Graduation Approaching, Job Expectations?

kcnychief

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OK, so I am on track to graduate in December from college, FINALLY! I wanted to post some info about myself in hopes to properly "gauge" what type of position I should be looking for. I know salary can't be assumed here, since people are all over the world who post. So let's just keep it to position expectations....

Here is my resume, contact info has been edited out...

Objective To acquire a position as part of a growing Information Technology team.

Summary A.S. in Computer Systems Engineering Technology, A.S. in Microcomputer Specialist and B.S. in Networking Technology. Internet Technology (CompTIA – Inet+), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) for Windows XP/Windows 2003 Server, Microsoft Office User Specialist in Word 2003, Excel 2003, Office XP, CompTIA A+ (Hardware and OS) and currently working on the MCSE. Scholarship-awarded Intern and Co-op Technician for 3 years providing user support services in the IT department. Significant interaction with co-workers, faculty and administrative-level personnel.

Skills User Support:
      • Install & Troubleshoot PC Hardware & Peripherals
      • Install & Configure PC Software
      • Conduct preventative maintenance of Peripherals
      • Hardware and Software Support for Laser Printers (HP)
Networking:
· Hardware: Install and configure NICs, hubs and limited network cabling.
· Software: Install and configure network client software, Windows 2000/2003 Server.
· Management: Monitor Network Performance and troubleshoot network problems using client side applications.
Expertise In:
· Microsoft Office 2000/XP/2003
· Microsoft Windows 9x/ME/2000/XP
· PC Hardware
· Documentation and Training
Other:
· BartPE
· Norton Ghost
· Excel in Customer Service

Experience Central Connecticut State University. New Britain, CT
On-Site Support Technician Co-op June 2004-Present
· Campus-wide installations & configurations of OS, Anti-Virus & Application Software.
· Maintain an effective operating environment including backups, user support and system maintenance.
· Diagnose and Troubleshoot 3,000+ Computers & Peripherals for Faculty and Administration, as well as in eleven computer labs.
· Assist Faculty and Staff in the use of Hardware, Software and the Internet.
· Utilize Norton Ghost to perform system backups and automate new installations.
· Document many resources to online knowledgebase system
· Manage calls using HEAT Call Management System.
· Assisted in improving and restructuring the management of inventory storage and tracking
· Awarded "Most Valuable Technician" for 2004.

Big Y Foods. Springfield, MA – Corporate Offices
PC Tech Intern, Scholarship Awarded Position May 2000-January 2001
· Provided Technical Assistance to officemates and supermarket personnel.
· Performed On-Site repairs as well as in branch locations.
· Performed Customer Interface functions – answered general questions and assisted individuals in contacting appropriate administrators and staff.
· Performed other technical related tasks as requested by the Manager of my division along with adjacent supervisors.

Education Central Connecticut State University. New Britain, CT
Major: Networking Technology
Expected Date of Graduation: December 2005.

New Horizons Learning Center. Windsor, CT.
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) August 12, 2005
Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

Springfield Technical Community College. Springfield, MA
Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment July 27th, 2005


Springfield Technical Community College. Springfield, MA
A+ Core Hardware April 02, 2005


Prometric Testing Center. Glastonbury, CT
A+ Operating Systems Technologies March 25th, 2005


New Horizons Learning Center. Windsor, CT.
Microsoft Office User Specialist Outlook 2002 March 3rd, 2005

New Horizons Learning Center. Windsor, CT
Microsoft Office User Specialist Excel 2003 February 25th, 2005

New Horizons Learning Center. Windsor, CT
Microsoft Office User Specialist Word 2003 January 27th, 2005

Prometric Testing Center. Glastonbury, CT
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP ProfessionalOctober 15th, 2004

Central Connecticut State University. New Britain, CT
Customer Service Certified

Springfield Technical Community College. Springfield, MA
A.S. Microcomputer Specialist. May, 2003
CompTIA Inet+, December 2002.
A.S. Computer Systems Engineering Technology. May, 2002

References References are available upon request.

I know it doesn't look good like that, so I attached it without my contact info incase someone wants a cleaner copy...

Anywho, ultimately I want to be a System Administrator. I'm self-teaching myself the MCSE course, and doing well so far. After my next exam, I'll have my MCSA, which is good. All that I have done with certs and experience is just to try and set me apart from the guy next to me in line who graduates with just a degree. I know any position I get will be entry level, which is fine because I am CONFIDENT that as long as I can get my foot in the door somewhere, I'll excel. Any thoughts guys?
 

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A sys admin usually implies unix administration - from your experience, it looks like you're looking to be a WinTel/network admin.

Your resume is fine for getting into a support/help desk type position.

You have a couple ways to go from here (and you can do all 3 at the same time)

1) Troll the job boards (and newspapers) and send it out resumes hoping for a response and an interview

2) Work with a placement agency and do a contract-to-hire or maybe get lucky and get placed into a full time spot right away.

3) Work with a consulting agenct an do a lot of short-term/long-term contracts to get more experience.

edit: congrats on the graduation - I went around things the other way and got a job, got married, had kids, and now looking to go back to school and finish my undergrad (and eventually grab my MBA)
 
I agree with most of what you said, but from what I have seen system administrators (at least in the MA, CT area) don't mess with UNIX. At least not from what is advertised in the paper.

#1- I have been looking lightly, but am focusing on my MCSE for now and will start looking probably in November.

#2- I actually have done that before, I do projects for a few weeks here and there, taking time off from my current job

I plan to attend a career fair on November 9th, and have also made several contacts through "networking", so we will see what happens.

How much weight do you put behind self-taught MCSE? Basically I'm just trying to get my foot in the door as an Admin, and can pick up as I go.
 
Well, generally, the MCSE is a nice thing to have - but when I have interview folk and recommend people for open positions at my old company, it was generally based on their experience and real applied knowledge. The MCSE is often what gets people past the HR recruiters.. when you actually interview with the technical folk, it's a different story. Understand that I was in a network infrastructure role and the people we hired tended to be higher level positions. Entry level positions might be different.

I agree with you - all you need is a foot in the door to prove yourself. I did much the same thing. I got my foot in the door in a help desk position and worked my way up. I do wish you good luck - if you were in the chicago area I might even offer you a position in our support staff (one of our support staff just went on maternity leave)

Good luck.. and I hope the KC Chiefs find some defense this year :) (how does someone fro MA like the Chiefs and not the Pat's?)
 
fitz said:
(how does someone fro MA like the Chiefs and not the Pat's?)

heh i always wondered this too, and i went to school with him and never thought to ask.
 
How is it that I was born in Missery (Missouri?SP¿) and don't like the Chiefs?


GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!
 
Mastershakes said:
I'll agree with fitz here.... helpdesk is the starting point. Good luck.

I really disagree, I feel (and I could be wrong) that I am above a Help Desk position. But, time will tell. Maybe I'll come back to this thread in January and you can all say "I told you so". Either that, or I can say it right back :)

fitz said:
Well, generally, the MCSE is a nice thing to have - but when I have interview folk and recommend people for open positions at my old company, it was generally based on their experience and real applied knowledge. The MCSE is often what gets people past the HR recruiters.. when you actually interview with the technical folk, it's a different story. Understand that I was in a network infrastructure role and the people we hired tended to be higher level positions. Entry level positions might be different.

I agree with you - all you need is a foot in the door to prove yourself. I did much the same thing. I got my foot in the door in a help desk position and worked my way up. I do wish you good luck - if you were in the chicago area I might even offer you a position in our support staff (one of our support staff just went on maternity leave)

Good luck.. and I hope the KC Chiefs find some defense this year :) (how does someone fro MA like the Chiefs and not the Pat's?)

All good advice, and I have been playing with as much as I am learning as much as I can, so that within said interview, I have the ability to know what I'm talking about, to an extent :)

I don't like any of the local teams. I LOVE the Yankees, and Hate the red sox, but that is because my Dad is a Yankees fan and he raised me with taste, ha!

I was always a fan of Joe Montana growing up, and I was peeved when the 49ers let him go, so I followed him to the Chiefs, and never looked back. Also, their defense is projected to be in the low teens this year, so with their offense they should win 11+ games. I never cried so hard after watching them loose the battle to the Colts in the Playoffs two years ago, but what a game!
 
kcnychief said:
I really disagree, I feel (and I could be wrong) that I am above a Help Desk position. But, time will tell. Maybe I'll come back to this thread in January and you can all say "I told you so". Either that, or I can say it right back :)

I never said that's all you were qualified for - just that a help desk position is all you will probably find.

When I first started working at helpdesk - I was completly over qualified for the job - but had no real work experience to back it up. I only stayed as a first level helpdesk for 6 months (3 months contract, 3 months after getting hired they moved me up to second level.. 6 months of 2nd level support and I was working desktop support, 8 months after that, I was working in an infrastructure role).

Get hired at a good company that has growth possibilities, work your a$$ off, prove your self and your abilities to learn and grow and you will move on quickly.
 
fitz said:
I never said that's all you were qualified for - just that a help desk position is all you will probably find.

When I first started working at helpdesk - I was completly over qualified for the job - but had no real work experience to back it up. I only stayed as a first level helpdesk for 6 months (3 months contract, 3 months after getting hired they moved me up to second level.. 6 months of 2nd level support and I was working desktop support, 8 months after that, I was working in an infrastructure role).

Get hired at a good company that has growth possibilities, work your a$$ off, prove your self and your abilities to learn and grow and you will move on quickly.

Yeah, makes perfect sense. By the time I graduate I will have about 3 years of full-time employment. Although it's not counted that way in the "eye of the employer" since it's not salary. I can't wait to get out there to the job market, I'm excited :)

BTW, I didn't mean to come off harsh or anything, I really do appreciate the advice since all you guys have been through this already :)
 
I didn't take it as harsh.. just giving you some harsh reality about "the real world" that college is supposed to prepare you for but never really does :)
 
While I agree with MOST of what fitz said, the one thing I would point out, is that most UNIX admin positions say that: Unix Administrator (entry level, mid-level, expert... etc)

Every job posted by my company is listed by the type of administrators they want.
Because the pool of people to draw on is very small, the jobs listed are VERY specific as well as to whether or not you require a degree or job experience or both!

My situation is a perfect example. I worked in the Navy as a Cryptologic/Telecommunications Technician for 9 years then I went and did the same job for 6 more as a military contractor (still am) when the position I am in now came open it said you needed a BA or BS and 4 years experience. In my case they waived it, although I did have to go through a technologic "review" by the people I was going to work for.

When you goto your interview, even if you believe you arent qualified for a position, NEVER mention that, just play to your strengths. I did what I thought was horrible, so much so I went on 3 other interviews, and when they found out, they offered me the position. Its all about how you present yourself. If you are confident (like I was) and you let it be known what your strengths are; (I told them there was nothing I couldnt learn in IT), and can turn a weakness question into something positive I would say you could EASILY get an entry level administrators job.

Good luck and keep us posted!
 
Also I liked your resume, but for your training at prometric new horizons etc, I would put them as:

Prometric Testing Centers...
*computers blah blah, oct 2004
*networking blah blah, dec 2004
*using canned air for filters, jan 2005

My lame school
*ethernet cables suck ass, feb 2005
*fiber unicams are better than hotmelts march 2005

You get the drift... dont bulletize them by each one each school over and over again.. it gets too reptitive....

just my 2 cents...
 

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