Job Advice

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ErikD

Joined
Dec 5, 2000
Messages
1,875
I graduated with a BS in computer science in May. Since then I have been looking for a job in the industry, and it has been a bit difficult. I am running into the old catch 22 that they want someone with experience in the field, but I can't get any experience unless I get a job.

Anyway today I went on an interview, and the position turned out to be a bit different from what I was expecting. The position seemes to be basically a phone tech support for some custom software that only this compnay uses. I have kind of been avoiding this type of job because I don't really want to end up in phone support for life. I am looking to get more into networking either in design and building or on site support.

Now I am thinking that maybe I am wrong for avoiding this type of job. Previously I had thought that the experience wouldn't really be directly relatable to what I want to be doing. This basically won't change as I want to be doing something a bit different. Now today I started thinking I might be better off taking one of these types of jobs if I get one.

I am thinking that it is at least in the same field I want to be in, so I can put some IT expereince on my resume. It would at least be more applicable than my current job in a pharmacy. Then I could possibly move to a company that has both phone and onsite type support positions as a phone support person, and switch to onsite there. From there I could use the onsite experience and get a low level job in a company that has the types of jobs I ultimately would like to be doing. Also I would be getting something like twice the money, which would be a big help. Especially now that I need to start repaying my student loans.

Basically what I am wondering is would it be wise to take this type of job? Or would I be better off just stting tight and waiting until I find something that is more directly related to what I would ultimately like to do? If I would wait it would be more like for a tech support or network support type position for general issues and only (or mostly) doing onsite work. I would appreciate any thought or advice, especially from people who are in this industry and know how I might be able to move up. What I am most concerned about right now isn't this first job, but more how it will position me to move up to get the types of positions I would like to do.

Thanks.
 
I think you know that taking the job is the right thing to do. You need to get some stuff on your resume and phone support is better than nothing. Follow the path you have described and you will have a lot of experience to talk about in interviews. You can argue that you take a broad system-wide view of development and support, having loads of experience in various roles. You can also point out that you have the ability to work cooperatively with different support groups because of your experience working there.

It sounds to me like you have a good head on your shoulders and I think you will get to the type of position you really want soon enough. Good luck.
 
I'm a supervisor of an ISP helpdesk; and I can tell you that when it comes to IT jobs you sometimes have to take what you can get. Example: plenty of times when I am hiring technicians (what we consider "entry level") I get resumes from people who have PhDs and multiple degrees! :eek: Overqualified, and yet they are looking to get their toe in the door anywhere they can.

Many of our staff starts out as CS technicians and end up in Engineering. You have more leverage once you get your toe in the door to begin with (and can prove your worth); plus then you can rack up your "experience".
 
You are never locked into one type of job ! Especially in the computer field since it has always been rapidly changing .Get your feet wet. You can always learn something from any job even things about yourself.
 
Take the job, and be thankful that you have one...It's better than flipping 'burgers. ("Do you want fries with that?".).
 
I agree with taking the job. After I got hired at my current job (which I love), I got a flood of offers. You gotta eat, and at least it'll be some vaguely related field.
 
You must have to things to be successful... Preparation and opportunity. I have found that we have the most control over preparation and the least over opportunity. Seems to me that we may make plans for our careers, but they are often steered in other directions. You have done some preparation by getting youir degree. An opportunity has presented itself, albeit not the one you wanted. I would take the job, but still keep looking for the one you want. Meanwhile other opportunites may present themselves.
 
I ended up taking a position as a Software Tester (I have a BS in Comp. Sci). Its actually a great job, and I really enjoy working with the people here. I suggest taking whatever job you can get, in a related field. Then, if you want to do Network programming down the road, find an open source project to do some work on. Or develop something at home, in your spare time. Then you can take that experience to your next interview. Good luck! :thumbup:
 
I'll take the opposite approach. If you want to end up in design, do not go into tech support. It is rare to see someone go from tech support to design. Hold out for what you want.
 
well I haven't been offered the job yet, I just went on the interview today. I think that if I do get offered it, and the money is decent I will likely take it. I will also continue to look for that elusive "perfect" job. At least in the meantime I will be working in something a bit more related than retail. Also I just went over my current expenses/income and was very disappointed. With what I am making now, if I just pay my bills I have like $50 left a month to live on. Bills are just for car insurance, gas, and student loans which I need to start paying back Janruary. I don't think I can live on that little money for food, going out for fun, and materials to keep studying and gaining certifications.
 
Hi ErikD-

My vote is to accept the position if it is offered to you and be thankful about it. At the same time, there is no such thing as corporate loyalty in America anymore, so don't have any compunctions about leaving this employer for a better opportunity a year from now.

I learned this the hard way by slaving for a company for nearly a decade and being a faithful company worker. The charismatic bosses are now being tossed in jail for stealing millions of dollars from shareholders. The company needed to pay HUGE fines, so I was among the thousands of innocent workers laid off. It has changed the way I will treat my future employers unless I have every reason to believe they are treating their employees honestly and with respect. It took more than a year to recover from that nightmare.

As far as the financial concerns go, can you live with your parents and pay them a modest rent? What about siblings who live nearby...or you could always accept a roommate. Give up any unhealthy habits like drinking or smoking and pocket the extra cash. Lastly, try to live on simple and inexpensive foods like pasta, rice, beans, tuna fish, and peanut butter. You'll lose weight, get toned, and save money at the same time! :)

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Many companies (and organiztions, for that matter), have a breaking in period in which you do the nastiest, most miserable job they have, usually for around a year, before moving on to bigger and better things.
 
Will P. said:
Many companies (and organiztions, for that matter), have a breaking in period in which you do the nastiest, most miserable job they have, usually for around a year, before moving on to bigger and better things.
Click to expand...

Yeah, and those aren't usually the companies you want to work for even after that first year.
 
I'll throw two cents in.

I graduated with a BSME last Dec.

All the interviews I had were for positions I term "underpaid foreman." You know, lower management. I would like to get into design and construction/making things. If wishes were horses ...

Ended up taking a "job" (vice entering a career) I dreaded even worse (and lower payng).

Take a position that is offered, keep looking for what you want to actually do, make some industry contacts if you can, etc.

But you gotta have money to live in the real world, so deal with a bit of disappointment and build on it (the job, not the disappointment).
 
I once hired a computer analyst for my department. Per our company procedure, I posted the job, revieved about a dozen self nominations from within the company, reviewed resumes, culled them to four people for face to face interviews, and made my selection.

The winning candidate was a young woman with a BCS. She had been working in our customer accounting department as a customer contact clerk for two years. I was impressed when she explained to me that she had needed a job, wanted to work for my company, and saw the customer contact job as a foot in the door. This initiative was a definite plus in my eyes.

Now the next is a key element. She was praised by former supervisors for her work ethic and attitude. In other words, she didn't consider the entry level job beneath her, didn't moan about it to everyone in hearing, but took ownership of the job and performed well.
 
Erik,

You'll get more chances to network with people who may help you get the job you do want if you take the new job. You'll definitely make more contacts than at the pharmacy. It will probably pay better too.

I think I recall that you're on LI, but if you want to send a resume to my company in Newburgh I will put in a good word for you. Our Data guys come and go and an opening will come up eventually.

Drop me an e-mail if you want.
 
Thanks for all of the info guys. I don't think that any job is really beneath me, just more that it isn't what I really wanted to get into. I think that part of the problem might be that none of the people have even called any of my prior or current employers. If they had they would have been told about my good work ethic, etc. etc.

As for my financial situation, I doubt that there is much I could cut back on. I do still live with my parents, and they don't want me paying any rent. I almost never eat out, don't smoke, and very rarely go out and do things that I need to pay for. Maybe once a week, if that often, I will go out with my friends to keep sane. Other than that all I do is work, study for certifications, and look for jobs.

Torz, Thanks for the offer. I will send you an email when I get a chance, but I don't know how an 80+ mile (each way) commute would work for me.
 
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