By Darren Saul
•
May 29, 2024
MSP or Internal IT? Which One is Right for You?.. If you’re in IT, you’ve probably asked yourself this at some point: Should I work for a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or stay in an internal IT role? It’s a tough choice, and there’s no universal answer. Both paths have their advantages, and the right decision depends on your personality, career goals, and work preferences. So, let’s break it down. **Internal IT: Stability & Specialisation: If you prefer consistency, routine, and deep specialisation, an internal IT role might be the perfect fit. Pros: β
Master Your Environment – You’ll become an expert in your company’s IT infrastructure, knowing it inside and out. β
Consistent Team & Culture – You work with the same people every day, fostering strong professional relationships. β
No Billable Hours – Unlike MSPs, you don’t have to worry about logging every minute of your day. β
Work-Life Balance – Generally, internal IT roles have predictable hours with fewer on-call demands. Cons: β Limited Variety – You’ll likely work on the same systems and challenges daily, which can become repetitive. β Slower Exposure to New Tech – Internal IT teams often have longer upgrade cycles, meaning you may not get your hands on the latest technology. β Fewer Career Acceleration Opportunities – Progression can be slower unless the company has a strong training and development program. **MSP: Growth, Variety & Career Acceleration If you’re looking for a fast-paced, high-growth environment where you’ll be constantly challenged, an MSP could be the best career move you’ll ever make. Pros: β
Work with Cutting-Edge Tech – MSPs adopt new technologies quickly, giving you exposure to a wide range of tools and platforms. β
Diverse Clients & Environments – No two days are the same. You’ll troubleshoot different systems, industries, and technical challenges regularly. β
Rapid Skill Development – The variety of work helps you develop into a strong technical generalist, making you highly valuable in the job market. β
High-Impact Learning Environment – You’ll work alongside some of the best engineers in the industry, accelerating your professional development. β
More Career Progression & Training – MSPs invest in their team’s training, giving you more opportunities for certifications and upskilling. Cons: β Billable Hours & Time Management – You’ll need to track your work carefully and ensure efficiency. β More On-Call & After-Hours Work – MSPs require flexibility, with some roles involving after-hours support. β Travel & Multiple Client Sites – While some love the variety, others find moving between locations a challenge. **Why MSPs Can Be a Game-Changer for Your IT Career: While an internal IT role offers stability and specialisation, an MSP is a launchpad for rapid growth. Working at an MSP will challenge you to adapt, learn quickly, and problem-solve across different environments. It forces you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. The fast-paced nature of MSPs means you’ll pick up new technologies, develop troubleshooting skills across multiple systems, and build an impressive technical portfolio in a fraction of the time it might take in an internal role. Plus, if you’re looking to advance your career quickly, MSPs often offer more structured learning opportunities, mentorship, and chances to take on project work that can fast-track you to senior roles. At the end of the day, both career paths have merit. But if you want variety, accelerated learning, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology, an MSP might be the perfect fit. So, are you ready to embrace the challenge? π