Just got an associate's degree in computer applications. Where to go from here?

So, i've been at the worst job i've ever had in my life for the past two years and now I finally have my degree. While I don't have any certifications just yet [I'm still in college,don't want to burden myself with 5 classes plus studying for cert exams], I'd like to think i'm qualified for something low on the totem pole. Best Buy's Geek Squad, Staples Easytech, something along those lines.

Since everyone here is far above me, any ideas on where to start off/as low as can be?

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Cisco Inferno

If you had a 2 year degree and the will to learn things on the job and gain certs within the year of employment (to show that you like learning!), I would start you off at ~$18 in a big city on a Help Desk or Desktop Support in my IT Dept.

No need to be on geek squad/easytech. The most they'll teach you is to be lazy and sell $300 virus scans. Problem with a tiny thing that can be fixed? REFORMAT! lol

Go into real IT. you can do it. I would definitely spend a month after you graduate to get the A+ though. Maybe another month or two after that to get the N+.

A+ seems like the standard, and N+ helps you plenty.

Are you doing a 2+2 Program? you said you got your AA/AS, but are still in school?
Definitely get the A+ on the side. It WILL get your foot in the door.

Many people think you only need tech skills in IT. Almost all entry positions require PEOPLE SKILLS. Its supporting users after all right? Someone mentioned here that IT is 2% Tech and 98% Communication. I agree.
Customer Service skills are the most needed. You can learn the tech on the job. Would you rather tell someone who is irate that you don't know something? Or would you rather have a nice cooled down calm user? Use those people skills to your advantage.
WHEN, not if, you get that interview, showcase those people skills!!! In all my support interviews, THIS mattered more than anything.

Good Luck!

DrB1986

Just my opinion,

I would apply getting a Help Desk position to get break into the IT field or if your lucky a field service position but if you get a HD job I will not lie you will learn alot but depending on the job it will be HELL most likely. While you are in HELL, be focused on getting your A+ cert, or N+ (whatever route you wish to go), then though it might be a bit of a pain get a MS Cert and go from there.

again just my 02 cents

P.S. I dont have an idea on your experience though so if you can get wayyyy better go for it.

djentlemetal

Well, I'm not high on any totem poll as of yet, but I can give you some insight into my perspective after I received my Associates last year. Remember, this is all from my point of view. 1. The amount of attention you receive from employers/recruiters will noticeably increase. 2. Getting your foot in the door into interviews will become a common occurrence (people will take you a bit more seriously; thus, giving you more of a chance). 3. With your degree, you should easily be able to get positions at those places you listed.

I would apply for actual help desk positions, though, like at an MSP or something similar. Geek Squad and other retail gigs like that are just that: fancy retail under the guise of tech support (just my opinion; don't bite my head off!). Find a place that is willing to take on someone green and malleable enough to mold into exactly what they need (that's what happened to me). A degree isn't a magic ticket guaranteeing to a job, but it doesn't hurt to have it at all.

N2IT

I wouldn't worry about certifications. I would look to transition out of the job and then once settled, getting your bachelors in a similar field. Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Computer Information Systems, or something in that scope.

Once you complete that then start to think about certifications. That's my opinion.

You may end up in a position through hard work / attrition that doesn't require certs. IT is a huge field and has a lot of sub sets to it. A lot of them don't require certifications.

You mention you are still in school. So you received your associates which you made clear, are you working towards your bachelors? If so good job.

Perry402

A shame that you live in Florida. I live near Baltimore and would actually take that. Geek Squad just seemed to be the easiest way to get my foot in the door even if it's a small one, better some experience than none. Where would I look for a Help Desk job exactly? All the ones on Craigslist [Lol, yeah, i know] are 9-5 contracted for months on end and i'm looking for something more part time so that it doesn't interfere with my classes.

2+2 Program? Maybe? I went to CC, then transferred to university, when i was one credit away from my degree, then i got my degree.

N2IT

2 + 2 sounds great. I have a few friends who recieved their accounting degree like that and saved themselves ~25,000. I would recommend getting the bachelors out of the way (while learning from it)

It's important and as time goes on it becomes harder and harder to get motivated. It will help you land better jobs in the future.

DO IT!

Perry402

N2IT wrote: »

2 + 2 sounds great. I have a few friends who recieved their accounting degree like that and saved themselves ~25,000. I would recommend getting the bachelors out of the way (while learning from it) It's important and as time goes on it becomes harder and harder to get motivated. It will help you land better jobs in the future.

DO IT!

I kind of already am? I mean i'm in university for my bachelor's, and I want an IT Job on the side for experience reasons. It's nothing official though?

iBrokeIT

Perry402 wrote: »

Where would I look for a Help Desk job exactly?

I would start at your university. Do they have a Help Desk? Probably, ask about any open positions or work study opportunities. Also hit up your university's career center and see if they have positions that were sent to them. Getting your A+ would definitely increase your odds of getting hired for a helpdesk position.

Perry402

Yes, but they earn minimum wage or slightly above that. Rent/Pay/etc is also a major concern of mine.

Cisco Inferno

Perry402 wrote: »

Yes, but they earn minimum wage or slightly above that. Rent/Pay/etc is also a major concern of mine.

If that's the case, get a 9-5. AND do ~12-15credits. Thats what I and many others have done.
Use a combination of Evening classes and Online classes for the easier classes. Once you get in the groove of things, it won't be too hard.

Not gonna lie, there is not alot of part time IT work out there but they do exist. Look into your university, and other Internships. They usually require Junior Level standing and you fit that. I interned for the NYC Dept of Ed's NOC as a Field Technician doing 28Hrs a week while attending school full time. They paid me $15/hr 3 years ago. Not too shabby.

Perry402

My schedule for the next semester is already set completely full on tuesdays and thursdays, and i'm doubting the 9-5 places would allow me to be part time or whatnot.

iBrokeIT

Perry402 wrote: »

Yes, but they earn minimum wage or slightly above that. Rent/Pay/etc is also a major concern of mine.

So you want a part time, high paying, entry level job in IT... good luck with that.

Perry402

I wouldn't say "high paying"... Geek Squad from what i've researched is about $10 an hour, which would be solid. Other than that, yeah, pretty much. I do have to pay for bills and stuff.

Cisco Inferno

Perry402 wrote: »

I wouldn't say "high paying"... Geek Squad from what i've researched is about $10 an hour, which would be solid. Other than that, yeah, pretty much. I do have to pay for bills and stuff.

The thing is, nobody really sees Geek Squad as real experience. It is experience though. just not the best.

N2IT

Perry402 wrote: »

I kind of already am? I mean i'm in university for my bachelor's, and I want an IT Job on the side for experience reasons. It's nothing official though?

Yeah sorry didn't get that from what you wrote. I have been really business lately, working on my 6th week of a 8 week vacation so you know how it goes.

Anyway glad you are sticking with school. I wouldn't even think about a cert until you graduate.