How available are entry level IT jobs in the state of Arizona

[LushLibertarian]

I'm currently enrolled in school in information technology. I'll be done in about 11 months. When I graduate, I will have the following certifications.

Security+
Network+
A+
Microsoft Specialist
Desktop Support Technician
Certified Wireless Technology Specialist
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner

How available are IT jobs in Arizona and would I be able to easily find entry level work $15 an hour and above in this sector?

I currently live in the South East United States. I'm originally from Arizona and have many friends and family in the area. I would like to have a reason to move back and continue making memories with them. The school I currently attend has deals with several enterprise employers that allows the school to sell us to the highest bidder, this means that we are 100% guaranteed an interview with somebody and the IT program has over a 90% placement rate so I'm getting an excellent deal and job prospects are likely to secure me entry level jobs and above paying over $35,000 a year starting out. But I do miss home and would like to come back. I'm not fond of the state I live in and I originally moved back to Arizona for a month about a year ago until I heard about this last chance shot at free education and came back.

I have a good deal in this program and truly do not want to do anything stupid because of sentiment. My concern lies in the fact that our school is pretty much going to hold our hand through the recruiting process. I can write pretty exceptional and to the point resumes and am persistent in making it known that I want to work. The problem is that this will be my first professional interview of which our instructors with 30 years of IT experience will pretty much be negotiating deals and fighting for us. It's pretty awesome, but there's no place like home.

Thank you.

 

[Ralston18]

Go online and search for IT openings in Arizona. It can take a lot of work but there are websites for job hunters. Stay open-minded and carefully look at the job descriptions and language used.

And there are various industry studies and reports that address job titles and salaries, broken down by geography. Google "IT salary survey" or similar words and phrases.

And I am also going to suggest that you quietly do some behind the scenes checking on the IT school you are attending. Some schools, despite all they say, do not really deliver. Best to know that up front. (You mentioned "free education" so hopefully you are enrolled in some funded program for which you qualified for and were accepted into. No money out of pocket..... correct?)

I just saw a very short report about IT related job openings and the demand for people. Unfortunately there was not much detail given with respect to specifics or geography. But I did note that the report sounded promising for IT types.

Consider surrounding states so you may end up a bit closer - not ideal but a start and maybe a closer opportunity will avail itself.

What it all really boils down to is your ability to convince a potential employer that you can do the job, be a team player, be responsible, be reliable, follow the rules/protocols, and be willing to do a bit extra. Along with staying out of trouble and not hasseling your co-workers and supervisors.