[OT] IT field

[Eridanis]

Oof. Bad timing to try to get an IT job. Not bad timing to try to get some training in IT, though, so you're ready to catch the next wave.

I've been sending resumes to the East Coast since the beginning of the year, hoping to move back out there, and I've heard from exactly one company, who was paying less in the Tri-State area than I'm making in Chicagoland, with a much lower standard of living. I'm lucky to have my IT job right now; a friend of mine has much more experience than me, and has been looking for work for many months now, and is considering getting out of IT completely.

So, the moral is: do what you love, but be practical about it. If you don't love IT, but are just wanting to get someplace with a better salary, I would suggest that now is not the time.

 

[nyrfherdr]

I normally lurk, but I figured I'd chime in.
I'm pretty involved in the Technology Industry and with almost every company 'right sized' the market is saturated with talented IT and other high tech professionals out of work.
When I post a job on MONSTER, I'm getting hundreds of qualified applicants. Most overqualified. There was a job posted in Los Angelas County that over 600 qualified people applied for in less than a week.
If I'm recruiting for a Sr. Analyst, I get PHD's, Developers, Consultants, you name it.
Heaven forbid I have a management position available... I get former Directors, VP's and other very high level individuals looking to work anywhere at almost any salary. Many of them without work for many months.

I will recommend a couple of things.

1. Certify only on the most valuable things or on ones you can do easily. Don't waste energy and effort on a certification that is dated or is no longer valuable to the companies you want to work for.
2. Build experience. The market is full of certified professionals. Without the certs, you will likely not get an interview, but you still have to demonstrate experience. Help out at your current office. That is your best opportunity for an IT job anyway. Come in after work and help them with implementations and projects. Install software, whatever. If they aren't interested, volunteer somewhere else... Church, School, Boys & Girls Club, Charity. They all have computer needs. Volunteer your time and get valuable experience in the bargain.
3. MAKE FRIENDS. The best thing you can do is know people who will recommend you to their employer. Even in the world of high tech. A reference carries more weight than almost any other criteria.

Good luck to all who are looking for work.
Nyrfherdr (15 year high tech veteran and frequent interviewer)

 

[Griswold]

Hi,

/begin bitter
I was an Account mamager for an IT service company for six years and have almost finished a BS in Computer Science. I have a ton of Compaq and HP Certs, A+, MCSE, but the Job prospects in my area are terrable, Drive an hour for a ten dollar and hour job, I'm really considering getting out of the field. With the state of H1-b visas and outsourcing to other countries (India and such) for helpdesk and coding jobs, it doesn't look like there is going to be much room for all the IT students US schools are putting out, and of course new grads want a decent wage and bennys.


Nursing on the other hand pays great and has lots of job openings, and with that BA you could get into management easily.
/end bitter

Anyway, take the advice thus far and good luck!


*edit spelling*
-G.

 

[fett527]

I hope your still reading this thread and I'm not wasting my breath..er typing.

I like nyrfherdr's post and advice, it is sound. I am a Network Manager for a small company. I have 5 years experience now in IT and had 4 years in retail management before that and am CCNA, MCSE, and A+ certified. I will echoe everyone's advice on GET EXPERIENCE. Now, get experience and certs at the same time. If your intention is to work with networking technologies start with the the A+, learn the PC basics before moving on. Do this at night in your current job. Also, it would be great if you could take a lower paying job to start out. I was willing to work anywhere when I first tried. I applied at all the small PC shops just to get a job building PCs or equivalent. I took a pay cut for my first IT job. Getting that first job while you are taking cert classes will really pay off, you can immediately apply what you are learning or have learned. And in the beginning don't just use books, get an instructor to tell you what you need to know for the tests and then what you'll need to know for the real world. That was invaluable to me when I was taking the MCSE courses.

Good Luck!

 

[Skullfyre]

I have been in the Computer field for 10 years and only now am I have I acquired a job that best suits my technical skills and even allows me to improve upon them.
I have been through store computer tech jobs, call center job for worldnet, AT&T Mediaone/@home/Broadband/Comcast/?? or whatever they call themselves now. Working for Hydro electric company as a "Computer operator"(Glorified desk job with no chance of getting into the help desk/network areas).
I agree on the certifications. Get them. And any practical experience you can get. (Be warned do not get your MCSE by just taking the exams(get experience along with it) or else people will call you a paper MCSE)
As for nursing...
Griswold. My job is for MIS at one of the hospitals here in my city. And the nurses from the University and Community college.. enough to melt glass... If I were only single again..
But back on topic. Certification, experience and the waiting... You are going to gain a new look on patience



My 2 Canadian cents(equals about .15 American)

 

[Eridanis]

I'm going to shift this over to the Computers forum to see if we can't get a few more replies... Energize!