IT career/education question

I am currently at a local community college in LA (I am 19) where I am currently taking some computer science classes (second part of my CCNA class and I just finished the compTIA A+ class) My plan is to get those two certifications (just those two at this time) so I can begin my career in the IT field. I have been looking at help desk/desktop support jobs (on places like Dice/Monster etc) and many of the jobs, including entry level all say they require 1+ year of experience. My issue is, that my only experience at this time is fixing (basic issues) and installing (OS/software) for family and friends. Where would be a good place to look, so I can begin to get some help desk experience and begin to work my way up the "IT chain"

Also, how important would a CSIT degree be, if I have multiple certifcations would an AS degree do just as good? (I am asking this becuase math is not my strong suit, and many of the CS degrees require advanced math that I would have trouble understadning)

Thanks
Jordan

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Comments

LowTech

Since you are still young and in school, I think it would be best if you can get some type of internship in IT. Just take any internship so you can gain experiences. At the same time, take the IT certification exam if you have the chance. Most of the IT courses in college should prep you for the IT certification exams. While I was in college, I thought I am guaranteed to have a job once I have a B.S. degree in IT. Therefore, I never did bother to take any certification exam corresponding to the IT classes that I have taken. I also did not take any internship because I was hired at a small family shop as an IT/cashier for the last eight years. Anyhow to make story short, those were two mistakes that I made which I wish I could go back in time and fix it. It has been a year and I am still looking for an entry desktop support/PC technician position. Even if I have passed the screening interview and technical interview, the two most common reasons that stop me from getting the job(I think) are: Have you worked in an enterprise environment? And, Our contractor required A+, N+, or Security certification. In my opinion, I find that it is very unfortunate that the IT industry don't value B.S degree anymore unless you are a programmer. However, it is still important to have your college degree so that you can move up the ladder so continue your education. Good luck.

ptilsen

If math is really not your strong suit, get a different degree. There are usually CIS and MIS degrees available. CIS is like CS without the math and much of the programming concepts. MIS is like CIS with a heavier business/management/finance focus. OF course it will vary and there may be other IT-related degrees, but those are typical. Otherwise, if you can get yourself through a couple calc classes stick with it.

An AS or AAS degree really will not get you anywhere. You can make it with certifications, skills, and no degree. Really, skill and personality are the only real factors in your career -- everything else just helps prove skill. Some organizations have strict degree or certification requirements or heavy preferences, but there are more that only care if you can do the job well. Still, a four-year degree helps a lot and so do certifications. Focus on finishing a bachelor's degree and earning some entry-level certs. Internship is certainly a good idea as well, as the experience is more valuable that the degree or the certs.

Jordan2

Where are good places to get internships? There only seesm to be 1-2 posts on Job boards in regards to internships, which were posted months ago.

ptilsen

I would imagine the school can help you out with that, and make sure you're using the best job boards. Indeed is the best, but I usually check Monster and Dice just in case Indeed hasn't picked something up yet.

Jordan2

ptilsen wrote: »

I would imagine the school can help you out with that, and make sure you're using the best job boards. Indeed is the best, but I usually check Monster and Dice just in case Indeed hasn't picked something up yet.

Would I only look for intership job postings (there seem to be very few of those) or would I also apply to the entry level job postings with a note that I would also be intersted in interning?

ptilsen

Look for anything that fits with your school schedule. I was lucky enough to get a part-time 2nd shift helpdesk job when I was in school. I wouldn't focus on the internship part. Experience is experience. Chances are good you can find something that is part-time.