[Thunderg0d]

I know to some of you this is further away than others, but after being out in the field for a bit now, I'd like to share some opinions to get your careers going early if you plan to work in IT, beyond just gaming in it.

For those going software:

Be versatile in languages, but keep in mind that .net is what a lot of the bigger "Corporate" IS shops would be utilizing. Yes it has limitations, but it is what it is. Get your related certs to be able to command more $$ or a higher level position.

For those going hardware:

You will probably have to suck it up and start in a Service Desk or Field support role. Get your certs, as most companies around here believe certs actually mean you know something. Once you get into a larger corp, they typically will pay for you to get your cert (As long as you pass the test, they reinburse). However, the certs earned ahead of time might be what get you the job in the harder markets right now.

Just something for you all to think about. Post any questions you may have...preferably legit questions, and some of our older (Graduated) members that still read the forums may be able to provide you some useful info towards eventual careers.

[ibfreeekout]

The hardware section of your post reminds me of what I'm doing now actually. I've worked as an intern in an IT Department at the school district back home for the past four years over the summers and have gained a lot of experience, both through actual work experience and through being told how to do things. Right now I'm in the process of studying for my A+ exam, which they have so gratefully said they would cover, since I know the department director so well. I know with me being only a sophomore I don't have as much experience as some of you that have been here for a few years but one thing I can honestly say is network as much as possible in internships and so many doors open for you. I've already had job offers from that school district but had to turn them down simply because I want to finish up here at UCF first.

Just wanted to acknowledge how well your post was written, my experience with it, and throwing in my two cents.

[Thunderg0d]

If you want any good tools for studying for A+ let me know, I got the hook up. Passed with 100 points higher than needed in both sections.

[ibfreeekout]

I'll definitely keep that in mind. I'll be studying a ton over winter break so I'll probably ask you about it a bit before then.

[cyb.tachyon]

Excellent post, maybe we can sticky it. Thanks!

[madhatter256]

All I can add is for hardware, and that is to always start somewhere that allows you to have hands on experience.

Where I work, I started out just putting together PCs and eventually worked my way into a computer technician, where I pretty much do anything OS related, such as, but not limited to, Virus removal, registry restructuring (corrupt/heavily fragged registry), I.E. DNS issues, data recovery, manual restoration. When it comes to server stuff: Active Directory, etc. and recovering that data/settings from a bad server, I'm at a loss as I barely know how that stuff works. The thing is, I learned all of my current knowledge on my own, without taking any classes. I'm actually at UCF for a Civil Engineering degree, but I can always learn how the server stuff works.

A lot of my clients on the field, where all they do is server/network setups (from basic, to pretty advance stuff) tend to have degrees in CS, or CE, or MIS (which UCF dropped).

The key thing to remember is to always try and get some actual experience with this stuff as it helps in a corporate environment or if you want to start your own IT business.

[Oen386]

Is waiting for ... "I work at NASA, none of this applies to me."

[Thunderg0d]

Nope, this thread is to actually be of value to our members....crazy concept, but we're running with that for now.

[Messer]

Hey, CMS. I don't know if you still read these, but you should know that ever since Constellation was dropped from the budget there isn't much hope in getting a job at NASA anywhere. Sure, most of the current work force is 50 years old, super rich, and wants to retire soon, but that internship isn't going to ensure you get a job, no matter how nice it is.

If NASA does call you back for another summer, that's great. It means they're probably going to keep calling you back until you graduate, and then you'll get hired. The director of activities for SEDS will attest to this, since it's what happened to him at Lockheed Martin. Remember to NOT LOOK LIKE A FUCKING SLACKER and put as much time as you can into working.

Also, projects. Join an academic club. SEDS or AIAA are your best bets, and join one of the projects they work on. SEDS has Hybrid Rocket Competition (I'm actually team lead for our 2K ft rocket), we've got an L1 cert project in the works where 10 members are going to be selected to have a subsidized cost for getting their certifications. Just do something. The industry likes to see active participation more than a 4.0 GPA.

Also, lol NASANASANASANASANASANASANASANASA

EDIT: Derp, it's L1, not L2 cert.

This post has been edited by Messer: 20 October 2010 - 09:38 AM

[Thunderg0d]

NASA needs to just go build a ship with similiar mission plans that they had in the TV Series Defying Gravity.

[SniperX]

Thunderg0d, on 20 October 2010 - 10:41 AM, said:

NASA needs to just go build a ship with similiar mission plans that they had in the TV Series Defying Gravity.

Done. Now lets me and you run off to mexico and find ourselves an alien blob that sings whale songs! It'll be the best story EVAR bro!

[Thunderg0d]

So...really no questions from the younger members about potential career plans?

[Avalon]

Agree with Eric.

On the software side, it seems like everything is .net these days, but stay diversified.

On the hardware side, certs and potentially a graduate degree are a good way to stand out. Just having a plain bachelors with nothing else to back it up won't get you in any doors unless you have some very good networks.

[Otacon]

Despite being an older member, but seeing as I was late to graduate I still have a question, what's a reasonable salary for an entry level programmer? My intern period at my current place of employment is at an end and I'll be sitting down to discuss full time employment terms shortly, so I'd like to go in having some idea of what to expect.

[Thunderg0d]

That honestly depends on the type of org you're looking at and what experience you've gotten, what certs you have.

Tell me more about it and I could be a bit more realistic with numbers.