Which entry level positions should you seek, and which should you avoid?

mxmaniac

I realize much of this can vary from a number of factors, and much is opinion based, but just looking for some general input.

For someone just getting into IT, without experience, and just some basic certs, what are some of the best positions to try and seek out to have the greatest odds of landing a position which is enjoyable, has good starting pay, and the best room to advance or migrate in the field?

Alternatively which positions should be avoided? Are there some positions that are almost always low pay, unenjoyable, dead end without much room to advance, and really just don't look that good on your future resume?

And are there any positions which should be avoided at all cost, which will likely do even more harm than good in the long run? Example, I'm making a guess something like a best buy geek squad member might be something to stay far away from for anyone planning a professional lucrative career.

In my research, the pay and salaries are so radically varied. Some people who had no certs yet landed $40K-$50K jobs, others who had some certs and started at $7-$10 an hour. I'm trying to figure the best approach to wind up as the former, rather than the latter.

Drethyl

I'm in a similar situation. I'm a few months away from my bachelors degree in networking/cyber security but have no field experience minus being in retail for ten years. From what i've seen so far desktop specialist or desktop support seem to be viable options. Salary is different everywhere though.

shauncarter1

Haha..if someone with absolutely no experience landed a job at 40-50k they either knew someone within the organization or were already a part of an organization in a lesser role. I don't think there are many shortcuts to success in IT. A combination of certs and experience give you the best chance in my opinion. Let me add though if you have the certs and education, but truly don't understand basic concepts you waste your time. I've interviewed quite a few folks with great resumes, but when they walk in the interview they can't even tell me two layers of the OSI model.

As you mentioned the responses will vary, but I would aim for non-profits that have relatively small departments. This will ease the pressure on you starting out and also allow you to touch as much technology as possible. I doubt you will start at 40-50k in most areas outside of DMV and NYC.

markulous

I'd take whatever I could if it means IT experience on my resume. I don't care if it's $9 an hour and everyone there are losers. Work there for a few months then start cranking out apps and there's a good chance you can get a $15+ an hour with a degree and/or cert.

networker050184

As markulous said, take what you can get. If you work hard and up your skill you'll have plenty time to be choosy a a couple years.

If you have choices find something with as many different technologies you can work with as possible. Any job actually getting hands on rather than phone support is a plus too.

Drethyl

I think i'm going to try for desktop tech work. The naval base does it as well as private contractors and they require security clearance, but those all have the potential to move up in positions.

hellolin

Try to find an internship in a big, reputable company that treats their employees well, I am in one right now and getting paid more than some full timer workers here and I don't really do much but have time to learn and touch some routers and switches and so on...of course low level desktop support as well, you just have to sound as bright as possible when interviewing, show that you will give the company a great future if they invest in you, even though you have no experience at this moment.

logisticalstyles

I would say avoid the Call Center help desk jobs if at all possible. If you do end up having to take that kind of job try to not stay there very long.