For those of you already in IT, any advice much appreciated!How do I get into IT

United Kingdom
September 29, 2009 1:12am CST
Here's my situation and I know that things are very difficult at the present time. I have been studying IT for the past couple of years and I have gained the following qualifications: A+, Network + and now MCP(Microsoft Certified Professional). I'm continuing with my studies and it's my intention to study the MCSA or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification. So, my main problem is, I have a whole lot of theory and no experience. I would like to know what my chances are and if you are in the field of IT already what would you recommend for someone like me with my qualifications? Surely nothing is impossible! I have studied so hard in order to gain these qualifications and I feel that I have to use the knowledge I have gained in some way. Any advice and guidance much apprecieated. Thanks. Andrew
1 person likes this
2 responses
@sanju9t (146)
• India
29 Sep 09
Hi Andrew, presently i am working in ericsson. i think you have very gud knowledge about networking side. but in present time companies are tring to find people with any live experience. if we try for any job opportunity without experience they consider our CV but they prefer candidate with experience. if you get any experience whether in small or large organization you can join and get live experience
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• United Kingdom
29 Sep 09
Hi, thanks for your advice and tips. I'm going to have to work hard in doing research and trying to establish myself within the IT sector. Thanks again. Andrew
@sanju9t (146)
• India
29 Sep 09
Andrew if you have any doubt you can contact to me any time
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
29 Sep 09
Hi sanju, many thanks, I may just do that seen as you are actually in the industry. I'm looking at various forms of voluntary work now. I'm hoping that things really start to happen soon. Andrew
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
29 Sep 09
You certainly have the base qualifications that would be considered attractive to an employer, but yes, the lack of practical experience will be an issue. All I can suggest is that you present yourself well and then rock on up to a number of firms that employ people with the specific skill sets you've been learning and ask for the chance for work experience. It would more than likely end up being an unpaid proposition initially, but impress them enough and you may just land a job! Either way, you'll be able to show on a CV that you've thought outside the box and proactively sought direct experience, plus you'll GET actual experience as well. Alternatively, you could try to position yourself as a freelancer and approach small to medium businesses and offer your services on a consultancy basis. You may have to BS your way into that one a little at first until you get some references on board, but this too will give you experience and the flexibility to work in a manner that best suits you. Last but not least is to reach out to the people that have been educating you to date on these subjects and to make recruiters aware of your skills and desire to enter the workforce with them. Networking is key! Even if you've been doing this online or remotely, there will be avenues to seek advice and help. Get yourself on LinkedIN.com as well and start trying to connect with like minded companies and inidviduals. Good luck!
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@James72 (26790)
• Australia
29 Sep 09
Thanks for the BR mate and if you do sign up on LinkedIN, please PM me with your details and I'll be sure to add you to my network. There are well over 20,000,000 business people on that site and many professional groups centred around the IT field. There are also recruiters, so I'm confident you'll find it very helpful in getting your name out there.
• United Kingdom
29 Sep 09
Hi James, great to hear from you again. Fantastic response and everything you say makes sense. I passed my MCP exam yesterday so I'm chuffed about that. Anyway, I'm in the process of trying to make my cv that much more professional looking and I'm seeking guidance on this. Thanks for the link as well, I will definitely subscribe to that. I will speak to you again. All the best. Andrew
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