Well, I've been Published

[Viztech]

I had written a Letter to the Editor of our local rag, The Des Moines Register in regards to my State's Governor wanting to bring immigrants into my state to fill all these open jobs (we have very low unemployment here) and to bolster Iowa's shrinking population.

His plan included trying to persuade Iowa's high school and college grads to look to Iowa for employment, and to attract immigrants to come here to live. Where I don't really have a problem with either of these, I pointed out a little problem with the scenario.

Unfortunately, The DM Register does not have Letters on their website, but here it is:


<< Just as I plan to go to the Iowa Workforce Development Office to file for unemployment compensation for the first time in my 44 years, I read that Governor Vilsack wants to bring skilled workers into our state. I suppose that I could look at this as good news in that it will increase the demand for my house when it goes on the market, as it looks like I will need to move out of the state for employment opportunities.

Due to industrial disability, I sought retraining at my own expense to enter the high-tech computer field. When I graduated from technical school last year, I really got a shock when I found that jobs are scarce in Central Iowa for entry level positions. In fact the placement director at my college has recommended looking out of state for work, then hope to return to Iowa after I get a few years of experience.

Is there anything in the Governor?s plan that provides jobs for skilled workers that are new to the workforce? Will we have to wait for the trickle-down effect of all this new economic development or will the Governor be able to change the hearts of the human resource departments of Iowa corporations to accept entry level grads for positions that now require two years of experience?



Sincerely,

Ken Andersen >>



viz

edit- BTW, I do not qualify for unemployment compensation, because I quit my previous job. :-(

 

[Orange Kid]

Yes' It seems that they want experience and youth.

 

[MWalkden]

I read that earlier today Viz!

 

[kranky]

You make an excellent point, viztech.

I wish I had a clue why places insist on two years experience for no good reason. But I believe that as they realize they can't fill those positions, they will have to consider hiring entry-level grads. Do you apply for positions even if it states two years experience?

 

[Viztech]

Kranky-

I wish that I knew the answer to that question.
Actually in addition to the experience issue, most positions here want a Bachelor's Degree that I do not have. I know that age descrimination is a factor as well.

I like to think of it as a class warfare thing. If you do not meet the requirements posted, you are easy to exclude. However even if you do not meet those requirements, and have an inside track, someone can pull you in.

I have seen and heard about that scenario in the unions, small town politics, and the &quot;good ole boy&quot; network. I cut many ties to my old network when I left to go into IT. The problem with re-entering my old field now is that I am a 'half-breed'.

Most people believe that &quot;IT is the place to be&quot; (This is a direct quote from an ad for one of the largest IT employeers in this area) This is a lie. People from other industries will see my computer background and will fear that I will leave the minute an IT opportunity comes around.

Meanwhile, the only transferable skill that I have that is any value in a short-term job situation is &quot;Furnace Installer-First Class.&quot; Since my back and knees are not what they used to be, I would hate to get back into that work today. That is why I left that job years ago.

I hope that many of you (JAY) that are pursuing MCSE and other certifications will heed this warning. &quot;Make sure that you have a job at the end of the journey&quot;

I sure didn't.

viz

edit- Yes I have applied for some of those position that want experience and a degree. Never hear a thing other than 'we'll keep your application on file' Next month, the ad will be there again, so I guess they filed me in the recycle bin.

 

[Viztech]

Oohhh, new developement.

I got a letter from our illustrious Governor of Iowa today.

More to come.

viz

 

[DanC]

Probably a &quot;form letter&quot; eh Viz?

 

[Viztech]

Uhhh not at all actually.
He was referring me to the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. He included a copy of the letter of introduction to the President of that association. My wife pointed out that the letters were individually signed by the Gov. NOT stamped.

It would seem that if Iowa Businesses will not hire newbies, this could put a kink in the Govs' plans. Situations such as mine can be useful in that they have real-life examples of problems. If a succesful resolution can be found in my situation, it theoretically can be extended to others. Good THEORY anyway.

All I want is a job. If they can help me out, great- it was worth the trouble. If not, I know where the statehouse is. Oh, BTW, I was on the State of Iowa's government IT job listing as well for 6 months. I didn't qualify for any jobs they had open either.

We shall see what happens next.
What do you expect out of a politician anyway?

viz

 

[DanC]

<< What do you expect out of a politician anyway? >>


Being married to one.... usually, not much from anyone but her.

This sounds rather interesting though. Is this guy for real?
He signed letters PERSONALLY? - Must be up for re-election eh?

 

[Bartman]

or they've made amazing advancments in rubber stamps *G*

Bart

 

[Possessed Freak]

could be a plotter

 

[ctll]

kick ass dude, you made an impact. the governor took notice of you. now you have that letter, and you can bet your sweet ace them &quot;good ole boys&quot; down at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry are gonna WANT to find you a job. you can bet the governor's staff plan on making his help to you known, too, (after you get one?b4?) it's good pr.

ride the wave.

 

[DanC]

Why don't we all personally place some phone calls and put the heat on. Let's show 'em what the word &quot;Team&quot; is all about

 

[imported_Thunder]

Say... DanC might actually be onto something there....

Viz, I know that I've seen you help folks with all kinds of technical problems over the years, from networking (both physically &amp; software related) to OS issues to hardware problems and even software operation once in a while.

If you have any jobs that you're applying for in which skills like this may play a part, then how about all of us that work in the IT industry (or are CS majors of any sort in school, etc.) write letters of reference about you simply explaining what we've seen you do over the years. Even if they were only the sort of thing that you'd submit with a resume, I can't see how they'd hurt. I know I'd be willing to do it... Anyone else?

-Brian

P.S. About the age thing.... always remember that old age and treachery will always beat youth and energy.

 

[Viztech]

Hmmm, I've been thinking about this whole situation and have come to a bit of a decision.
I talked to the President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry at length today in regards to my troubles. He suggested using him as a reference in looking for a job. JIM doesn't know me too well, so if some Computer Industry and Network Admin Type people that do let him know that I am not a troll or anything, then maybe that could have a more positive influence.
Maybe we could look at this as the new kind of Internet Networking.

Thoughts?

 

[Viztech]

Now I see that the United States Senate has voted 96-1 to allow more extended visas to foreign IT workers. Another nail in my coffin.
I think it's time to write to the Honorable Chuck Grassley and the (less than) Honorable Tom Harkin about this. They need to put our own citizens first.

viz

 

[RaySun2Be]

We will support you in this Viz,
Letter, Phone call, you name it.