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How to get internship for IT / network administration

How do I get an entry level position in network administration or Information technology? I'm studying for the compTIA A+ cert but don't think it will do me much help.

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Chinyere’s Answer

Hey Geremiah!

Good question! You're on the right track by studying for the CompTIA A+—it might feel like it won’t help much, but it actually gives you a solid foundation for entry-level IT jobs. A lot of employers look for it, especially for help desk and junior IT roles, which can be a stepping stone to network administration.

For internships and entry-level positions in IT/network administration, here’s what you can do:

1. Gain Hands-On Experience
- Set up a home lab with virtual machines (use VirtualBox or VMware).
- Experiment with networking tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3.
- Get familiar with basic troubleshooting, command-line tools, and networking concepts.

2. Apply for Help Desk or IT Support Jobs
Even if it’s not directly network admin work, an IT support or help desk job will help you gain real-world experience and move up quickly. Many network admins start in these roles.

3. Look for Internships or Volunteer Work
- Check LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor for internship opportunities.
- Reach out to local businesses, non-profits, or schools to offer IT support for free or at a low cost—experience matters more than just certificates.
- If you’re in college, use your school’s career center or ask professors about internship openings.

4. Network with IT Professionals
- Join LinkedIn and connect with IT professionals.
- Attend local meetups or virtual networking events for IT pros.
- Join forums like r/ITCareerQuestions on Reddit or Discord communities focused on IT careers.

5. Work Toward More Certifications
If you’re serious about network administration, CompTIA Network+ or CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) would be a huge boost to your resume. These are more networking-focused than A+.

6. Apply for Entry-Level IT Jobs Aggressively
Even if a job posting asks for experience, apply anyway. Some companies are willing to train if they see you’re passionate and willing to learn. Highlight any hands-on projects you’ve done in your resume.

Stay consistent and don’t get discouraged! The first IT job is always the hardest to land, but once you’re in, moving up gets a lot easier. Keep pushing forward!

You got this!
Best wishes!
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Paulette’s Answer

Good day! A good source for Internships and Available open positions is reaching out to a local recruiter that has access to opportunities and they are also good to meet with for advise.
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Kangana’s Answer

1️⃣ Certifications & Skills – A+ is a start, but Network+ or CCNA is better for networking. Learn Windows Server, Linux, Active Directory, and basic scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python).

2️⃣ Hands-on Experience – Set up a home lab (VirtualBox, Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3) and troubleshoot networks.

3️⃣ Finding Roles – Start with help desk, IT support, or junior sysadmin jobs. Apply on LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake, and check MSPs for entry-level openings.

4️⃣ Networking – Join LinkedIn groups, IT forums (r/ITCareerQuestions), and local meetups for referrals.

5️⃣ Volunteer & Side Projects – Offer IT help to nonprofits or small businesses to gain experience.

Even if you want network admin, help desk is a solid entry point!
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

1. Build Technical Knowledge & Hands-On Experience
First, use your CompTIA A+ certification to establish a solid foundation in IT, focusing on hardware, software, troubleshooting, and networking. Supplement this knowledge with practical experience:

Home Lab: Set up a personal network using routers, switches, and virtual machines to practice networking concepts.
Volunteer/Project Work: Offer free IT support to local businesses or nonprofits to gain hands-on experience.

2. Search for Virtual Internships & Entry-Level Opportunities
Once you have a foundation, start applying for remote internships and entry-level roles in IT and network administration:

Cisco: Offers remote internships in networking and IT roles. Cisco Careers
IBM: Remote internships in IT and network administration. IBM Careers
Microsoft: Virtual internships in IT and cloud services. Microsoft Careers
Google: Remote opportunities in IT infrastructure and data centers. Google Careers
Forage: Free virtual work experience programs in tech. Forage
Virtual Internships: Connects students with remote IT internships globally. Virtual Internships
Internshala: Offers virtual IT internships, including network administration. Internshala
Handshake: Available to university students for remote internships. Handshake

3. Prepare Your CV/Resume
Make sure your CV highlights your technical skills, certifications, and any practical experience:

Certifications: List your CompTIA A+ cert and any other relevant credentials.
Skills: Emphasize networking, troubleshooting, and system administration skills.
Experience: Include hands-on work like your home lab setup, volunteer work, or any freelance tasks (e.g., fixing computers, setting up networks).

4. Freelancing and Remote Contract Work (Build Experience)
If you're unable to find a formal internship, freelancing can help you build practical skills:

Upwork: Freelance IT/network administration gigs. Upwork
Fiverr: IT support and network-related freelance opportunities. Fiverr
Freelancer: Remote IT projects including network admin. Freelancer

5. Continue Building Your Skills
Even after securing an internship or job, keep learning:

Cybrary: Offers virtual labs for hands-on experience in network administration. Cybrary
LinkedIn Learning: Provides courses to expand your IT/network skills. LinkedIn Learning

6. Networking and Professional Development
Join online communities, attend webinars, and network on platforms like LinkedIn to connect with others in the IT industry.

7. University-Specific Opportunities
Check your university’s career services or platforms like Handshake for remote internships or entry-level roles in IT. Handshake

By following these steps, you can leverage your CompTIA A+ cert, gain valuable virtual experience, and build a strong foundation for a career in IT and network administration.
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Dr’s Answer

Getting started in IT or network administration can feel like a challenge, but there are multiple ways to get your foot in the door. Here are some strategies to help you land an internship or entry-level position:

1. **Gain Hands-On Experience**:
- **Home Lab**: Set up a personal network with virtual machines and routers using tools like VirtualBox, VMware, Cisco Packet Tracer, or GNS3. This hands-on experience will help you become familiar with networking concepts and troubleshooting.
- **Practice Troubleshooting**: Work on solving technical problems to enhance your skillset and problem-solving ability.

2. **Pursue Certifications**:
- **CompTIA A+**: You’re already working on this, which is a great start! It’s the foundational certification that helps you understand IT hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
- **CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA**: For a more networking-specific certification, Network+ or CCNA would be excellent. These will increase your chances for network admin roles.

3. **Apply for Entry-Level Jobs**:
- **Help Desk/IT Support**: Many network administrators start their careers in help desk or IT support roles. These positions allow you to build real-world experience and can lead to network administration roles.
- **Look for Junior IT/Networking Positions**: Apply for jobs that require minimal experience but emphasize your certifications, home lab projects, and willingness to learn.

4. **Internships and Volunteering**:
- Look for internships or volunteer opportunities in IT. Reach out to local businesses, nonprofits, or schools and offer to help with their IT needs.
- Platforms like **LinkedIn**, **Indeed**, and **Glassdoor** list internship opportunities.
- **Remote Internships**: Many companies offer virtual internships that allow you to gain practical experience without being onsite.

5. **Networking**:
- **LinkedIn**: Connect with IT professionals and network through groups and discussions.
- **Local Meetups & Forums**: Attend local IT meetups or online communities (like Reddit's r/ITCareerQuestions) to learn from others in the industry and get advice.

6. **Freelancing and Side Projects**:
- If you’re not finding internships, consider freelancing on platforms like **Upwork**, **Fiverr**, or **Freelancer**. This allows you to gain practical experience while also building your resume.

7. **Prepare Your Resume**:
- **Highlight Certifications**: Make sure to showcase your CompTIA A+ and any other relevant certifications.
- **List Hands-On Projects**: Include your home lab and any volunteer work or personal projects that demonstrate your practical experience.

By following these steps and staying proactive, you’ll be in a great position to land an internship or entry-level role in network administration or IT. Best of luck with your journey!
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Sneha’s Answer

Hey Geremiah! To land an internship or entry-level position in IT or network administration, continue studying for your CompTIA A+ certification - this will give you a solid foundation and is valued by employers. Also, you should gain hands-on experience by setting up home labs or volunteering for small IT projects, and don't hesitate to reach out to local tech meetups or online forums for networking opportunities. Stay persistent and open to learning, and you'll find the right opportunity soon!
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James Patterson’s Answer

All of the suggestions provided by the other professionals are solid. I would like to offer up a new path: https://www.boson.com/network-simulator/ccna-200-301-cisco-network-simulator

Boson simulators have been around for decades and are a tried and true mechanism for gaining real networking experience. I used them when I started my career in networking and would create all new network designs and configurations in the simulator before I touched my hardware. While some people prefer to pursue the Network+ certification, I believe investing time in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a better return on investment.

NOTE: I don't work at Boson, and I don't receive any compensation or recognition for this post. While in an interview, I believe telling potential employers how you would implement a GRE tunnel is valued more than telling a potential employer that you passed an exam with a question about GRE tunnels.
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K.C.’s Answer

I've just been going through the internship search process with my college age boys. Often the first 'screening' (through a linked in application, or an indeed application, etc) is often executed by an AI engine. Many companies have a policy that if you are recommended by someone in the company, your application will automatically pass this first level of search. While candidates still would have several levels of the application process to get through, getting past round one is a very good thing.

So, if you do not know anyone at the company, get on LinkedIn and search around for someone at the target company with whom you have a commonality. It could be you both are from the same home town. It could be you both studied at the same college or trade institute. It could be that you both like to play Magic the Gathering (or whatever!). Find a connection and then reach out to that person asking if they would mind sharing their insights on the company. After you have made a connection, you can ask the person if they would be willing to recommend you for the specific open position you have found.

You are going to have to do a lot of these, and it is time consuming, but I believe the efforts will eventually bear fruit.

HOT TIP: Do the work! Don't depend on the contact to do the search for you. You want to make it very easy for them to help you. If it is possible, know the know the position and the job requisition number of the opportunity posting, know the name of the recruiter posted, know the locations you are willing to live/work, etc. You want to foster a relationship with the contact so that it is very easy for them to write up a recommendation for you.
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