Where to Start When Looking for an IT Job?

Hey guys, for the first time ever I’m actively looking for an IT job and i need assistance.

So my story is rather unusual, I started in PCs as a hobby, I would currently classify myself as a hardware enthusiast, however I’ve done a lot of other things too. My dad owns his own computer consulting business and i’ve done work for him and learned the business with him.

I would say I’m good to very good at troubleshooting PCs, whether that’s malware removal or a computer has glitchy software/drivers or something like that.

But I also have some experience in virtualization and some in system administration.

I would love to maintain servers, that’s like a job I would like. However I have no degrees in anything, just experience in the area’s i’ve told you above.

And I’m really trying to understand where I fit. Do I immediately search for say a system admin job, or do i start somewhere where I can grow from?

Preferably, I would love to be a system administrators assistant, that’d be really cool if there is such a thing.

For now, i have created a linkedin profile and made it professional looking and am currently connecting with people in the IT industry to ask them the best way to find a job.

I also saw Wendel’s video on the future of IT, and how automated we are going to be in the future. So I’m wondering if there’s anything I should be worried of???

Thanks to anybody that can answer my questions!!! Have a good day!!

If you don’t have any qualifications or certificates then you’ll likely start at the bottom in the Service Desk level (I did). Most people these days won’t be able to hop straight into that.

LinkedIn was a good first step. If you’ve figured out what you like doing then set that as your 5 year plan goal. Work at it everyday and it will pay off eventually.

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I started 20 years ago with no qualifications in a local mom’n’pop computer shop. Spent a few years there building and repairing PC, then moved on.

So I have an unusual relationship with the IT world as well. I went to school for Comp Sci but my actual career started in the General IT Field doing help desk, PC Tech repair, system and software analysis and what not. Now I am a Senior Systems Admin, Systems Analyst, Software Analyst, and Cyber Security Analyst.

For people like you, this is exactly what the certification route was made for. I have had to get my share of certs in the past but did not need to maintain them once I got my foot in the door due to the degree I hold. In you case, you may choose to keep of the certs and never got the degree route or vise versa. Neither is the perfect path though.

In your case, since you are IT adjacent, I would look at getting some certifications like Security + (particularly for government contracting) and maybe an A+ cert. These are entry level certs that basically say that you know what hardware is and that you are not an idiot when it comes to security, but it will put you just above the noise. It will make you aware of concepts that you may have not been familiar with in the past and may help you find a focus.

I would also make sure that you put your experience on your resume and get some good references (preferably not your dad in order to not be placed in the nepotism category).

Lastly, find what you are actually good at and promote the hell out of that. Once you have a niche, then you can branch out into the other interests.

In my case, I hate IT, but it pays the bills. I never really got to be a “Computer Scientist” but I was able to use my skills and knowledge from those fundamental domains in the IT side of things. This allows me to dabble in the Comp Sci things that I like to do at work while not not turning my love for Comp Sci into a Job and falling out of love with that field.

The good thing for me is that I am like Mr. Wolfe from Pulp Fiction. I am the problem solver and Fixer. So I don’t stay on any project too long. I get the teams out of the much, stabilize the foundation and build the infrastructure. One the teams can stand on their own legs and show competence, I an off to the next project or team. That allows things to not get stagnant for me, while exposing me to new things and tools. I am always learning and growing in my skillset and knowledge.

I’m an accountant looking to get out of the field and move into IT. On a number of occasions at my last job people would get to know me then ask why I chose what I do. I had no good answer.

I’ve talked with a number of people in the industry and I keep hearing the A+ is a great start. My expectation is it will result in entry level work but from there you can develop however you want.

Since you are starting out, keep in mind that if the job you are wanting can be done remotely, you probably will be competing with people all over the world for that position. If someone far away is willing to work for less, it can and very likely will be outsourced with little warning.

Jobs that require physical presence could be more secure, but there’s no guarantee that large data services like Amazon or Microsoft’s won’t simply replace that infrastructure in a cost saving move. There will always be a need for entry level people to physically move and install hardware, but the opportunities for advancement above that may be limited depending on the environment of where you end up.

If you are seeking a higher position that requires more than basic knowledge, then social networking is going to be key. Seek out and attend gatherings of like minded people and get to know people. Make friends in the industry and reach out on linked-in. Keep in mind that experience will often be more important than traditional education, but certifications never hurt.

Going with a contractor firm may get your foot in the door, the experience you need to start to build your career but they too may be looking for experience. Finding someone who will take you under their wing and get you started will be far easier so my advise is to network heavily.

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^ Absolutely this. Especially in the contracting world (DOD contractor here). It is not about what you know, it is about who you know. If you can do the job, that is even better, but if you are honest about you lack of knowledge but show that you are eager to learn and be trained, this speaks volumes.

Mainly since every place I have been does not do things in the same way and always requires on the job training, it is easier to take some one with little experience and humility and teach them the trade, than it is to bring in someone who feels that they know the secrets of the universe (read book smarts) but when it comes down to it, cannot use their critical thinking skills to solve an issue that was not encountered in a text book or a bootcamp.

All that to say, be honest, reach out, and be humble. Someone will be willing to get you started. You probably will get the crap assignments at first but that will lead to better opportunities. In the mean time and times in between keep working on self education and self improvement. Ask questions and take notes.

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Many companies value practical experience and the willingness to learn as much as formal education. Networking on LinkedIn and reaching out to professionals in the field is a great strategy.

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Thanks for the ino