Thinking of quitting IT (Updated: SUCCESS!!!?????)

[gutharius]

UPDATE: 2/18/05

Ok Interviewed with ACS today. A really large fortune 500 company based here in Dallas. I was really luke warm on this as it was really phone based support and I wanted a more one on one relationship with those I would help on a daily basis.

Well we started the interview and I don't know what happened but we just clicked. She would mention something about the company and what her group does and I kept chiming in on how my background dovetailed in with what she was talking about. I kept emphasizing my determination and dedication to User satisfaction and my honest belief in condoning a full circle approach to IT support and its benefits to the user and the Support group. I also pulled out several awards and customer feedback reports on my job performance and she seemed very impressed by the presentation. We kept talking and talking for over an hour, it was only supposed to be a 30 minute interview.

I guess it all chimed with her as well cause as I was getting up she said she had all the information she needed and had made a decision to hire me and so I was offered the job. Looks like I start in a week. Just have to wait for her to contact the recruiter and get them to sign on the dotted line on compensation and terms.

I wanted to thank all of you for your support and encouragement. I am going to return to school, possibly on a part time basis, and finish my degree. It is, as I stated, painful at the least to keep paying on a school loan that got me nothing because I quit before completeing my degree.

To all of those who answered for me to Quit... I sincerely wish you all the luck and advise you to not give up. I was interviewed a total of 8 times before I landed this job. That means there were 8 positions that were available just to me in a 2 month time span. The job market maybe tough but as this thread has taught me and life as well, finding a job is only as hard as you make it. Again all the luck if you need any assistance or advice this forum is the place to be. I will be more than happy to assist with advice and encouragement where ever possible. As I am sure the other members here will as well.

Again thank you. Best of luck.

***********************************************************

I have interviewed for several IT Support positions here in Dallas and all of them seemed to be great interviews but ultimately I was rejected for each and every one.

I am getting depressed/frustrated by the rejections as from my perspective and from the comments of the interviewers I am doing an otherwise good job of conveying my experience and matching up my skills with the company's requirements.

I am thinking of quitting IT and possibly persuing another field. however I have invested 7 years in this career and it does not feel right to just start all over from scratch. I feel that because the last 2 years of my career have been in a phone support role I have shoe horned myself into a position of not being able to be taken seriously as a person persuing a corporate desk side IT support position. I sometimes get the hint that interviewers are seeing I have been doing phone based support for the last 2 years and thereby lack the hands on experience necessary.

One possible downside I see is I am lacking in my MCSE and Network+ certs plus a Bachelors degree. I completed 3 years of my degree but never finished.

EDIT: BTW Please don't take this as a moan and groan thread i am really just looking for some insight into solutions I may otherwise not be able to see from my perspective.

EDIT2: Wonder how hard it would be to become an IT Recruiter or just a recruiter in general. I like reserching and matching data sets up...

Update:

Here is my Monster.com resume as many of you are asking about my prior experiences and knowledges. This information is also information that is on my official paper resume as well. (I keep them synchronous.)

OBJECTIVE: To utilize my 6+ years of IT experience to enable accomplishment of departmental support goals and increased support effectiveness.

EXPERIENCE: 10/2002 - Present Telvista Plano, TX
Industry: Telecommunications/Wireless
PC and Mac Support Technician

-Consistently scored number one in quality scores for the Mac support team
-Awarded for excellence due to customer satisfaction feedback
-Achieved 100% on technical expertise and troubleshooting ability for over 2 years and running
-Recognized by supervisor for superior dedication to customer satisfaction
-Provided new hire training for supporting Apple Macintosh computers
-Supported HP, Gateway, EMachines, Compaq, Dell, and Apple Macintosh platforms in a Win 98/ME/2000/XP and Mac OS 10.x/9.x/8.x environment.

9/2002 - 10/2002 SouthWest Automated Clearing House Dallas, TX
Industry: Banking/Finance
Data Entry and Automation Support and Development

-Cut data entry time and costs by 75% by developing and implementing an automated data entry system for web based membership database

11/2000 - 3/2002 Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Dallas, Tx
Industry: Hospitals/Ambulatory Health Care Services
IT Support Technician

-Provided hardware/software support to medical & support staff in an on call basis
-Increased doctor and support staff knowledge and competency in usage of Groupwise,
Adobe Photoshop, Digital Photography, Microsoft Word/Excel/Frontpage and Powerpoint development and presentation techniques.
-Developed 300+ page illustrated color documentation on scanning X-Rays, slides and photographs with sections on cataloging images into TSRH's Image Database
-Implemented clinical and surgical image cataloging database housing over 800 gigabytes of clinical and surgical imagery
-Supported Micron, Dell, and in house built PCs

10/1998 - 3/2000 Chadron City Schools District Chadron, NE
Industry: Educational Services
PC and Network Support Technician

-Increased teacher and administrative staff computer proficiency and knowledge of computer operation through one on one training and support sessions
-Assisted Technology Coordinator in development and implementation of technology curriculum, strategy, and planning for the Chadron City School District
-Managed and maintained Novell 3/4 network
-Installed, maintained, and administered Cobalt Qube Linux based server and increased domain IP capacity via usage of network address translation based DHCP server

EDUCATION: 4/2004 CompTIA / Pearson Vue US-TX-Dallas
Certification
Completed and Passed A+ Certification.

1/2000 Chadron State College US-NE-Chadron
Some College Coursework Completed

SKILLS: Skill Name Skill Level Last Used/Experience
Hardware Support Expert Currently used/6 years
Software Support Expert Currently used/6 years
Network Support Intermediate Currently used/4 years
Windows XP Expert Currently used/2 years
PowerPoint Expert Currently used/6 years
Siebel 99 Intermediate Currently used/2 years
Siebel 7 Intermediate Currently used/1 years
Mac OS X Expert Currently used/2 years
Mac OS 9/8/7 Expert Currently used/6 years
Word Expert Currently used/6 years
Excel Expert Currently used/6 years
FileMaker Pro Expert Currently used/6 years
Macintosh Expert Currently used/6 years
PC Support Expert Currently used/6 years
Windows 98 Expert 2 years ago/6 years
Windows ME Intermediate Currently used/4 years
Photoshop Intermediate 1 year ago/5 years
Outlook Intermediate Currently used/2 years
PHP Beginner 1 year ago/1 years
MySQL Beginner 1 year ago/1 years
C++ Intermediate +4 years ago/3 years
Red Hat Linux Intermediate 1 year ago/2 years
Linux PPC Intermediate 1 year ago/2 years
Linux Intermediate 1 year ago/2 years
Samba Intermediate 1 year ago/2 years
OpenSSH Intermediate 1 year ago/2 years
VNC (Virtual Network Console) Intermediate 1 year ago/2 years
Ethernet Networking Expert Currently used/6 years
HTML Intermediate 1 year ago/6 years
XML Beginner 1 year ago/1 years
Routers Intermediate Currently used/4 years
Database Development and Planning Expert Currently used/6 years
Adobe Illustrator Intermediate 2 years ago/3 years
Technical Communication Skills Expert Currently used/6 years
Technical to Laymen Communication Skills Expert Currently used/6 years
Adobe Photoshop Expert Currently used/6 years
Telephone Skills Expert Currently used/6 years
PC Troubleshooting Expert Currently used/6 years
Macintosh Troubleshooting Expert Currently used/6 years
Linux Trobleshooting Beginner 1 year ago/2 years
MS Access Beginner Currently used/2 years
Visio Beginner 1 year ago/1 years
Outlook Intermediate Currently used/2 years
Adobe Acrobat Intermediate Currently used/6 years
Windows 2000 Intermediate Currently used/3 years
TCP/IP Expert Currently used/6 years
SQL Beginner 1 year ago/2 years
BIND DNS (Domain Name Server) Intermediate 1 year ago/4 years
DHCP (Dynamic Host Client Protocol) Intermediate Currently used/4 years
Apache Beginner 1 year ago/2 years
Novell 5 Client Support Intermediate +4 years ago/2 years
Novell 5 Server Configuration Beginner +4 years ago/2 years
Norton Ghost Intermediate Currently used/6 years
Web Development Skills Expert 1 year ago/5 years

REFERENCES: Reference Name: Jeff ---
Reference Company: ----
Reference Title: Supervisor
Phone: ---
Type: Professional

ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION: I am a A+ Certified IT Support Technician with 6 years IT Support experience in the IT Industry. I am a dedicated person who enjoys using analytical problem solving in helping others gain a better understanding of technology and it's uses. I am looking for a position which will allow me to assist people in taking full advantage of technology and better comprehend it's workings. I believe in a "Long Term Troubleshooting" philosophy, if someone can understand why something works the way it does or the way it didn't, a level of comprehension can be gleaned which provides a better understanding of the technology and better promotes a full circle technology support system and experience. -

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Originally posted by: gutharius

One possible downside I see is I am lacking in my MCSE and Network+ certs plus a Bachelors degree. I completed 3 years of my degree but never finished.

That could be why you don't get hired. When you consider the overflux of CS majors getting degrees every year, it doesn't leave any room for those without degrees. I think the best thing for you to do is finish or move into another field.

 

[psiu]

Well at least your in the field for now.


After my thread the other night, I'm looking into other fields. Electrician, construction, something else.

Plumber is out though. No poo for me

 

[rh71]

you really can't afford not to have a 4-year degree in this day and age dude...

It's not just about grades... it's about commitment and being able to follow through - that's exactly how employers see it too.

That's step 1 for everybody. After that is work experience. You can work on the 2nd part much easier once you're in the door with the 1st.

Think about it... no degree... trying to get into a full time IT job... don't you think employers may see you're about shortcutting through things ?

 

[Stark]

degrees/certs without experience is about as good as experience with no degrees/certs.

 

[OulOat]

Why didn't you finish? Seems like a waste of money to quit halfway through without reaping any of the benefits.

 

[Shuxclams]

Experience is 100 times better than certs. as a hiring manager, if your experience thus far isnt getting you a better job then try to punch up your resume. However If you just suck at IT, then you suck - go and find a job more aptly suited to you and your skill set.











SHUX

 

[Lord Evermore]

You know maybe you should find out WHY you're not getting hired, then fix that problem. You say you and the interviewers think you're great, why are they not hiring you then?

Most hiring personnel are willing to give you advice afterward.

Not that I'd know. I've gotten every job I tried for, but that's only 4 total, all essentially handed to me.

Every IT person ought to have gone through phone support hell for a while, it helps develop customer service skills. I can't imagine that's a "negative" item on your resume, but whether it helps or not would depend on the job you're going for.

What sort of "IT Support" positions have you been interviewing for? Perhaps you're aiming for a goal that's beyond your means, given the uhmmm...I forget the word but meaning your lack of a degree and certifications.

If you go to a job that wants a Network+ and you haven't got it, more than likely they're going to hire the guy that does.

 

[edro]

You need a degree...

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: edro13
You need a degree...

quoted for truth.

you're competing agains people with degrees and 5+ years experience which equals no degree and 15 years experience.

 

[Actaeon]

Err, you don't have a degree? Well, that could be a possible explanation.

I hope I don't have this problem when i get out of college. (Majoring in IT... for now at least.)

 

[Lord Evermore]

It's funny seeing ads for things like ITT Tech where computer fields are claimed to be "hot" careers. They don't mention that everybody else is aware it's hot as well and is also going for the same jobs, nor that it's nowhere near as hot as it used to be.

 

[gutharius]

Originally posted by: OulOat
Why didn't you finish? Seems like a waste of money to quit halfway through without reaping any of the benefits.

Well I was making $7/hr doing a work that paid 56K in dallas. So i moved and took my 56K but I got screwed over by a friend, they promised to make payments on some furniture I sold them, and from there was left homelss and destitute. As such I had to fight and struggle to get back to a normal life. Now 5 years later I am back on my feet and trying to figure out where to go from here. yes I know it is a waste of money. Ever month I pay $45 in payments on my $8k college loans. Every time I pay that i think damn what a fing waste!

 

[RedRooster]

Try and get a government IT job. They're way easier to get, and they usually take a chance on more inexperienced people because they aren't putting people in mission critical situations most of the time.

 

[gutharius]

Originally posted by: Lord Evermore
You know maybe you should find out WHY you're not getting hired, then fix that problem. You say you and the interviewers think you're great, why are they not hiring you then?

Most hiring personnel are willing to give you advice afterward.

Not that I'd know. I've gotten every job I tried for, but that's only 4 total, all essentially handed to me.

Every IT person ought to have gone through phone support hell for a while, it helps develop customer service skills. I can't imagine that's a "negative" item on your resume, but whether it helps or not would depend on the job you're going for.

What sort of "IT Support" positions have you been interviewing for? Perhaps you're aiming for a goal that's beyond your means, given the uhmmm...I forget the word but meaning your lack of a degree and certifications.

If you go to a job that wants a Network+ and you haven't got it, more than likely they're going to hire the guy that does.

This advice, do you think I should send a letter requesting there feedback on how wellI perfomed at the interview and if they could give any advice or should I call them directly?

Well as far as the IT Support phone hell, the positions are hands on positions working one on one with the users and system. Not distanced with a phone between you and them. My feeling is what does it matter if you are working over a phone or not. but the last position was looking for hands on experience. Which I DO HAVE just not with in the last 2.5 years.

As far as aiming too high, I am not asking for positiions I have not done in in the past. I am also not applying for positions that require certs i don't have. I see that as lieing and self defeating.

EDIT: The MCP/Network+ I am viewing as icing on the cake. The MCSE make very well be a good part of the cake but I can't really afford the cost of 8 microsoft exams right now.

 

[gutharius]

Originally posted by: psiu
Well at least your in the field for now.


After my thread the other night, I'm looking into other fields. Electrician, construction, something else.

Plumber is out though. No poo for me

I have thought about electrician, accounting (bad credit history but easily fixed tho), Para Legal, etc... But I have 3 years invested in a Management Information Systems degree. I don't feel like throwing that and $8,000 out the door.

 

[gutharius]

Originally posted by: rh71
you really can't afford not to have a 4-year degree in this day and age dude...

It's not just about grades... it's about commitment and being able to follow through - that's exactly how employers see it too.

That's step 1 for everybody. After that is work experience. You can work on the 2nd part much easier once you're in the door with the 1st.

Think about it... no degree... trying to get into a full time IT job... don't you think employers may see you're about shortcutting through things ?

Yeah I can see your point on this...

 

[sniperruff]

i say it's the degree. everyone has a college degree now.

 

[iversonyin]

get the degree and cert

 

[everman]

You can try to improve your interviewing skills, perhaps that is what is hurting you.
Having a degree helps a lot as well, and telling your interviewer that you never finished it may not bode well with them. I'd never consider phone tech support type of job myself, what do you see yourself doing in the long term?
As for getting certs, ask your current employer about education programs. Generally they will pay for it. Good luck

i say it's the degree. everyone has a college degree now.

And for a bit of trivia, I believe about 2/3 of all high school graduates start a degree program. Only about 30% of them complete it.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: gutharius
I have interviewed for several IT Support positions here in Dallas and all of them seemed to be great interviews but ultimately I was rejected for each and every one.

I am getting depressed/frustrated by the rejections as from my perspective and from the comments of the interviewers I am doing an otherwise good job of conveying my experience and matching up my skills with the company's requirements.

I am thinking of quitting IT and possibly persuing another field. however I have invested 7 years in this career and it does not feel right to just start all over from scratch. I feel that because the last 2 years of my career have been in a phone support role I have shoe horned myself into a position of not being able to be taken seriously as a person persuing a corporate desk side IT support position. I sometimes get the hint that interviewers are seeing I have been doing phone based support for the last 2 years and thereby lack the hands on experience necessary.

One possible downside I see is I am lacking in my MCSE and Network+ certs plus a Bachelors degree. I completed 3 years of my degree but never finished.

EDIT: BTW Please don't take this as a moan and groan thread i am really just looking for some insight into solutions I may otherwise not be able to see from my perspective.

"I have interviewed for several IT Support positions here in Dallas"

I'm genuienly shocked.

The Republicans in P&N swear that Texas is Rocking n Rolling in jobs especially IT jobs.

No bites from the Job Networking thread above at all???

Ask Mods if you can post in P&N since the Texans said there is a ton of jobs there too.

 

[gutharius]

Originally posted by: Shuxclams
Experience is 100 times better than certs. as a hiring manager, if your experience thus far isnt getting you a better job then try to punch up your resume. However If you just suck at IT, then you suck - go and find a job more aptly suited to you and your skill set.


SHUX

Really? As far as the sucking part I highly disagree with that. I have awards and accomadations I have received from customers and supervisors for my excellence in customer service and dedication to problem resolution. I pull these out at the interviews and they are my wow appeal in the sale. So I don't agree with the suckage comment.

As far as the resume do you think a resume that streeses accomplishments or one that stresses experience and duties is better? Right now I have mine geared towards accomplishments...

 

[gutharius]

Originally posted by: RedRooster
Try and get a government IT job. They're way easier to get, and they usually take a chance on more inexperienced people because they aren't putting people in mission critical situations most of the time.

Any suggestions on where and how to look for these positions?

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: gutharius
I have interviewed for several IT Support positions here in Dallas and all of them seemed to be great interviews but ultimately I was rejected for each and every one.

I am getting depressed/frustrated by the rejections as from my perspective and from the comments of the interviewers I am doing an otherwise good job of conveying my experience and matching up my skills with the company's requirements.

I am thinking of quitting IT and possibly persuing another field. however I have invested 7 years in this career and it does not feel right to just start all over from scratch. I feel that because the last 2 years of my career have been in a phone support role I have shoe horned myself into a position of not being able to be taken seriously as a person persuing a corporate desk side IT support position. I sometimes get the hint that interviewers are seeing I have been doing phone based support for the last 2 years and thereby lack the hands on experience necessary.

One possible downside I see is I am lacking in my MCSE and Network+ certs plus a Bachelors degree. I completed 3 years of my degree but never finished.

EDIT: BTW Please don't take this as a moan and groan thread i am really just looking for some insight into solutions I may otherwise not be able to see from my perspective.

"I have interviewed for several IT Support positions here in Dallas"

I'm genuienly shocked.

The Republicans in P&N swear that Texas is Rocking n Rolling in jobs especially IT jobs.

No bites from the Job Networking thread above at all???

Ask Mods if you can post in P&N since the Texans said there is a ton of jobs there too.

there are for qualified candidates = those with degrees.

sorry to pound the point home again, but with 7 years experience the OP has kinda kit the ceiling on where he can go.

 

[suse920]

Originally posted by: edro13
You need a degree...