How do I break into the computer field?

[crazelion]

How do I break into the computer field? I have been trying to break into this field for quit awhile. I have a Assocate Degree in End User-Support and a Network certficate and Network Engineer assocaite degree. I have having the hardest trouble breaking into this field.

I have no job experience working with computers. But I have been working on them since I have been a kid is very good at what I do.

I know do not won't to programmer computers and do not won't be system anyanst.

I really good at explain computers to people that do not know nothing about computers. I would love to teach little kids computers but that require going back to school to get a teaching certicate to teach school.

Here's a few jobs I have look at : computer opeator , Trainer, Help desk support, User Support and Teaching.

I need some tips from people that work in the industry.

I need to get something that requires not to much writing because of the write and reading dysxia.

Please give your thoughts on how you got first computer job.

 

[holycow]

My DH is in the computer field and he only has his associates ...you said you recieved your associates also...didn't you keep up with your instructors?...That is how he found jobs. The instructors knew of companies that were looking for computer people....he went from there and now is earning a 6 figure income on an AA degree. (I'm really proud of him going back to school in his 40's, it was the best thing he ever did)

I would contact your instructors and find out if they need any interns(to give you some on hands training)...good luck!~

HOlycow

 

[piratesmate]

I got my 1st job in the field by referral. Right now, where I am, there are very few jobs. I haven't work in the field for over a year & a half and can't even get an interview with a referral.

As Holycow said, check back with your instructors. Also check with your school. Many of them have placement services & internship programs.

Another thing you might do is to volunteer your time performing help desk & network admin type things. There are groups that teach disadvantaged kids how to use computers. They almost always need help. Show them what you can do, get experience & a reference all at the same time!

Also, talk to people you know to see who might be able to help you. Make sure you talk to people from ANY activity you're involved in - like church, sports, clubs, etc.

Good luck!

 

[crisi]

You have horrible timing. People with years of experience are pounding the pavement right now. The company I work for - all the help desk techs have bachelors degrees and MCSEs.

My recommendation is to temp. Find someone who places all types of folks - but will place help desk temps. Perhaps one of these will turn into a permanent job.

Freelance as well. Take an add in the paper to set up people's PCs for them and teach them how to use them.

Good luck.


(My first IT job came as a result of a clerical job. I then did clerical temping and ended up with an IT job. But I've been doing it for fifteen years and this was back when spelling PC meant you were qualified to work on them. )

 

[adamak]

Start from Help Desk. That's where I began, and most IT staff started there. Or as a Network Operator. Most firm don't care what experience you have at that level, nor your college degree. They just want someone who's willing to learn, and able to handle the pressure. It's also a good starting point to test your water. You can then decide if you want to go into Networking, or Application development, or Analyst...etc.

Probably easier to get a temp job just to start out.

 

[LIDisneyFan]

I have managed IT deptartments of over 300 people, and agree with some of the good advice here. Help desk or Data Center Operator are 2 job categories where most IT people start. Since the job market is tight, temping is a great way to start out. Another path you can work at is to take afew more courses at a large, reputable technical school that has a good placement program.

A DC Opertor may be a better way to go with Dyslexia, especially writing. Most help desk Analsyst must records detailed information into work log to describe the problem, enteer detailed device names/numbers, and document user information. Althgouh I am sure you could eventually tackle that, starting in a job not requiring as much writing skillls may get you on your way.

Good luck.

 

[Cindy B]

So you have a MCSE? Plus two associates?

My DH is a help desk support supervisor.. for a major company.

Most of his team has a degree or over 10-15 years experience. Some have both. Two/three team members have MCSE/MCP's as well as the bachelors.

As for entering in the field now, its a challenge. Its hard to even find an IT temp job now in our area.

Unfortunately, you are what some call a "paper MCSE".. meaning you have the certs, but no experience. Unfortunately, even though you have the knowledge, no experience is a challenge. DH does not like "paper MCSEs" for his team, because its extra training time, and some things are not taught in class.

How can you get the experience without someone giving you a try?

As for the dyslexia, I'll be frank here... you will have to writing and reading for all the jobs.. DH documents procedures, other track tickets, and use the phone software to do call ratios, and other things. That is a challenging situation, but you can overcome it, it will require extra work.


If you want to be an operator or end user, be prepared for late night/overnight shifts. Most companies DH worked for those jobs went to less experienced people that needed the work experience. There was less responsibility(ie call tracking) in these positions, but the hours were horrible.


Good luck. You may want to try a technical position at a smaller company, or a school. (whether an elementary school/vocational school/whatever)

 

[coqui]

Well here's the good:

You have a degree.
You have certifications.
Your ability to talk to non-technical people means you have good customer service skills.

Now here's the bad:
To get in the tech field (at least on a long term basis) you now need a bachelors degree.
Your certification is nothing but a piece of paper right now.


Pretty much in this economy and the way things are setup you are in for a help desk position. Even then it will be hard to get one. My advice would be to look up a consulting firm.

www.monster.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.headhunter.net

The pay will be crap but it's about the only thing you can get right now with your credentials.

Right now to be considered for a job without being contracted out by a consulting firm, you need:

BS in CIS, MIS, or CSE
A+ Certification
5+ Years experience in Help Desk, or on site Support.

Your MCSE will only help you when you go for network Admin positions which right now you would not be considered since you have absolutely no experience. Like what was said earlier, everyone has an MCSE.

Sorry if this sounds harsh but this is the reality. It took me over 8 months to find a job with over 10 years experience myself. (and certifications) This was just a Help Desk position as well.

 

[antnee]

Good Luck the job market is tought try and build a portfolio for yourself

 

[crazelion]

Thanks for all the advice. Right now I am currently work as a Concession Stand Manger handle money, doing customer service, training employees how to do there jobs. I looking for ways to formualte my knowledge from manger job into a IT job.

My Boss says one of the hardest work people she got. I got really good people skills and teaching skills. The welling to explain things to people and very patient with them

Well I have been turn down for jobs because they did a background check and found out have dysxia and without giving me a chance to prove my self.

I think that's wrong.

I am with the placement office with my college that I gradute from. There seaches have come dry to.

I might have to go to Atlanta if I can't found nothing here in my field.

 

[Cindy B]

coqui..

Thats an interesting perspective. Some of my DH's team members have no degree but many many years of help desk experience, and some have MCSE's, and some have MCP.

No one not even management have A+. At his team A+ is considered an "easy on paper" cert. If you have A+ you are laughed at.. yes, it is an easy test, but I'm not sure where the lack of credibility comes in with that cert.

For example my DH does not have a BS degree, but over 10 plus years experience, hardware/software, and has many certs. He is the shift supervisor. , and makes more $$ than all the team members with college degrees. He may have gotten a lucky break. He also has telco experience as well, so he's doing some other "jobs" that others did as well.

The contractors they are getting for this company some have bachelors, some don't. Obviously the ones with bachelors get more $$. They like to see MCSE's but with experience.

In his company, bachelors is nice, but they like experience better. (This is a very well known health company)


Its different all around though. I know contractors are really hurting now. I've seen some IT contractors wind up working as managers of conveinence stores or working at Best Buy. Sad, but true.

I thought about doing help desk myself.. but decided against it.

 

[helenabear]

One thing I think I want to add is that yes, it might vary from location to location. Look through the want adds to see what they are looking for. It was really disheartening to read what the qualifications were around here for some really not so great jobs. Luis (coqui) wasn't even looked at for some jobs until he got A+ certified. I saw those tests myself and they were cake walk for me, but for some reason they wanted it so we had to fork over the money while hurting for money for him to get it. To me that was stupid, but there were many requests for it so that's what he got. I even saw requests for masters for jobs that previously would not have required them (IMO). The want adds will tell you what they are looking for in your area. In general though the lack of experience will probably kill you more than anything else. Hopefully the temp work can help you get some though.

CindyB, it may be that location thing but your DH does sound like he is lucky. Around here they want the 4 year degree AND the experience

 

[Jenzebelle]

A lot of it depends on where you live.

Around here, there are thousands of IT, telecom, and tech support guys out of work. I know many people with bachelors and no work experience that can't find jobs.

You're probably going to have to check with temp agencies to see if you can get a placement in a NOC or help desk call center and work up from there.
My husband has an Associates in Electronics Engineering and 15yrs of work experience (including military) and would still have problems finding a job. We're currently saving money for him to get his MCSE.