Getting started in Information Technology

As an IT recruiter, I often find myself giving advice to aspiring IT professionals on how to break into the industry. In previous articles I have discussed some common tactics that can be very effective at helping you land your first IT job, or move up in the industry.

The most common entry-level IT job is usually some sort of Desktop Support role. In this type of position, the new IT worker will get his beak wet by directly supporting either internal or external customers in a help-desk type setting. Often times this position (and many others in IT) has multiple tiers. You usually start as a “Level one technician” then move up to “Level 2 technician”, and so-forth. Because these type of workers work so closely with clients and customers, they often become the “face” of the organization and there is as much customer service involved as there is technical support.

How do I take this first step?

Getting your foot in the door at this type of IT position is not as easy as it used to be. Indeed, It seems like everyone has some level of computer and troubleshooting skills these days. If you’re serious about obtaining one of these jobs you’ll need to go above and beyond to obtain qualifications that might have been considered “overqualified” just a decade or so ago.

If you’re reading this article, I’m assuming that you have some experience working on a computer, and probably have, at one time or another, set up or troubleshot a network at home. It’s also nice to have some basic repair knowledge. Can you open up your computer case and swap out parts? These are the bare essentials for starting an IT career.

Set yourself apart with certification:

Certification is probably the best way (barring on-the-job experience) to set yourself apart from other candidates and more and more employers are requiring certifications even for otherwise entry-level jobs. Prospective employers are more willing to invest in a candidate who has gone the extra mile to invest in his/her self.

So which certification should you get? By far the most popular and widely recognized entry-level certification is the CompTIA A+. This is a good credential that doesn’t require you to have specific on-the-job experience and it will help you get your foot in the door. It’s a vendor neutral certification, which means that you don’t have to specialize like you will with more advanced certifications like those offered by Cisco and Microsoft. A+ serves as a great building block for more advanced certifications that you’ll want once you have some real-world experience under your belt.

In order to obtain the A+ certification you’ll need to pass 2 exams. The first is A+ essentials. This covers basic elements of security, soft skills, installation, repair, troubleshooting and maintenance.

Once you have passed A+ essentials, you’ll need to pass one more exam to be certified. The three that are available are: IT Technician, Remote Technician, and Depot Technician. IT Technician is by far the most popular and is the most relevant to entry-level desktop support positions. There are a lot of training resources on the internet, some training companies will offer free or discounted A+ exam vouchers when you order their training products. This is nice because you won’t have to pay to take the exam.

Customer Service is important too!

Once you’re certified and ready to start your career in IT, you need to keep in mind that everyone you deal with will not be as savvy as you. Remember that in your job role, customer service and soft skills will likely be just as important as technical skills and knowledge. Some people may need hand-holding to walk them through their computer issues, but be sure to find a balance and don’t talk down to them. Remember that if not for them, you wouldn’t have a job in the first place.

What Salary Can I Expect?

This can vary widely. In the USA, most people with A+ credentials can expect to start between $30,000-$40,000. As you gain more experience you become exponentially more valuable. It’s worth it to stick around at a job as a level 1 technician, because when they need level 2 techs, they tend to promote from within because you already know the system. Try to learn as much as you can, both about your job and about network and information systems in general. This will help you when you’re looking to obtain more advanced certifications to make yourself more marketable.

Where To Find A Job?

It’s hard to say because every local market is different. You’ll want to check classified ads and job boards. It’s also worthwhile to check out the websites of large companies who have a presence near you. Contract work is a great opportunity because it allows you to establish some work experience which will make you more desirable as an employee in the long run.

In summary:

Desktop support is an excellent place to get your feet wet in the Information Technology industry. You’ll be exposed to a wide variety of obstacles and learn how to formulate solutions while using your soft skills to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience. This will become valuable later on in your career when that non-technical audience is the higher-ups in your company.

 (C) Troy Argil. Check out my IT Certifications blog for quality career advice on IT Certification Training