Calling all people who work in IT!

[Kaeldre]

For a while, I've been trying to get myself out of the minimum wage slop-hole I've been stuck in since I was 19 (23 now).  I've completed my Associate's programme (Criminal Justice) and am just awaiting acceptance into my Bachelor's programme.  Things haven't been...not great at my current job and I'm desperate to get out of there and find something more professional.

I'm a computer geek and have been since I was little.  I maintain my computers, parents' computer, my friends' computers as well as build them.  I'd love a job in the IT department of maybe a hospital, library, or school.  This is where all you IT people reading this come in.  What do I need in order to land a job like this?  Do I have to have a degree in computer science?

[ashes]

I think it might depend on where you apply.  I live in the Silicon Valley, and the vast majority of people I know either in IT or who directly work for computer companies and related industries have their degrees in engineering or computer science, and many of those are at a Master's or PhD level.  But I do have a friend who just left Apple to work for Twitter, and he never finished college.

Bottom line, I don't think it could hurt, but maybe you can look up job openings to see what kinds of applicants they are looking for.  Or maybe talk to some people in the areas you want to work and see what their backgrounds are.

And my husband grew up building and restoring computers with his dad, but he now works as a technical artist for Sledgehammer (which is one of the studios contracted out by Activision to make Call of Duty).  He got his degree in 3D art, but knowing the progamming and technical side of things has helped him in career immensely.

[Kaeldre]

Off topic, but you just reminded me that there's a Google office here. o.o  Hmm...

[Eviecorn]

Most of my IT friends never finished college, but at least have some higher education experience in their fields.  Computer science or engineering would be the way to go.  All things considered, when getting a job, a degree looks better on paper, unless you have experience.

[Kaeldre]

Most of my IT friends never finished college, but at least have some higher education experience in their fields.  Computer science or engineering would be the way to go.  All things considered, when getting a job, a degree looks better on paper, unless you have experience.

I have a degree, just not in this particular field.  I'm...self-taught, I guess. o.o

[Eviecorn]

Most of my IT friends never finished college, but at least have some higher education experience in their fields.  Computer science or engineering would be the way to go.  All things considered, when getting a job, a degree looks better on paper, unless you have experience.

I have a degree, just not in this particular field.  I'm...self-taught, I guess. o.o

Make sure that in resumes you cite real-world experience working with it.  They'll ask you to death at interviews.  I don't know much else about breaking into it.

[Kaeldre]

Most of my IT friends never finished college, but at least have some higher education experience in their fields.  Computer science or engineering would be the way to go.  All things considered, when getting a job, a degree looks better on paper, unless you have experience.

I have a degree, just not in this particular field.  I'm...self-taught, I guess. o.o

Make sure that in resumes you cite real-world experience working with it.  They'll ask you to death at interviews.  I don't know much else about breaking into it.

Oh, I plan on it.  I plan on showing them that I have the know-how, just not the degree.

[ashes]

Off topic, but you just reminded me that there's a Google office here. o.o  Hmm...

Google has the reputation of being degree AND school snobs when they hire - just a little FYI.  But things might be different at their satellite offices rather than at their HQ (which is where a few of my friends work).

[kaoskat]

Looks like you've gotten a few suggestions. I hope it helps!

[Kaeldre]

Off topic, but you just reminded me that there's a Google office here. o.o  Hmm...

Google has the reputation of being degree AND school snobs when they hire - just a little FYI.  But things might be different at their satellite offices rather than at their HQ (which is where a few of my friends work).

Looking at their job postings at the one near me.  A good many of them only require that you possess certain skills.  I'm going to keep them in mind...

[melodys_angel]

Do your research.  If you OVERQUALIFY, they wont take you 9/10 times.

[Kaeldre]

Do your research.  If you OVERQUALIFY, they wont take you 9/10 times.

Yeesh!  o.o  Thanks for the heads-up!

Thanks for the advice so far, guys!  I'm still looking around right now...