| Author |
Volunteering to Gain IT Experience
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| sandy7000 2004-08-10, 10:26 pm |
| I was reading this thread.
http://www.examnotes.net/article1042272.html
What about volunteering for experience? Would it be taken seriously? I realize it wouldn't be better than hard core work experience.
Also, do you know of any reputable non-profit organizations who would like a free IT tech for a month over Christmas break? (I already have a place in mind, but am curious what else is out there.) | |
| onoski 2004-08-11, 10:44 am |
| Sandy, do you have any prior hands on experience in IT or are you looking to gain any exposure to IT. I think you should keep studying and get as much hands on experience as you can. I break into IT this way. Let me know if this is of any help to you. | |
| curiousgeorge 2004-08-11, 10:49 am |
| Sandy,
Any real-world experience looks good as long as you can give a reference for where you volunteered.
My suggestion for people trying to get into IT is to get your A+ and MCP, then look for a Helpdesk job.
Good luck. | |
| sandy7000 2004-08-11, 1:39 pm |
| quote:
My suggestion for people trying to get into IT is to get your A+ and MCP, then look for a Helpdesk job.
You're very right, George. Definately the best way (which I would prefer). However, where I live in Wisconsin is small (>1 mil people over 3 counties) & flooded w/ IT people right now as there are 4 colleges in the area.
I can't hold a candle to some of my peers that I've been studying alongside. Some already have 5 yrs. experience.
quote:
Sandy, do you have any prior hands on experience in IT or are you looking to gain any exposure to IT.
Mainly looking to gain exposure as I can't stay for extended periods due to financial constraints. Hands on would be nice, but not necessary.
Thanks for the advice from you both. Much appreciated. | |
| onoski 2004-08-11, 3:22 pm |
| Sandy, what is your current profession? Are you a student wishing for a career in IT. Let us know your background IT knowledge and which area of IT you'd wish to break into in the IT field ie programming or networking etc. | |
| sandy7000 2004-08-11, 8:08 pm |
| quote:
Sandy, what is your current profession? Are you a student wishing for a career in IT. Let us know your background IT knowledge and which area of IT you'd wish to break into in the IT field ie programming or networking etc.
My "resume":
-Past: 11 years as a broadcaster. Handled transmitters, digital audio editing, etc.
-Current: working in patient accounts at a hospital while studying Networking.
I'm hoping to become a Network Administrator. I prefer Networking, but am still in school to get a Programmer Analyst degree to stand out & to be more able to manipulate software like XP, Server 2003.
I'm ready to take 70-270, but have to wait for the funds. Until then, I've been stretching XP until it breaks for fun.
I have about 2 years studying IT. | |
| onoski 2004-08-12, 6:15 pm |
| Sounds like you are on the right path, buy why not just concentrate on programming like Java and database as there would always be high demand for these skills. I think networking is over saturated and too many ppls in networking at present. But then again it's entirely up to you and your choice. Is there any particular reason why you prefer networking etc. Cheerio | |
| prezbedard 2004-08-16, 10:32 pm |
| I will let you know now volunteering is a very good way of gaining exeperince. I know first hand for that is how I got the position I have now. Volunteering pays off. Best of Luck.  | |
| yanqui 2004-08-30, 5:40 pm |
| I keep hearing that, but I can't find anywhere that needs an IT volunteer! I've tried our school system, our library, I've searched teh internet for opportunities, and I've looked through the newspaper in their community assistance areas. I haven't given up, but I live in a smallish community and it's technologically disinclined to boot. It's ripe for dragging kicking and screaming into the 21st century.  | |
| sandy7000 2004-08-30, 8:35 pm |
| quote:
It's ripe for dragging kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
That's the spirit! | |
| prezbedard 2004-08-30, 9:21 pm |
| Well just volunteer anywhere and work your way through. Show them what you can do. |
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