Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

Dethredic · 2010-01-16 00:54:57

So, at my university we study for 4 months then work for 4 months (on and off), and I would really love a job working with Linux in some way. I am currently on a work term, so I won't be applying to jobs for my next one for about 4-5 months, and I am not doing anything from 5pm to 12pm (other than video games), so I figure I should put my time to good use.

So, how do I prepare for something like that. I am pretty sure most of the jobs out there are in administrative roles or something like that.

Also I believe there are certifications or something, that would look good on a resume (how else do you show off your skills). Are these worthwhile getting, and if so I am sure some are better than others.

Just any info on this would be great.

drcouzelis · 2010-01-16 01:24:37

I wish I could get a job working on Linux software or providing support for open source software. The closest thing I get is, we have a Red Hat Linux computer in the lab I work in that I can use when I'm waiting for something. At least I have a Solaris computer at my desk.

The Linux certifications sound like a nice idea. I think I've seen two, Red Hat Linux Certification and something else. (maybe Novell) They seem geared towards administration, as you said. Since I'm a software engineer I decided not to go for them.

I always see the "Free Software Jobs" link on the www.fsf.org website, but I haven't really checked it out. Maybe there's some information there.

Maybe someone can make an "Arch Linux Certification".

jasonwryan · 2010-01-16 01:37:15

The Linux Foundation has launched a job board

http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS2822745240.html

Might be of some interest?

Xyne · 2010-01-16 01:38:44

drcouzelis wrote:

Maybe someone can make an "Arch Linux Certification".

Requirements to receive the Arch Linux Certification:
* get a Pacman patch accepted
* (wait for and) fix something that Allan broke
* keep up with Cactus at an all-you-can-eat taco buffet for at least 15 minutes
* survive 3 rounds of "Catch the Car" with Phrakture
* track down Judd in the Canadian wilderness and take a picture with him dressed as Mounties

Lexion · 2010-01-16 01:53:17

@Xyne: HAHAHA

pyther · 2010-01-16 02:19:03

The RHCT (Red Hat Certified Technician) exam costs $425 USD so it is by no means cheap!

Dethredic · 2010-01-16 02:22:11

I was looking at the Red Hat programs and they are a couple thousand dollars. Plus the exam price. I could justify the Exam price ($500), but I would have to pass first try, and I don't know how to go about getting good training. The stuff I deal with on a day to day basis is completely different that what is needed in a administrative role somewhere.

Trent · 2010-01-16 03:34:36

You're forgetting the CompTIA Linux+ exam.

I used to think it would be nice to get a job working with Linux, but in RL you generally have to take what you can get. Ironically I now have a part time job writing Perl on a Linux box, which is probably something like what you should shoot for if you don't have one of those expensive certifications and several years of net admin experience. Very few people get paid to compile kernels.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "working with Linux". My job requires no real Linux skills (unless you consider Perl in that category), but I use Linux to do it.

hw-tph · 2010-01-16 09:23:46

The Redhat consultans I have dealt with in the past have all been more or less incompetent, despite their number of certifications. I am not impressed. We have had to hire independent consultants to fix the mess created by Redhat consultants (a.k.a. "Asshats") on Redhat production systems...

So yeah, while a certification might be swell it is no substitute for knowledge. Also, do not limit yourself to Linux. Good consultants and contractors have a very broad area of knowledge and are able to help out with Linux-specific stuff, common services (httpd, DB, DNS, etc) not only on Linux, and related networking stuff: Cisco, f5 BIG-IP, and so on. And of course be fluent in LDAP/Active Directory integration and that sort of cross platform corporate IT crap.

So, where do you want to start?

Dethredic · 2010-01-16 15:36:10

hw-tph wrote:

So, where do you want to start?

Is this an offer for help, or just a cool statement to end you post with?

If its the first then I guess stuff like linux networking, security and such. I have never really done much of that.

hw-tph · 2010-01-16 15:51:25

I wasn't trying to be cool - It was intended as a question, nothing more. I was trying to get across the point that you really need more than a Redhat certification or some exam if you want to do consultant or contractor work.

Linux networking and security is a good place to start, although it might be quite intimidating. It's a huge subject, but something you'll learn as you go along too. And in order to expand beying purely Linux skills, I highly suggest f5 BIG-IP stuff. Consultants that know both Linux and load balancing (and what else you may do with a BIG-IP) are very highly valued in online commerce, egaming, and so on.

I do not work as a Linux consultant, my area of work is elsewhere, but I work with both Linux and Windows consultants on a daily basis and think I have a pretty good grasp of what's good to know if you want to be in those guys shoes. But as a general rule, most of the "OS consultants" I work with have a degree in computer science. Most have started out as programmers (Java or C, mostly) or DBA's (mostly Oracle) and then picked up the skills to become OS consultants/contractors along the way.

If you want to continue this discussion, you're welcome to contact me in private here on this forum.

toxygen · 2010-01-16 18:29:08

Trent wrote:

Very few people get paid to compile kernels.

it's a sad world we live in

that made me lol though

on topic, go to your uni or college computer center, try to get a job there. most if not all use some kind of *nix system, become friends with the admins there, ???, profit!

Last edited by toxygen (2010-01-16 18:30:02)

szymon_g · 2010-01-16 19:30:10

you can always try LPI (Linux Profesional Instytute) certification ( www.lpi.org ) - they are much cheaper than RedHats, but still usefull (LPIC-2 and 3, 1 is really basic). they costs about 100 dollars each one, LPI published a great book about it's certification (with examples, explainations etc- really nice but a bit obsolete)

Lich · 2010-01-16 20:41:10

If you plan on working into the field, fine. But never expect this to turn into a well paid job. Just become a dev for some project if Linux fancies you, but get a real job!(and sadly...that wasn't even a joke).

P.S. (unless you get a job as an uber sysadmin or security analyst, but they are a rare breed...no...really)

Last edited by Lich (2010-01-16 20:44:31)

Arch Linux

#1 2010-01-16 00:54:57

Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#2 2010-01-16 01:24:37

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#3 2010-01-16 01:37:15

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#4 2010-01-16 01:38:44

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#5 2010-01-16 01:53:17

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#6 2010-01-16 02:19:03

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#7 2010-01-16 02:22:11

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#8 2010-01-16 03:34:36

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#9 2010-01-16 09:23:46

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#10 2010-01-16 15:36:10

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#11 2010-01-16 15:51:25

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#12 2010-01-16 18:29:08

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#13 2010-01-16 19:30:10

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

#14 2010-01-16 20:41:10

Re: Preparing for a Job in the Linux business

Board footer