UK members, how would you go about this?

Hi, thanks for looking at my post.

I'm currently a commercial catering engineer, work long hours during the week but am thinking of breaking into the IT industry. I know I can't just jump in a well paid job but will have to work my way up no matter what certs I get so I know I need to gain experience in the industry. This leads me onto my query.....

What would be the best way to go about getting a weekend IT job? Which agencies are more geared towards the IT industry? I haven't really got many certs so can only expect a basic position if I'm lucky, but it's a stepping stone in my eyes. May put me off IT but I will never know if I don't try.

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Comments

Kinet1c

Based in Ireland so not a million miles away from you. I would look at obtaining a job in a local repair shop or perhaps even KnowHow (not sure where there centralised depot is in the UK). I did move from finance/audit ~4-5 years ago but I made a clean break and went all in.

CDRichards

Thank you Kinet1c, will be looking for local firms and see if I get any luck

NinjaBoy

Good advice given but don't just limit yourself to local repair shops, also look at things like geeksquad or even try volunteering.

Don't underestimate the power of networking with IT professionals either, check out linkedin (I know personally a few people already who got interviews and jobs via this) and also check out student boards - I'm not saying that you have to be a student, but occasionally organisations will put up job adverts for evening/weekend jobs (and from what I've seen they don't even specify that the person apply has to be a student).

MickQ

I think PC world has a geeksquad equivalent but your CV would look better with a local business which does weekend support cover.
You might get lucky and get a job as the weekend IT guy for a business.

CDRichards

@NinjaBoy - thank you for your comment. Hard to get contacts on LinkedIn if you aren't already in the business. Got plenty in the engineering world though lol! However, do have a handful in the IT industry so will be badgering them soon

Also, Studentboards - luckily I'm technically a student (OU) so they will be hammered too.

@MickQ - my aim is to get in somewhere as the weekend IT guy just to cover the proper IT guy. Not keen on going to my local IT bloke, won't name names but he's an effing cowboy, a crook, hopeless! (rant over). Thank you for your comment though.

NinjaBoy

CDRichards wrote: »

@NinjaBoy - thank you for your comment. Hard to get contacts on LinkedIn if you aren't already in the business. Got plenty in the engineering world though lol! However, do have a handful in the IT industry so will be badgering them soon Also, Studentboards - luckily I'm technically a student (OU) so they will be hammered too. ....

Cool, just letting you know, if you don't know already. The OU currently does the TM128 Microsoft Server Technologies, the last presentation is this Oct. It's based on the Network+, the 70-640 and the 70-642

jonny72

Best way to get some experience is volunteering for local charities and good causes - they are normally desperate for people with IT skills.

I've done a lot of volunteering when out of work and re-training and it directly resulted in me getting a job.

MickQ

There are many cowboys out there giving us a bad name.
The idea of volunteering will probably help in many ways including word of mouth leading to a position, maybe

Not sure how good the student forums would be. Fellow OU student here.

Kinet1c

MickQ wrote: »

I think PC world has a geeksquad equivalent but your CV would look better with a local business which does weekend support cover.
You might get lucky and get a job as the weekend IT guy for a business.

Knowhow are now PC World's "in house" repair service. It's service centre is based in the UK as far as I know so even repairs from Ireland are sent there.

I forgot about geek squad being over here now, worth a try.

CDRichards

@NinjaBoy - thank you. I always do a small course so I can keep my NUS card

@Jonny72 - good idea, feelers being sent out as I type

@MickQ - I agree with the volunteering thing too

@Kinet1c - not keen on PC World to be honest, but always worth a go

@ALL - thanks for your comments

Kinet1c

CDRichards wrote: »

@Kinet1c - not keen on PC World to be honest, but always worth a go

I understand why but it could be a foot on the IT career ladder.