Job advice

[Wally Balljacker]

I'm 19, I have no tech job experience at all, and I'm looking for some advice on where to start in the tech industry. Due to circumstances out of my control, I have no high school diploma, and I don't have the money for college. I'm pretty knowledgeable when it comes to computers, specifically Linux/Unix. I've been using Linux at home for a couple years now just as an enthusiast trying to learn as much as I can. I really don't have any interest in development work, but anything else I'm pretty open to. So, for a kid without a degree just trying to get his foot in the door, where should I begin to look? What kind of Unixy-type tech jobs are out there for someone in my situation?

[dann]

You might want to consider getting your GED. Without a GED you cannot go on to higher education, which may be benefical in your future.

I would start looking in your area for anything tech related, be it Linux or Windows. At this point, you really need the experience more than anything else, along with a paycheck.

[snarkout]

Get a GED at the very least. I don't have a BS, and I regret it like hell, and my job just keeps me way too busy to finish right now - I have about a year to go. I've been to a hell of a lot of school, but some how it never added up to a BS. If you truly don't have the money, there are all sorts of grants available, and loans aplenty that you don't have to pay off until you are out of school.

Probably the easiest way into the tech field with little experience is via the help desk. It'll give you a fairly good idea of what the rest of your life in the tech sector will be like, assuming you are working towards being an admin - lots of people yelling at you, and nowhere near the amount of time, training, or resources you need to solve the problems you are handed. I could go on, but that's really more or less the reality of the tech sector these days - there are some folks who really know their shit, and they find good, solid, well defined jobs. Then there are the rest of us. I love the In The Trenches podcast, but listening to it, I feel like I'm listening to people from another planet talk about their alien-world jobs.

[jsusanka]

get your ged and then enroll in a local community college and work towards you associates while working.

I was in you situation except for ged part - I went right to a community college the summer right after high school graduation - I worked almost full time and went to school almost full time and then I got my associate degree and then got a job related to my career and with that job they paid for college tuition the last two years of college to get my BS.

this was definitely the slow way it took probably in total of seven years to get a bs but I at least didn't have any student loans looking at me after college.

so work hard and have fun - that is one of the things that I have to say is that I had fun with my major core subjects and met a lot of people along the way including my wife. the only regret was that when I was finishing my BS degree the program assistant I had was encouraging me to continue to get my masters - I should of done that!

good luck!

[shopRatt]

I would have to agree with the others, at least get your GED. I had a similar experience as you, except for the not finishing high school part. IMHO you should find a job as help desk person, or volunteering in a local organization. For example, my city has once a week meetings for senior citizens to get computer help. This does not pay, but it will give you something to put on a resume to get hired, and some local refs. This will also get you some social networking with others who might be in the business and could help you land a job.

If you decide to go to college, start planning early. After high school I waited 10 years to enroll because I thought I couldn't afford it. Truth be told, there are many grants and scholarships available to people who invest a little time to research. I came in second in an essay contest on why I re-enrolled in college and was given 500.00 for one semester. I was also offered 2000.00 a year because I was attending full time and head of household. If college isn't your thing (it isn't for everyone) then networking with others is a good start.

Good luck.

[Wally Balljacker]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I'll take it into consideration.

[davijordan]

There a lot of independently owned computer shops and they usually hire people at least part time. You might start there. I know that is how I started. I now have a bba, but everyone wants certifications or cs degrees if you are in programming and masters degrees for management and teaching. STAY-IN-SCHOOL, but learn as much as you can on your own. When I worked with potential employees, most of the certified people were good at recalling everything from the book. but then could not translate that to practical intuitive skills to solve a real problem. At the institution where I used to work the instructors were good at letting you read the book, but not giving you any real time experience. There is a glut of so-called Microsoft tunnel visioned look good professionals. Hopefully this will change soon with the uprise of linux. Then all the look good people will be gone to other professions leaving room for the real professionals. I am going to stay semi-retired till this changes.

[Jza]

I am not sure how much will it help having some type of certification on anything. I think that certifications have never hurt anyone to get a job. I am not a fan of people with certs but at least I can tell they put the effort.

[Judland]

Without the schooling in place I suppose, if it were me in your position, I'd volunteer somewhere. Do the work for free for someone - or some organization - that could really use the help but doesn't have the budget to pay for it. You'll get lots of experience that way and may meet some people who can help get your career started. It always helps to know the "right people".

Aside from that, I'd also advise to do what you can to get your high school diploma. Having a career in the technology field without it (at the least) will be a real struggle.

[LinuxMint-4]

I know this is an old thread...but it provided answers I was looking for...thanks.