Getting started in the field

[ks48]

Hi I'm 19 and studying to get my A+. I don't think I'll have any problems passing it because I was pretty good at memorizing worthless stuff for school(I know everything isn't worthless on the A+ but most of it is.)

Anyway I was looking to hopefully get a computer related job for the experience factor even if it means a pay cut from my current job(I work full time in a warehouse but its just not something I want to do much longer and the pay isn't very good.) I've been around computers my whole life. Building, troubleshooting, helping out friends with theirs... etc so I have a pretty good idea of what I'm doing already.


I guess my question is... what kind of jobs should I look for?

Should I try to get a help desk job where I'll probably just be reading a script? It might help with experience for a future job.

Should I hit up the local Bestbuy and try to get on the geeksquad/other big box repair groups ? I'm aware of their horrible reputation but it might look good on my job history

Should I try and find some local privately owned repair shops where the owner might give me a shot?

Or should I stick with my current job and go to my local college and get a degree in something/get other certifications first. (this is my last resort because this job is too easy and I almost die of boredom everyday)

from everyone I've talked to it seems like experience is more important than schooling in this field.


How did you guys get started?

[frostbyte5014]

You are on the right track and using your head! It is best to get as much experience as you can before you decide to go out on you own. I suggest you try to get a job at a private local repair shop. There are several reasons for this. One, you will get a more rounded and diverse experience because you will most likely be working in the shop, residential calls, and servicing local businesses. Two, you can learn best business practices from your boss and also learn what not to do. I don't recommend working for a chain store because you really won't get much experience that you can use and may end up hating the industry. Good luck!

[anonymous Mac Tech]

Anyway I was looking to hopefully get a computer related job for the experience factor even if it means a pay cut from my current job

I guess my question is... what kind of jobs should I look for?

Should I try to get a help desk job where I'll probably just be reading a script? It might help with experience for a future job.

Should I hit up the local Bestbuy and try to get on the geeksquad/other big box repair groups ? I'm aware of their horrible reputation but it might look good on my job history

Should I try and find some local privately owned repair shops where the owner might give me a shot?

Or should I stick with my current job and go to my local college and get a degree in something/get other certifications first.

from everyone I've talked to it seems like experience is more important than schooling in this field.

How did you guys get started?

Congrats and thank you for being an example of pursuing the right path! You are already a model for all other aspiring techs to follow.

1. Local reputable repair shop and continue going to school. If you can afford it and the repairs shops response is they can't afford to pay you. Tell them you would gladly offer to help out on some kind of unpaid internship approach.

2. Tech support while going to school. You could always bid your time in tech support while waiting for a better opportunity at a local shop to do some hands on work. You will also learn some important skills. Many techs on these forums, including me had gotten their start that way and valued the experience.

3. Big box store while attending school. Might teach you how NOT to do things and give you a leg up on them with insider info by providing comparisons to potential clients on why they should choose you.

[ks48]

Thanks guys

very helpful so far

any other input?

[Alpha Geeks, LLC]

My 2 Cents:

Keep studying for and get the A+ certification as well as Net+ and any other cert you can pass. Don't underestimate the value of any cert. No knowledge is useless. Some of the information you learn to pass the test may not have "daily use" functionality, but it is definitely worth learning. Personally, I will not hire a tech without at least an A+ cert. By passing their A+ and other certs it shows that they are serious about being in this industry and have taken an educational approach in addition to experience. Without certs you are basically just a guy who knows about computers. If I were a potential customer in need of help who would I trust - the guy who has certs and experience, or the guy who, in your own words, "has a pretty good idea of what he's doing"? - nuff said.

As for getting a first job in the industry I think you first have to decide what aspect of the industry do you see yourself in? Residential, commercial, or both?

If you plan on servicing residential computers there is nothing wrong with working at Best Buy's Geek Squad. You stated yourself that most people you talk to seem to think that experience is more important than schooling. Simply put, you will not get more experience working for a local than you would working for GS. The sheer volume of computers you touch, and the ability to pick up some tips and tricks from the other people you work with are invaluable. At any given time our local BBY GS (6 stores in our metro area) have a minimum of 20 computers just sitting there in their queue waiting to be worked on (usually at $200-$300 a pop).

Does your local repair shop have 20+ systems, each with unique problems, just sitting there waiting to be worked on? If so, where do you live? I might just open a branch there. :) Sheer volume and exposure to a multitude of problems will give you the much needed experience. Like anything else, you get out of it what you put in. There is a lot of BS to deal with when working for a big box retail store, and it is easy to get discouraged. If you stay focused on learning, and taking best practices with you when you leave, then you should be fine.

That being said, I am not a fan of GS but their impact on our industry cannot be overlooked. They are the barometer you must gauge yourself against in terms of pricing, volume, advertising/marketing, etc. If they can command $299.99 for an on-site virus removal why can't you? Take from them what you can - you will be better for it.

A lot of local guys that I know who are in need of help aren't in a position to train. They want someone with experience to help them now. If you find a local that is willing to teach you the ropes more power to you. This doesn't discount working for a local shop, but should give you something to think about.

Anyways, I've rambled too long already. Good luck and get your certs!

[ks48]

great info

thanks guys

more is always welcome too :)

[basic]

If you aren't planning to open your own business and work in a corporate environment; I suggest that you go to college and get a degree.

[cmonova]

Instead of sticking with your current job why not switch to one of the others that you mentioned. If you have the opportunity to do college at the same time as it sounds like you do then do that also. Experience is great but nothing wrong with an education either.

The more tools you can have i.e. cert's & education the more marketable you will be in the outside world.

As far as the "reputation" of some companies that should not be your concern. If you take one of those jobs then be that employee that gives great service and that is all that matters.

[hondablaster]

My friend I like to write long post but I need to get a move on.

Education Education Education.

Your peers and the next generation below you will be very computer savy, my college has a web page building class for 12 year olds. This is not what me or your parents did. The tech world is going to get competitive and education is what sets apart those "who know something about computers" and those "who are educated in the field of IT" now which sounds better, if you dont get an education when your young you will regret it when your older. Because the percentage of people getting higher education vs H.S. diploma is constantly rising. Back in the old days you could work in a union at a factory and make a good living. With immigration and jobs outsourced along with cost of living vs wage, its going to be cutthroat future.

Also you will learn as you get older its not what you know its who you know. Those small bonds you will make in college can be leads to a new job in the future.

No one in my family is educated but Im a very smart guy and can see the writing on the wall. Employers want EDUCATED people not just "good with computers people" Experience is important but you need to set yourself apart as I said you can "know about computers" or "be educated in the field of Computer Information Systems or IT"

Just go on monster or career builder right now and look up jobs for

Break/fix technician
Desktop Support
Help desk support
MCSE
MCSA
MCP
Networking Technician
System Administrator
Network Administrator
etc
maybe more keywords the other guys can throw in

Then take a look at the "preferred" "you will either see bachelors or associates preferred or in some cases required.

Do it now while your young BTW women love money and as you get older you sacrifice now, will MORE then pay for itself. Nobody told me anything about life as a young man. I hope this seed has been planted well.

Goodluck
Hondablaster

[ks48]

haha advice well taken

:)