dogman_1234 :
Wow, realy. I would be lucky to have a job, but, since you said th job was making crappy desicions, I would not want to promote that.
sorry to hear.
I just wanted to get a job. I have looked around where I live an no one is hiring. i keep hearing jobs available, but I am not qualified at all for them. I have placed applications in many places and no one will talk to me. I am running low on cash because of the stupid oil prices.
Really, IAH, I would also like to ask what I can do with the A+ if this place does not hire me.
A+ shows that you know the basics about computer hardware and software. It places on about (maybe a fraction higher) the same level as the Tech's that work for BestBuy/Office Dept/ect.... Only thing is they dont require you to pass the A+ exam to work there.
Now there is 1 major problem you face when advancing yourself and that is Diploma VS Certification
now for some pro's/con's
Diploma:
Pro's -
You have taken multiple classes and passed them. Showing you can stick with it and you finish things. It also shows your a well rounded IT Person because you have taken programming, Database, server, ect.. classes and have dabbed in a little of everything. Employees who are hiring for Entry Level & Associate Level IT Jobs Look for Degree's over Certifications
Con's -
You passed a bunch of classes doesn't mean you remember/know how to do anything.... People out of high school may be more computer savvy then you because you can pass a class without learning anything.
Certification:
Pro's -
You are certified by a IT professional exam that you understand and know how to use the certified system. This is the second best thing, just behind actual experience to show a employer. Later in your life when you have your BS degree and a 5 or 6 years experience Certifications will help prove your specialization in a specific area and make you a better candidate for down the road IT Jobs.
Con's -
No entry level job will look for any certification beyond a A+. Most people hiring for entry level just want someone reliable with some computer experience. Exams are costly and unlike a Diploma there is no Financial Aid you can apply for so it's all out of pocket. (Might be some tax deductions you can look into though since it's helping you land a job)
SO.. I would suggest this....
A+ Certification
Look for a job in a job as a Repair Tech, Geek Squad at best buy, Computers plus, office depot, ect... Electronic Sales isn't bad either it's closer
to the area you want and leaves room to be promoted later on after you show all your PC knowledge.
Enroll in a A.S. / B.S. Degree (2yr gets a slightly better job faster, 4yr gets a much better job a little later)
Look for a Job in a Tech Role if you dont have one yet - Look for jobs at the university/college your enrolled into. (the pay may not be great, but
even working geek squad gives you IT experience.)
Every Summer Get a new Certification, Now get these in any way or specialization you like.
About the time you Graduate with your 2yr (A.S.) degree or halfway done with your B.S. degree then you need to look for a better job again. This
time you have 3 Certifications and a AS Degree or a half completed BS degree to back you up a little more. Target Computer Shops, University
computer tech, entry level jobs for computer help at larger facilities Dell, Verizon, AT&T (phone companies have MANY MANY computer users taking
support calls all day long... always needing it people) Also if you went the A.S. option you need to enroll for B.S. degree (most will let you jump right
into the core classes when you transfer, might have to pick up 1-3 gen ed classes this is normal)
The reason for this is if you did financial aid you
want to be able to keep going to school to you get your BS so you dont have to start paying back loans.
Graduation with a B.S. Degree - Now you should be looking for a wide variety of Jobs. You can do everything from Desktop support up to Entry level security for granting access to users. Now more then likely you will start out in Desktop Support of some kind (phone support or hardware/software support) and build some experience then move up the ladder. Most companies prefer Experience over certifications.
Look for a good job before continuing your education. At this point some hands on experience and certifications might help you more then a Masters degree.
Here is a list of some certifications you can take as you start your first few years of school. Only take these if your looking for something in the near future. If you know where you want to be 10 yrs from now you can change these around to suit your needs. These are suggestions only and remember take them every summer (and winter if you can) that way they don't interfere with your classes. This does favor a CIT/Tech role instead of a programmer FYI.
1st year - A+ Certification
2nd year- Windows 7 Configuration Exam by Microsoft this makes you a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)
3rd year- Windows Server - (that win 7 exam you just took to become a MCP? it's required for this one)
4th year - You have been at this for a while now, you should look into what area you want to end up in. Server Admin, Programmer, Database,
Cisco Tech, ect.. If you havn't decided yet then you need to spice up your resume throw in a CCNA (Cisco network cert) or Network+/Security+
certs from comptia. If your feeling really adventurous take one on Linux/Unix not many people have these certs.
TIPS & TRICKS
*Try to stay at each job at least 2 years. No one likes a quitter and it looks poor on your resume if you change too often. Also gives you time to build repor with your employer for a good reference.
*Always offer a 2 week notice and leave the company on good standings so you can use them as a reference.
*Don't over burden yourself. Passing the classes doesn't mean your learning it. I took 19hrs my last semester and i hated it. I passed them all and learned nothing...
*Certifications usually have a life time of 3 or more years. Re-cert promptly if your still looking for a job, but you can be more relax if you got a comfortable position.
*Dress 1 layer higher then what your employer does for the interview. If they say Business Casual is ok, dress business proffesional ect... You want to show them that your professional on the outside and inside.
*Don't be late or miss days in the first 6 months because that is your lasting impression.
*Don't get discouraged, It can take a lot of time to find your first job or a better job. Just be patient and thank everyone for the chance to interview with them.
* When you land a job look for places you want to be promoted too. Research what they do and what skills they need and study/Certify in that direction. I want to do Cisco Administration, but my next goal is to get into our Server admin group so i'm taking classes/certs towards microsoft server.
* Cisco certs are new and impressive looking, but not in as high demand as Microsoft certifications are for now and prob for the future.
* Keep going to school until you get a job and you can afford to pay back your loans. It is a good idea to pay the interest on your loans while you goto school (on any that collect interest while your going) Pay more if you can less if you can't.
* If you need $$ or Experience start doing computer work at your home. You can file as a business just keep good records because if you make over $600 you have to file taxes on it. This is some extra $$ and experience. That and employers like seeing you have a business card so make some and make them look professional not flashy.
* Lastly don't post extremely long post in the forums because no one will really read this far down.
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