Entry level IT jobs in las vegas? No expereince

Hello everyone, this is my first post here on techexams, just kind have been lurking around since I made an account. I live in Las Vegas, and am about a year away from obtaining an AAS computer networking with a client server emphasis from my local community college and from what I've been reading it is quite difficult to land that first entry level job.

I guess I just want some advice from those who live here in vegas and work IT. Where did you get your first help desk job? What companies would be willing to take a chance on someone? The only experience I have with IT is my own personal experience, and what I have learned in school so far. I start an internship next week and will be there for 3 months, there's only one guy supporting everything, hardware, servers, network maintenance, basically everything so I hope to learn a lot from this opportunity.

By the end of this year I hope to have my N+ and A+ certs and am wondering if those and some intern work is even remotely close to landing an entry level job in vegas. I have searched and applied to countless places listing just what I know from classes and personal experience, but have never recieved a call back.
Everything I have read really makes me regret my decision to pursue a career in IT. I am 23 and hope to one day be a systems administrator somewhere, it is something I know I would absolutely love but everything just seems kinda hopeless right now

thanks for reading guys. Sorry for the long post

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linuxabuser

Wireless ISPs are a good place to get your start. Found this:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/lasvegas.net-llc

Desktop support is another entry-level gig.

IT Support / Helpdesk Support job - Advanced IT Management Inc - Las Vegas, NV | Indeed.com

Desktop Support Jobs, Employment in Las Vegas, NV | Indeed.com

taylorb91

Hey thanks for the reply!
I have applied to countless indeed ads and hav exhausted all of my searches on there with different combinations of keywords and haven't found a true entry level I qualify for. Pretty sure I have seen 90% of all current job openings lol! I have seen ad for that one you posted, but 3 years experience is just something I don't have!! Very disheartening when I read something I know I can do and then see that required experience

I have checked out most major ISPs here in Vegas, but not that one you posted I will definitely look into that!

taylorb91

No one in Vegas on this whole forum?lol come on now my las vegans give me advice!!

it.nv_la

I would have to say try temp services and work from home opportunities support.com hires you to work from home, Apple has work from home opportunities and you can search different companies who are hiring for technical support representatives here is a website ratracerebellion.com. GCA, Ditronics, Kelly Services work from home keyword search technical at indeed.com technical jobs in Las Vegas, NV - Indeed Mobile over a thousand opportunities come up although all of them may be advance there should be some that doesn't require much experience.

aderon

taylorb91 wrote: »

Hey thanks for the reply!
I have applied to countless indeed ads and hav exhausted all of my searches on there with different combinations of keywords and haven't found a true entry level I qualify for. Pretty sure I have seen 90% of all current job openings lol! I have seen ad for that one you posted, but 3 years experience is just something I don't have!! Very disheartening when I read something I know I can do and then see that required experience I have checked out most major ISPs here in Vegas, but not that one you posted I will definitely look into that!

If you know you can do it, then apply regardless of experience required. I haven't met the experience requirements of my last 3 jobs.

Krones

Vegas is deifnitely more limited in positions than a lot of other tech hubs but at the same time from my experience it's been pretty difficult to find good talent (Devs, sysadmins, and database admins) so the competition isn't as tough. Of course, you are just starting out and by there not being a ton of jobs to begin with it can feel defeating. You have casinos and more casinos. A lot of these positions for the casinos are not on Indeed. You have to go to their websites. Same for MSPs such as:
http://www.neteffect-it.com/careers/

Also, did you try to apply with the school's computer lab? Better than nothing.

You also need to decide what type of experience do you want. Do you want to manage Microsoft environments or Linux environments. Try to find a place where you can get that relatable experience you are looking for. I work at a web shop where my team supporst 1 popular web application and 100 or so employees, and it's a lot different than working helpdesk on a Casino or at a bank. So I work in a mixed environment of Linux and Microsoft machines and my emphasis is supporting internal operations including facilities which was not what I was expecting.

I had to take an internship at age 32 for a mid-career change which was rough at first but worked out in the end. Your internship may lead to something more (1 guy shop is rough) and you may actually get your hands on some networking equipment and server hardware. So keep studying and do your best. Just remember, toi try to get along and if you fit in - even better. Learn as much as you can without annoying your boss.

Also, a lot of sysadmins do have to do some physical work - especially in a smaller shop. When I first started out, I had to do a lot of physical work - so if you don't exercise - start doing some cardio because you may be racking some heavy servers. If you still have some difficulties finding employment after your internship send me a message as I may be able to get you some part time work while you are still finishing your degree.

taylorb91

I have looked and applied to multiple casinos such as the golden nugget, station casinos and one MGM position..heard nothing back most likely due to lack of experience, there doesn't seem to be too many entry levels in Las Vegas.

I know I want to specialize in Microsoft environments, I am taking a windows server class next semester and an active directory course after, that is what I find most satisfying. And physical work is no problem for me if it has opportunity for growth eventually, no problem with that at all. But the internship is more for experience, it is a state funded place and their fiscal year just ended and I was told they didn't recieve any funds for another IT guy so the opportunities from that are none. Just experience. I have dedicated atleast 2 hours a day looking for jobs that would provide that relatable experience to a Microsoft environment but haven't had much luck...am I doing something wrong here? I'm starting to wish I had stayed with going to school for the healthcare field, as much as I hate it.

Yes I did try applying for my schools computer help desk, only problem is they outsource a majority of it all, so the help desk team onsite is 5-8 people, all usually rehired between semesters, the manager did tell me he'd see if he could get me in though, but not much hope there.
The school district offers computer specialist jobs but they also require a associates degree so that won't be for me atleast not now.

Development and programming is not my strong suit nor something I enjoy.
hopefully you are still active on here by the time I finish this internship if I can't find work by then, I appreciate all the feedback krones! Taylorbabbitt91@gmail.com shoot me an email so I have your contact info, I would love to be in contact in case I have to take you up on some part time work.

taylorb91

I don't know what happened to my response I typed out but I'll respond again?

i know for a fact I want to specialize in a Microsoft environment, I am taking a windows server course next semester and an active directory course after that. It is what I find most satisfying and easily learned and used for me. But where can I find a job that will relate to windows environment specifically? Seems impossible, everyone wants you to have a little knowledge of everything. I am not opposed to learning some Linux though.

The schools help desk is mainly outsourced and rhe on-site help desk is composed of 3-6 people, all usually rehired in between semesters, but the manager did say he would see about getting me in if the other employees schedules left gaps in staffing. But not much hope there. And as far as casinos go I did apply to IT positions at the golden nugget, station casinos and one MGM position all of which went nowhere probably because of lack of experience, there doesn't seem to be many entry level work in Las Vegas, almost makes me regret pursuing this career instead of staying in school for healthcare, as much as I hate it.

was your internship an intern to hire situation? Mine sadly is not, it is with a state funded organization and they did not receive any more funding for a second IT guy, so this will be mainly for experience. I would definitely not complain of some physical work somewhere if the opportunity for growth was there, no problem at all but again I have not come across such an opportunity. How did you come accross the internship you participated in?

i may have to take you up on some part time work offer eventually, if you're still active on this site when the time rolls around :P
is 3 months hands on experience even relevant to other employers with certifications and schooling? I feel like it's not but that may just be my current Debbie downer mindset talking.

taylorb91

I may just end up joining the military as a last resort to start a career, I feel as if 23 going on 24 I should have had a first step into my career if there was ever going to be one for me in the it world. Super depressed because of this lately.

it.nv_la

Clark County School district is hiring about 90 Computer Technician I positions for the 2015-2016 school year. 12, 11 and 10 month positions. There is also the SWITCH data center. They hire through temp agencies.

taylorb91

I've seen the ccsd openings but they state they require potential employees to carry an associates degree...I do not have this yet! And any advice on how working for the district goes? I see they have months to work listed on their ads, but what happens when the school year is over? Unemployment? Does one get rehired when school starts again?

linuxabuser

taylorb91 wrote: »

I've seen the ccsd openings but they state they require potential employees to carry an associates degree...I do not have this yet! And any advice on how working for the district goes? I see they have months to work listed on their ads, but what happens when the school year is over? Unemployment? Does one get rehired when school starts again?

You apparently do not want a job. You seem to like excuses.

"I don't have experience", "I don't have that degree", etc.

Apply anyway.

Hiring managers for these kinds of entry-level IT jobs hope to get a stud for pennies on the dollar. Never works out that way, and they settle for someone green, because that's the only realistic option.

Fixed a friend's or relative's computer? That's experience.

taylorb91

Well shoot man I will apply! I guess I just get super apprehensive when I see these qualifications and experience, but you're right, someone who actually has a degree and 2 years experience wouldn't realistically be going for that type of entry level job...I know I wouldnt!

Krones

I researched two companies that I thought I would like to work at and reached out to both companies. Granted they were a bit smaller and not a mega corp. The internships were not advertised and I was offered a paid internship at each one. There was no guarantee of a full time position. Lucky? Probably but I just worked hard and after six months I was hired on as a Jr. System's Administrator. And this was at 32 with no IT experience and I didn't use my old experience on my resume since it wasn't really relatable.

I think you can find a job. I think it would help if you have a few certifications especially a Microsoft server certification, contact a recruiter like Rober Half, and if you really wanted to fast track you should live and breathe Power Shell in your free time. Look into Desired State Configuration, do all the Tech Net labs that you can get your hands on. Create a Github account, script something useful even if it's been done. Read up on Chef and learn as much as you can and run some lab scenarios and talk about that in any interviews you may have. It's not going to happen overnight. You have a great opportunity coming up ahead so keep your hopes up.

http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/getting-started-with-powershell-desired-state-configuration-dsc-
https://learn.chef.io/

linuxabuser

I'm glad you understood what I meant!

If you have a decent computer, go and "find" VMWare workstation and set up some Server 2012 R2 servers. You can also "find" the MCSA Server 2012 books in PDF form.

Your spare time is learning time. If you're not learning, you're applying to jobs. If you're not applying, you're fixing up your resume.

Jobs are available and they're only given to those who are very hungry, or highly skilled.

Mide

As linuxabuser stated, "apply anyway". The rule of "you never know unless you try" totally applies with finding a job. Usually a company hiring for a position will put down everything under the sun because their ideal candidate will have all said skills. With that being said if a candidate actually had a multitude of skills to max out their list, chances are that the company won't pay what they are worth. I've been on both sides of the table and it's sometimes shocking what goes on behind closed doors.

Depending on the company, they are hiring for a specific position and will wait around for the perfect candidate or they can't afford to wait and will interview a bunch of people and select the best from the pile. You just may be the best from that pile. Just keep on learning and keep on applying.

Additionally if you can go into the military, I would advise doing it. You'll gain experience, learn a skill (Hopefully IT), and previous service always looks good on the resume.

it.nv_la

I don't know all of the details yet but I do know if you get to an interview and pass it there is an option to select if you would be interested in working through a temp agency worst case scenario check yes in that box and gain the experience. It is competitive but when you have to hire that many people at one time I can assure you some non- traditional hires will get in. Even on a temporary basis without a degree. Some experience you can't obtain unless they train you for it.

olaHalo

it.nv_la wrote: »

Clark County School district is hiring about 90 Computer Technician I positions for the 2015-2016 school year. 12, 11 and 10 month positions. There is also the SWITCH data center. They hire through temp agencies.

Sorry I didnt see this thread earlier
I live in Vegas and work for CCSD in their networking dept.
PM me if you would like details on CCSD tech jobs (very good entry level job) or Casino jobs in general