How to Break Out of the Loop

I can’t get a job without some experience or get some experience without a job. How can I break out of this loop?

Probably one of the most frustrating experiences is not being able to break into the job market that you are always interested in, – the Information Technology (IT). There are several things you can do to gain some experience to break into IT.

The first thing to do is to get your hands dirty and set up your own IT lab at home. Most of IT skills can be learned by yourself with a computer and a few software applications from free download on the web. Setting up your home IT lab will force you learn the real thing and will increase your own self confidence.

To setup your home IT lab, you need to select, setup, and possibly upgrade the computer hardware, configure operating systems; install routers, cables, and connect to the internet, install printers and external drives; select, download, and install software tools and databases. Just play around with your lab, that’s already quite some experience.

After you’ve gained some experience with your home IT lab, you are ready to go out…

Contact friends that have small businesses or offices where you can provide services. If you have some experience in Windows, LAN network, web design, Microsoft Office, etc, volunteer to come in and help. If you establish your credibility as an expert, they might ask you to train the staff and administer their small network. A small group of these accounts can net you some good part-time experience fill some good stuff in your resume.

Try doing some volunteer work. Check with neighborhood grade schools and high schools to see whether they have any volunteer work for you. Churches and other nonprofit groups might be anxious to have your assistance and willing to write letters of recommendation for you.

An old adage says, “What you know is not as important as who you know.” To get to know people in IT, you must start to network next.

Attend Microsoft TechNet or other IT vendor sponsored seminars in your area and network with people you meet there. Pass out business cards, talk about your experience, and express your interest in obtaining an IT position.

Visit computer shows or computer swap meets and network with the people you meet there. Pass out more business cards.

Visit large computer stores in your area and hang out near the computer books and magazines. When you see someone looking at books in your area of expertise, strike up a conversation and give them a business card.

Computer stores have peak needs for PC assemblers and will consider part-timers or interns for this work. Personally visit all the stores in your area with more business cards.

Visit training centers in the area and volunteer to help them with their room setups for classes.

Locate the nearest user groups in your area and attend regularly. Hand out more business cards. Check the web for user groups that might interest you and put you in contact with other IT pros.

There are many openings in IT but some positions are never publicly advertised. Part of the key is getting your name out in as many places as possible. That’s why the business cards are a good idea. Even if you don’t have a full time IT job or out of the field, you may still print your business card giving yourself an IT job title such as PC Technician, Network Administrator, Software Developer, Database Analyst, IT Consultant, etc. Getting your name out there might be valuable not only to help you get some experience, but to help you land a well-paid full-time position in the future.