any advice for getting first IT job with no experience?

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by ITmajor12, Sep 22, 2013.

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  1. ITmajor12

    ITmajor12 New Member

    I am working on my BS in IT, and i was wondering if anyone who already is working in the field had some advice on how i can get my feet wet on the field? How can i get in to at least help desk or anything in fact. I just really would like to get some experience. any advice? The more i work towards my degree the more worried i become of not been able to get a job after i graduate. any thoughts?did you land your first IT job after your degree, if so any tips you can give me i would highly appreciate it. I also wanted to see if i can get a temporary job for a few months meanwhile i work on my BS. Im really looking for anything really but i have 0 IT work related experience.
     
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    That's a tough one, because as I'm sure you've found out, employers do tend to prefer experience to anything else. What area of IT are you studying? Programming? Databases? Networking? System administration? Web design? Be specific and it's easier to offer some suggestions.
     
  3. ITmajor12

    ITmajor12 New Member

    I also meant to say what jobs can i get that does not require much experience or degrees that is IT related that i won't have an issue getting in to or that almost anyone can do that can in return give me some sort of IT background?

    well i actually am debating which specialization is best, i have to pick during my last 5 classes of the program so am still debating but most friends and others here recommend cyber security. Im not sure yet, just hoping to see what basic it jobs aside from help desk does not require much to get in to that i can try?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 22, 2013
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Not much. You may be able to get a job like installing Internet connections for the phone or cable company, but that's about all I can think of. Although I suppose it also depends a lot on where you like. IT security is a great field, but it's no place for people who doesn't know what they're doing. Start with system administration or networking, and move into security as you gain the experience to back it up.
     
  5. Sauron

    Sauron New Member

    Entry level IT positions in a helpdesk usually do not require an IT degree or extensive experience but the ability to work through technical issues and soft skills to communicate and work with customers is key.

    Let me emphasize that the hard skills in IT are easier to attain than the soft skills which separate you from the rest of the pack and move you forward.

    Cybersecurity is a great field if you have attention to detail.
     
  6. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I suggest volunteering someplace to get experience. I used to volunteer at the Humane Society's thrift store fixing old donated computers and VCR's so they could sell them.
     
  7. jam937

    jam937 New Member

    My first IT related job was through a temporary agency called Manpower. Call some temp agencies in your area. Explain your situation. Tell them what you've done academically (classes, projects, research, etc). Tell them what you've done on your own (take apart computers, web page work, installing Windows, etc). Tell them what you know (Windows 7, Windows 8, Android, Office, etc.)
     
  8. ITmajor12

    ITmajor12 New Member

    Thank you everyone for the advice i really appreciate it so much, i am enjoying my BS program so far and i really am staying open minded and i know for my first job i dont expect to get hired in a big position. I just really want to work my way through some smaller options get some certifications and start working on my career this way. I was thinking of also looking for some interships in my area while i attend school. Is it a bad idea to do a BS in IT when i have never done IT before? any advice? I mean i have messed around with computers installing drivers and windows etc small stuff like that and i know am not all the way 100% know it all on the topic but willing to learn.
    BTW

    what certifications do you recommend for IT starters to have/get certified in?
     
  9. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    A+, Network+, MCP in that order to get started.
     
  10. Some good suggestions thus far that cover some of the best avenues to IT work: professional certifications, temp work, volunteer work, help desk

    To those, I would add:

    1. Internship - if you can afford the time, an internship is a great way to acquire a lot of on-the-job skills quickly while also getting your foot in the door with a great company. My company typically makes offers to about 50% of our interns each year. And the other 50% leave with a mountain of knowledge.

    2. Just Build Something - Write an open-source program that does something useful. Start a blog about cybersecurity, or advanced SQL techniques. Make an iPhone app. Experience is king in IT, but there's no rule that says the experience has to come from a job. It just has to be something you can demonstrate, and having a product or a blog to show off is one way to do that.

    3. Get any non-IT job you can and make friends in IT. IT people in general are not thrifty with their knowledge. We love to share and teach. If you find a company that has good IT people, and make friends with those people, you will learn. And eventually, those IT people will say to management "Hey, that guy is not one of the usual idiot drones you corporate tools hire around here. He's actually smart. We want him." I have seen this happen many times. I have made this happen many times.
     

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