5 answers
Sam
Student
New City, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to start getting experience in IT?
Not sure if it's important, but I want add I'm currently working towards the CompTIA A+ certification.
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5 answers
Alyssa Alejo
Supervisor Gaming Audit
51
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
The field of IT is an exciting, ever-evolving career path brimming with diverse job opportunities. In fact, IT jobs in the US are predicted to expand at a faster pace than other professions in the coming ten years.
What's more, IT is a flexible career choice. Starting off at the support desk, you can climb the ladder to more specialized roles as you gain knowledge and experience. Plus, if you already have some background knowledge, you can dive straight into a field that truly sparks your interest.
What's more, IT is a flexible career choice. Starting off at the support desk, you can climb the ladder to more specialized roles as you gain knowledge and experience. Plus, if you already have some background knowledge, you can dive straight into a field that truly sparks your interest.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
68
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
You're on the right track, Sam!
Starting with certification courses, just like you're doing, is a fantastic first step. After that, I'd suggest doing a little online detective work. Look for programs in your local area that offer hands-on teaching in IT fundamentals. Since you're in New York, Npower could be a perfect fit for you to explore.
Also, don't overlook your school or local community college. They might offer IT courses as electives. And who knows? You might even find IT companies willing to take you on as a volunteer or apprentice. So, don't hesitate to reach out to them.
Keep going, Sam! You're doing great.
Starting with certification courses, just like you're doing, is a fantastic first step. After that, I'd suggest doing a little online detective work. Look for programs in your local area that offer hands-on teaching in IT fundamentals. Since you're in New York, Npower could be a perfect fit for you to explore.
Also, don't overlook your school or local community college. They might offer IT courses as electives. And who knows? You might even find IT companies willing to take you on as a volunteer or apprentice. So, don't hesitate to reach out to them.
Keep going, Sam! You're doing great.
Tahir Mehmood
IT Manager
29
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Tahir’s Answer
You need experience in the IT field. You should get certified by taking courses like CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco. It's important to get these certifications. To get promoted, you need to balance experience and technical certifications together. This blend will make you more worthwhile.
John Husband
Computer Science, Real Estate, Life
46
Answers
Boca Raton
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Sam,
The best way to get experience in IT is to volunteer. Keep working on your certifications for sure. They are great! Also get a degree in computer science. Along the way offer your help to everyone for free! Most people won't need or want the help. But eventually as you market yourself you'll get a few free customers. Ask them for a letter of recommendation after you complete some work. Add that letter of recommendation to your resume. What is likely to happen is you have so many free customers you'll have to start turning people away. As you get better and better, more people will want you. That makes sense right? Each letter of recommendation adds to your credibility. They are great for your college applications too by the way! So when you have too many free customers, start charging a very small fee like $5.00 per job or something ridiculously low. It's still basically volunteering but it's so cheap. The only people who won't pay you 5 bucks will never pay you anything. As a result, you should only continue to provide them with free work if you believe in the cause. You can't do work for free forever right? After you have too many $5 customers, ask for minimum wage. And keep going up until you find the right balance of work and money. You'll get the hang of it quickly. BTW I used certifications (like comptia) to get my job at Microsoft.
Tell everyone you are looking to volunteer to do computer work. Ask for their help to find you volunteer positions.
When you have too much free work, charge a very small amount to get rid of the people who will never pay.
Continue to work for free for one cause you believe in.
Raise your prices every once in a while, at least one time per year. But more often if you are too busy.
Get a degree in computer science.
The best way to get experience in IT is to volunteer. Keep working on your certifications for sure. They are great! Also get a degree in computer science. Along the way offer your help to everyone for free! Most people won't need or want the help. But eventually as you market yourself you'll get a few free customers. Ask them for a letter of recommendation after you complete some work. Add that letter of recommendation to your resume. What is likely to happen is you have so many free customers you'll have to start turning people away. As you get better and better, more people will want you. That makes sense right? Each letter of recommendation adds to your credibility. They are great for your college applications too by the way! So when you have too many free customers, start charging a very small fee like $5.00 per job or something ridiculously low. It's still basically volunteering but it's so cheap. The only people who won't pay you 5 bucks will never pay you anything. As a result, you should only continue to provide them with free work if you believe in the cause. You can't do work for free forever right? After you have too many $5 customers, ask for minimum wage. And keep going up until you find the right balance of work and money. You'll get the hang of it quickly. BTW I used certifications (like comptia) to get my job at Microsoft.
John recommends the following next steps:
Dhimant Korant
IT Product Manager
50
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Dhimant’s Answer
Information Technology is a field brimming with job prospects. To get a taste of what it's like, start by researching various IT companies. Check out their job vacancies and see if any positions catch your eye. An excellent way to dip your toes in the water is by pursuing an internship or part-time job in the field. This will give you a firsthand experience of the IT world. Remember, the IT industry is diverse, offering a range of work streams such as Application Development and Deployment, Monitoring, Security, Automation, Network, Operations, Compliance, Data, and Cloud Engineering. So, there's something for everyone!