u/ConclusionLumpy6967

Hi all,

21M here, just looking for some advice on my next step.

I’m currently in a 2nd line IT support role and working through AZ-104 (nearly done with the modules, aiming to sit the exam by end of August). I’ve also built a homelab where I set up a hybrid environment using On-Prem AD on a VM and synced it with Entra using Entra Connect, just to get more hands-on experience.

At work, I’m mainly supporting a hybrid Microsoft environment (On-Prem AD + Entra), doing things like user/access management, deep M365/Exchange troubleshooting, device builds, and general endpoint/network issues. I’ve also had some exposure to Azure (AVD + VMs), used a bit of PowerShell for small automation, and worked with tools like JAMF and Mimecast (mainly for device policies and phishing/email checks). The other week, I found an issue with our current ADE so I sat with an INF member and had an idea of creating a seperate ADE with different configs to solve an issue which was nice (usually have a few occasions where I learn good amount from them).

Before this, I was a Dell Field Engineer doing hardware repairs on laptops, desktops, and server-grade workstations, along with OS deployments and basic networking troubleshooting for a year.

Unfortunately even after performing very well with mostly positive feedback, my employer has extended my probation for 3 more months (been at current role for 6 months so far) due to a early negative incident when I was 3 months in so I am just applying slowly just in case.

My goal is to move into a junior infrastructure / cloud-focused role once I finish AZ-104, but I’m not sure when the right time is to start applying. Am I already in a position where I should be looking, or should I wait until I’ve got more experience under my belt?

Would appreciate any advice from people who’ve made a similar move.

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to get some honest opinions from people

I’m working in a IT role and recently had my probation review. The overall feedback was mostly positive, but instead of passing me, they decided to extend it by a few months.

What’s confusing for me is that over the last couple of months I’ve been consistent, resolving most of my tickets, helping others when I can, and generally feel like I’ve settled into the role properly.

The points they raised were mainly around earlier on when I first started, which I thought I’d already improved on. That’s why the extension caught me off guard a bit.

UPDATE for anyone asking here is what my negative feedback was (these dated when I was still on the learning curve months 2-3):

First one was early on (like 2–3 months in) when I was still getting used to everything, so I wasn’t fully confident yet and my process wasn’t as smooth. Senior member came for assistance and I provided him the wrong information and ended up having issues with M365 apps like teams which he had to walk back to me few times .

Second one was a misunderstanding. Someone asked me how to set up meeting room audio, and I thought they’d already been given comms on it, so I pointed them back to that instead of just helping them directly. Looking back, yeah that was on me and I’ve adjusted since then.

Other than those two, I’ve been solid : around 96% resolution rate, helping others including seniors, and generally good feedback from users. Especially in the last few months I’ve been way more confident and built good relationships across the office.

Thing is I’m on good terms with everyone in the office and show lots of support to end users to the point I’m very likable to many. I’ve been on top of my game being engaging in calls, teams chat etc. just upsets me how they concluded I need extension rather than pass.

I get that probation is about the full period, but I always thought if you’re performing well and showing improvement, you’d normally pass.

Just wondering: is this something that happens normally or does it sound a bit on the harsh side?

Thx all

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to get some honest opinions from people in IT.

I’m working in a support role and recently had my probation review. The overall feedback was mostly positive, but instead of passing me, they decided to extend it by a few months.

What’s confusing for me is that over the last couple of months I’ve been consistent, resolving most of my tickets, helping others when I can, and generally feel like I’ve settled into the role properly.

The points they raised were mainly around earlier on when I first started, which I thought I’d already improved on. That’s why the extension caught me off guard a bit.

Thing is I’m on good terms with everyone in the office and show lots of support to end users to the point I’m very likable to many. I’ve been on top of my game being engaging in calls, teams chat etc. just upsets me how they concluded I need extension rather than pass.

I get that probation is about the full period, but I always thought if you’re performing well and showing improvement, you’d normally pass.

Just wondering: is this something that happens often in IT, or does it sound a bit on the harsh side?

Thx all