Does anyone have suggestions or sites that could help me gain experience and knowledge for an Information Technology job?

2016-07-07T00:59:40-04:00

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?

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Jul 7 at 2016 1:16 AM

2016-07-07T01:16:08-04:00

I feel your pain on the catch 22 for experience. What is your focus of IT? Are you hardware, software or mixture? Also are you looking for more end-user, system admin, or network technologies? What experience are you trying to gain, what experience do you have? Are you familiar with windows, linux, apple, etc.?

If you are looking for more development side of the house, there are some sites out there whereas you can freelance projects to get experience that way. Another way to get experience is to volunteer or find the odd setup job. For example, volunteer at a local church or other organization to help with any computer issues, setup, and security of network. There are some companies that even do mass set-ups from time to time, basically you are a grunt going to some office on a saturday with a few other guys and setting up all sorts of new equipment or software, it's decent experience but tedious.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 1:27 AM

2016-07-07T01:27:34-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 7 at 2016 1:30 AM

2016-07-07T01:30:48-04:00

I know it sounds shady, but get a weekend job installing systems with Best Buy.
Best Buy is one of the best companies I have worked with. They have great internal training. They also have a great career path. From there you will gain experience. Within the Army education system, use your resources to gain degree's and certifications. From there, be my boss.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 1:59 AM

2016-07-07T01:59:26-04:00

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.

Response by Charles Graul made Jul 7 at 2016 8:28 AM

2016-07-07T08:28:28-04:00

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 ...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-07-07T11:34:22-04:00

Skillport courses
CodeAcademy
FedVTE
Find projects to get involved with relating to your chosen field(s).

More links here:
http://golivelively.com/2015/03/16/careerprogression/

A graphic of more sites to check out:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCbLOBorSoq/

Links for Your Career Progression – IT, LG, HR

If you’re a motivated IT guru, you yearn for sites like LandWarNet, and Global Knowledge. If you’re really serious about the craft, you’ll dig into Lynda, Professor Messer, AAC, F…

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 4:47 PM

2016-07-07T16:47:45-04:00

Army E-Learning Skillport classes are great way to learn and study for certifications, plus they are free. Get your CompTia A+ and Security + certs, and get a Mircosoft MSCA Windows 10 Cert.
In your day job and at BA see if you can help out with setting up computers, keyboard, monitors, ect. Also help with installing software, running updates and so on, every little bit will be hands on learning and experience you can put in writing. It will take some time to study and get those certifications. But, once you have them, and with the experience you have gotten along the way, you should have a good resume and be ready for your first IT position.

Response by LTC Sonya Friday made Jul 9 at 2016 8:37 AM

2016-07-09T08:37:04-04:00

Yes, please go to benefits.VA.gov, once on the site go to transition assistance programs. They have a few courses. The ready-4-success in IT Boot Camp is a 12-week course. It is offered at numerious locations. The best thing is you graduate with a few certificates to help you land your first job in IT. There are other programs but know assistance is out there for IT personnel and site is a great start. Hope it helps