Getting a Entry Level Job in IT

Will a Network+ help get an entry level job in IT?

I hear a lot of people say just go straight for Cisco but I decided to start with the Network+ because i have zero networking knowledge. I am already 3/4ths of the way for preparing for it so I'm just going to take it anyways.

I am currently a Senior at a pretty prestigious state university majoring in Information Systems. I don't have the greatest GPA but I have been getting straight A's the past two semesters in order to bring it up. I am really worried that I wont be able to land a job upon graduation. I am currently doing an internship for an IT company doing help desk support but the system I am providing support is proprietary so it's not really going to translate into applying for other help desk positions other than dealing with a ticketing systems and SQL queries. I'm hoping to get one more internship in a traditional Help Desk role.

So with a Degree, two internships and a Network+, how likely will I be able to land a entry level position as help desk? I really want to do networking but I know that Help Desk is the way to start. I do plan on studying for my CCNA after this semester is over.

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Comments

markulous

I would think you could find an entry-level job with all of that. Just make sure you have a good resume put together and the rest is up to you.

marcj04

Do you think it'll be enough to get a NOC job? Most of the NOC jobs I see around here aren't entry level. A lot of them require 1-3 years of experience. I believe my resume is good because I have had the help of my school's career services center to put it together. I'm just hoping it's enough for entry level IT jobs

snunez889

apply to places even if you dont have the experience they are asking.. You never know, someone might give you a shot.

techfiend

I don't think N+ will hurt but from my experience it was mainly overlooked and interviewers cared more about A+. If you already have some help desk experience you might want to aim higher than help desk tier 1 upon graduation. I've seen some entry level noc tech jobs, terrible hours but could be interesting work. Desktop support isn't bad and can get you exposed to a lot of different things, then there's msp if you really want to learn quickly.

marcj04

I really hope I could land a NOC tech job but it seems like the amount of NOC jobs listed are so limited. I don't care about the hours. Plus NOC jobs typically pay more than Help Desk right?

LeBroke

From everything I've seen, NOC actually pays less than help desk. You might need more basic skills than helpdesk, however the job is a lot lower in stress and workload, to the point where a lot of NOC operators browse Reddit or even play videogames.

N2IT

LeBroke wrote: »

From everything I've seen, NOC actually pays less than help desk. You might need more basic skills than helpdesk, however the job is a lot lower in stress and workload, to the point where a lot of NOC operators browse Reddit or even play videogames.

This is my experience as well.

@ the OP I think you are in good shape with a IT degree and N+ along with the SQL knowledge and the application knowledge.

Do you test or build test cases?
Do you build reports to test the data quality?
Do you manage the database and the tables, creating SP, Views and other objects?
Do you provide access management for the system (creating user accounts, profiles etc)?
Do you manage the infrastructure such as the app server, database server?

If you do any of these beyond regular support you should be able to land a level 2 or 3 job with no problem. Don't worry about the system being home grown, SQL is SQL and dev is dev. Just make sure to capture that knowledge and don't short change yourself.

GL

techfiend

Around here I've seen entry level help desk paying $13-18 and entry level NOC jobs paying $10-20. Gaming, tv watching, exercising are very common in NOC's from the interviews I've had. Kind of seems like a boring job to me but it may be perfect for some.

aderon

I would say it shouldn't be too difficult to find an entry-level help desk position with all that. Also, once you get a bit more experience and finish the CCNA, the transition to a NOC position or a Network Engineer would be fairly easy as well. I'd say you're actually in a fairly good position.

Also, I agree with snunez889. There's a lot of scenarios where a company will take a less than ideal candidate, so if it interests you, then apply.

anhtran35

I suggest INTERNING at your school or somewhere ASAP. Commit 10 hours to it. STICK it on your resume. By the time you graduate you'll have 6 to 12 months of experience that they can confirm.

pinkydapimp

You should be able to find a job. I would post your resume up to this site and get feedback. Not saying your school counselor doesnt know what they are doing, but as a double check.

Also, once you get your net+ grab the CCNA as well while that stuff is fresh in your mind.

If you can build a home lab and start playing with these technologies that will also benefit you greatly.

Lastly, I wouldnt pigeonhole yourself into specific positions. Get out there and see what pops up. Apply to everything. Whether its a NOC position, or straight helpdesk or support for a proprietary software. Find something before you graduate and build up that experience. Then, with your degree, certs and experience you will have many options as to which direction to proceed.

fredrikjj

Realistically, what else could you have done besides getting a degree, doing internships, and getting cert(s)? At this point, if you want to maximize your chances, work on your soft skills. Read up on how to present yourself in interviews. Do practice interviews. Get in better physical shape if you are kind of fat. Work on your wardrobe and learn how to dress professionally. Take a class on speaking in front of people if you are uncomfortable in such situations.