How do I get some other type of I.T. job?

[lovelimelody]

Let me give you some background first.

I graduated from University of Toronto, computer science degree (H.B.Sc). I am working as a deskside support technician for 9 months. The environment is the standard AD+Exchange+BES. Besides that, I also have a bit of experience in call center technician and retail.

I do not have certificate of any kind.

My prefer list of position would be software developer, system designer and network administrator. I also prefer a relatively stable employment.

I have not done any programming outside of school. UT taught all the basic thing: C, C++, SQL, Java and so on. Sometimes I will work on my website, but I enjoy working on the back end stuff (ie those PHP script that do all the things) rather than then front end presentation. I am not an artistic person.

So, how can I find a IT job in the field I want? I do not mind to stay at my current job for now, however, I want to know how do one can move on to another type of job. Is there any course that I can take to improve my chance? I often heard people getting jobs relatively easy after finishing some course in college, but, I am not sure about the quality of education there.

[StarvinStudent]

Come to Calgary...

I know for a fact Shell has postings up for tons of CPSC students... a lot of them are Co-op, but I'm sure if you cold called a few of the energy companies in town you'd be able to find a position.

[MT3]

if your interested in a developer job, MCAD certification would help out a bit....

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcad/requirements.asp

you can just get the self-study books for each exam, and prepare your self for the exams.

[Cyber6]

if your interested in a developer job, MCAD certification would help out a bit....

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcad/requirements.asp

you can just get the self-study books for each exam, and prepare your self for the exams.


This is certainly true.. it will help out "a bit".. or not at all. I personally don't think is worth it. I took the MCSD certification exams.. and pass them all with flying colors.. but it really mean squat if you don't have the experience.

Most people here (at least the computer forum) can run circles around those A+ certificate technicians at future shop (me included). A certificate only tells you how good are you at passing exams.

At least my MCSD grades prove that I am damm good at cramming for exams. ;)


C.

[Sewert]

The best approach is to carry some certification in your area of study/expertise.

I represent the Education arm for SUN Microsystems, Symantec/Veritas, and Oracle Univeristy. We provide Authorized IT training and Project Managment training in conjunction with the PMI institue.

If you are interested in courses and info about IT Training and/or IT Certification visit: www.exitcertified.com

Sorry no MS training.

[gnunn]

I have not done any programming outside of school

If you want a position as a software developer, then start coding in your spare time and build up your skills. Pick a hobby project that appeals to what you enjoy doing, like back-end work, and go for it. Alternatively find an open source project in your area of interest and start working on it. When you apply for positions it gives you something to discuss and show at the interview. It also demonstrates a love and a passion for software development which is also a strong plus for most interviewers. Finally, it enables you to build up your skill set in a valid way.

I got my first software development job back in 1996 in large part due to a hobby project I was working on at the time.

[ronny1980]

If you want to go into networking you really need atleast a CCNA.

[lovelimelody]

I dont understand, how do some ppl getting programming job with relatively no experience?

I am not sure what should I do now.

[felix]

lovelimelody, if you need someone to fill your current position before leaving, PM me. :)

[TenzoR]

If you want to go into networking you really need atleast a CCNA.

should I just study from a book and emulator for CCNA?

[ronny1980]

should I just study from a book and emulator for CCNA?

I will be writing my CCNA very soon but unlike MS and Comptia exams CCNA is mostly practical.

I signed up for a CCNA course starting next saturday so that I can mess around with some routers.

[TenzoR]

I will be writing my CCNA very soon but unlike MS and Comptia exams CCNA is mostly practical.

I signed up for a CCNA course starting next saturday so that I can mess around with some routers.

how much did that cost?

[siriuskao]

I dont understand, how do some ppl getting programming job with relatively no experience?

I am not sure what should I do now.

for developer job:
look for junior developer jobs

for network/sys admin job:
pay your due and start at teir-one support (which you are doing.....) and work your way up.

certification complement your experience. I believe most developer certs are waste of time. You just learn about syntax, not programming..

[airodus]

for developer job:
look for junior developer jobs

for network/sys admin job:
pay your due and start at teir-one support (which you are doing.....) and work your way up.

certification complement your experience. I believe most developer certs are waste of time. You just learn about syntax, not programming..

His degree does count towards experience. School is one of the best ways to learn about high level design. So some certs could help complement his degree.

But definately the best way is to do stuff on the side. Think of some decent sized project then go for it. Then start building up a portfolio of things you have done. That will show potential employers that you are enthusiastic and have some real experience. It can also help you gain some exposure if you pick something where you can join a community (like open source).

[ronny1980]

how much did that cost?

There are good ones and bad ones depending how much you want to fork out.

Since my company won't pay for mine Im doing it with CNTLC which is $350.

Winnetsystems cost $399 and polarbear is $3000+

Look at this as an investment.

[MT3]

wat certification would be the easiest to get by self study or so. Im a student in the computer eng field and am jus looking to learn/get some cert. course or soemthin jus to help me out in the future and with coop n all.

[charliebrown]

Anyone considered these? wont really need to do programming per se; but seems to be a demand here in TO for ppl w/ a CISA

www.isaca.org

[siriuskao]

wat certification would be the easiest to get by self study or so. Im a student in the computer eng field and am jus looking to learn/get some cert. course or soemthin jus to help me out in the future and with coop n all.

check http://www.certcities.com

[Ben Jr]

Unfortunately, I've found that most people who work at helpdesk stay on helpdesk. I know people who have been there for years and not been able to go anywhere.
If you want a better job or higher pay, I think your best to move around doing contract work until you gain some experience. That was my stragedy when I started 7 years ago and it seems to have worked out fine.