Alfonso
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Hey guys, today i was asked what is the first job a person should look for in the it field, i think its a very interesting question, what do you guys think????????
What should be the first job for an it guy???
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Cambridge PC Support
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Yes it is interesting, what do you think?
carrcomp
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I started off in a call center. Gave me 4 years experience while I was going through school and helped to land my first real job.
YeOldeStonecat
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My input.....find a local computer shop that also does local break/fixit for home users, and also does work supporting SMBs. This gives you lots of "hands on" experience...learning from other experienced techs.
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What specific area of "IT" are we talking about?
If you are going for systems administrator for example, working in a repair shop won't get you any real experience a potential employer is look for; as break fix is a part of the SA job that they don't really care about so much either because they have a lower level tech for that, or if not they figure you'll learn that along the way because more importantly you need server/networking experience to get started. Another thing to consider is that usually positions like that which have a lower level tech to handle the workstation break/fix end of things tend to promote from within, so that may be where you want to try and start.
So although you want to try and stick to the area in which you want to end up, (or start any related position at a company that has a promotion path to where you want to be) ... my input would be get whatever job you can that is available and pays the most (that you are qualified for or at least that you can BS your way through the interview process.) *shrug* Bad economy, take what you can get...
If you are going for systems administrator for example, working in a repair shop won't get you any real experience a potential employer is look for; as break fix is a part of the SA job that they don't really care about so much either because they have a lower level tech for that, or if not they figure you'll learn that along the way because more importantly you need server/networking experience to get started. Another thing to consider is that usually positions like that which have a lower level tech to handle the workstation break/fix end of things tend to promote from within, so that may be where you want to try and start.
So although you want to try and stick to the area in which you want to end up, (or start any related position at a company that has a promotion path to where you want to be) ... my input would be get whatever job you can that is available and pays the most (that you are qualified for or at least that you can BS your way through the interview process.) *shrug* Bad economy, take what you can get...
kevinjhaag
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LOL... "BS your way through" Good one, Nick!
The jobs nowadays want more bang for their buck. Some of the great paying jobs, I've noticed that they will give you a test during the interview now. I just applied for one and the test took me about an hour to do. It had about 75 multiple choice questions and the rest was essay. Was a waste too because I didn't get the job even thou I passed the test with flying colors.. Oh well. Only reason I applied was that they were paying more than I make all year plus benefits (which I don't have as a business right now). Plus I would be only working banker hours. My plan was to hire someone for my business so I didn't leave my existing customers in the dark when I'm working another job. And of course I would be able to do work after hours and weekends.
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Well it's true!! NEVER underestimate the power of BS - IF you are good at it.
I have a friend who dropped out of college, never earned a cert for anything, and never had any prior experience in any related field what-so-ever, who skipped the lowly tech position and BS'd his way into a managerial position over a team of phone techs at Gateway. His job before that? Grocery store bookkeeper (BS'd his way into that as well having no prior experience.) Naturally Gateway laid everyone off many years ago, so he pretty much had no experience there to utilize for the next job - but soon after he still managed to BS his way into a Systems Analyst position for a major health care organization; now he has worked his way up to a Sr. Business Analyst there and makes bank. He admits he got every position through sheer B.S. and he has the track record to prove it
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kevinjhaag
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Well it's true!! NEVER underestimate the power of BS - IF you are good at it.
I have a friend who dropped out of college, never earned a cert for anything, and never had any prior experience in any related field what-so-ever, who skipped the lowly tech position and BS'd his way into a managerial position over a team of phone techs at Gateway. His job before that? Grocery store bookkeeper (BS'd his way into that as well having no prior experience.) Naturally Gateway laid everyone off many years ago, so he pretty much had no experience there to utilize for the next job - but soon after he still managed to BS his way into a Systems Analyst position for a major health care organization; now he has worked his way up to a Sr. Business Analyst there and makes bank. He admits he got every position through sheer B.S. and he has the track record to prove it
He's just one of those very outgoing people that can talk the talk by the sounds of it. I'm to damn honest...so its to damn hard to BS thru something.
ArtemusComputerTechnology
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Good question I started out in IT consulting/contract work doing short term projects. Didn't like it too much but I gained experience in break/fix, IMAC, server administration, networking, and network printer installation. It totally depends what area you want to get into. Now I'm a Desktop Support Technician/System Administrator. Kind of two jobs in one but it has its perks. If you need any training material, I have a sh*tload..
Rob_NNCC
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Corporate IT department.
Reasons:
Sys-admin to learn from, typically several people to learn from.
Part of a team, so if you do not know, someone else will show you and not put you down for not knowing.
Sometimes you get down time to work on fun projects to grow your knowledge.
Get used to a corp enviorment.
Good connections.
Regular pay check, can have good benefits.
Have training programs/might help pay for cirts/education.
Opportunity to work hard and show good work ethic.
Getting used to working with people where they have to work with you. EG if you are shy/stumble through speech Joe in accounting will have to get you to fix their pc, not just hire someone else.
Direct Boss is not worried about your mistake costing him his business.
Exposure to servers/more than home networking as well as security practices.
Just my 2C. My work experience:
Small mom-pop pc shop: had me take the trash out and do sales. Techs where older and would not share responsibilities and knowlage with me because I was 14.
350 person corp. This was great, I learned all the above + I formed great friendships with other techs, and boy I learned a LOT. This set me up for my next job:
Geeks On call. Because of job #2, I was able to take this and grow.
Many more jobs...
Current 'job'. I have it in quotes because like many of you, I love what I do.
Reasons:
Sys-admin to learn from, typically several people to learn from.
Part of a team, so if you do not know, someone else will show you and not put you down for not knowing.
Sometimes you get down time to work on fun projects to grow your knowledge.
Get used to a corp enviorment.
Good connections.
Regular pay check, can have good benefits.
Have training programs/might help pay for cirts/education.
Opportunity to work hard and show good work ethic.
Getting used to working with people where they have to work with you. EG if you are shy/stumble through speech Joe in accounting will have to get you to fix their pc, not just hire someone else.
Direct Boss is not worried about your mistake costing him his business.
Exposure to servers/more than home networking as well as security practices.
Just my 2C. My work experience:
Small mom-pop pc shop: had me take the trash out and do sales. Techs where older and would not share responsibilities and knowlage with me because I was 14.
350 person corp. This was great, I learned all the above + I formed great friendships with other techs, and boy I learned a LOT. This set me up for my next job:
Geeks On call. Because of job #2, I was able to take this and grow.
Many more jobs...
Current 'job'. I have it in quotes because like many of you, I love what I do.
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