Never learn on the job

[Magic Johnson]

I need some clarification on this issue.

Sometimes at work I have nothing to do, literally, nothing.

So I just fart about on here or browse the net or whatever until something comes up or I get bored and decide to go back to working on something LOL.

I'm thinking it makes sense to just whack out a book and start reading it but I've read so much about the title topic that it seems like the worst idea in the world.

Have any of you I.T guys studied...well not studied because I'm not being put through any training yet but swotted up on the job?

 

[Gally]

I'd love to learn on the job, I love learning about my job tbh.

 

[@Spoonie]

I need some clarification on this issue.

Sometimes at work I have nothing to do, literally, nothing.

So I just fart about on here or browse the net or whatever until something comes up or I get bored and decide to go back to working on something LOL.

I'm thinking it makes sense to just whack out a book and start reading it but I've read so much about the title topic that it seems like the worst idea in the world.

Have any of you I.T guys studied...well not studied because I'm not being put through any training yet but swotted up on the job?

Read loads of blogs, technical books, subscribe to Windows IT Pro mag, research on web plus loads of learning on the job.

Depends on the job I guess.

 

[Mark One]

try learning off the job. It doesent pay that well.

 

[Magic Johnson]

I do, read blogs off TechRepublic, member on TechSupport forums etc, read the Computer Weekly magazines that come in but I'm talking proper swotting, i.e MS books etc.

My job title is I.T Technician but it's more than that.

 

[Magic Johnson]

try learning off the job. It doesent pay that well.

Because of my commute the time I get home and have my tea I just can't be fecked!

Here's where I pay respect to DMS as I know he did this.

 

[@Spoonie]

I do, read blogs off TechRepublic, member on TechSupport forums etc, read the Computer Weekly magazines that come in but I'm talking proper swotting, i.e MS books etc.

My job title is I.T Technician but it's more than that.

I have a bookshelf full at work of technical books.

 

[Magic Johnson]

Have you got any introductary books?

i.e Introduction to SQL 2005

etc? I've got all the MCSE/MCSA books but they're going to be redundant soon in terms of where my company is going.

 

[Longy]

I'm always learning new stuff, reading blogs/forums/tecnet etc. I also try and get evaluation equipment in to learn new technology and create new solutions.

also s**t and learn ftw.

 

[D2501]

*Hears The IT Crowd theme tune* is it like that? They seem to have nothing to do either.

 

[Rasclart]

I do, read blogs off TechRepublic, member on TechSupport forums etc, read the Computer Weekly magazines that come in but I'm talking proper swotting, i.e MS books etc.

My job title is I.T Technician but it's more than that.

Rather than just read random books. Find out all you can about the systems you are running, what they do, what they can do. Maybe come up with some new ideas to streamline a process to save time/money! Will get your browny points.

Or ask them if they are willing to put you through some Quals?

 

[Magic Johnson]

They aren't random, in terms of I.T systems it's pretty generic really. SQL is a huge part but unfortunately no books on it.

They're not willing yet, I think I'll have to wait a year or two before they consider me.

 

[SharkyUK]

It's definitely worth learning on the job if you have the opportunity to do so. Document the fact that you are learning on the job as well, ensuring your line manager(s) acknowledge this. Try and gear your learning/studying towards areas that are relevant to your current - and potential future - roles and bring this up when appraisal time comes around. Most employers like to see a bit of willingness to progress, initiaitive and good use of slack time.

Personally, I'm always learning on the job as it's quite important I remain at the cutting edge (and beyond). Thankfully it's something I happen to thoroughly enjoy.

 

[Magic Johnson]

It's a tiny office with just me and him so he sees everything I do, unfortunately.

Lol.

 

[iain187]

i did a bit of swotting for my MS exam but i need to mither the head office boss for my next one.

don't really get enough time though

 

[Darren S]

It's very easy to get pulled from pillar to post in IT, though. Larger organisations have the proper tiered-system of dealing with issues - 1st, 2nd, 3rd line support, etc.

I would LOVE to devote more time to the project side of IT, but in a team of three you simply don't get the time - short of working 15 hours a day. And personally speaking, that simply isn't going to happen - lol.

You mention SQL as an unsupported area of your business? It's a good field to get into, mainly because it's very powerful when you get stuck into it. It's also a good transferable skill, if you don't stay working at your current place!

D.

 

[Magic Johnson]

Myself and my boss are the only I.T guys over the whole business, we support about 350 users and have several ongoing projects, an intranet, obviously the datacentre, the firewall, the landlines, the mobiles, basically anything technology/I.T related.

It's so in depth too I'm getting so much experience. SQL is a huge part of what we do and whilst I can do basic queries I'd love to know how to engineer an entire database from start to finish and do the maintainence too.

I'm just learning XML at the moment, whilst my boss is whoring on VB.

 

[*JimmyJ*]

Magic Johnson I know where your coming from, in the same boat. I would get some CBT nuggets, good stuff on SQL as well. Think Ive got some somewhere.

 

[Marv-C]

Magic, if you want to do some exams, here is a great place to get test exams.

http://www.examcollection.com/

They are all .vce files which needs Virtual Cert Exam Suite and you can get that from here too.

Sounds to me like you are a jack of all trades and although some think that a large company has a regimented support structure, many of them can't see the wood for the trees until they are quite high up the career ladder.

You can see how different parts of IT fit together. This will be a great asset when you want to move on.