I monitor our clients networks, and whn shit fucks up, I try to fix it, but it's usually the advice providers probel. So I usually just call them and tell them to fix the suit.
Because I'm curious and nosy, what qualifications did you need for the job? How did you get it?
Wow, I was blasted when I typed that. And I'm pretty sure when I typed it, it all looked perfectly correct.
To answer your question, there are various certifications that are typically tied to specific hardware and software vendors. In my case I specialize in Cisco network hardware, so I have a certification (and should have several more by now, but I got distracted) that specifically has to do with analyzing and fixing network issues related to Cisco hardware. You don't have to go to school for it, but you do need to study pretty hard to pass the tests, and having actual experience with the devices (even if only in the lab environment) is highly recommended, but not required. You at least need to be able to recognize the shit if its staring in front of you, and you need to have a bit of skills with accessing the device. Luckily Cisco gave out a free simulator, which is not so robust, but gives you something somewhat like actually accessing, configuring, and troubleshooting the devices.
At my level, the tests are all done through multiple choice questions, but when you get the Expert (for most Cisco paths, this is the highest) level, you actually have to perform a whole bunch of lab work in a restricted amount of time, and before you do that you have to go to an interview with the Cisco supernerds to make sure they're not wasting the lab time by letting shit fucks in.
EDIT: However, I don't think I answered your questions. When I got the job I was halfway through a four semester course for the second level of certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate). I only had some technical knowledge and hands on experience, and I got the job by going to a job fair at the school I was taking classes at and meeting a black man named Doc, who may or may not be the character from GI Joe.
