Since the start of high school, I have been pondering very hard what I want to do for a career because that will pretty much determine where I go to college. Then a few months back I got some inspiration, what if I could get a job working with linux? Most people seem to be somewhat nice in the linux community, so I figure it would be a pretty enjoyable job. Not necessarily one that will make me rich, but at least I could leave with some satisfaction. I am wondering, what types of jobs could I get that involve Linux? Also if you could hint at what types of degrees are needed for that job, that would be great.

You may want to consider a future in the area of management. More specifically, the management of information systems. I am currently a second year pursuing this major (ISM), and it has been alot of fun so far. Basically you mix a little computer science, a little business, a little management, and tie it together with some people skills. A good percentage of databases and servers are run using various distros of linux, and I see job opportunities every month in the campus newsletter from companies that want people with experience with linux systems. The ISM (or MIS as some people call it) major is very versatile, and I was reccomended it by a good friend of mine who just happens to be a hiring manager at IBM. Good luck

Here's an example of an internship available in my school's newsletter this month:

Innerstep is currently running a Novell network for file sharing, with
the primary application running on a windows 2000 server. Email
services exist on a Redhat webmail machine. Desktops are windows 95/98
with some XP machines. The enterprise management software is an IBM
MVDB.
Candidate should be familiar with the maintenance, upkeep, and
development of a Novell and Microsoft network and equipment.

Specifically:

* Novell tree integrity checks, moves, adds, and changes

* Microsoft DHCP and DNS.

Additionally the ideal candidate must be proficient with Linux/RedHat
and competent with mail-server services (postfix/imap/sm) such as
moves/adds/changes as well as server maintenance such as SSL, firewall,
and troubleshooting (forensics).
Lastly the candidate must be familiar with database architecture
schemes and management of MVDBs and have an understanding of network
protocol problems involving network traffic, trouble shooting, and
optimization is desirable. PERL, TCL, and Basic script
writing/debugging will also be useful for EMS and mail server
management.


I dunno about you, but this seems like a pretty easy/sweet job =P I'm looking forward to working in this industry.

Intriguing, it does sound like a pretty simple job that I am capable of. What is the closest school to colorado that would offer it? Or do you know some school IN colorado that offer it.

Quote: Originally Posted by fatsobob I am wondering, what types of jobs could I get that involve Linux?

Mathmatics for sure, either using the exsisting software to model a problem or creating your own software. Physics majors often use linux to develop experiments (either with physical machinery or with theoretical) Computer Science, again developing new technologies, easiest to create drivers universally.

So if you get anything out of my post, any techincal or theoretical profession will most likely use Linux due to its flexiblity.

MIS what you guys are talking about is another great field. I'm doing Actuarial Science which is similar only more mathmatics.

I nearly took Systems Adminstration a few years ago, that was heavily 'nix based... manageing servers and data centres and such... you might enjoy that.

You may also want to check out LPI for Linux-specific certs that aren't tied to any specific company.

I’d like to preface this by saying in no way shape or form am I a career counselor, hence any advice listed is just my non-professional opinion. As someone who has had numerous jobs in the computing world, I’m happy to see you want to do something that has a future. The programming world has been lost overseas to Russia, India and China. Network administration, particularly Linux has a bright future in my opinion. The best route for school is MIS/IT/CIS and all of it’s variations. I’ve found that the best path to any sort of computer career, in which you can excel, is to go the route of data management, particularly Databases in all of their incarnations (MS SQL, Oracle, Sybase, mySQL, etc…) Data makes the world go round, and therefore, those who control the data, control everything. Being able to transform and manipulate corporate databases is a skill that will be of value regardless of your chosen IT career path. If you’re a network administrator, being able to manipulate user accounts in bulk, tune databases, and manipulate enterprise email platforms are all database skills. Pure database development is obviously an option, as well as basic programming which will require database interaction. Even basic helpdesk chores can become a bit easier through the use of databases and reporting tools like Cognos and Crystal Reports which require database tie-ins.

As for Linux in particular, you have two options I see: 1) become a sysop and work in the datacenter for a company or 2) go the consulting route. Linux skills are in demand right now, but only for the back-end, despite what the pundits say, I don’t envision the Linux corporate desktop any time in the near future. There are advantages to each route, working in a datacenter provides job stability, but won’t be nearly as challenging or interesting as a consulting gig. In my own career, I began consulting, learned a ton and saw numerous networks which I then parlayed into a pretty cushy job at a major financial company. I’d be happy to continue on with this if you have more particular questions, but I think you’re on the right track.

Quote: Originally Posted by fatsobob Intriguing, it does sound like a pretty simple job that I am capable of. What is the closest school to colorado that would offer it? Or do you know some school IN colorado that offer it.

The major is rather new, and was only offered at about 5 schools in California. You'll have to look around for it (it's called ISM or MIS). It's pretty obscure, and my college accepted me because they needed more people that wanted the major.

The same with the degree im going into, although not new, its mixed into a nice bit of linux, i havea whole class dedicated to learning the linux server and desktop enviroment, and to top it off, i even work on it in three other classes. Im taking
"Information Technology - Network Administration/Database System Administration."
Yea abbrivations are very nice in my school

But for jobs based in linux our schools server (2000 machines domain server, file and app server) all run in BSD and thre variants to the *nix community, i don't know the details the IT and me aren't on each others good sides. But his boss wants me to do my internship there so he might get used to me

LPI is a good start as far as certs go just to get your feet wet (It's like the A+ of Linux). I do Orcale administration on Redhat servers, I've come to find that the best cert to get for the Linux field is the RHCE. Certs really don't mean a lot compared actual job experience, but the RHCE is a highly regarded test. I believe it was ranked number three on the "hottest" certs of 2005. Security is a big market nowadays also, so things like Security+ look pretty good on a resume. And if you are up to it, Cisco certs look good to (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CCSP etc)

Linux + Robotics = The Future

Linux-powered Robots Quick Reference Guide

Ratchet, what school do you go to, or what are the few schools that offer it?