Getting In

[Tuckejam]

Does anyone have any advice, tips, info, on how to get into the I.T. Industry.

im an average geek who has done some programing, built a computer installed several home networks, the guy everyone in the office always comes to with any computer issues. So i decided to get a career in IT and just got my A+ certification.

how many certifications am i going to need before i will be considered for any job in the IT field?

i would like to just get an entry level job and work my way up while im getting other certifications but I have never seen anything entry level on job boards like DICE, Monster.

what certifications would i need to be seriously considered for a HELP DESK I job (i don't have a degree and my 10 years in the workforce has all been in sales)

Thanks for any advice

If We Knew What We Were Doing It wouldnt Be Called Research

 

[genomon]

So i decided to get a career in IT and just got my A+ certification.

As a programmer, I don't know what A+ certification means. Sounds cool, though. Exactly what facet of "IT" are you looking to pursue a career in? If it's programming, a great way to start is with classes at a tech/community college, copious amounts of time with books, and hands-on development of practice apps. Typically, the school will have placement resources at your disposal.

When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Tuckejam,

Cert mag had a great article several years ago about just that - they said a good balance of education, certs and experience!

Education - enroll in a community college at night and get your AA or AS - WHEN you want to move up in IT to manangement a degree is a must - I am finishing my BS in Management Technology ONLINE at a state college - just 2 classes a semester - took several years but if you never start you will never finish - I am 48

Note: - enrolling in college would allow you to put on your resume under Education: working towards a degree in Networking at XYZ State College etc. - might be all you need to get to the INTERVIEW

Certification - you have A+ --- get your Net+ and then maybe a Microsoft MCP in something like XP - something a helpdesk would be answering the most questions about! When my friend got his CCNA he got a lot more attention at job fairs

Experience - you said you have 10 years in sales - try to find an entry level position with a company that sells what you sold or just a company that deals with sales or online sales - use the experience you have!

Hope this helps!



E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[SQLSister]

10 years in sales ...hmmmm this should be a snap for you. Consider that your resume and all materials such as cover letters are marketing materials for yourself. To get the job you want, I suggest the following:
Rewrite your resume to be a functional resume - put in as accomplishments the types of informal support you have been giving as well as the certs.

I also second the suggestion of taking classes formal education is often valued much more than certs. CiscoGuy33 had some good advice about other certs.

Rewrite your cover letter to explain not only what IT skilss you have but exactly how beneficial a background in sales would be to a help desk person. Remember help desk people deal directly with the users, so employers are looking for people with people skills as well as computer skills.
If you aren't seeing entry level ads, consider the companies you do see and send them resumes anyway even without a job opening. Research the local companies with help desks and try to find ways to network with the people there (once again with existing sales skills this should be easier for you than many introverted geeks, so this is a strong point use it). Many people hire someone they know when an opening comes along (or someone whose resume they have on hand) especially when they need a person quickly. Don't bother to wait until you see an ad.

Hit job fairs. Talk to everyone even the companies that don't appear to have the job you want. Network, network, network.

Do some volunteer work with local nonprofits to get some work experience.

"NOTHING is more important in a database than integrity." ESquared

 

[genomon]

Hey SQL Sis! Didn't know you visited this forum.
Tuckejam - everything so far is excellent advice.
CiscoGuy33 is also on the mark. At age 48 myself, I am
living proof that anything is possible. Only been doing
this for 15 years, and love every minute. Always a new challenge; in my case, learning the .Net stuff is where it's at right now. We use MS Access, SQL server, and VB6 now, but are (trying to) migrate to more web-friendly tech.
Best of luck to you! Also, anyone you can befriend in the biz is a potential networking partner, and even a possible job source in the future.
- Geno


When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

 

[acewarlock]

From all the jobs I have ever had, the job Discription/Requirments list the Ideal canidate that can walk on water and if this person did exist, they wouldn't work for the $15 hr that they are offering. One job I had wanted a MS/BS and about 10 other things I didn't have. I have a GED some college and a trade school, I got the job and It was great. So when you look at want ads remenber this is there WISH LIST, not what they will take.


This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[wlemery]

acewarlock got it right. If you're trying to find a job writing code, learn some Web design, Java and MY-SQL then start sending out resumes for contract positions. Just like sales calls, emphasize what you have, not what you don't have yet. You'll get an offer, believe me.

As for the rest of it, the Help! desk is a dead end unless you're working for the government.