Breaking into IT

jheck · March 2008

I am hoping to obtain some insight from some of the professionals that view the forums. I am currently in my last semester of college and will be obtaining an Associate’s degree in May. I have had most of my course work focused on database administration.

Since I am in my last semester my job focus is becoming priority. My experience thus far is entry level database jobs are hard to come by with only course work experience. Although this is my ultimate goal, I am definitely considering other avenues that would provide experience in IT.

I am curious if anyone has some advice for breaking into IT. I have applied at a few staffing agencies, unfortunately I have been told nothing is available. I currently reside south of Indianapolis, I was hopeful that the demand for entry level IT would be greater. I am, however, optimistic and excited about the opportunities available once I get that coveted experience. I appreciate your time.

-Jon

Netstudent · March 2008

YOu will probably have to start out at a low level job like helpdesk or entry level admin. IN my experience, DBA's kinda get grandfathered in to a position by being Network/systems admins. It;s not one of those things where you go straight out of college into a DBA job. Maybe in the 90's but not anymore.

MOst of the people I know that are DBA's started out in a low level IT job just to get into IT and get some kind of experience. Then they moved on to another administrative position where they were backing up SQL servers, helping out developers, and doing low level Database server administration. They weren't developing databases or writing queries or stored procs. None of that, they were just network admins responsible for server administartion. Thats how they got into Databases.

Then from there, they actually moved on to another position as a DBA by highlighting their experiences with databases.

So expect to make a couple moves before you will get a DBA job.

My best advice is to try and get a low level job where you can actually touch a database server. If you can start to get low level database server admin on your resume, then you can start to slowly move up untill you are where you want to be. Get with the right company where you have room to grow and get your hands on some good stuff.

AS far as getting an entry level job, bust your arse in school and soak up as much as you can. Write a good concise and strong resume. Go in with confidence and passion for IT when you interview. Be sharp and on your game. Do research on the company before you go. Rehearse and study your resume. Be ready to provide detailed answers for what you have on your resume. Be sure of yourself and not too nervous. Come up with stories about your accomplishments. Come up with stories about problems you encounterd and how you delt with them. Don't lie. Read the job description and do as much studying as you can on the topics you are not familier with when you get called for an interview. Finally, when you are interviewing, don;t mkae it look like you rehearsed and are reading from a script.

remyforbes777 · March 2008

Do you do any web development? That's a good way to show your database admin skills without having a formal job in DBA. You can do freelance work. You can design websites and use your DBA skills to create a solid database for the website. Just a thought.

famosbrown · March 2008

I would look to the federal government for I.T. Specialist (APPSW) positions. They usually require Bachelor degrees and they usually hire both developers and DBA's the same since it's so many of them. When I graduated college with a degree in MIS, I started out as a developer/programmer, and they brought me on for good money since the programming was still fresh in my head and traditional colleges usually prepare you for it. I won't say what my starting salary was since it may be different for you, but it was above 50K. When I started all of the developers and DBA's were grouped together and sometimes even cross-trained. DBA's usually worked on either maintaining, improving, or creating SQL/Oracle applications and databases. If you enjoy the DBA work, maybe grab some Oracle certs or MCDBA, and apply for some DBA positions. YOu are in Indiana, so the competition isn't that bad here for DBA's. There just aren't enough of them!! In my experience, DBA's have been lumped with Developers unless it is a small shop where they are doing everything like Network Administration or something. If you get a bachelor's, a lot of the Federal Agencies offer Developmental Positions where they seek college graduates, bring them on board, rotate them around different areas of their job function, automatically promote them, and then after the two to three years, allow them to decide which function they like to serve in. Developer and DBA's usually get picked up for these in regards to I.T. because of the mass amount of jobs for them...Infrastructure is a little different.

Oh...check out dfas.mil and possibly fbijobs.gov for internship programs with those federal government agencies. They may even waive the 4 year degree and make you sign something saying you will obtain it in 4 years or something if they want you or if you meet a need of theirs in the area. Also check to see if there are any nearby.

Good luck man, and don't settle for less unless you have absolutely exhausted all possibilites and tried everything to get in.

jheck · March 2008

Netstudent – I appreciate the advice on obtaining a DBA job. I have spoke with a few others and they have mentioned the same steps to get to that position. Start out in low level IT, hang out and network as much as you can with DBAs.

Also, good advice on the interview process; I have had one phone interview, which I thought I could have done better but caulked it up as experience. My resume is not bad for someone that is entry level, however your suggestions on having a game plan definitely make sense and it is something that I will implement and prepare for my next interview.

remyforbes777- I have had some html, however haven’t had a course in web design that uses databases. Although, I start my visual basic 2005 course tomorrow and some time will be devoted toward this idea. I have not considered this option and appreciate the insight.

famousbrown- I applied to the websites listed the day you posted. I appreciate your encouragement to try to land an entry level dba/developer position. I live close to a military base and they have hired some civilian IT specialist. I have applied as well with the optimism that perhaps something would transpire.

My goal is not to come across desperate, I know that I will make a valuable employee once I find my job. Although a nice salary would be nice, my objective is to obtain experience in IT. I know money will come as I gain experience and prefect my skills.

I really appreciate all of your time reading my post and your suggestions on helping. I hope to give an update soon on how I obtained my first IT job!

-Jon

brad- · March 2008

I would say keep your options open. Just because your focus in school was DBA, doesnt mean thats what will be available in your market. Be open to helpdesk type work, web admin...whatever is needed.

jamesp1983 · March 2008

Definitely be flexible. I went to school for programming and I've never had a programming job in 4 years of IT. I've done helpdesk, desktop analyst, and now network admin.

famosbrown · March 2008

jheck wrote:

Netstudent – I appreciate the advice on obtaining a DBA job. I have spoke with a few others and they have mentioned the same steps to get to that position. Start out in low level IT, hang out and network as much as you can with DBAs.

Also, good advice on the interview process; I have had one phone interview, which I thought I could have done better but caulked it up as experience. My resume is not bad for someone that is entry level, however your suggestions on having a game plan definitely make sense and it is something that I will implement and prepare for my next interview.

remyforbes777- I have had some html, however haven’t had a course in web design that uses databases. Although, I start my visual basic 2005 course tomorrow and some time will be devoted toward this idea. I have not considered this option and appreciate the insight.

famousbrown- I applied to the websites listed the day you posted. I appreciate your encouragement to try to land an entry level dba/developer position. I live close to a military base and they have hired some civilian IT specialist. I have applied as well with the optimism that perhaps something would transpire.

My goal is not to come across desperate, I know that I will make a valuable employee once I find my job. Although a nice salary would be nice, my objective is to obtain experience in IT. I know money will come as I gain experience and prefect my skills.

I really appreciate all of your time reading my post and your suggestions on helping. I hope to give an update soon on how I obtained my first IT job!

-Jon

Good!! If you do get in with Federal...I recommend the first thing you do is go back to school on their bill and get your 4 year degree. Since it is Military (DOD), although it may not help you with what you may be doing, but just in case, get your Network+, Security+, and I can't remember the high level Security certs DOD IA is requiring for Level 3 except CISSP. Get those so just in case you move around for promotion or something, you will be within their certification regulations. Below is a link to learn more about it. Being that you would go in as a Developer/DBA, you probably won't fall under this category.

https://www.isc2.org/cgi-bin/content.cgi?page=949

Good luck and keep us all informed throughout your journey

.

jheck · May 2008

“We did it……We did it” quote from NFL network.

I got my break into IT. I have had a few interviews and been declined for entry level jobs based on lack of experience even though I have a degree. I caught my break through an internship at the college I just recently graduated from.

Over the summer the company will be migrating two domains into one and will be the primary project I will be on. I am very excited about this opportunity as it will provide me with a good base experience in a corporate environment and some of that coveted experience.

I just wanted to provide an update on how I got my break. I have utilized multiple contacts and have had a lot of prospects that did not pan out. The chances are this internship will not lead to full employment, but I am going to bust my butt and let them know what they will be missing. I figured some of you might want to hear a success now and again, also, I appreciate all the encouragement I received on this board.

-Jon

dynamik · May 2008

I'm glad things are working out for you. Congratulations on getting your foot in the door!

liven · May 2008

Good job man!!!

Congrats!

Breaking into IT

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