How do I get a job in IT support? I have minimal experience and a BA in political science.?
Question: Im making a career change. Im curious if anyone can point me in the right direction as a beginner in computers? Whats the best job to get with no formal computer experience? Help desk? Im also 40 years old.
Answer:
Why did you decide this? Do you know ANYTHING about IT support or just saw something that said it was a good job. Do some research in what they do, and then go back to school to learn how to do it. No one is going to give you a job when you bring nothing to the table and plan to learn on the job.
I think if you want to do computers, you really need to go back to school on them. Today's PC repair techs are highly skilled individuals who have prepared themselves with proper training and education. Not only do these folks have to know software, they have to learn networking(which is BORING to learn) and the associated hardware that goes with it. I do think you would be doing yourself a great service to go back and learn it . Good luck with it.
when ever I call an IT help centre, seems the call is forwarded to India, and the person on the other end of the line clearly knows nothing.
short cut your advancement, move to India
Hi Nick,
First off, make sure that you have the interest and love of computers and helping people--because that's what'll carry you through the low wages you may experience when trying to crack into IT and Support.
Next, you say you have a PoliSci degree? You used computers and programs at sometime during your education, correct? Would you say you have a mastery of those programs, and the operating system you used? Then, you have at least _some_ level of experience. Build on this in these ways:
Free or low cost courses at your local community college
Internships with Internet Service Providers, local elementary or high schools or colleges in their IT departments
Hope this helps, and good luck!
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