Computer Job field questions

chevy4x4trucks · September 4, 2002

Right now I'm working part time as a lawyer's assistant and also as a computer trouble shooter and web developer for his company that he owns. Now, the computer stuff I like doing, the "secretary" type things are killing me though, I'm just not good at it. So, I've been looking around for different jobs, but my problem is, is that I'm not really specialized, I can do a bunch of different stuff, but not everything.

Basically, I am good in photoshop, laying out web pages (but unfamilar with java), famaliar with windows and mac and more than competent w/ the various programs on them. But, the roadblock I'm running into is that the jobs want quark, illustrator, specialized web page building experience that I really don't have. Does someone have any suggestions for good part time jobs that are computer related and would help me further my skills? I know a lot of you are in similar fields and could shed some light on my situation.

BTW, I am currently pursuing a degree in Visual Communications at the local college after recently changing majors from mechanical design.

Thanks for any help anyone can give me. I just think I'd be better suited at a different job (preferably one w/ a fast internet connnection )

bassdog · September 5, 2002

I can shed some light for ya Jon. Learn everything you can!!!

Seriously, being in a similar situation, I am now broadening my horizons and taking my tech experience to another level, kinda 180 degrees. Instead of focusing on networking I am dipping into Web Design and E-Commerce. I will have to learn graphics as part of the classes, so it just builds the resume.

You made a good point to try and work part time at something you'd like to learn. Whether it's design, java, or something different, try and learn out in the field while getting paid. Anything added to your resume is a plus. just keep that in mind.

Read some job adds for a while, do some research and find out what is most marketable. If Quarx is in most the descriptions, learn it, learn Flash, Fireworks, etc from Macromedia, and Java Script is important. Spend less time on your car and do some studying , j/k!

Hope some of this helps

chevy4x4trucks · September 5, 2002

Spend less time on your car and do some studying

Honestly, I haven't touched my car (aside from putting in gas) for a few months, haven't even had time to wash it. Dang school and work have kept me so busy that I don't have the energy to spend time working on my car. I feel bad owning a bone stock car especially compared to how modded my truck was

But, I'm trying to learn everything I can, but what I've noticed is that people want guys who know specific things and not a little bit of everything, that's why I'm having problems.

SilveradoWV · September 5, 2002

Well as a Computer Science major in college I have to know a little about everything so that I can do the specific stuff when I get out! I am taking languages that arent even used much just to have the knowledge, one such as Pascal. I have had QBasic also and now am taking 2 C++ classes and Java, which are 2 languages that are really similar. Plus more languages I need to take before I graduate, by then I should have enough knowledge of each to start using one specifically!

Z71 · September 5, 2002

There are many different fields in I.T. and I think you need to set a goal and to specialize in something specific.

From what you described, you are more interested right now in web design.

There is also Networking, Networking Security, Server Admins, Server Security, PC Tech, etc... list goes on and on.

If you want web design, try finding jobs that will get you near that area. Education is fantastic but in I.T. (at least where I am) employeers prefer practical experience.

bowtie_pasta · September 5, 2002

I recommend getting certified in something. That way you will be getting specific training and when you go to find work your cert will mean a lot to the prospective employer.

kaspar139 · September 5, 2002

I recommend getting certified in something. That way you will be getting specific training and when you go to find work your cert will mean a lot to the prospective employer.

Bowtie makes a VERY good point. I got hired out of college 5 years ago into a software consulting firm in Dallas. And basically, what I learned in school did jack squat for me in the real world. My only programming language in college was COBOL! My company is a Microsoft shop primarily, and we do full system life cycle development projects. Our focus is getting our consultants certified in languages and other Micrsoft software packages to make them more marketable to potential clients. Think of yourself in this way. You are trying to sell yourself, and everything you know, and certify that you know, will help. My company happens to pay for our certifications, which is a huge plus. THose Microsoft tests are $100 a pop.

Also, keep in mind, as a consultant, you have to know a bit of everything in order to quickly adapt to all the languages. I can develop in COBOL , Visual Basic, Javascript, C#, VB.NET, C++, MapBasic, and the list goes on...THere is so much out there to learn, find something you like, and run with it.

chevy4x4trucks · September 5, 2002

thanks for all the tips. Right now I'm working my way towards an associates degree in visual communications which pretty much targets web and graphic design and should give me an edge and also a chance to learn some of the not so familiar programs. Hopefully I can finish that degree up by next fall since I've got all the boring math, english, and other liberal arts classes out of the way. But, I was also thinking of taking a few other classes in e-commerce and maybe getting a few certifications such as MCSE. I guess for now I'm best just toughing out my current job until something else comes along that is a bit more appealing to my needs. Because, right now the amount of work I do pertaining to my future career field is fairly minimal.

I guess, does anyone know any good entry level computer positions, like internet sales, or something like that? I want to get my foot in the door a bit more, but I'm not finding anything interesting in the paper, and all the ones that I do find are looking for people w/ years in the field and several degrees.

GnatGoSplat · September 5, 2002

You might consider working at a university or college, perhaps the one you are attending right now.

I'm a Web Programmer/Analyst for the university I attended. I was hired with ZERO, NADA, NO prior job experience or job history at all. All I had, was the Bachelor's Degree in CIS... I had even taken 2-yrs off to be a bum after college. I enjoy the job, although there's not much room for creativity in my job as I don't have any input on the graphics, design, or layout part of the web - just programming - VBScript in ASP, some Perl, a little C# for our up-coming ASP.NET stuff, maintennance of our ASP's, and assisting the Web Analyst in developing our shop standards and documentation.

The primary drawback is that universities are state-government funded, so as you can imagine, the pay is not the best. However, it's a great way to get your foot in the door. It's also a very easy-going and laid back atmosphere. We get our own private offices, flex hours, P4 1.8GHz Gateway machines, and TFT LCD flat panel monitors. Our internet connection is blazingly fast as well. And best of all, there's no clerical work to be performed! Most people put up with the low pay because it's such a comfortable working environment, and the retirement benefits are real good too. I think I can retire at 53 if I choose to work here that long.

Many others in our department were also hired with no prior programming/computer work experience.

Good luck!

chevy4x4trucks · September 5, 2002

Thanks shawn. I checked w/ the school and they don't have any openings (it's a fairly small college, not a big university) but they have job listings on the school webpage. Only drawback is that most of the listings were unpaid internships which required about 20 hours of work a week, at least. I would do that if I could, but I would have to keep this job to pay the bills, (about 20-30 hours a week), going to school full time, and doing an internship which would leave no time for things that I've grown accustom to, like sleeping and eating.

But, I'm going to look around, and hopefully I can find some position somehwere. Heck, why don't I just hit up Mervz to put all of us moderators on salary

nonstop · September 5, 2002

Iam, with bowtie, and kasper.

Get certified. I worked for a company 5 years ago, doing PC support paying squat.

I said the #### with it, took a year off, and picked up 13 certifications. Microsofts, ciscos, novell, and A+.

When I was done, I had my pick of jobs.

Now I work for a software company as the Network Admin.

Great job!!

chevy4x4trucks · September 5, 2002

nonstop, I've got a question for you and I guess kaspar and bowtie. What route did you guys take to get your certifications? I mean, I know my college offers classes to get certified, but there's also other ways to go about it. Just wondering what route you all took and what you recommend. Also, what certifications do you recommend I get? I know I'll probably be sticking w/ graphic and web design, but I also like doing network admin, computer set-up and troubleshooting, so I want to be very broad in my skills.

nonstop · September 5, 2002

Like I said I took a year off, and took an OSE course (Operating system engeingeer) that was being offered by one of the local colleages here.

The course it self sucked, we had instructors that had just graduated the year before. They didn't know much from my point of view, anyways they'd hand out the text books , and provided the hardware(Servers, Routers)not much instuction. so I just dove in. Having a background already was a big help.

There are also good practice test you can take before you take the exam. examcram being one there are others, these practice test are awesome.

Sounds like you know what you want do to.

My advice is to put your head down, and do it. It'll be well worth it.

bassdog · September 6, 2002

Jon,

I am enrolled in a CIW cert. class right now, which will be my first certification. It requires 3 tests to be come certified. The place I am taking it and have taken all my other classes is called New Horizons Computer Learning Center.

Here ya go:

The New Horizons Computer Learning Center you searched for is located at:

Milwaukee, WI

2100 N. Mayfair Road

Suite 200

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

USA

Phone: 414-607-5600

Fax : 414-607-5601

E-mail: [email protected]

kaspar139 · September 6, 2002

Well, my route was a little different from nonstops, but same goal in mind.

Our company pays for you to take the tests, thus they support you to take time to study for them. So, my company pays for the books and Transcenders (Microsofts study software exams). Because our company is a software shop, they want us all to have our MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, I am not typing that cuz I think your an idiot, but some people aren't aware of the bizillion certifications out there!). And with .NET out, they want us to renew and get the latest greatest certs.

My recommendation is find out what language you like, and think you would accel at. If it happens to be Microsoft, there is a certification for it. Find the book, and start studying/reading. Certifications look really pretty on your resume, especially when there is 6 or 7 of em

Web design and all that stuff is what I like to do, but in the corporate world it loses the "fun" because you have very little control. Especially as a consultant. Lots of elementary, middle, junior, and high schools need network admin/web developers. I have 2 aunts who are both principals and are both looking for that position to fill. I can guarantee they won't pay over $40K/yr, but hey, that is still not too bad. :thumb: