Work experience in an IT function.

pauliebdub

Hi all,

Im looking for some advice on what’s the best way to gain some work experience in IT.

At the moment I am working full time in a finance function and studying an IT degree part time, i will be commencing second year in september and I am really enjoying the course and satisfied that I have made the right decision in pursuing a career in IT. Im very bored with what I am doing at the moment and would be very keen to change and get stuck into getting IT experience in the workplace.

My problem is trying to gain some practical experience to go along with what I am studying. There are several areas that I am interested in : Datbases, IT security, Networking, Business Analysis and software testing. There are very limited opportunities for work shadowingand gaining experience where I currently work. I have made enquiries with my IT department but nothing has come of it which is a shame.

I have been applying for jobs over the past six months but have not been getting a look in, mainly I would think because I don’t have a lot of relevant experience. I have done some software testing and documenting processes but that is about it.

Can anyone advise me on what I could do?

Ive considered a CV blitz of various IT companies in the Greater Dublin area but is this a good idea?

Should I focus on one particular area or try and gain general experience in an IT department?

I am ideally looking for some sort of part time experience unpaid or paid work experience. How valuable is workshadowing whereby I sit watching someone in IT perform their day to day tasks?

Many Thanks for your help.
Paul.

Tom Dunne

I think gaining general experience and then specialising is the way to go. I started off in IT support, which I think was a fantastic grounding in all aspects of IT, from which I was able to make an informed decision. Or, as happened in my case, chose a specialistation because everyone else feared it (Oracle databases) .

The most likely option would be in the company you are currently working in. They would know your work ability, possibly being able to get direct references from your immediate supervisors. However, this would probably be an entry-level type position. Having said that, as I have outlined above, that's the way to start.

Of the areas you mentioned you like, I would suggest, when the time comes, to specalise in this order: Business Analysis (especially with your financial background), databases (everybody needs databases), IT Security (everyone needs security, less jobs in that area, though, I would imagine) and finally networking (very popular, lots of competition for jobs).

pauliebdub

Thanks for this. Ive discussed getting some experience with the IT department where I work in the form of workshadowing but despite my efforts I havent got anywhere with it yet. Its a very busy department however i will persevere.

Do many places offer unpaid weekend work experience?

Tom Dunne

pauliebdub wrote: »

Thanks for this. Ive discussed getting some experience with the IT department where I work in the form of workshadowing but despite my efforts I havent got anywhere with it yet. Its a very busy department however i will persevere.

No, what I mean is actually doing an internal transfer from your current position to an IT (possibly entry-level) position within your company. I am not so sure how much benefit shadowing would be, other than to get your name know should an internal vacancy come up.

pauliebdub wrote: »

Do many places offer unpaid weekend work experience?

No idea, I'm afraid. I'm no longer in IT any more.

FullBeard

Try Big Blue

IBM is the place to cut your teeth in the IT industry, without a doubt. They have a very large presence in Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast. I did an unpaid internship with the company, got a permanent place 14-weeks later, and things are getting better all the time.

They do an "Extreme Blue" intern program for software developers -- and are open to other types of unpaid work experience, too. Search LinkedIn for some IBMers who might be in a position to offer you advice.

Good luck!

Bruscar

pauliebdub wrote: »

I have been applying for jobs over the past six months but have not been getting a look in, mainly I would think because I don’t have a lot of relevant experience.

Or qualifications.

You've just finished first year. I appreciate you want to get your career in IT started, but you still have a bit to go before you're qualified and I would be extremely surprised if anyone took you on when there are many people available with relevant qualifications.

If you want experience in IT stuff - what is to stop you learning in your own time? Why not do some personal projects to gain proficiency or perhaps donate your time to others (set up club site etc) - and eventually you may be in a position to contribute to the OpenSource community, another nice way of getting experience.

When you qualify you will be marketing your financial experience as well as your IT qualifications (an attractive mix for many). If you can't make inroads in your company into the IT side, I would suggest you don't discount your current role - perhaps try and expand it and gain more experience in that area.

Not all experience needs to be obtained in an office, lead by a supervisor. Just as for a software role, not all relevant experience need be software related.

Best of luck.