Experience or Education

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by kalela, Apr 8, 2006.

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  1. kalela

    kalela New Member

    why do companies care more in experience than Education. I can't find a job, because I don't have a experience (also live in a small state) and that really sucks
     
  2. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    It does suck, but that's the reality of it - you need to have experience and education...

    Start volunteering your time at a local <insert business/charity> to do admin work/web design work to garner some experience.

    CompTIA certs are good as they show that you have ~500 hours hands on...
     
  3. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Kalela,
    You said you can not find a job, but you did not share what you want to do ... care to share? Do you have any work experience, in any areas?

    There are many people on this board that work in every imaginable business sector. I am sure they would love to help give some pointers.

    Also, you might want to correct "Bechalor in IT".

    ... to answer your question. Experience gets things done. Education always helps, but generally, experience wins.
    BlueMason is correct, get some certs and start volunteering. I never had any internships during my undergrad as I was already employed (at a very low wage) and volunteering. It really helps when it’s interview / resume screening time.
     
  4. ProfTim

    ProfTim Member

    I would also check your college alumni association. Often there are contacts that can be made through that group that might help you land a job. Many of the colleges also have a career office that might be of assistance.
     
  5. Jeff Walker

    Jeff Walker New Member

    Particularly in programming, experience has shown me that some people with bachelors degrees don't have a clue how to program. They struggle coding simple routines and more critically, they have no idea how to debug a program.

    Someone who has done programming/netwroking/database administration/etc who is completely self-taught can at least be realied upon to do the same quality of work as they have done in the past.

    The key for a recent grad without experience is to a) demonstrate the experience you do have from your degree and b) build experience.

    Demonstrating experience can be done by building some form of portfoliio based on the work you did in college. This may be harder to do if your education focused on netwroking, but should still be possible with any IT field. Document what you did - the projects, the programs, etc. A bachelors in computer science should be equivalent to around 2 years of programming experience, but as an employer, I'm skeptical until I see some the programs. Of course if you get an interview with me based on a portfolio, you better be prepared to answer questions about it.

    Building experience can be done through volunteering somewhere - churches and secular non-profits always need someone to help with their computers or build them something new on their website. You can also create a project for yourself, but employers will always take work for some other group more seriously.

    Finally, find a way to show flexibility. People are rarely exact fits for jobs. Sgowing a broad knowledge-base is good (rather than just a java specialist, for example). But do this in specific examples, rather than a list of buzzwords that you "know". When have you used XML? When did you program in perl? When did you work with Cisco routers? Also, show that you are continually learning knew languages, systems, tools, etc. I am far more likely to hire someone who may match half the requirements of the job, but demonstrates the ability to learn on their own than someone meeting 100% of the requirements, but has pigeon-holed their career as doing only that set of activities. I may want a java/JSP/servlets/XML person today, but in another year I may want you doing Ruby development. You don't have to know Ruby, just demonstrate the capability to deal with whatever I as an amployer throw at you.

    In other words, market more than the degree - show the work, flexibility, and future potential that you represent.
     
  6. kalela

    kalela New Member

    I’m interesting working as a Network/System Administration or computer support. I’m fresh out of college and I don’t mind starting at the bottom and raising up.

    If I don't get a job next couple months I'm planing to move out of the state.
     
  7. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    GIven that you are seeking an entry level position in network administration and/or system support, earning certification as a MCSE might be your quickest route. You can earn MCP along the way to the MCSE. Then once employed learn as much as you can about real world network administration and system support issues and on the side pick up as much knowledge about the various Unixes and move on to better money. Then specialize in a long-term growth area such as security, forensics, auditing, etc.
     

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