Posted on Jul 7, 2016
Does anyone have suggestions or sites that could help me gain experience and knowledge for an Information Technology job?
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I am looking to enter the Information Technology field. Any suggestions or sites that could help me gain experience and knowledge. Most jobs I look at say at least 5 years of experience how can one get experience if they haven't even started working yet?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
Now here is something I know well, the IT field and interviews.
I graduated from ITT tech back in 2010 with an associates degree. Three days after graduation I walked into a Service Desk position working for a FT 500 company in uptown Houston. They started me at $20 an hour and I worked there for 2 years before gradually moving to another company (less pay but closer to home).
Now that I have the background out of the way I will reference the relevance. Both of these jobs were looking for individuals with a Bachelors Degree and 4+ years experience. I only had an Associates and 0 years experience.
But what did I have that set me apart from the rest of the interviewees?
- I made sure I maintained a 3.9 or higher GPA
- I didn't miss a single class except for one in which my daughter was in the hospital
- I made it clear how humbled and grateful I was for being considered a candidate for their company
- I walked into the interview with a portfolio of all my class workings and even notes
- I brought with me several well written resumes to hand to everyone in the interview room
- But most importantly I walked in with 100% confidence
That being said, a job offer may state it wants this or it wants that but for the most part it is not a requirement but a recommendation. If you show up to an interview and you let them know you have what it takes to be a viable asset to their company then they will welcome you with open arms. You have to let them know you are willing to learn and grow with them.
As far as you gaining experience in the IT industry you have three options, find an entry level job at a computer company, study hard and get some certs (CCNA preferably/A+ is a must) or go to a technical college and earn a degree.
If you have any questions feel free to ask me, I'm a Marine now but I'm still well into the IT realm.
I graduated from ITT tech back in 2010 with an associates degree. Three days after graduation I walked into a Service Desk position working for a FT 500 company in uptown Houston. They started me at $20 an hour and I worked there for 2 years before gradually moving to another company (less pay but closer to home).
Now that I have the background out of the way I will reference the relevance. Both of these jobs were looking for individuals with a Bachelors Degree and 4+ years experience. I only had an Associates and 0 years experience.
But what did I have that set me apart from the rest of the interviewees?
- I made sure I maintained a 3.9 or higher GPA
- I didn't miss a single class except for one in which my daughter was in the hospital
- I made it clear how humbled and grateful I was for being considered a candidate for their company
- I walked into the interview with a portfolio of all my class workings and even notes
- I brought with me several well written resumes to hand to everyone in the interview room
- But most importantly I walked in with 100% confidence
That being said, a job offer may state it wants this or it wants that but for the most part it is not a requirement but a recommendation. If you show up to an interview and you let them know you have what it takes to be a viable asset to their company then they will welcome you with open arms. You have to let them know you are willing to learn and grow with them.
As far as you gaining experience in the IT industry you have three options, find an entry level job at a computer company, study hard and get some certs (CCNA preferably/A+ is a must) or go to a technical college and earn a degree.
If you have any questions feel free to ask me, I'm a Marine now but I'm still well into the IT realm.
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From a 30+ Year IT professional, Get the A+ Cert first. All companies have that as a min requirement. If you need help with your resume - let me know, and would be happy to help you. I Hire folks all the time for IT jobs, and I know what the industry is looking for. As for gaining Experience ,,, look for IT Helpdesk jobs first, as they will get you the visual experience and they are easier to find. With some time on any Helpdesk, you can move into Deskside support or whatever you want to grow into. That is just my advise ...
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See if you can get into an IT or cyber-security MOS in the reserves or even active. Army looking for cyber-security. The best part about it the Army can train; then get work experience in a unit. Civilian business and government has a great need as well. As a young soldier at the beginning of your career, there should be a lot of opportunities.
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