Do you have a workplace dilemma?
If you have a work related question and are unsure where to turn for advice then click on the 'Ask a Career Surgery Question' button below and we could be helping to solve your career problems very shortly.
Got the qualifications - but not the experience
For the past few years I have studied hard for IT qualifications, mainly in the networking arena. I have applied for countless jobs in this field, have had numerous interviews. Where I think I have sold myself well. Only to be told on feed back, when I get any at all. That I have not got enough experience for the position. How can I gain experience in the field that I am qualified in if no one will give me a job???
Martin Steele
Comments
Here is my two penneth.
Find a perm or temp job with a company doing Helpdesk support or some other entry level IT role. Perhaps do this on a part-time basis or in evenings to keep some week days free. The role will probably involve you using some of your hard-earned IT qualifications. If you can get on a Helpdesk for a company with a Network infrastructure of some size, or someone that sells networking services, then all the better for internal career progression. Ideas might be: Cisco resellers, big ISP's and Telco's, big Public Sector organisations and Managed Services providers (big consultancies).
Work your socks off in the role and impress, even though you feel you are not maximising your IT skills. Dynamism and innovation will get you noticed and create opportunities. After you've got your feet under the table, find out who the Network manager is and ring them up. Ask to come down on your day off and spend time with his team/consultants. Find out if you need further qualifications and study for them whilst in your Helpdesk role, then apply for the next opening in the team. You might find they are crying out for Cisco Security skills for example, which are in much demand in the market currently.
During the day if this job allows, take voluntary opportunities to improve networks for Charities and other not for profit organisations. There are a multiude of avenues to do this, and you can document the work on your CV as real experience. They might also lead directly to work simply through networking (the people kind).
Biggest tip is blend your IT skills with strong inter-personal skills. Many many many people in IT have zero to offer on the latter point and make those that do, stand out a mile. Those that do command the £500 per day salaries in Networking. Read; "how to win friends and influence people" to assess if you have those skills.
Post back to advise if this helped.
anon - October 9, 2008 3:21 PM
Not knowing your location , but HMG have a regular drive to take on people with such skills.
Try F&CO web page. Also other government departments may be of interest, if you live in easy reach of London.
Douglas - November 21, 2008 1:46 PM