Need some career advice from those in IT

[Smallshinyant]

double post.

[caseys]

Dude look for "operator" rather than operations )

 

Also check ou jobserve.com in your hunt. Expect them to take a good couple of weeks to get back to you. Have you had anyone review your cv? Need any examples or hints?

 

Networking especially IP networking is a very tight space and it doesn't command the money it used to. We've had quite a bit of our global core network team move out to Bangalore where training is low and retention is even lower. Yes it'll get you somewhere in a few years but don't expect major salary from the off just due to network vendor certifications, in this country now experience talks.

 

Also anything but helpdesk when searching for jobs add the word trainee or junior for the starter roles. Good luck again in your hunt, I don't know much about bbirmingham area but does it have many large IT companies? Hot spots in the country are Reading, London, Bristol/Bath and Bournemouth IMHO.

[jevansio]

If you're looking for Job sites I used one called Reed.co.uk,

 

I'm like Jake, programmer by trade, and can only offer advice in that area. With your limited c++ experience you are going to have to start pretty low down as a Junior/Apprentice type role. I'm taking your Degree had a "Programming" unit where you learned the basics of c++?

[jonathanc]

I have held many roles in IT over the years, one of the most boring is first line support, but it is a great way to learn how IT works in business. As everybody is trying to cut costs at the moment you will find that a lot of helpdesks are aiming for good first lines fixes so you should get some good experience.

If you have not worked in the industry before it is also a great way to sharpen your skills. Just silly things like juggling all the passwords you will be given and discovering the many different ways to support computers remotely.

As part of my current role I run a Prometric test centre, i see so many people getting the qualifications but still struggling to get work due to lack of experience. Good luck looking and although i never enjoyed 1st line work it did give me some good skills.

 

I am targetting the 1st line support roles at the moment but doesn't seem to be too many of them around. Most I've seen has "at least 1 year commercial experience" as a requirement

 

I am going to a Prometric test centre tomorrow for 70-271 Pretty nervous but to be honest I don't expect too much. Hopefully I can pass but if not it will be a very good 1st experience as to what to expect

[jonathanc]

Dude look for "operator" rather than operations )

 

Also check ou jobserve.com in your hunt. Expect them to take a good couple of weeks to get back to you. Have you had anyone review your cv? Need any examples or hints?

 

Networking especially IP networking is a very tight space and it doesn't command the money it used to. We've had quite a bit of our global core network team move out to Bangalore where training is low and retention is even lower. Yes it'll get you somewhere in a few years but don't expect major salary from the off just due to network vendor certifications, in this country now experience talks.

 

Also anything but helpdesk when searching for jobs add the word trainee or junior for the starter roles. Good luck again in your hunt, I don't know much about bbirmingham area but does it have many large IT companies? Hot spots in the country are Reading, London, Bristol/Bath and Bournemouth IMHO.

 

Ah thanks for the tips Will look into jobserve.com. I haven't had anything review my CV yet I've just modified it a little bit to suit the IT sector. Can't really put much down tbh, I just added that I'm now trying to get the 70-271,70-272 and 70-680 qualifications.

 

I don't mind commuting so I am quite flexible as to where I work so location is not such a big problem. Just targeting mostly West Midlands at the moment.

[jonathanc]

If you're looking for Job sites I used one called Reed.co.uk,

 

I'm like Jake, programmer by trade, and can only offer advice in that area. With your limited c++ experience you are going to have to start pretty low down as a Junior/Apprentice type role. I'm taking your Degree had a "Programming" unit where you learned the basics of c++?

 

Yes, my last degree had. I know the basics but I am honestly not too good at it. I can code basic games in WinAPI, OpenGL, DirectX and also use OGRE3D and that's pretty much it I did a networking module before so I can also write a very simple TCP/IP game.

 

I've got agencies asking me about games developer jobs but I don't think I would be too interested in going down the programming route. I just don't think I am good enough in programming to go into that role for the moment

 

 

Also got some real dodgy job offers from peeps after I posed my CV across job hunting websites and also from my personal website. It's from individuals claiming to be agents but yet use private emails like gmail, hotmail, etc and also offer me a job for massive amount of money to a company which I can't even find in Google ...

 

My personal website is : http:// jonathanchye.co.uk if any of you want to drop by. It's not the best as I'm new at this so any comments welcomed

[Abz]

Dude, you speak 5 languages? You genius!

 

Well we have had a job vacany within our network team (team of 2), though it is a temp job offer at the moment I can see it becoming a permenant job. Thing is though it is based quite far down south in Central London. If you are interested then drop me your e-mail address and I'll forward it on to you.

[jonathanc]

Dude, you speak 5 languages? You genius!

 

Well we have had a job vacany within our network team (team of 2), though it is a temp job offer at the moment I can see it becoming a permenant job. Thing is though it is based quite far down south in Central London. If you are interested then drop me your e-mail address and I'll forward it on to you.

 

Yes, I come from a multicultural background I wished I speak some European languages though... really want to learn French!

 

PM'ed

[caseys]

Didn't realise with your name you're possibly Malaysian? I come from Penang myself

 

Chap if you speak 5 languages get your CV into major companies who work at a global level, even if just to get in as a translator. We have job postings all the time for people that speak fluent english + cantonese/mandarin/japanese. Even better with those three in the Asia-Pacific region...!

 

Heck a multi-lingual person can get very good wages....

 

Can I also now point you to these where there will be *FAR* fewer applicants...? Include the languages you speak in your job searches!

 

http://www.jobserve.com/Helpdesk-Analyst-Japanese-Speaker-London-Contract-W320E8782329761CF.jsjob

 

http://www.jobserve.com/Technical-Document-Production-Specialist-Impressio-Exstream-CSF-Geneva-Switzerland-Contract-W32B101FDAAAC65A7.jsjob

 

As examples?

 

Really chap.. if you've got several languages fluently don't limit yourself to looking at Birmingham!

[jonathanc]

Didn't realise with your name you're possibly Malaysian? I come from Penang myself

 

Chap if you speak 5 languages get your CV into major companies who work at a global level, even if just to get in as a translator. We have job postings all the time for people that speak fluent english + cantonese/mandarin/japanese. Even better with those three in the Asia-Pacific region...!

 

Heck a multi-lingual person can get very good wages....

 

Can I also now point you to these where there will be *FAR* fewer applicants...?

 

http://www.jobserve.com/Helpdesk-Analyst-Japanese-Speaker-London-Contract-W320E8782329761CF.jsjob

 

http://www.jobserve.com/Technical-Document-Production-Specialist-Impressio-Exstream-CSF-Geneva-Switzerland-Contract-W32B101FDAAAC65A7.jsjob

 

As examples?

 

Really chap.. if you've got several languages fluently don't limit yourself to looking at Birmingham!

 

Omg I was born in Penang What a small world eh? Haven't been back for ages though...

 

Thanks for the links mate I will look into that. I don't have any related qualifications as translator though, I just speak the languages Still, worth a shot - I really want a job

 

edit: I am not really limiting myself to Birmingham but that's a place I am semi familiar with. I don't mind working anywhere else - it's just that I have minor doubts about London since I heard its a commuter's nightmare? I reckon I won't get to drive if I work anywhere near Central London then? (due to traffic and congestion charges etc...)

[caseys]

Omg I was born in Penang What a small world eh? Haven't been back for ages though...

 

Thanks for the links mate I will look into that. I don't have any related qualifications as translator though, I just speak the languages Still, worth a shot - I really want a job

 

Was back there for last CNY! gong xi fa cai! Showing the missus my family that's half a world away... Didn't think you were Malaysian as well... the Scottish location and Jonathan as a name! But then again I live in Dorset and am called Simon..

 

Defintely expand your searches and horizons. I think qualifications whilst nice, you can't blag speaking different languages, so it'd just be proved in an interview.

 

PM me next week, I'll pick it up at work and see if we've got any translator jobs open or such. Foot in the door in a big company at least...

[Homer]

Caseys advice has been spot on.

 

You have quite a few options open to you but the multi-lingual skills are your real selling point. If you are willing to work for a pittance for a year or two helpdesk is a relatively easy entry point. If you can place yourself in a large agency or a mid-large size company there is real opportunity to work yourself into 2nd level/desk side positions, or to cross into enterprise services. They key is getting that 1-2 year experience in operational delivery, once you have that the options really are open to you.

 

If you don't mind working in the Philippines I’d employ you tomorrow

[jonathanc]

Was back there for last CNY! gong xi fa cai! Showing the missus my family that's half a world away... Didn't think you were Malaysian as well... the Scottish location and Jonathan as a name! But then again I live in Dorset and am called Simon..

 

Defintely expand your searches and horizons. I think qualifications whilst nice, you can't blag speaking different languages, so it'd just be proved in an interview.

 

PM me next week, I'll pick it up at work and see if we've got any translator jobs open or such. Foot in the door in a big company at least...

 

Hehe, I was kids so the airplane ticket back to Penang is phenomenal! Saving up though, really want to bring them back to my birthplace

 

Still, pretty surprised though to meet a fellow Penangnite (I hope that's the right word )

 

Thanks for your offer! I am definitely interested in any opportunities that's available for me. Ideally I would like to relocate down South though since the missus is kinna sick of the weather here

[jonathanc]

Caseys advice has been spot on.

 

You have quite a few options open to you but the multi-lingual skills are your real selling point. If you are willing to work for a pittance for a year or two helpdesk is a relatively easy entry point. If you can place yourself in a large agency or a mid-large size company there is real opportunity to work yourself into 2nd level/desk side positions, or to cross into enterprise services. They key is getting that 1-2 year experience in operational delivery, once you have that the options really are open to you.

 

If you don't mind working in the Philippines I’d employ you tomorrow

 

Lol tempting offer as it would be much faster for me to visit my parents back in Penang and wife's family in HK

 

I do speak those languages but I really have no experience using them professionally so I am not sure what's required to be a translator but that's one option I am willing to explore.

 

There were some entry level jobs I've came across but they require French, German, Spanish, Italian speakers

[caseys]

There were some entry level jobs I've came across but they require French, German, Spanish, Italian speakers

 

Probably looking at the wrong sector in IT. It's financial institutions, heavy industry etc which will require pan english/asian language skills chap.

 

Still, I'd say those languages give you a very distinct advantage over many people in the UK for jobs.

[imi]

Some great advice within this thread specially from Casey.

 

I think the OP has the right attitude and with a bit of luck should hopefully find himself into employment pretty soon.

 

I work in the industry too for the networking giant mentioned earlier in the thread - drop me a line should you need any assistance.

 

imi

[jonathanc]

Thanks for all the great advice Yes I do speak those languages but I don't know if I am qualified (or good) enough at the required professional level.

 

I am very much hoping to break into the IT sector though as I've come to realise that's where my real passion is. Well hopefully the chance would come one day In the mean time I guess I would spend my time getting MS certifications as that wouldn't hurt.

 

If ya guys know anywhere or anyone hiring entry level IT guys (helpdesk, technician, etc) please do drop me a PM or perhaps point them to my website for more info. I am willing to start from the very bottom and don't mind low pay and long hours as long as I get the required experience. Cheers!

[jonathanc]

Wow I can't believe it but I've just passed 70-271. One more to go and I'll get the MCDST. So excited!

[Smallshinyant]

Wow I can't believe it but I've just passed 70-271. One more to go and I'll get the MCDST. So excited!

 

Congrats. Your doing well, i run a Prometric test site down south a few times a month so seen people pass and fail, the ones that always pass are the people going for the full MCDST qualification as they are not focusing there learning to much. Keep it up.

[jonathanc]

Congrats. Your doing well, i run a Prometric test site down south a few times a month so seen people pass and fail, the ones that always pass are the people going for the full MCDST qualification as they are not focusing there learning to much. Keep it up.

 

Thanks mate. One more to get full MCDST and then I'm doing MCTS. After that I'm not too sure... hopefully ill be employed or I might think about CCNA.