InformationWeek

May 10, 1999

I am 27 with seven years of experience and have been working for a large global company for five years as a systems administrator, administrating six sites, 300 users, and 400 desktops. I run the administration for Novell 4.11 and NT Workstations and take care of NT application servers. I coach and lead end users to results. I am a jack of all trades and fully understand the role of IT within business. I am currently making $55,000. I have accepted a position within the company at our largest market unit. My question is, should I stay at this path and grow within the company while gaining experience in managing a site of more than 600 users and equivalent equipment?

Yes. It sounds like the company you're currently with continues to challenge you and broaden your experience base. Your compensation is in line with the marketplace and your size and scope of responsibility is enhancing. I disagree with your "jack of all trades" description. It sounds to me as if you're becoming a "master" at network integration and administration--a great field to be in.

More Questions:
Will IT employers hire someone with project-management experience in a different industry and train on the job?

Will a company pay me to train on their software even if I'm considered a "mature worker?"