New IT Career

[siovey]

Hi guys, since being made redundant at the end of last year I really fancied a career change, so I paid for an online course for the CompTIA A+ qualification and am pretty much ready to take the exams now. Assuming I pass them, is there anything else course wise I'd need to get into an entry level role? I've also paid for Security+ and Network+ courses if required to secure a role. Would anyone take me on whilst studying or do I have to be qualified first? Am I wasting my time trying to change careers in this economic climate?
Any advice is gladly welcomed!
Cheers

[siovey]

Thanks for the replies so far. Initially just a helpdesk adviser just to get some experience under my belt. I did fancy cyber security as I reckon this will always be in demand. I'm looking for somewhere to spend the next 10 years until I can think about early retirement. I don't need to earn much. £18k is the minimum I can 'afford' to earn to cover my bills. Eventually, in a few years I'd like to be earning £30k + if I can. This is way more than I need but would be nice to earn.

[siovey]

Wilmslowboy said:

Edited my response, after reading yours, about seeking a service desk role.

We currently have 3 IT service desk roles available, ranging from £21k to £24k - key skills in order are:-

1. Good on the phone / email (with users)
2. Good trouble shooting / problem solving
3. ITIL foundation

4. Support desk experience
5. AD/ windows/ 0365 experience



Go on jobserve.com and look up support desk jobs, and see what skills are in demand.

Edited by Wilmslowboy on Sunday 28th February 10:05

Thanks mate, I've certainly got the first one. Need to work on the others though!

[siovey]

bhstewie said:

I may be a bit old-school but I think helpdesk roles can be a good way to build up real-world skills and also to get a foot in the door and some experience under your belt as you say.

My guess is if you can show that you're keen and eager and have good communication skills and look like someone who wants to learn rather than just get paid to do something you'll have no difficulty with most IT teams.

Yes, that's what I was hoping. I've always had to work my way up from the bottom so happy to do this again!

[siovey]

rustyuk said:

Good luck OP - If you have an interest in technology it can be a great career.

Edited by rustyuk on Sunday 28th February 10:09

Thanks mate

[siovey]

I was wondering about what backgrounds would be ideal. Having been a call centre worker all my working life, account manager, customer services, complaint handling etc, I was wondering how my skills would translate. I was wondering whether employers would train people on the job or whether you need the qualifications first in this economic climate? I have one set of correct skills, just not the other yet!

[siovey]

Definitely, at my age, I'm now looking for a job I can enjoy for the rest of my career. I know I'll be starting at the bottom and am willing to work my way up. Hopefully I'll find an employer who is happy to employ me with minimal IT experience, but able to 'deal' with the enquiry and logging side initially while I learn. Thanks again for all of the input guys

[siovey]

Thanks guys. I suppose I really wanted to know if there's a chance I can get into this field at the bottom, using my current skills rather than a certificate. From the answers it looks like it's possible, but I need to get lucky with someone willing to take a chance on me! I'll carry on studying for now until the exams are passed , whilst looking out for any opportunities
It's either this or a financial collections job I've been offered which starts in April..

[siovey]

Well, I've now passed my A+ exams and am now certified! A minor milestone for me and personally very satisfying! I've now started the Network + course. Just wondering if there are roles open to people with no experience but with an entry level certificate? Is it worth applying? Or would I need to become 'more' qualified, with the next , more in depth course ?
Cheers

Edited by siovey on Saturday 10th April 11:43

[siovey]

ExcitableBoy said:

Civil service. AO/EO grades. Don't know where you are based. There's a pretty tasty apprenticeship at the bottom end of the payscale.

Thanks mate. I'm based on the wirral. I'll have a look at the civil service website

[siovey]

Very tied down, sadly . But not too far from those areas at all.

[siovey]

ExcitableBoy said:

If you don't have a degree there is an excellent looking apprenticeship for DBS (MOD) in Liverpool. Two posts, will get you skills that give you a very clear path for progression in the CS but also private sector.

will give it a look. Cheers

[siovey]

Sir Bagalot said:

You might be surprised how many people get No.1 wrong.

When looking for a 1st/2nd line person (sometimes requiring no IT experience) after shortlisting CV's my next port of call was a phone interview lasting 10ish minutes. Now considering the date and time of the call was pre arranged you might be surprised that 70% of those couldn't handle a simple phone to a standard I'd expect

Well I've certainly had enough experience in that field after 25 years!
Just need to convince an employer I can learn to practically do the other stuff now

[siovey]

Cheers for the advice. I'll be looking at helpdesk initially and then wherever that progresses to. I'm not interested in earning tons of money, I don't need to. I'm looking for a job I like doing for the next 10 years and I'll probably retire. As long as I can get to £30k, that suits my lifestyle just fine