Chicago Job Market

BigTone

Like a lot of people here, I'm trying to get into the IT field. After a social sciences degree... I decided I wanted to follow my heart and pursue IT.

Right now I only have an A+ cert, but I'm probably going to take the Net+ in a few weeks, and the first MCP a month after that.

Right now, I'm in the chicago area... am I marketable at all? Is there any way I can start to get experience? I'm in just a general administration job right now making around 30k, and I would settle for an IT job that paid around the same... I'm not trying to jump into a 45k job (wouldn't turn one down though)

Anyone from the chicago area (or elsewhere) would love some input

Thanks,
BT

mikej412

You probably don't want to give up your day job to try temping....

Keep an eye on the suburban paper want ads (like the Herald) -- there won't be much, but a great company I used to work for would start there if positions couldn't be filled by internal referals. You could still use the job boards/agencies/CareerBuilder/Tribune to check for things in Chicago (if you don't mind the commute)

You could also try for a part time (weekends) position at those "chain stores" that do PC repairs -- they may have a need.

Another option -- take classes at the local Community College. There may not be much in the job placement office as far as "good" jobs go -- but some instructors get calls for "talent" -- but it depends on the instructor. You may have to take a few classes before you find/impress an instructor with connections. You should also get to know your fellow students -- they may have an inside track to jobs where they work.

It probably just comes down to keep taking shots until you get a lucky break.

Up to a point -- the certifications will help to get your resume pulled from a stack for a look.

xxtd0gxx

I live in the suburbs of Chicago... I had a job offer working for a hospital on 65th but went ahead and started working for a school district... So for breaking in, maybe look at schools or something. It worked for me. I dunno... Benefits and everything paid. 37k/year

BigTone

xxtd0gxx wrote:

I live in the suburbs of Chicago... I had a job offer working for a hospital on 65th but went ahead and started working for a school district... So for breaking in, maybe look at schools or something. It worked for me. I dunno... Benefits and everything paid. 37k/year

Did you just have your A+ when you applied?