Can anyone help me out? This is an unconventional request!! Assistance please!

United Kingdom
October 20, 2009 3:26pm CST
Hello fellow My Lotters! I don't know if this is an appropriate discussion but I thought I would try, I'm really desperate! Here's my situation. I have been studying IT for the past three years and I have gained the following IT certifications: A+ Certified IT Technician, Network + Certified Professional and MCP or Microsoft Certified Professional. Here's my problem. I have a whole lot of theory and very little in the way of actual work experience. I have been thinking about the idea of helping others with their computers. I have decided that I'm not going to charge anything! If you are in the local area to me, that's to say, Enfield then I would love to be given the chance to offer free technical support and advice and this would also help me in terms of gaining actual practical experience. You know how expensive technician's fees can be these days well I'm offering this service for free. I need to build up a work record of practical experience so this is where my thinking is going. Also, for those already employed within the IT sector, I would be grateful for any advice you can give. I would also be willing to do voluntary work in order to gain experience in the field. Sorry, I know that this is very forward and direct but I don't know what else to do. They say that nothing is impossible, I'm really trying to test this theory. I know that there is a trust element but I have been on My Lot for a long time now and well, like I said, I am qualified now, I just want to put all that theory to practise, you can't blame a guy for trying! Anyway, I would appreciate your thoughts on this and sorry that it's so forward and direct. Many thanks. Andrew
4 responses
• United States
20 Oct 09
Hi AndrewFreyne, that is so generous on your part. i would love to have you go to town on my laptop but there's too much geography between us. wish you the best.
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 09
Hi there. Many thanks for your thoughts. Two lovely offers so far.Well, I will remain optimisic. Many thanks for your support all the same. Andrew
• United States
20 Oct 09
Congratulations.
22 Oct 09
Hi Andrew! Well I just thought I would support what you said and tell everyone that you ARE a genuine person who will help others! It can be hard trusting people on the internet but I don't think anyone should have any worries with trusting you as you are a genuine nice person who will be willing to help anyone. I really hope this works out well for you and if I ever need technical support I know who to contact! :D
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
23 Oct 09
Hi, thanks for that. I'm trying my best to get something started but things are very difficult at the present time. Well, I'm continuing with my studies in IT and I'm hoping that the future still remains bright. Thanks for your thoughts and assistance on this. Andrew
@GardenGerty (157050)
• United States
21 Oct 09
Andrew, if I was in your area, I would not hesitate to ask you to help.I think it is an excellent idea. Also, you could volunteer to help at a senior citizens club or something. They would be glad of the help.
• United Kingdom
21 Oct 09
Hi, thanks for your ideas. This really seems like such a difficult task but I'm not giving up anyhow. I have to get out there and try and utilize my skills. I'm still pretty hopeful that there are some My Lotters within the whole My Lot community that will look into this idea. Thanks again. Andrew
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
20 Oct 09
actually it is not too direct and forward at all. In fact it is a really nice gesture that could not only help you but could help anyone who takes you up on your offer. My neighbor who is also a friend did the same thing for his friends. He helped me tremendously keep my first computer alive and working for way longer than anyone would have imagined. When it finally gave out, he built this one and I did pay him. Still, he only charged me what it cost him to build it and did not charge me for his time. I don't live anywhere near you but I would imagine that there are people that would gladly take you up on your offer.
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 09
Hello sid and many thanks for your response. That's terrific that it actually worked for your neighbour. It seems like a realistic route for me as it's very difficult to enter the IT industry without prior experience. At present I have been sorting out my own computer and a few of my friend's computers but I'm so hungry to get in there and start working with my hands and building up a positive work record. Many thanks for your feedback. Andrew