Looking for advice

[FONT=&quot]Hi Everyone,

I am struggling to start my IT career in the right direction. At first the Missouri Career Center advised me to go after certifications to qualify for a entry level job for IT. After sending me to a school and achieving my certifications I found out they were wrong as the companies preferred students from universities for their entry level programs. So I joined Western Governors University and basically became a field technician in the city of St. Louis. I figured my accumulated experience plus college student would help me get at least a help desk role. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]But I find myself sitting in the waiting room with local university students looking for the same job as I am. And sure enough they are chosen over me. I can only assume this is because the university they attend are better known than WGU. Below I have included some information. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks --Scott

Western Governors University[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science, IT - Security Emphasis degree.[/FONT]

MCSA (08/2009), Security+ (06/2009), Network+ (10/200, A+ (07/200,
MCP (01/2009), Dell – DMS Client Soft Skills (04/2010), CIW Web Design Specialist (10/2011)

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ptilsen

A four-year degree from a well known university is always a big plus, but I have managed to maintain gainful employment in IT for the better part of seven years, and all but my latest job were obtained without a college degree. My college degree (an AAS from ITT) is practically worthless, and I probably would have been hired at my current job without it.

Larger factors are resume quality, interview skills, actual technical skills and more importantly, how you communicate them (both on a resume and in interviews). Another big factor is the job market you are in. I don't know one way or the other, but St Louis might be a bad job market, at least for entry-to-mid-level IT.

Akaricloud

From reading your post I wouldn't really assume that you're not getting jobs because of where you took classes. I'd look deeper into your interview skills, resume, how you dress and overall attitude.

cyberguypr

As Akaricloud suggested there may be something else going on. Many of us started with no degree and no certs and ended being hired anyway. I've seen resumes of candidates that were being considered for my current position. Some of them had more experience and graduate degrees. Remember that it's not about the most experienced or educated candidate, it's about the best fit for the team and the company.

cruffin

harkle3 wrote: »

[FONT=&amp][/FONT][FONT=&amp]But I find myself sitting in the waiting room with local university students looking for the same job as I am. And sure enough they are chosen over me. I can only assume this is because the university they attend are better known than WGU. [/FONT])

This comparison MIGHT be valid if you are talking about job seekers with DEGREES from WGU vs. other Universities.
But, comparing one student to another?

...but you haven't finished your degree right?

Just because someone is a STUDENT of a "better" university than WGU doesn't mean ANYTHING.

I think you are having difficulties because of other factors.

FloOz

if i were you i would just keep studying and learning as much as you can on and off the job. also get yourself a well crafted resume. ive learned that it can make all the difference.

it_consultant

cyberguypr wrote: »

As Akaricloud suggested there may be something else going on. Many of us started with no degree and no certs and ended being hired anyway. I've seen resumes of candidates that were being considered for my current position. Some of them had more experience and graduate degrees. Remember that it's not about the most experienced or educated candidate, it's about the best fit for the team and the company.

Present-ability is key. I can't tell by reading the post if you are a slob or if you are lacking confidence or if you have strange inflection; which are all things I see in IT guys when we look for someone new. I regularly go up for jobs where I have exactly the same qualifications as the other people and I get the position.

kiki162

There are other factors that you need to look at here that are going on. You have certifications, that's great, you are just starting school, good too. I think the bigger thing to look at is your skills sets, like as in what types of things have you been exposed to OTJ and NOT your certifications. Most companies are looking for what types of skills you have from your current/previous jobs and if that's a match to the job they have available.

I agree with Akari in that it's more about your interview skills, plus your overall attitude and how you present yourself is the key in getting a job. With my job, I have several years experience, some certs and an AS degree. They cared more about what experience I had, and what I can bring to the table. They cared a little about my certs and less about my degree itself.

It can also be your resume as well and how that's being presented. Again there's a lot of factors in the job market that help you to get the job itself. Unless your are dealing with high end companies like Google, who want the cream of the crop, you really have nothing to be worried about. Just keep working on constantly educating yourself, learning more, and revise that resume.

hackman2007

harkle3 wrote: »

[FONT=&amp]Hi Everyone,

I am struggling to start my IT career in the right direction. At first the Missouri Career Center advised me to go after certifications to qualify for a entry level job for IT. After sending me to a school and achieving my certifications I found out they were wrong as the companies preferred students from universities for their entry level programs. So I joined Western Governors University and basically became a field technician in the city of St. Louis. I figured my accumulated experience plus college student would help me get at least a help desk role. [/FONT][FONT=&amp]But I find myself sitting in the waiting room with local university students looking for the same job as I am. And sure enough they are chosen over me. I can only assume this is because the university they attend are better known than WGU. Below I have included some information. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks --Scott

Western Governors University[/FONT][FONT=&amp] – Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science, IT - Security Emphasis degree.[/FONT]

MCSA (08/2009), Security+ (06/2009), Network+ (10/200, A+ (07/200,
MCP (01/2009), Dell – DMS Client Soft Skills (04/2010), CIW Web Design Specialist (10/2011)

Are you willing to relocate? I know St. Louis has a lot of opportunity, but if you hold yourself to JUST St. Louis you may have some difficulty finding a job.

Not seeing your resume, I can't recommend any specific companies, but you might try looking at some of the larger companies around.

I see you have a security related degree, but what exactly do you want to do? What part of security?