Where to find entry level computer jobs?

[blinblue]

I want to tap some of the wisdom from ATOT. This will be a little long, so feel free to skip to the cliffs if you want.

I will be graduating in about 3 weeks with a BS in Physics and Mathematics. I have been accepted into my dream grad school (MFA in Science and Natural History Filmmaking at Montana State University), however, due to some circumstances, I will need to defer admissions for a year.

During this year I plan to get a job and save up some $$$. I am (like many others on ATOT) experienced with computers and I would like to get a job involving that.
Of course that is a very broad statement so let me clarify a bit by listing what I see my skills relating to computers are:
- Lots of experience troubleshooting windows-based computers and home networks.
- Experience with Linux systems (specifically I did a research project involving compiling and running climate models. Basically I was given a blank computer and had to figure out everything on my own, it was a great learning experience)
- Python (mostly number-crunching data analysis type stuff). Not great, but I'm pretty decent at it
- Research experience in climate modeling (year long research project in school) and molecular dynamics simulation (during a summer REU)
- Side hobby in 3D modeling and animation (I'm not particularly good, but I know my way around)

So I'm looking for a job that involves some or all of these "skills". I have been searching around for the past few weeks or so for jobs in the area that I will be living (say within 20 miles of Round Lake, IL) with very little luck. Either the jobs are the manual labor that a monkey could do, or they require 5+ years experience.
I'm not expecting amazing pay (from what I can tell, $30k/year seems about right), I just want a job that won't be completely tedious.

So I have a couple questions.
1. What kind of chance do I have getting a decent job?
2. Know of any companies looking to hire some entry level computer guys in northern Illinois?
3. Any tips for good ways to search for these types of jobs (certain websites, search terms, etc)
3. Any other advice?

For what its worth, I have a 3.97 cumulative GPA, had a photo published in National Geographic (November 2007 issue) and I'm turning 20 on April 22nd. And not to sound full of myself or anything, but I think I learn things very quickly. Say, for example, a job required using Perl, I don't think it would take long for me learn the ropes.


Cliffs:
-Recent college grad needs entry level job
-Can't find one
-Wants your help

Thanks!

 

[oiprocs]

Have you read a newspaper in the last few months?

 

[JS80]

wow...

 

[miketheidiot]

check the U you just graduated from and the one you are going to, they will often have pretty large departments dedicated to computer related feilds

 

[Zolty]

If you go up to Madison TDS is normally hiring Customer Service techs. It was a good way to get a better job. I spent 2 years there. It's actually not that bad of a job for the first 6 months.

 

[blinblue]

Have you read a newspaper in the last few months?

Well, in these troubled economic times, I haven't been able to afford a newspaper

Originally posted by: miketheidiot
check the U you just graduated from and the one you are going to, they will often have pretty large departments dedicated to computer related feilds

Do you mean check to see if the university has jobs, or helps find jobs for you? Because that's one strategy that I've been trying is finding colleges in the area and checking out the jobs listed on their website (not much luck so far).
The career placement facilities at my university kinda suck a little, but I will probably be talking to them soon enough.

 

[Atheus]

Prepare for stacking shelves and washing floors.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I don't think 20 miles within round lake is very likely, but if you can deal with a longer drive ... you might find something ...

 

[BriGy86]

http://www.dice.com

 

[blinblue]

Originally posted by: BriGy86
http://www.dice.com

Looks like a great website, thanks. I'm checking it out now

 

[VinylxScratches]

Good luck. I live in that area and I had two internships at a Fortune 500 company and I'm barley getting any bites. There isn't really that many corporations out here. I also have a degree in IS.

 

[imported_Imp]

Unless you know someone, good luck finding something decent. You class size times 5 plus a couple hundred other people changing industries in tough times are your competition.

There's always Best Buy. Try finding a temp agency for IT/computer people. They steal half your pay, and you will always be "the temp" where ever you work, but it's a job. Or stack some shelves. Chances are you won't get the shelve stacking/bare basics jobs because everyone else is flocking to them. Your overqualification will only work against that; they want people who may actually stay awhile.

 

[blinblue]

I actually just found something that has some good potential through dice.com
Entry level, list of requirements is right up my alley (and relatively specific too), and the location is good (would require some train travel, but the company is like 200 feet from the station).
I'm pretty excited that I found something. All I need now is to find 20+ more jobs like this to have a good chance of getting a job . But still, one potential opportunity is better than none

 

[Red Squirrel]

Look for possible help desk jobs. From there you can try to move up in the company. You can always try to start your own business, but I would imagine that's not something easy to do these days.