New guy trying to get his Career started!

ComputerGuyBry

Hello everyone, new guy here! I am currently working on an Associates Degree in Computer Science. At that school they provide classes for the Network+ and A+ certifications, which I am currently taking. I have no professional IT background. I really want to get my career started, I have a high passion and drive for computers. I just can't get any jobs due to lack of experience and certifications. Does anyone have suggestions for a beginner? I am "trying" to get into programming, but finding it extremely challenging. But also studying Networking and System Administration if that doesnt work out. How likely am i able to get a job with certifications and no experience? Thanks in advance!

networker050184

Everyone started with nothing so your chances aren't all that bad. You're on the right track with certification and education. You just need to find someone willing to give you a chance. Check out all the entry level jobs. You aren't likely to become an admin right out the gate, but something like helpdesk at least starts to build the resume. Check if you school has programs as well.

ComputerGuyBry

Thank you for your input! I have also been looking into internships. I just want to get a jumpstart so when i finish my degree, i can hopefully get into something better.

beads

I take it your school has no computer lab with students checking people in and out or other work study programs available? Used to be the tried and true methodology to getting some initial experience.

Also look to temp agencies that provide low level fill in work from running cables to basic helpdesk, installing printers and the like. Even back in the 80s I was getting "Data Processing" gigs for a week or two during breaks, etc back in college. I did jobs like mainframe operator (3rd shift), helpdesk, cabling. All kinds of "less than desirable" jobs but it was experience.

IT has always been a bit weird to get into.

- b/eads

ComputerGuyBry

Yeah, i thought it would be easier to get into. I live in technology central, we have so many companies here; ebay, Adobe, Intel.. you'd think it would be easy. I have had many interviews but no bites, all because i have no experience. Hopefully there are some odd jobs or temp jobs for some IT where I live. I have been looking into my school job board, and they have some good internships/jobs. Wish me luck.

networker050184

If you are getting interviews they obviously already know you don't have experience so that's probably not your issue there. You need to work on selling yourself in those. Show them why they should take a chance on you. Make them want to hire you.

ComputerGuyBry

That's true. Well i need to look more into that. I had a feeling i just havent been nailing the interviews. Do you know of any resources for mock interviewing or help with interviewing.

v1ral

Do you have career counselors on your campus? Most community colleges and uni's i've been to have counselors who are paid to help students find jobs and internships. They helped me tighten up my resume too, I got 2 internships and my first job out of college by going to my counselors.

ComputerGuyBry

v1ral wrote: »

Do you have career counselors on your campus? Most community colleges and uni's i've been to have counselors who are paid to help students find jobs and internships. They helped me tighten up my resume too, I got 2 internships and my first job out of college by going to my counselors.

That's a good idea, I don't know why I didn't think about that, i will look into that. Thank you!

beads

Know anyone well enough to practice interviewing as well? Just don't discuss a lot of details with them first hand but have them work through 3-7 good interview questions sight unseen to yourself. Sounds completely hokey but it can help a great deal.

Sometimes speech communication majors, no, not kidding, have taken classes on nothing but interviewing. Those folks may be of some benefit as well.

As far as the interview itself goes lets talk a bit about what the employer needs to see from a candidate. Are you capable? Are you ready to work? Are you trainable? Are you enthusiastic about the position that the hiring manager wants to work with you. Remember people like to hire others like themselves and no one wants to work with a drag or downer personality - particularly when your new to a field.

Be positive and willing to learn - EVERYTHING they throw at you.

- b/eads

Stevecb06

The big question when getting your foot in the door in IT is "How can I get experience when every single job requires experience?"

Here is the answer: Convince someone to take a shot on you even though you don't have any experience. If you show an employer that you are just starting out but you are a hard worker and eager to learn, you might just get the job over someone who has a year of experience and thinks they know everything already.

I got my current job with a 2 year degree, no experience, and no certs. After I was hired I was told that my positive attitude and willingness to learn got me the job over the other candidate who had more experience but a know-it-all attitude.

Shoe Box

Whatever you do, don't get desperate for any IT job and take one of those traveling Dell service tech jobs where they pay $26 per stop and no mileage / parking / food, etc. That is ridiculous and I have to wonder why anyone takes those jobs. So not worth the money.