being stuck in an office / data center has become tedious.

Is there anything that anyone would recommend? Or am I barking up the wrong tree and should just suck it up?

I've been looking into pen-testing and going into the security side of cars, as that does sound very interesting, do we have any pen-testers here on this forum?

Thanks all
P.B
IT System Analyst
Company Name Mercedes-Benz in the UK Company LocationMilton Keynes, United Kingdom
Posted DatePosted 1 week ago

Save Save IT System Analyst at Mercedes-Benz in the UK
Apply to IT System Analyst on company website Apply
Job description
We’re a leading Financial Services provider within the automotive world, growing through innovation, great products and a range of initiatives to give our customers the very best. At the heart of our business is a desire to provide our customers with finance offers which make the ownership of a Mercedes-Benz an affordable reality whilst providing industry leading service throughout our customer’s journey. Key to our success is the ability to deliver the right solution which provides the right financial coverage and aligned service contract but with limited risk to both the business and our customers.

A great opportunity has become available for an IT System Analyst working within the Retail and Collection Management department for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

As part of an internal IT team (10 people) managing several core information systems and computing infrastructures for multiple European Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, the main purposes of the role is to build and own the knowledge on current computer systems and procedures; to design information systems/computing infrastructure solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively and to bring business, information technology (IT) and external providers together by understanding their needs and limitations.

You’ll analyse company's existing systems and business models; mapping and documenting interfaces between legacy and new systems. Own solution/system internal lifecycle, liaising with internal IT and/or external provider to plan, design and implement information systems and computing infrastructure upgrades. Conduct requirements analysis and prepare specific proposals for modified or replacement systems, by liaising extensively with external/internal providers and internal IT clients.

It’s key that you identify options for potential solutions and assess them for both technical and business suitability, producing project feasibility, costs and benefits reports to support Management decision. You’ll oversee the implementation and configuration of new systems by 3rd parties to customize them for the organization (e.g. Corporate Security and Compliance Guidelines, Technology Product Daimler Group strategy). Support internal customers, by providing technical information, on change control, testing schedules design for complete systems and system updates. Support internal IT customers and/or external providers, by providing technical information, on incident and problem management for the solutions/systems in scope. Oversee and manage some cross-clients technical changes implementation and/or small projects. Keep up to date with technical and industry developments.

About you

You must be able to interpret complex information from various sources and be able to decide the best way to move forward on a project, whist being able to figure out how changes may affect the project. To do so you must possess a methodical, investigative and inquisitive mind with a logical approach to problem solving. You’ll have worked as a go-between with management, internal IT department and external providers, and must be able to summarize and explain complex issues in a way that all key stakeholders will understand. This will be done, by you possess good interpersonal and client-handling skills with the ability to manage expectations and explain technical detail.

You can find innovative solutions, and/or challenge providers solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important. You have experience of overseeing and eventually manage IT changes/projects centred on solution portfolio.

Key Skills, Knowledge & Experience:



Broad knowledge of IT topics is expected in the areas related to infrastructure (e.g. network, SAN), hardware (e.g. ESX host), Virtualisation (e.g. VMware, SRM), OS (e.g. Windows, Linux RedHat), software and programming topics.

Knowledge of SAP ERP, Oracle DB, Oracle WebLogic, OpenEdge, MuleSoft and Citrix products is an advantage but not mandatory.

Knowledge and practice in project management methodology (e.g. Prince2, PMI) is an advantage but not mandatory.

Graduates in IT and business subjects, in one of the following subject:

business information systems;

computer science/information technology;

information management systems;

Mathematics and/or science-based subjects

Or a Higher National Diploma in a relevant subject, with well-developed IT skills and good previous experience in computing.

Travel:

You will be required to travel to meet internal clients and/or providers, which may entail staying away from home overnight. You will also be required to travel overseas to meet internal IT partners (e.g. Stuttgart, Germany), and/or other internal clients (e.g. Germany, France, Italy, Spain).

Estimated overall travel 5% to10% maximum annual working days.

Work location:

The role will be office-based at out Head Office in Milton Keynes, with most communication via phone and email, however you may spend some time outside the department, particularly in the early stages of a project when you may need to work in a client/provider's office or business area. Home work will be appropriate (e.g. to meet a specific deadline, to deliver a specified outcome and /or task) as pre-agreed with direct manager.

On offer

Aside from an excellent salary and bonus structure which rewards personal and business success, you’ll receive 1 Mercedes-Benz lease cars, medical insurance, an excellent pension scheme, flexible benefits including options on annual leave, gym membership and life insurance and market leading professional and personal development.

Our process

Please include a full, current CV when applying alongside an indication of your salary expectations. The Mercedes-Benz recruitment process reflects our obligations under relevant UK legislation. Whilst all applications are carefully considered, we are only able to progress applications from candidates who have the right to work in the United Kingdom

Taita

7,994 posts

232 months

Friday 3rd November 2017
quotequote all
HiAsAKite said:
I work very closely with a number security testers.

You need to have the right mindset, and it varies from very mundane (and dull) commoditised vulnerability scanning at one end, to "red-teaming" and simulated attack assessments/ CREST STAR engagements at the other, where you are emulating attack group techniques,and using your own developed and research exploits at the other.


As a taster, look at OSCP (https://www.offensive-security.com/information-security-certifications/oscp-offensive-security-certified-professional/ ), and see how you get on/whether you have an aptitude for it, or alternatively look for the various cyber 'capture the flag' competitions that are run by large cyber outfits and some agencies at times.
Agree, happy to provide a bit of advice if you need it OP.

Sheets Tabuer

21,387 posts

244 months

Friday 3rd November 2017
quotequote all
Jerry Can said:
IT System Analyst
Company Name Mercedes-Benz in the UK Company LocationMilton Keynes, United Kingdom
Posted DatePosted 1 week ago

Save Save IT System Analyst at Mercedes-Benz in the UK
Apply to IT System Analyst on company website Apply
Job description
We’re a leading Financial Services provider within the automotive world, growing through innovation, great products and a range of initiatives to give our customers the very best. At the heart of our business is a desire to provide our customers with finance offers which make the ownership of a Mercedes-Benz an affordable reality whilst providing industry leading service throughout our customer’s journey. Key to our success is the ability to deliver the right solution which provides the right financial coverage and aligned service contract but with limited risk to both the business and our customers.

A great opportunity has become available for an IT System Analyst working within the Retail and Collection Management department for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

As part of an internal IT team (10 people) managing several core information systems and computing infrastructures for multiple European Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, the main purposes of the role is to build and own the knowledge on current computer systems and procedures; to design information systems/computing infrastructure solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively and to bring business, information technology (IT) and external providers together by understanding their needs and limitations.

You’ll analyse company's existing systems and business models; mapping and documenting interfaces between legacy and new systems. Own solution/system internal lifecycle, liaising with internal IT and/or external provider to plan, design and implement information systems and computing infrastructure upgrades. Conduct requirements analysis and prepare specific proposals for modified or replacement systems, by liaising extensively with external/internal providers and internal IT clients.

It’s key that you identify options for potential solutions and assess them for both technical and business suitability, producing project feasibility, costs and benefits reports to support Management decision. You’ll oversee the implementation and configuration of new systems by 3rd parties to customize them for the organization (e.g. Corporate Security and Compliance Guidelines, Technology Product Daimler Group strategy). Support internal customers, by providing technical information, on change control, testing schedules design for complete systems and system updates. Support internal IT customers and/or external providers, by providing technical information, on incident and problem management for the solutions/systems in scope. Oversee and manage some cross-clients technical changes implementation and/or small projects. Keep up to date with technical and industry developments.

About you

You must be able to interpret complex information from various sources and be able to decide the best way to move forward on a project, whist being able to figure out how changes may affect the project. To do so you must possess a methodical, investigative and inquisitive mind with a logical approach to problem solving. You’ll have worked as a go-between with management, internal IT department and external providers, and must be able to summarize and explain complex issues in a way that all key stakeholders will understand. This will be done, by you possess good interpersonal and client-handling skills with the ability to manage expectations and explain technical detail.

You can find innovative solutions, and/or challenge providers solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important. You have experience of overseeing and eventually manage IT changes/projects centred on solution portfolio.

Key Skills, Knowledge & Experience:



Broad knowledge of IT topics is expected in the areas related to infrastructure (e.g. network, SAN), hardware (e.g. ESX host), Virtualisation (e.g. VMware, SRM), OS (e.g. Windows, Linux RedHat), software and programming topics.

Knowledge of SAP ERP, Oracle DB, Oracle WebLogic, OpenEdge, MuleSoft and Citrix products is an advantage but not mandatory.

Knowledge and practice in project management methodology (e.g. Prince2, PMI) is an advantage but not mandatory.

Graduates in IT and business subjects, in one of the following subject:

business information systems;

computer science/information technology;

information management systems;

Mathematics and/or science-based subjects

Or a Higher National Diploma in a relevant subject, with well-developed IT skills and good previous experience in computing.

Travel:

You will be required to travel to meet internal clients and/or providers, which may entail staying away from home overnight. You will also be required to travel overseas to meet internal IT partners (e.g. Stuttgart, Germany), and/or other internal clients (e.g. Germany, France, Italy, Spain).

Estimated overall travel 5% to10% maximum annual working days.

Work location:

The role will be office-based at out Head Office in Milton Keynes, with most communication via phone and email, however you may spend some time outside the department, particularly in the early stages of a project when you may need to work in a client/provider's office or business area. Home work will be appropriate (e.g. to meet a specific deadline, to deliver a specified outcome and /or task) as pre-agreed with direct manager.

On offer

Aside from an excellent salary and bonus structure which rewards personal and business success, you’ll receive 1 Mercedes-Benz lease cars, medical insurance, an excellent pension scheme, flexible benefits including options on annual leave, gym membership and life insurance and market leading professional and personal development.

Our process

Please include a full, current CV when applying alongside an indication of your salary expectations. The Mercedes-Benz recruitment process reflects our obligations under relevant UK legislation. Whilst all applications are carefully considered, we are only able to progress applications from candidates who have the right to work in the United Kingdom
I was going to apply for that until I saw you get a merc.

bigandclever

14,337 posts

267 months

Friday 3rd November 2017
quotequote all
http://www.williamsf1.com/pages/careers/wmr/tracks...

Williams F1 Trackside IT Support Technician

Pig benis

Original Poster:

1,076 posts

210 months

Saturday 4th November 2017
quotequote all
HiAsAKite said:
I work very closely with a number security testers.

You need to have the right mindset, and it varies from very mundane (and dull) commoditised vulnerability scanning at one end, to "red-teaming" and simulated attack assessments/ CREST STAR engagements at the other, where you are emulating attack group techniques,and using your own developed and research exploits at the other.


As a taster, look at OSCP (https://www.offensive-security.com/information-security-certifications/oscp-offensive-security-certified-professional/ ), and see how you get on/whether you have an aptitude for it, or alternatively look for the various cyber 'capture the flag' competitions that are run by large cyber outfits and some agencies at times.
Thank you for your reply and great username.

I've been looking at doing the OSCP course, I have also looked at CREST and Tiger. I really don't know which qualification would get me straight into a job though. Before I drop money on a course, I have been doing as much free learning as I can, mostly from Cybary, which has all been really interesting so far and I know this is an industry I want to get into.

Thanks again for your suggestions, I really appreciate your advice


Yipper

5,964 posts

119 months

Saturday 4th November 2017
quotequote all
Do a good MBA and become an IT consultant. Stand around in a shiny suit and tell others what to do.

Pig benis

Original Poster:

1,076 posts

210 months

Saturday 4th November 2017
quotequote all
Taita said:
Agree, happy to provide a bit of advice if you need it OP.
Yes please, I'm all ears and itching to get a start on this career move

Pig benis

Original Poster:

1,076 posts

210 months

Saturday 4th November 2017
quotequote all
Yipper said:
Do a good MBA and become an IT consultant. Stand around in a shiny suit and tell others what to do.
Haha funnily enough a mate suggested the same thing today

silent ninja

867 posts

129 months

Saturday 4th November 2017
quotequote all
Yipper said:
Do a good MBA and become an IT consultant. Stand around in a shiny suit and tell others what to do.
That's an expensive investment. £30-40k for a decent MBA is not chump change, and may or may not return on investment.

Consulting is a different lifestyle. Travelling constantly. You could well be on a plane more often than you get in your car today. Or you could open your own business and consult, then you need to get good at sales and consulting to generate leads.

Or you could go into management. I used to work in IT for 5-6 years. You have two routes: managing or becoming technical leader (doer). Going from a doer to a manager isn't straightforward, hence so many crap managers up and down the country. But if you have the experience, go and learn.

toastyhamster

1,786 posts

125 months

Saturday 4th November 2017
quotequote all
You'd be doing very well to pass any of the CREST exams first time round, ideally you'd be working as a tester first. Generally there's a lack of testers/security people in the UK, so google pen test and check the careers pages, many will be looking for low level starts to pick up the easy work like scanning/externals etc and looking to build loyalty and skill set.

If you look on the CREST web site you can see which members take the certs seriously, there's only a limited number with the full set.

sooperscoop

408 posts

192 months

Sunday 5th November 2017
quotequote all
Thing is, everyone needs IT support guys. Every decent sized oil rig worldwide has one or two, every forward military base has one, MI6 and the CIA have them at their top secret bases (like that poor bd in Benghazi), nuclear power stations have them, F1 teams pay them the go race to race, airlines pay them to travel the world fixing st. I just met two of them on their way to work in a shipyard in Vietnam for 2 years.

There's absolutely no need to be sat in an office in Slough or a data centre in Bracknell.

anonymous-user

83 months

Sunday 5th November 2017
quotequote all
Prince2 is cheap compared to an mba and opens up project management for you in a field you already know plenty about. Decent day rates in all sorts of industry at the moment.

K50 DEL

9,722 posts

257 months

Wednesday 8th November 2017
quotequote all
sooperscoop said:
Thing is, everyone needs IT support guys. Every decent sized oil rig worldwide has one or two, every forward military base has one, MI6 and the CIA have them at their top secret bases (like that poor bd in Benghazi), nuclear power stations have them, F1 teams pay them the go race to race, airlines pay them to travel the world fixing st. I just met two of them on their way to work in a shipyard in Vietnam for 2 years.

There's absolutely no need to be sat in an office in Slough or a data centre in Bracknell.
This may well be the case, but trying to break into that style of IT job is almost impossible, I got lucky once (through PH ironically) about ten years ago, but since that company closed in 2015 I've been unable to find anything else, everything seems to be word of mouth sadly.

768

20,678 posts

125 months

Wednesday 8th November 2017
quotequote all
bigandclever said:
http://www.williamsf1.com/pages/careers/wmr/tracks...

Williams F1 Trackside IT Support Technician
Can't see the salary.

Looks like they're a C# shop.

supercommuter

2,169 posts

131 months

Monday 13th November 2017
quotequote all
Faz50 said:
Prince2 is cheap compared to an mba and opens up project management for you in a field you already know plenty about. Decent day rates in all sorts of industry at the moment.
Good luck doing a prince2 and jacking in your job in support and looking for a job. Generally a transition is needed within an organisation, prince2 is supplementary to experience. Source: I am a program manager in IT

Plus you will constantly still be getting 'why isn't this done yet'..

Stick with support and look for a more entertaining work place! Like all of the above suggested roles.

pherlopolus

2,189 posts

187 months

Monday 13th November 2017
quotequote all
If you like talking to people do some of the BCS Business Analyst courses and consider heading that way.

eliot

11,995 posts

283 months

Monday 13th November 2017
quotequote all
Pen testing can be very dull and repetitive which is often out of hours. If you are unfulfilled now, I suspect you will hate testing.

(former check team leader)

clarky92

780 posts

134 months

Monday 13th November 2017
quotequote all
Very relevant topic for me, same situation 8 years in IT support moving up the ranks, 25 years old so thought of doing somethig else starting again.

'You just need to find the right company'. I looked for a year or so, plenty of interviews and I walked away from a few offers purely as it was the same dull environment, kept at it and found a diamond of a company. They do exist. I still do support, but its a joy to work where I do now. Keep searching!