Getting into IT from building-engineering

Verwolff

This thread is really outdated but maybe some sysadmin can read it and give me advice. Moved from an old thread by mod.

I am arround 40 y.o. and qualified building engineer. Unlucky for me, it's very difficult to get any job in my profession, so I thought I could convert to IT because I love it.

I was always keen on computers and at least 15 years ago I started using Linux. Bit by bit I learned how to run own Apache webserver (that days I was crazy about dynamic webpages) with MySQL or how to use shell. Then I started to run own VPS with services like mail, dns or proxy. Day by day I wanted more.

I tried to send my CV to few employment agencies, but without answer. I didn't graduate from IT, I don't have any cert (except ITIL - just because FAS thought it can be useful for me ), so any agent probably didn't believe me.

I checked LPIC1 expectations and I am pretty sure I could pass it straight away, but I don't want waste my money if it the cert won't work for me.

So the question is: do you know any company from where I could find references for my skills.
Or maybe you know any other way to convince potential employer to give me a chance (and for me to improve my knowledge).
I am ready to work in initial period on any conditions, because as I said, I love it

Mr. Loverman

Do small jobs on freelancer.com

Use the jobs as references.

ifah

OP. What is your financial situations / requirements - can you take a year out to study ?

Lots of conversion courses out there if you want to do a degree/masters.

syklops

ifah wrote: »

OP. What is your financial situations / requirements - can you take a year out to study ?

Lots of conversion courses out there if you want to do a degree/masters.

Doesn't sound like he needs to study if he can already run his own VPS/LAMP setup.

OP, employers are still being picky but there are IT jobs out there. The only thing I'd be worried about is your CV. An experienced Sys Admin with no experience as a Sys Admin on paper.

Is the VPS just for yourself or do you rent space to anyone else?

Verwolff

syklops wrote: »

Is the VPS just for yourself or do you rent space to anyone else?

Renting space is the way, which I wanted avoid (I don't feel I could be good entrepreneur), but maybe it's the only resonable solution.

Thanks for other hints but there's no jobs for sysadmins at freelancer.com and as I wrote I've got already master degree (I even started PhD), but in wrong profession

syklops

Verwolff wrote: »

Renting space is the way, which I wanted avoid (I don't feel I could be good entrepreneur), but maybe it's the only resonable solution.

Thanks for other hints but there's no jobs for sysadmins at freelancer.com and as I wrote I've got already master degree (I even started PhD), but in wrong profession

Regarding freelancer theres loads of scripting jobs. You might find a few bash scripting exercises.

Actually I was suggesting you offer some hosting (even for pennies) and put that as your current "job", running your own hosting company. Set up a basic website etc.

Its much easier to get a job when you have one, and its even easier when the job you have is related to the one you want to get.

amen

So a M.Sc in Building Eng plus starting a Ph.D.
So what automated tools/software applications/utilities could you write that would be of use other people in your profession?

Become self employed...

ifah

Verwolff - my questions still stand - whats your current position ?

I'm not sure if you're working in Building Engineering or not ? Are you currently unemployed ? If not and you want to transition into IT do you just want to jump from current job into IT ? What areas of IT do you want to focus on - development / sysadmin / infrastructure architecture / networks .......


The reason I ask is that there are courses out there that will cross train you into IT while giving you a number of employable skills, while you also retain your unemployment benefits - so it's a big win win.

Here's an example : http://www.dit.ie/postgrad/programmes/dt340amscinappliedsoftwaretechnology/

Mr. Loverman

Verwolff wrote: »

there's no jobs for sysadmins at freelancer.com

There are tons of sysadmin jobs on freelancer. I just had a look and saw hundreds of server related jobs.

Verwolff

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

There are tons of sysadmin jobs on freelancer. I just had a look and saw hundreds of server related jobs.

Sorry. Truth is, I didn't check before I wrote it. So if you say so, I'll take look.

Answering to other questions. I work because I have family to support and can't spent any more time for studying. My position (security guard) doesn't make me happy I really need to change my life.

ifah

Getting back to the original question then - you need to get yourself into a position where you can move from Security Guard into an IT position that pays the same (for starters).

Focus on this for now and when you're in the door somewhere it should be much easier to progress.

Based on your comments the best entry point for you may be the Desktop Admin / Sysadmin route. It might be more difficult to break straight into Linux Sysadmin but you never know.

So now plan what will make you and your application stand out when you apply for any jobs like this. Get a portfolio together - I mentioned earlier you can start as local support for neighbours etc - get a website together for yourself, put a few notices up in the local chipper / supermarket etc. Offer any type of home support - computer builds, backup solutions, data recovery, skype setup - anything at all. You should even make a few quid out of it. It's all about showing potential recruiters that you are keen and capable.

Get a LinkedIn profile together and start building a network. Mention specific skills that will be search friendly to Recruiters.

It's difficult to get work on Elance as you will be competing with very low priced individuals.

Finally - where are you based, what are your current hours / availability and have you an idea of what your salary expectations are ?

ifah

Finally - maybe try contacting companies directly instead of using Recruitment Agencies (who are terrible at filtering the best candidates).

Eg Posted on LinkedIn : http://www.securelinx.com/about/jobs/linux-administrator/

Or the BIG ONE : https://www.google.com/about/careers/search/#!t=jo&jid=30335001&

jethrothe2nd

Without an IT related qualification I think you will find it very difficult to break into the industry. Go after an entry level position in an IT service desk support role would be my advice. I know you are way over qualified for that type of role, but really it is a case of getting your foot in the door, and making the opportunities for yourself once you get in

Verwolff

I refreshed this topic only to say big thanks to all, who wanted to give me any advice here, three months ago.

Following to the one of advices, I decided to set own hosting business. I was really hesitating during the decision, but I thought in the end, this can be the simplest way to have fun during earning money (if only I could earn some this way

My business is located at megahost.ie and if any would like to take look for it and give me more advices, I'd really appreciate.