Finding your first job in the IT industry

So I'm about 3 months from finishing my diploma, and will have MCSA, MCDST, A+, Network+, LPI-1 and MCTS:Vista Configuration. Will also be working towards CCNA and MCSE(I know MCSE won't help me find work anymore than an MCSA would, but I'd like to do it in my spare time).

Of course the recession is here, and I note most places ask for experience. I know I'll be at the bottom of the pile compared to some candidates.

What's a way to break into the industry? Should I find myself a helpdesk style role to get some experience? Should I go door knocking to a company that has a ladder I'd like to climb and ask what positions they have?

What roles does a qualified, unexperienced candidate really have to go for?

I did that, just got into helpdesk and then specialise from that, provided you want to take a technical route in your career.

Helpdesk -> UNIX Engineer -> Informix DBA -> Systems Engineer -> Solutions Architect -> Technical Team Lead.

UNIX! fuckup and die man! No one uses that shit anymore!


teehee jks.

Yeah mate tell you what a good helpdesk job will do you well.

My career I did: PC Building (hardware) > Helpdesk > Desktop Support > Sys Admin > Network Engineer > Technical Consultant.

The people who do have a lot of money though.

Thanks. I'll be checking out helpdesk roles (and maybe be lucky enough to get straight into network admin).

Will have to go door knocking, heh.

Personally I'd be trying to get a hands on support role as opposed to over the phone..

Will make it easier for you to move up.