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Home > Archive > General Discussion > August 2001 > Any information will be appreciated
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Any information will be appreciated
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| lburns 2001-08-15, 5:28 pm |
| Hi everyone...I am new to the forum, but I am very much interested in "computer talk". I recently graduated with my Associate degree in Computer Technology. My goal is to become A+ certified. But until then, I would like any information on what type entry-level jobs I can look for. I have no "real world" experience other than the hands-on training in class and the "fooling" around at home. I enjoy the software and hardware maintence of computers...I think I can enjoy networking. I do not like Programming. I enjoy working with computers. So any information anyone can offer me as for as why type entry level jobs I can look for will be greatly appreciated.
I enjoy reading the information. Very helpful | |
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| Try to find a intern or CO-OP from school.
So, u don't have anything. A.S degree know good on the resume, but not for hunting a job. I can tell u that you will never find a job with no experience and certification. Unless you know someone that can pull u in.
The market is OK, but only for experience worker.
Either go for your B.S or start to study your certification. | |
| ocpguy 2001-08-15, 8:55 pm |
| There are plenty of jobs that don't require programming... or that much programming... like Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Software Testing, Technical Writer, Database Analyst, Systems Adminstrator.
But you won't get those kinds of jobs with just an AA... you need a real degree... like a BS or BA.
Some entry level jobs you could do with your skillset are help desk, tech support, data center operator, janitor, waiter, barista... | |
| lburns 2001-08-16, 5:25 am |
| You have to get experience from somewhere even to have experience. You all had to start somewhere to be where you are today. What are some of the starting jobs that some of you had to start at just to get your "feet wet" so to speak. to know that I will never get a job without experience is discouraging. So...what was some of your starting places. | |
| CatWoman502 2001-08-16, 9:40 am |
| quote:
. like Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Software Testing, Technical Writer, Database Analyst, Systems Adminstrator.
But you won't get those kinds of jobs with just an AA... you need a real degree... like a BS or BA.
Hey ocpguy don't speak to soon about that, I am a Sys Admin with only my AS. But, I did server my internship here. | |
| chunder 2001-08-16, 10:13 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by lburns
You have to get experience from somewhere even to have experience. You all had to start somewhere to be where you are today. What are some of the starting jobs that some of you had to start at just to get your "feet wet" so to speak. to know that I will never get a job without experience is discouraging. So...what was some of your starting places.
i started out with a small (32 node) company in a completely different position. i had some computer knowledge and they were using consultants for most everything until i got there. i started taking over the PCs and software installs/maintenance and then worked on it from there (it's a longer story than that but that's basically it).
so, unless you know someone who's at a small business that could use your help, your best bets are to look for the helpdesk-type of jobs... and read a lot of books and set up labs at home and fix/build your family's and friend's computers. and continue on with you Bachelor's.
i, like Cat, don't have a bachelor's either (yet) but the way i got into IT was not necessarily the way you or others should/would.
oh, maybe there are even some consulting firms near you that you might be able to "intern" for. get in with one and tag along with one of their techs.
good luck and welcome to IT. | |
| echidna 2001-08-16, 10:37 am |
| Don't let lack of experience or certs stop you. Find something entry-level with a help-desk or small repair shop and work your way up from there. Don't be discouraged be people saying you don't have what you need. All you really need is motivation and a bit of luck  I have a somewhat high-level programming job with no degree at all and a couple entry-level certs (i-Net, MCP). I clawed my way up through tech support. Best of luck! | |
| Bobby Digital 2001-08-16, 12:16 pm |
| Listen to enchidna. Right on the money. I started with NO degree and NO education and took a MAJOR pay-cut to enter the IT market a few years ago. Granted I have an AAS in Computer Networking Technology and plan to get a couple of certifications under my belt to compliment my experience and degree. I'll pursue a Bachelors degree if I find that I need another "edge" to advance in the IT field.
I started as an intern with a public school system while working on my Associates degree and working full time. The school system offered me a full-time position which only paid me $28,000 a year compared to $60,000 a year working on the assembly line of a major auto manufacturer. After a year, I was offered a position with a large university providing network and system administration to a small department. This is my current position. And I did NOT have anyone on the inside to get me in either
The best advice I could give you is not to give up or get discouraged. Decide what direction in IT you want to go and then run with it. However, don't have expectations of a big pay check starting out. "You have to crawl before you can walk."
Good Luck
BD | |
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| At the end, School career center will be your best source.
Intern & Co-op are the best first step | |
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| I started out with a BA in Education and got a badly-needed job after college as a Shipping/Accounting Clerk. Small company, decent pay, great benefits... Somehow I just stayed. Worked my way up. Learned computers by doing. Was eventually offered the position of Network Admin after our guy had to quit. Have looked into certs since then and continually learn on the job. I love it.
A strong work ethic and loads of determination will get you where you want to be. Start out small and work it til it's right! | |
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| That's great you took the plunge to leave the higher paying job, many scoff at that idea.
To show you how close-minded and freightened some people are. I took a few MCSE classes about 4 years ago and some older man in there "expected" to make at least 45K right out of the training and certification. Somehow, based on his current profession, he felt he "deserved" that much money.
While my salary is better than it was when I had less direction, I know I will make more, I have leaned now more towards web design and away from networking. | |
| lburns 2001-08-16, 8:03 pm |
| Now that's more like it! and more encouraging. One question...I have heard of internships but how do you get into it exactly? Also, would any of you if had to make a choice when you was just starting out..take a pay cut? I presently work on a job that has nothing to do with computers..it's a production job matter of fact. And the money and benefits are good. But I don't enjoy what I am doing. If I am offered something in this area making less than I do now...is it a good idea to accept the offer? I appreciate all information... | |
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| DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!!  | |
| Nicole 2001-08-16, 8:35 pm |
| If you can afford it, take the pay cut. If not, start simplifying and trimming your lifestyle until you can -- cheaper house, smaller car, buy less processed food and cook more (WAY cheaper!), dump the cable TV (you'll be studying anyway, right?), and so forth. The big stuff like switching cars can take a long time to manage, so you have to stay motivated.
Don't forget to include those benefits in your calculations, too. If you are living on the cheap, an emergency visit to the dentist office can really hurt! No pun intended
I'd also definately try to work toward a 4 year degree, and you may be able to get help from your employer. It only becomes more and more mandatory as a job requirement, and it's easier to get one now than later. When the market gets really tough, a degree is gold -- especially at those big, traditional companies that weather economic ups and down easier.
Your AS is definately a plus, but a BS would be better. If it's not do-able... well, don't sweat it too much. You can work around it.
Talk to your school. At this point, they are probably your #1 resource for an entry-level job.
Happy hunting,
-Nicole
P.S. -- I, on the other hand, don't agree that "hard work" and "motivation" and the only things you need; they only get you so far. (But they sure as hell help.) The high-school-drop-out 17-year-old stock-options-millionaire gravy train has left, and it looks like none of us were on it 
Call me a cynic, but I've known a lot of really hard workers with big dreams that never got anywhere for lack of connections, networking skills, office political savvy, or just not being in the right place at the right time. The more tools you can put in your toolbox, the better chance you have of building your own ladder instead of trying to climb up somebody else's. | |
| darthw 2001-08-16, 9:19 pm |
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Call me a cynic, but I've known a lot of really hard workers with big dreams that never got anywhere for lack of connections, networking skills, office political savvy, or just not being in the right place at the right time. The more tools you can put in your toolbox, the better chance you have of building your own ladder instead of trying to climb up somebody else's.
Oh how true, how true. I started out in the IT field to supplement my income until my modeling career takes off. Unfortunately, my good looks haven't brought in the cash I thought in the modeling world or as a charming techie. Still I trudge onward. | |
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| I'd agree, too, about the motivation part in that motivation and hard work won't get you anywhere in and of itself - especially if it's misdirected.
The thing is, motivation and hard work is mandatory in order to obtain the tools you need to get where you want - be it certs, respect, recognition, a plethora of knowledge... Nothing is going to drop in your lap; you really need to prove yourself. And a BS, BA, whatever, is just one of those tools - a substantial one, considering the motivation and hard work it takes to obtain that degree. Sometimes, the mere fact that you have a degree (regardless of what it is in) is proof-positive that you can set a goal and achieve it.
My biggest pain at the moment is frequently dealing with 20 somethings who have an overall attitude that the world owes them something. Am I saying ALL 20 SOMETHINGS??!! Absolutely not. But I've had the irritating misfortune of coming into contact with two in the recent past whose attitudes were so plainly "F&%K You and everyone else who doesn't like it" that I'm still a bit shell-shocked. Everything about them oozed the insinuation that we were so lucky to have them in our presence that we should continually overlook their general, overall apathy on the job. The first one is gone, the second is close to going. That attitude simply doesn't cut it in the business world.
Oh well. Again, just my 2 cents. | |
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| I was fresh out of college in the early 90s and got very frustrated by not finding the ideal job that paid a decent salary, a decent salary at that time was at least in the 20s. The economy was VERY slow at that time, as it seems to be currently.
My attitude was with a degree I deserve a decent paying job, and that did not materialize. At times I was very depressed, my gravest mistake was not trudging on working harder to locate a better job. I would drift from one low paying temp job to another getting further discouraged.
It was only when I went to graduate school that I discovered the Internet and it charged my interest in computers and the IT field. Now, I tend to have more enthusiasm and that is what potential employers want to see. They want to think you are enthused and charged up about work.
Even after all that, of having many menial jobs EVEN AFTER getting my degrees ( one BA and two MAs), I still have more learning, as we all do, but I definitely have let a bad attitude get in my way at times and that is very personal thing to admit. | |
| darthw 2001-08-17, 11:52 pm |
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My biggest pain at the moment is frequently dealing with 20 somethings who have an overall attitude that the world owes them something.
Been there, too, TRIBO. The worst one was a 20 something who was a temp on our team for a rollout. He was walked out the door after a few short days; he burned nearly every tech on the account with his ridiculous perceptions of self. No, it certainly isn't all 20 somethings, but I sometime wonder if they aren't increasing in number. | |
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| I think they call it the GenX Syndrome, though I suspect we're beginning to see the GenYers, too. By the time GenZ hits, I'll thankfully be near retirement... | |
| lburns 2001-08-18, 7:55 pm |
| thanks everyone for the encouraging words. At least you all make it seems that all was not in vain. I am a 39(almost 40) year woman, and I really enjoy working with computers. I feel as if I have alot of "head knowledge" of things, but still lacking in the "hands on" things, and that's where I want to focus on..more "hands on opportunities. Some of you have really helped me in pointing me in the right areas. My goal now is to take the A+ certification and learn everything I can.
Thanks. | |
| TRIBO 2001-08-18, 10:43 pm |
| Go get 'em, Lady! It's a whole lot easier than it looks. ......at the very least, it will keep you interested.
Until you get to Networking and have to learn an entirely new LANGUAGE!!!!!!!
I'm getting there, finally -- I hope it's worth the trip! |
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