Freshly A+ and Net+ certified, no experience, looking for some advice on getting in.

mxmaniac

OK, I'm jumping the gun a little, I'm not quite certified "yet", but I've been studying and plan on being A+ and Net+ certified very soon, so trying to have a plan in place. I'm looking for some advice though how to get started, as I have zero professional experience in the field, and hardly even know what's out there, or where to even turn first.

The last 7 years I've been in construction, both carpenter and electrician, but cannot currently work in that field due to a chronic slow healing injury. Prior to that I have about 5 years customer service type experience.

I do have a few specific questions that I'm hoping to get some input on some or all of them.
1. Based on the experience and certs I stated above, what sort of positions are even out there that I may be qualified for?
2. What sort of wage can I realistically expect to make in those positions? I live near the Seattle area. I've tried looking up what entry level type wages are, but I've heard wildly fluctuating numbers, from like $12 to $26, so I don't know what to believe.

The following questions are mostly about skills I have, that I'm wondering if they will be of any value, or at all transferable to the IT field.

3. I have a lot of very techy hobbies. I'm building a 3d printer now. I've been building quadcopters for years, I've built many from scratch complete with all the trimmings like GPS, Bluetooth, Telemetry, Autolevel, self leveling camera gimbal, FPV video link, etc. I've built many different Arduino projects, many other electronics projects, a Tesla Coil, and tons of other techy stuff. Do you think any of this sort of personal hobby knowledge can be of any value in the IT field? And if so, what sort of positions will it mesh well with?
4. Do you think my commercial electrician experience will be of any value in finding a position? (Its all been 120v-480v AC, I've never touched ethernet on the job, though I did wire my house with ethernet).
5. I have built personal websites. I know the very basics of html, css, and I'm familiar with wordpress. Still a beginner though, constantly referring to reference material for exact syntax. I know some minimal C++, just enough to do my arduino projects. I've also set up various basic home linux servers, just running off standard consumer PC equipment and RPi's, so I have a basic understanding of linux (still refer to my notes often). Is any of this sort of semi basic knowledge of much value?
6. I technically have about 6 years of college, no standard degree, and all construction coursework. Going to college while working is all part of the construction apprenticeships I did. Think this is of any value?

Any other advice you guys can give for the steps I should take, and/or realistic expectations based on my level of experience?
Thanks.

Chitownjedi

This keeps coming up but Ill say it again.. My Wife had her A+ when she found her first Migration technician contract at 15.00 last year.. before that she was doing nails, hair, makeup for a living and didn't know how to turn off a physical computer before getting her A+.

You have a leg up on her tremendously, so you should be fine.. I'm in Chicago land... so Seattle wages have to be adjusted, but I would concentrate on selling your previous experience, and the previous experience that you had that is technical (engineering) along with your A+ Net+ you will be good to go for entry level Help Desk type roles... possibly straight to Desktop Technician if you are real good with your soft skills and comfortable with Windows and AD enough... I'd say that 26.00 is probably out of reach with no IT experience but 20.00 may be in striking distance.

The most important thing you can do is look at the type of roles you want to get your foot in the door with. Then tailor your skillset (you are still learning and pursuing skills so you have time) to what may what be expected, and figure out how to cross reference previous experience with aspects of the roles you are looking for.

Entry level IT roles are usually heavy customer service focused, so being able to talk that aspect up will be a big boon for you. Sell your passion for the field, and when speaking to why you are switching say you are in it for the challenge and stimulation. If they know you are motivated, and interested in providing great customer service then with your certs, and previous work history you should be good to go.

Plantwiz

mxmaniac wrote: »

OK, I'm jumping the gun a little, I'm not quite certified "yet", but I've been studying and plan on being A+ and Net+ certified very soon, so trying to have a plan in place. I'm looking for some advice though how to get started, as I have zero professional experience in the field, and hardly even know what's out there, or where to even to turn first

WOW

From the post, I thought you were certified, then you lead in with they 'not quite yet', following up with an entire history...

My advice, start with the truth. Go from that point.

Do not say you have something you do it to have, particularly when it comes to certs and experience. Likewise, the 'building a 3d print device??' Are you physically designing a unit? Because that would be kind of cool. Or are you buying a $1500ish unit and setting up the software so the unit functions? We have a couple high schools in the area already setting this type of thing up with their students, and one developed a hand for a kid. I would be interested in where you found your information on crafting the print head for one of those if you are in fact 'building' one. I know where to buy them ready to go, but it would be cool to make one.

Aside from all that, one gains experience by doing. Sounds like you have some experience, but not working as a direct employee. No biggie, apply at local shops or take out an ad and solicit some business.

The sad reality, if you want to claim college, you need a degree. You can try to say, "I attended, such and such", but in the end, if you don't have a piece of paper to back it up, you merely took some classes. So, I do not think stating you took classes for six years will be something I would lead with in this case.

Unless you are going to be wiring things, past electrical knowledge will not be hugely beneficial. Lots of folks run CAT for networking projects, add-on ect... And in many areas one does not need an electrician to run such wire. Lately, the consultants I bump into have stopped running their own cable and simply sub it out to electrician because they do not to make enough margin to justify pulling cable.

So, some of you past experiences will be helpful, but not necessarily to land a new job in IT. The ability to think about the construction of a building, the best places for running wires and such, is nice, but not usually needed enough to hire a candidate as an IT person.

As far as pay, I dread this question the most because there are many variables that make up a wage. You are starting out with no experience and no certs (which is better than no experience and certs), so plan on the bottom end of the scale. Then again, that pay depends on the specific industry, the size of the business, and if you are one of many on a team or one of a few. For most companies, IT departments are expenses, you need to prove you are saving them money to justify them paying you...and IT is all about spending money to make things better/profitable for the areas of the company.

In any case, please be truthful in your subjects here, you will get better feedback.

mxmaniac

Thanks for the input. As far as the discrepancy between the subject, and the question. Its not that I'm trying to be untruthful, but rather I fully expect to be in that situation within the next few weeks, and am planning ahead. Rather than wait those few weeks, then post, then wait for advice and start planning and making my resume. I hope to have a solid plan in place, a resume already made ahead of time, and an idea where to send it, so I can hit the ground running the day I get the certs.

The thing I'm still trying to figure out, is exactly what positions are out there that I would have a good shot at based on those certs, and based on my work experience I have (which involves zero IT). I know there is help desk as an option, but what other positions or titles are out there? I'm so new to the field, I just don't know what good "foot in the door" options there are, or which job titles are out there to be searching for, other than help desk.

And based on my situation, how would I likely have the best luck applying for them? Job sites like Dice, career builder, craigslist? Or perhaps a staffing place like Robert Half or TEKSystems? Or something else entirely?

Thanks.

Plantwiz

mxmaniac wrote: »

Thanks for the input. As far as the discrepancy between the subject, and the question. Its not that I'm trying to be untruthful, but rather I fully expect to be in that situation within the next few weeks, and am planning ahead.

Call it what you want, but it is/was untruthful and we operate on blind faith here and help folks to the best of our abilities. Just calling it as I see it, a lie. You have just made it clear you will have the certs soon, that is fine, easy to have stated just that and since your posts highlight you are 'new' and want advice, the best advice I have is to be honest, period.

And based on my situation, how would I likely have the best luck applying for them? Job sites like Dice, career builder, craigslist? Or perhaps a staffing place like Robert Half or TEKSystems? Or something else entirely?

Personally, I would apply just like I would for any other job, get out and start pounding the pavement, pressing flesh, meeting people through networking groups and getting word out you are available. Getting a job is about who you know. As far as getting experience, you'll do that the way that has been described throughout Forum for a long, long time, volunteer, job shadow, get your hands on as much as you can with supervision to have references ready to go and move up. Have a game plan, work on setting goals and moving up. Plan a six month, three year, five year and ten year objective. Strategically trade-up jobs as your experience grows and the opportunities arise. Don't burn bridges, and remember that many businesses are intertwined with other businesses, and word gets around quickly about ones character.

Just an FYI, simply because you have a couple basic certs, you are not guaranteed any type of work. You may consider some sort of help desk position, but if that is not something you enjoy, you may not wish to go that route. Do you want to sell hardware? Work retail? service shop? What is it YOU want to do? can you use your connections from construction work to get yourself in as the IT person for one or several GCs? Think a bit more globally with gaining experience.

LinuxNerd

Chitownjedi wrote: »

This keeps coming up but Ill say it again.. My Wife had her A+ when she found her first Migration technician contract at 15.00 last year.. before that she was doing nails, hair, makeup for a living and didn't know how to turn off a physical computer before getting her A+.

You have a leg up on her tremendously, so you should be fine.. I'm in Chicago land... so Seattle wages have to be adjusted, but I would concentrate on selling your previous experience, and the previous experience that you had that is technical (engineering) along with your A+ Net+ you will be good to go for entry level Help Desk type roles... possibly straight to Desktop Technician if you are real good with your soft skills and comfortable with Windows and AD enough... I'd say that 26.00 is probably out of reach with no IT experience but 20.00 may be in striking distance.

The most important thing you can do is look at the type of roles you want to get your foot in the door with. Then tailor your skillset (you are still learning and pursuing skills so you have time) to what may what be expected, and figure out how to cross reference previous experience with aspects of the roles you are looking for.

Entry level IT roles are usually heavy customer service focused, so being able to talk that aspect up will be a big boon for you. Sell your passion for the field, and when speaking to why you are switching say you are in it for the challenge and stimulation. If they know you are motivated, and interested in providing great customer service then with your certs, and previous work history you should be good to go.

^ People should pay him for such great advice.

Good luck landing your first gig.

earonw49

1. Make sure you get your certs and legitimate licenses from said certs (reading your post, it doesn't seem like you actually "have" your certs, let me know if I am reading it wrong).

2. Make your resume shine! I cannot express how key it is to have a clean, professional and straight-to-the-point resume.

3. Apply, apply, apply. My first legitimate IT gig (my current job that I am leaving next week) is/was a helpdesk/callcenter job. I worked there for 8 months and built a positive, encouraging image with not only my bosses but with my company. Because of that (and great work performance) I JUST got hired as a Computer Operator/Jr. System Admin at a large and prestigious medical company in Tennessee.

I was fortunate enough to get that Helpdesk job without certs or IT experience...since you have a A+ and N+ that puts you ahead of most job applicants.

It took me MONTHS before I landed the IT gig I am in now, however it might be different for you.

Either way, stick to you guns, don't give up, study, PRACTICE AND APPLY. Do NOT give up! I repeat, DON'T give up!

Cisco Inferno

I got my first job with no degree, only an A+ and N+.
Do not give up! You should be starting at around $15 in a bigger city. Then double that in a year or two if you work hard.

mxmaniac

Cisco Inferno wrote: »

I got my first job with no degree, only an A+ and N+.
Do not give up! You should be starting at around $15 in a bigger city. Then double that in a year or two if you work hard.

As far as doubling your wage to $30 in a year or two. Is that a common occurrence, and reasonable expectation? Or is that a somewhat rare feat that only few achieve that quickly?

One of the biggest things that kept me from pursuing this career earlier is the fear of getting trapped in a low wage for longer than I can afford. Since I'm getting in later in life, I already have higher expenses, such as a mortgage, family, etc. A $15 /hr wage is not even enough to pay the basic mortgage/food/utilities. I'm sure I could do it for a short period of time, while drawing from savings, for the sake of getting a foot in the door, but it would be absolutely imperative that I at least reach my break even point of about $20 /hr as quickly as possible before going broke. Ideally more, so I can actually get ahead.

I realize that nothing is a guarantee, and there are too many factors to predict. But I'm just looking for what is a reasonable expectation of wage progression which a typical, average person can realistically expect in the first 1, 2, and 3 years.

Plantwiz

Double ones wage is not typical. You need unique circumstances and need to be a rock star...or just grossly underpaid to begin with.

I would plan on two jobs for a bit if you have all these expenses and start paying of the debts ASAP. However, it seems many folks love debt and stay in it at all costs.

Nevertheless, you cannot make experience happen faster than it happens, the calendar passes at the same rate regardless of how quickly you learn new material...you cannot change your time in a particular position.

Be a go getter! Grab up all the experiences and knowledge you can while at each job, and trade up when it makes sense.

tkerber

mxmaniac wrote: »

As far as doubling your wage to $30 in a year or two. Is that a common occurrence, and reasonable expectation? Or is that a somewhat rare feat that only few achieve that quickly?

One of the biggest things that kept me from pursuing this career earlier is the fear of getting trapped in a low wage for longer than I can afford. Since I'm getting in later in life, I already have higher expenses, such as a mortgage, family, etc. A $15 /hr wage is not even enough to pay the basic mortgage/food/utilities. I'm sure I could do it for a short period of time, while drawing from savings, for the sake of getting a foot in the door, but it would be absolutely imperative that I at least reach my break even point of about $20 /hr as quickly as possible before going broke. Ideally more, so I can actually get ahead.

I realize that nothing is a guarantee, and there are too many factors to predict. But I'm just looking for what is a reasonable expectation of wage progression which a typical, average person can realistically expect in the first 1, 2, and 3 years.

Doubling your wage is very unrealistic and I would say it does not happen very often. I am not going to give exact figures but I can tell you that I personally have been in IT for almost three years and wen't from Desktop Support, to Support Technician, to Support Specialist, to currently IT Field Engineer. I have not doubled my salary but am not too far off. I also live in the outer suburbs of Minnesota, so although taxes are high here, living where I am is relatively cheap.

A few tools I shall grant you!

Indeed is a good starting ground. Here is an average salary of the title 'Helpdesk Technician' in Seattle Washington.

helpdesk technician Salary in Seattle, WA | Indeed.com

Here is an average salary of the same title in Minneapolis Minnesota

helpdesk technician Salary in Minneapolis, MN | Indeed.com

Now obviously I've found these numbers to not always be spot on. But in most cases they're pretty close, or at least they have been for me. Also check out payscale.com, it's a little more in-depth but it will give you an even more accurate idea of salaries and corresponding titles.

As far as progression goes--that is something that no one can really answer. I know people who have been stuck in helpdesk for years with little to no raise and or opportunity. I also know people who are rock stars and somehow find great gigs every other year and get 25% or higher pay increases.

chef67

Hello All,

I'm new to the IT field, transitioning from working as an adminstrative assistant/ customer service representative for several years. I'm A+ certified, and studying for my security+ certification, but I don't have any experience yet. I'm volunteering at with a non profit organization to keep my hardware skills fresh but I'm having a hard time finding an IT job, that is close to what I'm making now, $40k. Any suggestions? Thank you

rj1790

I got my first IT job with an A+, N+, and Sec+ while attending WGU. My starting salary was about 20 dollar an hour but that's pretty low as I live in the Bay Area. It can be done but it's going to take a lot of hard work. My advice to you is to keep on learning, apply apply apply, work on interview skills, and have fun! Good luck