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Home > Archive > Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries > July 2004 > What's a soon-to-be-grad to do?
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What's a soon-to-be-grad to do?
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| wayne62682 2004-06-16, 8:06 pm |
| Sorry all, I just need to vent, really. I graduate with an Associates degree in Network Administration in 3 months, and I plan on sitting for my A+ and Network+ soon. But there are practically no entry-level jobs where I live (Tampa Bay area, FL). None!
Almost every single job I see posted online wants 3+ years experience (if not more, but I generally look for support or administration positions that I know I'm qualified for), or wants some kind of technology I'm not familiar with. Even when I do see a "help desk" position, it usually says they want 3+ years experience and someone who is an MCSE!
Now, I have 6 months legit IT experience because I used to have a PC repair business, and I have a little over a year helping out occasionally at my college, but it doesn't seem to be good enough to even get my foot in the door. I apply for jobs that I know I'm qualified for, and never get a call. And every day I check and see either absolutely no entry-level jobs, or one that wants a ridiculous amount of experience or certification.
Again, I apologize.. I'm just pretty ticked off and needed to vent somewhere. It's very frustrating, though. What the heck am I supposed to do? 3 months till I get my degree, I plan on spending money to get certified, and there's no opportunity out there. | |
| freak 2004-06-16, 10:44 pm |
| I hear ya.
Remember that if a job asks for an MCSE, it doesn't mean that you can't apply for it. Go ahead and craft a cover later that shows why you think you should apply.
As for what you should do, well, you answered your own question. Get an MCSE 
Seriously, I would think that an Associate's degree in Networking would cover enough material to pass the Net+, so look to get an MCP ASAP. | |
| wayne62682 2004-06-17, 2:29 pm |
| Thanks for the reply. I know that I can apply, it just seems stupid that people will want an MCSE for what's supposed to be an entry-level position.
I'm also frustrated because I don't know if I should go for my A+ first or get my MCP. The MCP is cheaper since it's only one exam ($125 as opposed to $184 for A+ with the vouchers), but I've heard that 70-270 (XP) is pretty difficult. I'm not sure which one would help benefit my career more with being a new grad. | |
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| an MCP has a lot more value on your resume than the A+, unless you are applying for repairman type jobs... how about the 210 test? Pretty easy, anice way to start... Net+ is always a plus as well... | |
| wayne62682 2004-06-17, 3:36 pm |
| Thanks for the reply again, Freak. That's what I thought (about MCP carrying more weight). I thought about 210 but I like to stay current with technology.. I realize, though, that a lot of companies use 2000 still. I just prefer XP, I guess.
I'd eventually get A+ and Net+ anyways since they're an elective for the MCSA. It's just that trying to figure out where to start is the biggest dilema  | |
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| actually, they are electives, but I'd rather take a test that also counts towards the MCSA and will add to my resume, rather than a test that adds little to my resume... food for thought
Oh yeah, and you're very welcome! | |
| wayne62682 2004-06-17, 8:17 pm |
| Thanks again.. I'm still debating but I think I might stick with getting A+ because I'm finishing a PC repair class for my degree anyways (so it's fresh in my mind), and I'm not quite confident that I know enough of XP to pass 70-270. But we shall see. | |
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| ccieToBe 2004-06-18, 4:36 am |
| Have you checked if your school has any openings? A lot of colleges like to hire students for some of their entry level tech positions. They don't pay much, but it may be a way to get some more experience and make new contacts. | |
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| that's a very good point! | |
| wayne62682 2004-06-18, 9:57 am |
| Well.. yes and no. They sometimes have a work-study position (I tried to get it the last time but they gave it to someone else because she supposedly volunteered during a break to help out, even though I knew more about PCs) but it doesn't really serve any purpose other than to give a little hands-on experience. There are no real contacts and such to be made.
I already have a little bit of experience, so aside from a little extra money, it would do practically nothing for me. Besides since I graduate in 3 months I could only do it for 3 months unless I was going back for my Bachelor's (which I won't unless they bring in an MIS degree, and possibly even then since they barely teach anything as it is, and I pretty much taught myself everything I know.) | |
| freak 2004-06-18, 10:42 am |
| then look for a couple of non-profit orgs around town. That will get you good PR... | |
| wayne62682 2004-06-18, 10:46 am |
| Hmm.. that might be a good idea.. I'm new to all this so.. it's going to take some getting used to. I still haven't gotten it into my head that I only have 3 months before I need to find a real job. | |
| freak 2004-06-18, 10:54 am |
| well, it looks to me like you'd better start thinking about it, because 3 months go by fast | |
| DaDnDe 2004-06-18, 2:19 pm |
| i think you are taking the wrong attitude.
to say that a workstudy position at your school has no contacts is a mistake. your school is full of instructors that probably came from the IT sector in your area and most all will have contacts with local employers.
you need to start building a network of referrals because that is the only way you will be able to market your undocumented skills. you say you are better than the person they picked, well maybe they pick people based on drive and the willingness to learn and not on talent.
i am basically in the same boat that you are in. i have built computers on the side for 6 years now. (i used to assemble systems for intel) but the IT market is still rebounding in my area and most of the jobs are for people with education, certs and experience. With so many laid off IT workers here, most employers have a huge selection to choose from.
but take heart, if the job market continues to grow, then entry level qualifications will continue to drop as the pool of talent thins. You should take the time now to get additional certs so that you will become more attractive. Demostrating the desire to continue learning is a trait employers look for especially when you dont have any practical work experience. | |
| wayne62682 2004-06-18, 4:00 pm |
| Well actually my school only really has one IT instructor, and while he does some type of consultant work in the area, he's been retired for quite a number of years. The school supposedly offers job placement, but to be honest I don't put any faith in it since technically if they get me ANY job (doesn't even have to be in IT) then they've done what they're saying. So.. it's really a dilema for me. | |
| ccieToBe 2004-06-18, 6:40 pm |
| Retirees can be great contacts, both because of who they know, and the advice that they can give. One of my contacts is a retiree who use to be a principle and superintentant. I mowed his lawn when I was a kid. When I was looking for a job a few years ago, he put in a good word for me with the county which was likely to have lead to a job offer, but I got another offer before that could play out. | |
| yanqui 2004-06-21, 4:09 pm |
| When you're sending out your resume, remember that it's only part of the plan. I just took a look at the cover letter I was using and boy, did it HOOVER!!!!
I redid it completely. There's an example at that very famous job-search site, am I allowed to mention the name? Edit it out if I'm not, it's Monster.com. At the resume area, there are do's and don't's, and then there's a whole section on teh cover letter. Your strengths could get you an interview if you bring them to the fore before they look at your resume and see your lack of work experience. Write it so they want to talk to you regardless of your inexperience. You'll be able to sell them im person, right?
I brought out that I have a lot of experience in dealing with upper-level management and mid-career professionals (who, by the way, have large, sensitive egos adn hate to be told they're doing something wrong), and I said that I have been an end user for a long time and that I am able to explain things to non-computer people without making them feel overwhelmed or inadequate, I'm able to talk technology to non-technology people and they're able to understand it. I also said that one of my strengths is seeing the big picture, not just my piece in it. Because of that, I'm often able to supply information that is valuable to the project even if it wasn't expected. I can play as a team member or as a self-starter, depending on the needs of the mission.
Play up your strengths--like you haven't been exposed to inaccurate ideas and inappropriate practices, that you're a blank slate ready to see how seasoned professionals teach young techs, or something like that. go to that website and you'll be able to find your strengths adn play them up.
I actually feel confident for the first time in about a year! I'm good, and today I was able to express it articulately but without ego. HOw 'bout you? | |
| curiousgeorge 2004-06-21, 9:28 pm |
| Wayne,
Look for desktop support jobs.
Apply for anything you are interested in and forget the "requirements".
Hone your interviewing skills. Most interviews aren't testing your technical knowledge. They're looking at your personality to see if you are a good fit.
Contact IT recruiting companies. They often have temp-to-hire positions or short term contract positions.
Don't aim too high. Helpdesk, desktop support, or technician are typical first time jobs for people. Engineers and administrators usually have at least a few years experience.
Good luck.
Most of all. Don't get discouraged. ALL graduates have a hard time landing their first job, not just IT people. | |
| darthfeces 2004-06-22, 12:55 am |
| at columbia they call them interns .... | |
| CoffeeFreak 2004-06-29, 7:21 pm |
| to tell ya the truth,
your best bet would be to continue college right now.... Just like everyone else on this board, you'll be working your azz off to even find an entry-level computer tech job at $10 an hour...
If your Comm Coll has an engineering program or something of the like, do it...
fyi.. I finished my AAS in networking about 2-3 years ago, i job searched for about a year before i gave up to get a better education in something that is needed.. And my friends that did AAS/engineering had numerous job offers after graduation..
don't mess with mcp/A+ unless you have nothing else to do.. I have them both and every interview i went to it seemed they didn't care.... unless i had years of full-time experience (and they were asking about SMS) and all other kinds of MS stuff no one uses in the real world...
ok,, so i just need to vent alittle.. point being, get as much education as possible before you get too old.... Good Luck... | |
| wayne62682 2004-06-29, 7:31 pm |
| Well... that's not very reassuring, however true it might be 
I plan to continue for my Bachelor's but not right now.. I need to get out into the "real world" and start working first (for one thing, I don't have the money for my Bachelor's). That and my college won't offer its B.S. in IT Management for another few months (not that I'd really want to go there again.. I hardly learned anything for my Associates since the instructors barely taught, gave little to no hands-on experience, and half the computers never work).
Here's hoping I can find something soon. | |
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| wow, some college you attended there  | |
| wayne62682 2004-06-29, 7:48 pm |
| Yeah I know..  | |
| CoffeeFreak 2004-06-29, 8:51 pm |
| lol,,
i wonder how much examnotes got payed to display that ..
college
lol | |
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| hopefully a lot of money | |
| jennie313 2004-06-30, 12:04 pm |
| college college college
Just to, ya know...support the site. Of course they probably don't get paid for every time it's posted, do they? | |
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| no I would think that at the very least, you need to click on the link - if not buy something on the target site... | |
| DaDnDe 2004-07-01, 1:37 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by CoffeeFreak
to tell ya the truth,
your best bet would be to continue college right now.... Just like everyone else on this board, you'll be working your azz off to even find an entry-level computer tech job at $10 an hour...
shoot im only getting $9 an hour. i knew i should of held out for more money!! | |
| CoffeeFreak 2004-07-01, 2:21 pm |
| lol |
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