Getting into IT

adrianjohn

Hi all,
Just to give you a quick bit of background, I did a computer systems degree and finished it in 2004, but pursued other things since.

I am currently running a business but uptake isnt as great as I was hoping and am considering taking up a career in IT instead, and moving the business to a part time interest/side hobby which would require little commitment.

My only problem is, Im completely out of the loop now with little knowledge or experience. Id be looking to get into helpdesk/IT support work.

I did a three month contract last year which involved replacing/updating companies computers, loading new Windows 7 images onto them, installing software, etc. But over the period of the 3 months this work unexpectedly developed into helping staff with IT issues and training them into the basics of Windows 7 OS and its software.

I enjoyed the work and found myself handling issues that weren't really a part of my contract. It was nothing difficult by any means but it was interesting to note that most issues weren't beyond my abilities.

My question is, do you think I would need to do some training or formal up-skilling to get entry level work in this area?
Does anyone have any links that may have a good list of specific requirements knowledge wise for this kind of work, so I could begin to train myself in in the mean time?

My other question is, is there much work out there in this specific area of IT?
I was considering applying for an internship or something just to gain more experience, but naturally if I thought I was able to get full paid work straight away I would go for it.
Thanks for any help
Adrian

Verres

There are plenty of entry-level helpdesk jobs around. You'd be best placed to know if you needed additional training. By the sounds of it you'd be grand doing level 1 support already.

Just get your CV out there.

JSP

Where is the best place to submit a CV for the IT Level I/II Helpdesk / Computer Support jobs?

Verres

You could submit your CV to loads of agencies (CPL, computerfutures etc.) but the best bet is to get on Monster and just look for jobs.

A lot of the "ads" you see from agencies are just cv-gathering exercises - there's no job and they just want a copy of your CV to bulk their pool of possible matches.

adrianjohn

Thanks for the help Verres, I think Ill definitely pursue it so! The main thing holding me back is having only 3 months work experience, thats why Im considering an internship or something, but no harm in going for actual jobs too.

jimmycrackcorm

I'd find a niche area in IT and learn it thoroughly. I mean something like Vmware / Sharepoint etc. That way you'd stand a good chance to get in somewhere.

Jesus Nut

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

I'd find a niche area in IT and learn it thoroughly. I mean something like Vmware / Sharepoint etc. That way you'd stand a good chance to get in somewhere.

What would the chances be of getting a job in the I.T sector for someone who only has a Leaving Cert and has self studied the likes of Vmware / Sharepoint ? As in, educated themselves in the area.. ?

irishguy

adrianjohn wrote: »

Hi all,
Just to give you a quick bit of background, I did a computer systems degree and finished it in 2004, but pursued other things since.

I am currently running a business but uptake isnt as great as I was hoping and am considering taking up a career in IT instead, and moving the business to a part time interest/side hobby which would require little commitment.

My only problem is, Im completely out of the loop now with little knowledge or experience. Id be looking to get into helpdesk/IT support work.

I did a three month contract last year which involved replacing/updating companies computers, loading new Windows 7 images onto them, installing software, etc. But over the period of the 3 months this work unexpectedly developed into helping staff with IT issues and training them into the basics of Windows 7 OS and its software.

I enjoyed the work and found myself handling issues that weren't really a part of my contract. It was nothing difficult by any means but it was interesting to note that most issues weren't beyond my abilities.

My question is, do you think I would need to do some training or formal up-skilling to get entry level work in this area?
Does anyone have any links that may have a good list of specific requirements knowledge wise for this kind of work, so I could begin to train myself in in the mean time?

My other question is, is there much work out there in this specific area of IT?
I was considering applying for an internship or something just to gain more experience, but naturally if I thought I was able to get full paid work straight away I would go for it.
Thanks for any help
Adrian

If you have have interest in development look for QA or BA roles to get into it. There are quite a few jobs and it pays well.

DublinWriter

irishguy wrote: »

If you have have interest in development look for QA or BA roles to get into it. There are quite a few jobs and it pays well.

I've a huge problem at the moment with the number of people calling themselves Business Analysts (or Systems Analysts back in the day) who are complete and utter numpties and should not ever be let loose on a client site.