Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries - Getting actual,real,non-paper based,non-theory,pysical,hands on work experience...

Author

Getting actual,real,non-paper based,non-theory,pysical,hands on work experience...

Sevenk

2002-07-22, 10:42 am

OK, so there's a lot of talk in here about how flat the job market is at the moment. It's nice to hear some of the encoraging comments on this forum, but if I'm honest with myself I see myself struggling to get a job in IT.

My own situation is one of being in a financially rewarding, but mentally un-inspiring (non IT based) career. I have been dabbling with various training courses for a while, learned lots, and got my first sticky-foot a couple of months ago (MCP). I find it hard to aim myself towards a certain area of IT, as my choice is more made up by what jobs are available to me. Hence my lack of direction.

What I wanted to ask is for advice on ways of getting either jobs, or hands on experience.

Though I'm certified, and consider myself as having a lot to offer (including my non IT skills and experience), my financial situation allows me to consider a very low paid job. Would companies consider taking someone on in this vein? Is lack of experience ever compensated for by reduced wages? Would it be worth my while taking this approach, and contacting good companies for very basic entry level jobs?

I've heard it mentioned a few times of people getting unpaid work to gain experience. Worthwhile? Suggestions?

My preferable area is database design / admin. I see a lot of jobs for SQL/VB/Access developers, but most ask for 2-3 yrs experience. Should I just resign myself to the inevitable 'Helpdesk' job? Or should I keep aiming higher?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

onoski

2002-07-22, 1:32 pm

To be honest the IT job market is very difficult for newbies to enter into even in the so called entry level as employers and agencies expect years of experience in this field. However, my sincere advice to you is that you should concentrate on those areas you listed and try and get as much hands on as possible.

I have a friend here in the Uk who is a graduate in IT, computer science and he started in a helpdesk position. This was in mid 96 - 97. He worked in helpdesk till mid 2000 before he was offered a post within the same company as a PC programmer working with Delphi, and a bit of C. The only reason he was offered this post was because he had designed a database using Delphi for the company to integrate it within it's booking system. The IT manager was impressed and hence he was offered this post. The bottomline is that here in the UK employers are myopic and can't see beyond experience and experience without realising they are losing out on real potential individuals with a long term perspective.

Well, just keep studying hard and don't give up trying as patient would be very crucial in this hard career field of ours. You can do it just be honest and know your stuff. Cheerio

Peace Out.

jackiechan

2002-07-22, 5:59 pm

If you are financially well off that is good. I.T companies these days are desperate for money so rather then studying for the certs, ring up companies and say that you are willing to give them money in return for experience. So instead of your employer paying you, you pay the employer. Just like you pay $10,000+ a year to get a degree, you work for free and pay the employer $10,000 per year. With this industry you will eventually empty your pockets for experience and skills anyway.

RichardJW

2002-07-22, 7:32 pm

quote:
Though I'm certified, and consider myself as having a lot to offer (including my non IT skills and experience), my financial situation allows me to consider a very low paid job. Would companies consider taking someone on in this vein? Is lack of experience ever compensated for by reduced wages? Would it be worth my while taking this approach, and contacting good companies for very basic entry level jobs?

I have a lot to offer as well. Also, I have three years experience programming in commercial environment. Remember that programmers are traditionally the most in demand I.T. workers of them all. You should indeed consider a very low paid job because that is exactly what I am considering as an option. There is not much hiring going on. All you can do is ride out the storm one way or other, or look elsewhere.

A5H

2002-07-23, 10:03 am

Just keep plugging away, I don't think there's any need to pay someone to let you work for them, but if money isn't a issue, volunteer or low paid jobs are the way to go. Any experience within the industry is better than none, even if it is helpdesk etc.

You don't say where in the UK you are, but some areas are better than others in terms of job availability eg. South West, and Scotland.

Have patience - it can only get better.

Sevenk

2002-07-23, 12:00 pm

I'm in the South West. There are lots of jobs about in the area, but the minimum is usually 2 years experience.

Oh well. Just gotta stick at it, and be in the right place at the right time I suppose.

Thanks all.

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