I passed the MOUS PowerPoint test on June 6. I will be 15 on the 14th of this month. I'm working towards the MOUS master and A+ certification. I opened the phonebook and was going to call computer stores to see if they needed a volunteer or intern or whatever. The first business I called, Computer Renassiance, said I just needed to bring a resume by and speak with the store manager. My technology teacher at school helped me create a nice resume, cover letter, and reference page. I went down there, asked to speak with the store manager, and he gave me an interview. I don't think you would really call me an employee. I work for free just because I need some actual business and computer references. He said he will give me some money now and then. Not sure how much he meant by that. I work on Saturdays. This last Saturday, I cleaned up old monitors, hooked up computers, installed drivers, hooked up printers, and watch the employees try to sell computers to customers. I am planning on completing my MOUS Master by the beginning of August after I complete all my traing at CompUSA for Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access. Once I get my MOUS master, am I wasting my time volunteering for free or would there be a chance of getting a paying job with computers even though I would only be 15. The store I work at now, sells mainly custom built computers, refurbished items, and little stuff like cd-rom drives, ect. There is nothing that I could apply my MOUS certification to. When the manager was giving the the interview, he said he never heard of Microsoft Office User Specialist certified. Could I be getting paid for having my certification even though I am young? Any replies would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Adam T. Edwards

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Due to your age, the chances that you would land a paying job are slim, due to the legal hassle any hiring company would have to deal with. You should check into your state legal working age laws first, so you'll know what options any prospective employer may have.
Aside from that, you may have a problem with any helpdesk positions, as your prospective co-workers may feel a little threatened by your age. However, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't try.
Your first priority though, should be your schoolwork . . . and, well being 15!

=)

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Your best bet would be trying to get a tech support job. It would be difficult given your age (mostly for the reasons BlueBaron mentioned), but not imposible. The experience you're gaining right now is important, so don't quit volunteering until you get something else.

I was able to get my first IT job about a year ago (was 17 at the time). I encountered a lot of hesitation on the part of employers when I was going on interviews, so I made I made it a point not to mention my age unless they asked. Granted, it would be a lot harder for a 14 year old to hide his/her age then a 17 year old.

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Your quasi-employer is quite possibly breaking child labor laws, especially since there is a promise of some sort of payment. The ages and specifics seem to be a little different from state to state.

You may be able to get paid employment via a work permit -- your high school guidance counselor should be able to point you in the right direction. I know when I was in high school, at age 15 you could get a work permit for so many hours per week, which was partially contingent on your grades staying high, etc. At age 16, you could work without one.

I applaud your foresight in trying to get some experience under your belt. The age thing is tough, though. Please don't let it stop you from working on those scholorships and getting a college degree, which will probably prove more marketable in the long run.

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I want to say CONGRATULATIONS! I think its great! You are definately going in the right direction.My advice....

Suck it up like a sponge.Get into anything there you can. Even help the customers out(yuck!) if you can. That will help develop your soft skills which will get you further faster. If you hang around these boards much you will find people having a very difficult time getting what you have right now. Absolutely keep educating yourself. Do your A+ and then move on from there. Keep your certifications inline with your experience level. That approach will do you a lot better than adding a alphabet soup behind your name without the neccesary real world experience. Look at going to college. Degrees never expire and always have and will continue to carry wieght and respect. Plus you learn lots..get exposure..meet chicks and build a strong peer network.
At 15 money shouldnt be a massive concern( rent..car payment...kids to feed..taxes...etc..uggh.) Keep developing yourself and it will come..Thats the reality in this field. Apptitude+Education+Experience
+hard work+honesty= usually leads to financial gain in this industry. Plus its the coolest field to be in!

To keep your skill set up to date(MOUS) get involved at your school supporting the labs/faculty computers. Lots of office end users there( lots of wonderfully frustrating but rewarding learning/skill maintence opportunitys there!)

Keep on pushing. Dont let anyone discourage you. Know where you are and where you are going and execute.

If you can find an experienced IT proffesional and seek some mentoring. Its a great help and a wonderful resource.

Good luck to you! And again CONGRATS!

P.S I had a guy in a Novell class I was taking last semester..17 working for a local ISP. Not just working...MAKING IT HAPPEN.

First IT job is really exciting! Thanks for sharing it with us...

And Im spent........

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well I dont think I'd be worrying to much about getting paid, your getting experience, I'm 17 and I just got my A+, everyone wants experience, even now I'm finding my age to be a set back, I went to a job show at futureshop last week, and after sitting threw 2 hours of futureshop ads I was told that you needed to have finished high school to be employed by futureshop, what a crock..


anyway, I'd say keep it up for a while get some experience, wait until you've got some more certs and proven yourself to your employer and see about getting a real job with them or looking around at other places for one.

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Just make sure you take the time to be a kid. I know it sounds tempting to be in the grown up world, but that will all come soon enough. I've been working since I was 12 years old. I missed a lot growing up that I wish that I hadn't. Once it is gone, there is no going back.
Learn a lot, earn a little, be a kid as long as possible...

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Your doing good on having a goal, preparing your adult life. Do what your doing now an no more.
Finish High School and Be a kid!

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