What's a good entry level job dealing with computer hardware?

[Mark]

Well my cousin wants to get a job dealing with computer hardware(he's very good with repairing, upgrading, troubleshooting), problem is, he's not very old(18) and most of the jobs he has had have ussally been in retail stores(Target and Costco I think). Mostly places that don't have computers.




He told me he would come to the forums, register and ask himself, but he's stuck with a Yahoo e-mail addresss so you know...

 

[Viper GTS]

My last job was at Target, working overnight. One of my co-workers suggested that I apply here doing tech support. I got it, & got an instant $4 an hour raise. Now I'm making close to $6 an hour more than I was making there.

I started here when I was 17, so age isn't important. Try local ISP's, see if they have any tech support positions available. Pay is halfway decent for the level of experience required (Easily $10+ an hour), & the job usually comes with a high-speed internet connection. You can guess what I use it for.



Viper GTS

 

[beat mania]

I like this:
dilbert

 

[Mark]

So your saying, you got the job even though you had no previous expericance in the workplace with pc's?

 

[Viper GTS]

I had a fair amount of experience, but it wasn't really that beneficial. Tech support positions are more based on knowledge.

I built web pages for Portland Community College for a couple years, nothing specifically ISP related.

Viper GTS

 

[JaiKnight]

Does he want it as a side job or full-time job? And is he in a school with coop? I'd say with most companies you start around helpdesk and/or pc support, then move your way into the networking side. If he's already got experience maybe he can start farther ahead, it'd take time of course which is why I was wondering if he was looking for part-time or not...

 

[Mark]

He's looking for something full time.

 

[PC Freak]

Do what i did.
Joing the Air Force. Become a Communications/Computer Systems Controller (Tech Controller). In 4 years get out with the experience and write your own paycheck. I've done 3 out of 5 years and have already been receiving job request's for 45k and up.
Now i won't take anything less that 65K.

It's the best advice i could give someone.
If he has questions feel free to icq or email me.

 

[Namuna]

As evil an idea as it may be, I'd suggest a computer store...Specifically CompUSA.

In the Tech Room. Having the experience and background that he does, he should be able to negotiate a better per hour rate. Plus he can get some training (A+ Certification and crap like that)

While on the consumer side CompUSA may be lame, but on the experience side it's a good starting point (that's where I got my start).

 

[Whitedog]

I would suggest going to IT consulting firms... they are very good at placing people with similar pc knowledge in jobs like, a corporate building that are doing PC upgrades or installs... Lots of times those contract jobs pay well enough (12-20) and turn into hire on's. like Help Desk possitions.. then you move into Networking, or Programming...etc.

That's how I got into it. I started out doing PC installs in office buildings, then went to Help Desk (all as a contract). After contracting with this corporation headquarters for 1.5 years, they hired me on as lead desktop tech. Now I am going over to development, as soon as I learn VB (2 more months)... some time after that, I'll be doing database crap.....etc... one day, a management position (6 figures at this place). Lots of room for advancement.

It really pays to aim for an environment that has PLENTY of head room for advancment. You're not going to get that in any retail environment.

IT consultant firms place people with no (actual work) experience All the time, as long as they have a good knowedge and/or "equivilant" experience, which it sounds like your friend has.

So, if you are in the IT field, aim for corporate and avoid retail.