So, my formal training is in New Media. I prefer to do HTML/CSS, but I can operate as a junior programmer and have done some basic training in audio/video, and can do amateur level Photoshop work. I have done some basic IT stuff - I mean, I can get a router up and running, I can replace computer components (but I’ve never built a machine from scratch), I can troubleshoot basic problems.
The thing is, I was laid off and work in web dev is slim around here unless you have 8+ years of experience with Java or PHP and I need to start looking at other avenues. There’s IT jobs out there and my family, ignorant about computers, is shoving me towards them. However, I don’t think I have the required experience and would be laughed out of an interview room. I have no certs, if you asked me about something like Windows Active Directory I’d look at you with a blank look, I have no idea how to make CAT5 cable with a spool of wire and some connector ends…and most places ask for 2+ years of experience.
Would you laugh me out of the interview room? I’m a quick learner and most of what I’ve learned has been self-taught. But I feel that for me, applying for these jobs is like a travel agent applying to be a lab tech.
You might be able to apprentice as a junior admin of some sort. A lot of “IT” work can be picked up pretty easily if you’re systematic, careful, and a quick learner. If you have some programming experience that won’t hurt either.
There’s often a fair amount of work to be done reimaging machines, calling up the machine manufacturer for warranty service, etc. Knowing how to use google is also a big help.
I’m keeping an eye out for any junior or entry level positions, but there’s not a lot of them out there.
My family is definitely telling me to basically carpetbomb everything that’s about a computer and get mad at me when I say I’m not qualified, they say I can do it, but they can also barely find a power button.
If I were interviewing you, I might consider you for a desktop support position. My questions to you would be along the lines of:
-In your previous computer development position(s), did you have to talk people through technical issues via email, over the phone, and in person? Did you provide assistance or guidance to other programmers/developers? How about end-users of your applications? Given your lack of prior IT support experience, demonstrating strong communication skills is probably the biggest thing you can bring to the table.
-Can you troubleshoot basic OS configuration issues (incorrect TCP/IP settings, can’t seem to connect to a server, workstation keeps crashing, no Internet access, etc…)?
-Can you install/reinstall operating systems?
-Can you fix MS Office problems (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint)?
-Do you know how to create new user accounts and set up the corresponding home directories and email boxes?
-Since you don’t have prior desktop support experience, I would probably ask for specific symptoms of issues you have encountered in the past and how you went about resolving them. (If you had prior experience, I would ask a couple of my “how do you fix problem X” questions that most desktop support techs should have come across in their jobs). If you have stories of times you helped coworkers with their IT-related issues, even though it wasn’t really your job, you should bring them up.
We have an entire IT department of people who have no formal classroom training in IT. People all pick it up as they go along, with occasional classes and certifications for certain areas.
For instance, I never held any formal IT position before working here, though I did IT work informally; if people had problems, they’d go to me to troubleshoot them.
IT helpdesk support just requires a good knowledge of common computer issues and a good phone manner. Caldezar covers the basics.
Ten years ago you’d have no problem. You can do the job - I wouldn’t doubt that.
Today the market is flooded with people with experience and skills.
I wouldn’t laugh you out of an interview room right now, you wouldn’t get that far - your resume would never make it past HR right now.
I have really great desktop techs I want to promote, and no where to promote them. That means I’m not making room for new desktop techs, and saw a 20% reduction in techs through layoffs last year. We aren’t going to rehire them, we are asking our end users to self support more. A lot of the traditional desktop tech job (reimaging) comes via the net with a PXE boot now - no need for a tech - which means we need fewer of them.
Carpetbombing is not an effective job search strategy. Especially if you are going after positions that aren’t a great fit on paper. And just because times are hard, that does not mean you should replace strategies that work with ones that don’t.
To answer the OP, there is an entire world of “IT stuff”. Programming and aplication development, user support, database administration, network setup and administration and so on. I initially got into it about 12 years ago coming from a background in structural engineering. I had a strong background in math, project management and some programming and the whole dot com / Y2K thing was taking off but it was still a struggle.
Since you don’t appear to be coming at it from a computer science or MIS background, I think you need to figure out what, exactly, you know how to do with computers and then target those sort of jobs. And the best way to target those jobs is to reach out and network with people who work in those fields.
My daughter had no formal training but did have a quick mind and burning desire to learn. She got an entry level position at a small hospital in the IT dept. as an operator. From there, she learned quickly and was sent to several training classes in big cities. She is a tech now and has a much better job with more pay.
My wife fussed with me about the same thing. She’ll see “Must have strong SQL Server, Watzit, Hellifino, and Quash experience,” and tell me to apply, saying, “*You *know SQL Server.” When I say, “Yeah, but I never even heard of the others,” she just accused me of being defeatist.
Yeah, if you have all the qualifications but maybe one or two, go ahead. Otherwise, you’re just wasting everyone’s time, especially now.
Or: what **msmith537 **said.
(Damn, that’s the second time in about a week that I’ve quoted him. I’m not stalking, really).