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Entry level career in IT,or in cyber

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mzuzux

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Hey guys, anyone working in IT for day job. I am tired of my current role looking for a change.
Looking for entry level IT role, what Certs/ skills would place me in good footing. I am family man not keen on going back to do a degree 3/4 yrs. Any recommendations for IT courses/ resources paid or free. Looked at Bootcamps they are very expensive but not sure if get job at end of it. Willing to go down in salary for a trainee job

Please advise if you have any experience in area on how to go about this. Anything will help.

Regards
 
mzuzux said:
Hey guys, anyone working in IT for day job. I am tired of my current role looking for a change.
Looking for entry level IT role, what Certs/ skills would place me in good footing. I am family man not keen on going back to do a degree 3/4 yrs. Any recommendations for IT courses/ resources paid or free. Looked at Bootcamps they are very expensive but not sure if get job at end of it. Willing to go down in salary for a trainee job

Please advise if you have any experience in area on how to go about this. Anything will help.

Regards
Click to expand...
Nice to see a post like this on Tk must be a first 👍 Good luck
 
What sort of field were you thinking of getting into? What level of knowledge/experience do you have of IT right now?

I work in IT and have been in the industry for over 20 years now. I did a computing degree at University after school and was under the impression that this was the key to getting into the IT sector. Sadly, employers still look for work experience, even for junior positions. It was very difficult for someone to give me a break. At Uni we were sold the idea that we were all going to walk into well paying high end jobs. A very small percentage might have done that. Even after I started working I would bump into classmates that were working in supermarkets, banks, etc (not in the IT depts)

I started off working for local authority on a project to replace all machines with Windows XP (yes, that long ago). After 18 months there I got a job for a small company doing IT Support. I did a couple of Microsoft certificates as I wanted to get into server admin. Two years later I got a job for a big corporation as as server admin. I was there for 9 years before being made redundant. I then moved to a bigger city and I've worked for small startups and big tech corporations and have done various certifications along the way. Certs are great, but it's experience employers look for. I would happily employ someone with 7 years experience and no certs, rather than someone with various certs and no experience.

Doing certs is always a good thing, but don't get your hopes up that this is what will get you a job. Employers want to see that you can do the job. Usually this is through work experience. However, there are exceptions. At my last workplace there was a super talented developer. He was an archeology graduate, but he was massively into coding in his spare time. He was involved in the open source world and was part of a team that wrote documentation for PHP. He got his break because his passion for coding and experience showed that he could do the job. If you want to succeed in this industry and do well you need passion. I've seen plenty of people that have managed to blag their way into IT and they are about as knowledgable in tech as my mum (who can barely turn on her phone). These people will not make it far in the industry, but they have experience on their CV. I've interviewed people like this and it's clear quite quickly that they have been lucky to get the positions they have had before. I certainly wouldn't employ them. I want to see someone enthusiastic and passionate.

This is really long and I could write more, but I want to pause and give time for feedback.
 
I spent 20yrs in IT at different levels and left years ago but every now and then I still get emails about COBOL programming jobs!

I think IBM might still offer a free COBOL course!

General stuff:

Back in my day it pretty much split between, and this is really basic, stuff you could kick (hardware) and stuff you couldn't kick (software) these days I'd imagine the distinction is much more blurred with smarter hardware etc. have a look and see what takes your fancy.

Google seem to do plenty of courses, mostly free last time I looked but you have to pay for certification. Maybe check them out?

For example, here's the Google Cyber Security course.

Maybe trying some free courses will give you an idea of whether you want to pursue it or not?

First break is the hardest to get and unless you are in a large urban area you might have to travel to get it.

In my experience, if you can do the job and actually turn up and do it then you are on to a winner.

Good luck!
 
The skills you need to work on really depends on what you where you want to go as a start.
  • IT Support (Hardware and Operating Systems)
  • Developer (writing code in a programming language - Python, Java, Javascript, etc)
  • SysAdmin (Backend server support - hardware - storage arrays - Linux admin)
  • Network Admin (Managing switches/routers/firewalls - understand OSI model)
You can learn stuff about Cyber Security, AI, Cloud Computing, etc - these are not entry level positions and not something any company would hire someone on the basis of doing a few online courses or certs. But these are the "buzz" words that companies market their courses on, because people know the salaries are high for these positions. I think IT Support is usually a good starting point. You have a chance of getting the foot in the door by knowing how to fix desktop operating system issues. You should set expectations accordingly. It was much easier to get into IT 20 years ago. Even then I struggled with a University degree and had to work hard to get to where I'm at. You can't expect to do a couple of online courses and be earning £80k salary after a couple of years. Just doesn't work like that. You have to keep working on your skills to progress in this industry. I assume it's the same in every industry. IT changes so quickly you need to keep skills sharp and stay up to date. Right now everyone is HOT for Containers and Kubernetes.

THE biggest problem is that you will be competing against people that have work experience. You need to show enough knowledge and skills to show you could do what they can do, even though you don't have the experience. Once you land that first job then you need to keep learning to progress. Don't be fooled into thinking that's it done. It's always a learning curve. If you are only doing it for the money, rather than being passionate about it, I would urge you to reconsider going down this path. Find something that really interests you and learn as much as you can about it.
 
Wellyfish said:
I spent 20yrs in IT at different levels and left years ago but every now and then I still get emails about COBOL programming jobs!

I think IBM might still offer a free COBOL course!

General stuff:

Back in my day it pretty much split between, and this is really basic, stuff you could kick (hardware) and stuff you couldn't kick (software) these days I'd imagine the distinction is much more blurred with smarter hardware etc. have a look and see what takes your fancy.

Google seem to do plenty of courses, mostly free last time I looked but you have to pay for certification. Maybe check them out?

For example, here's the Google Cyber Security course.

Maybe trying some free courses will give you an idea of whether you want to pursue it or not?

First break is the hardest to get and unless you are in a large urban area you might have to travel to get it.

In my experience, if you can do the job and actually turn up and do it then you are on to a winner.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
COBOL is very old and not something I would learn in today's market. In my 20 years in IT I've never come across a company that uses it.

Python is probably the best starting point today if you want to learn to code. It's a high level language and is used in so many different fields. The nuts and bolts of every programming language are the same (for loops, if statements, while statements). Understanding the logic of these and how to break problems down into logical steps is the key. Once you understand the logic, the difference in the languages is generally the syntax on how to use these expressions.
 
Interesting thread.
I have an adult son in a good position in data analysis, loaded up with all the commitments you need to 'live the life'.
He seems unfazed by AI's stated likely effect on his industry.
Any one else got a viewpoint?
 
Two things..it will affect any wannabe IT bod, undoubtably putting downward pressure on the existing (experienced) labour market, so it IS a relevant factor.
And it may be your ball, so take it home in a stropp if you like....but to any considering an IT life, I'd add that advancement in any career needs personal qualities .....like not being a huffy Kevin.
 
thebesh said:
COBOL is very old and not something I would learn in today's market. In my 20 years in IT I've never come across a company that uses it.
Click to expand...
Lots of big financial companies still run their back end on COBOL.

Maybe it's not for everyone but if you can use it, it's almost a job for life kind of skill.
 
mzuzux said:
Hey guys, anyone working in IT for day job. I am tired of my current role looking for a change.
Looking for entry level IT role, what Certs/ skills would place me in good footing. I am family man not keen on going back to do a degree 3/4 yrs. Any recommendations for IT courses/ resources paid or free. Looked at Bootcamps they are very expensive but not sure if get job at end of it. Willing to go down in salary for a trainee job

Please advise if you have any experience in area on how to go about this. Anything will help.

Regards
Click to expand...
What do you have in mind exactly?
 
mzuzux said:
Hey guys, anyone working in IT for day job. I am tired of my current role looking for a change.
Looking for entry level IT role, what Certs/ skills would place me in good footing. I am family man not keen on going back to do a degree 3/4 yrs. Any recommendations for IT courses/ resources paid or free. Looked at Bootcamps they are very expensive but not sure if get job at end of it. Willing to go down in salary for a trainee job

Please advise if you have any experience in area on how to go about this. Anything will help.

Regards
Click to expand...
Free Online Cyber Security Course with Certificate

I would start by trying free courses. its difficult today as theres too many specialities but the way things are going admin side of it is going to be huge. when i started i begged old computers off a local business. i had to learn everything from dos to windows and netware. whist operating systems are still important most are pretty reliable and need little work. the guy i bagged old kit off gave me a job. i did communications as my main subject that was network all the way to satellite . so i did dial up,isdn, broadband. ended up being the IT person for small businesses. my main stuff ended up as basic fixing, security cameras,virus removal and installs so not glamourous . security and cloud computing is a good direction. also check out free microsoft online courses as theyre brilliant. good luck
 
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thebesh said:
What sort of field were you thinking of getting into? What level of knowledge/experience do you have of IT right now?

I work in IT and have been in the industry for over 20 years now. I did a computing degree at University after school and was under the impression that this was the key to getting into the IT sector. Sadly, employers still look for work experience, even for junior positions. It was very difficult for someone to give me a break. At Uni we were sold the idea that we were all going to walk into well paying high end jobs. A very small percentage might have done that. Even after I started working I would bump into classmates that were working in supermarkets, banks, etc (not in the IT depts)

I started off working for local authority on a project to replace all machines with Windows XP (yes, that long ago). After 18 months there I got a job for a small company doing IT Support. I did a couple of Microsoft certificates as I wanted to get into server admin. Two years later I got a job for a big corporation as as server admin. I was there for 9 years before being made redundant. I then moved to a bigger city and I've worked for small startups and big tech corporations and have done various certifications along the way. Certs are great, but it's experience employers look for. I would happily employ someone with 7 years experience and no certs, rather than someone with various certs and no experience.

Doing certs is always a good thing, but don't get your hopes up that this is what will get you a job. Employers want to see that you can do the job. Usually this is through work experience. However, there are exceptions. At my last workplace there was a super talented developer. He was an archeology graduate, but he was massively into coding in his spare time. He was involved in the open source world and was part of a team that wrote documentation for PHP. He got his break because his passion for coding and experience showed that he could do the job. If you want to succeed in this industry and do well you need passion. I've seen plenty of people that have managed to blag their way into IT and they are about as knowledgable in tech as my mum (who can barely turn on her phone). These people will not make it far in the industry, but they have experience on their CV. I've interviewed people like this and it's clear quite quickly that they have been lucky to get the positions they have had before. I certainly wouldn't employ them. I want to see someone enthusiastic and passionate.

This is really long and I could write more, but I want to pause and give time for feedback.
Click to expand...
basic effort to get qualifications is more important than the actuall certificates as it shows aptitude most jobs are dual role admin /supervisory or programming these days. in the bad old days of dos and netware it was almost guaranteed that a tech would be needed to sort mail and business servers. nowadays it can be done by someone who has trained quickly and really doesnt need all of the stuff we have in our heads. we used to get called out to change a mouse. 25 quid call out , 45 quid an hour. those were the days...
 
thebesh said:
What sort of field were you thinking of getting into? What level of knowledge/experience do you have of IT right now?

I work in IT and have been in the indtry for over 20 years now. I did a computing degree at University after school and was under the impression that this was the key to getting into the IT sector. Sadly, employers still look for work experience, even for junior positions. It was very difficult for someone to give me a break. At Uni we were sold the idea that we were all going to walk into well paying high end jobs. A very small percentage might have done that. Even after I started working I would bump into classmates that were working in supermarkets, banks, etc (not in the IT depts)

I started off working for local authority on a project to replace all machines with Windows XP (yes, that long ago). After 18 months there I got a job for a small company doing IT Support. I did a couple of Microsoft certificates as I wanted to get into server admin. Two years later I got a job for a big corporation as as server admin. I was there for 9 years before being made redundant. I then moved to a bigger city and I've worked for small startups and big tech corporations and have done various certifications along the way. Certs are great, but it's experience employers look for. I would happily employ someone with 7 years experience and no certs, rather than someone with various certs and no experience.

Doing certs is always a good thing, but don't get your hopes up that this is what will get you a job. Employers want to see that you can do the job. Usually this is through work experience. However, there are exceptions. At my last workplace there was a super talented developer. He was an archeology graduate, but he was massively into coding in his spare time. He was involved in the open source world and was part of a team that wrote documentation for PHP. He got his break because his passion for coding and experience showed that he could do the job. If you want to succeed in this industry and do well you need passion. I've seen plenty of people that have managed to blag their way into IT and they are about as knowledgable in tech as my mum (who can barely turn on her phone). These people will not make it far in the industry, but they have experience on their CV. I've interviewed people like this and it's clear quite quickly that they have been lucky to get the positions they have had before. I certainly wouldn't employ them. I want to see someone enthusiastic and passionate.

This is really long and I could write more, but I want to pause and give time for feedback.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply, my end goal is to work in cyber security (have fascination about it). But I believe they do not employ newbies. I will have to start somewhere else gain years of experience.
I have always had love for computers, building them up, tearing apart, installing windows from iso image 🙈. Fixing technology related for family etc. Linux TV boxes (FTP cc cam lines). Dabbled in ms SQL server. I currently work in healthcare industry. But I always go back to technology. In my department they always come to for computer related problems.
Today 8/6/24 passed ISC2 Certified in Cyber. I am contemplating to on to go on Comptia A+/ Security+ / Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator Associate. Hopefully this would show prospective employer I am a willing learner. Maybe make LinkedIn profile. Would be happy to start help desk or whatever.

In my 30s I have applied various apprenticeship jobs without success. Think my age working against me.
 
myars said:
Free Online Cyber Security Course with Certificate

I would start by trying free courses. its difficult today as theres too many specialities but the way things are going admin side of it is going to be huge. when i started i begged old computers off a local business. i had to learn everything from dos to windows and netware. whist operating systems are still important most are pretty reliable and need little work. the guy i bagged old kit off gave me a job. i did communications as my main subject that was network all the way to satellite . so i did dial up,isdn, broadband. ended up being the IT person for small businesses. my main stuff ended up as basic fixing, security cameras,virus removal and installs so not glamourous . security and cloud computing is a good direction. also check out free microsoft online courses as theyre brilliant. good luck
Click to expand...
Thanks mate, it seems like there too many options for course employers want me to have experience. I will look into Microsoft stuff maybe sot couple exams
 
mikeyeah said:
What do you have in mind exactly?
Click to expand...
Any entry level position help desk, IT support or 365 administrator, virtual desktop deployment etc. With end goal is to work in cyber security but I believe there are not entry level position in cyber
 
mzuzux said:
Thanks for the reply, my end goal is to work in cyber security (have fascination about it). But I believe they do not employ newbies. I will have to start somewhere else gain years of experience.
I have always had love for computers, building them up, tearing apart, installing windows from iso image 🙈. Fixing technology related for family etc. Linux TV boxes (FTP cc cam lines). Dabbled in ms SQL server. I currently work in healthcare industry. But I always go back to technology. In my department they always come to for computer related problems.
Today 8/6/24 passed ISC2 Certified in Cyber. I am contemplating to on to go on Comptia A+/ Security+ / Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator Associate. Hopefully this would show prospective employer I am a willing learner. Maybe make LinkedIn profile. Would be happy to start help desk or whatever.

In my 30s I have applied various apprenticeship jobs without success. Think my age working against me.
Click to expand...
30 is young. My son just finished training as a chartered accountant he's 30. Try a different approach by helping smaller business with firewall and virus protection. I got my jump in salary by helping get rid of viruses on windows pcs at registry level. Ended up as a grafter in a department doing basic stuff. Try offering basic services and use that on your CV.
 
mzuzux said:
In my 30s I have applied various apprenticeship jobs without success. Think my age working against me.
Click to expand...
I work for one of the biggest insurance companies in the UK, age isn't even a factor when apprentices are employed - the last intake had people ranging from 16 to 54. Age is often something apllicants have paranoia about but the days of setting on someone as a school leaver and them having a "job for life" are long gone, most big businesses have a high turnover of staff so they'll recruit based on whoever is capable at the time, not potential. There's also the "equality and diversity" factor that means companies can't be seen not to offer jobs to anyone based on age, gender, race, religion etc.

If you don't mind taking a longer route into it it might be worth considering taking a call centre/customer service type role with one of the big insurance companies, banks or building societies, then once you've got your foot in the door they advertise apprenticeships internally and you might find opportunities in IT.

Good luck with it all!
 
mzuzux said:
Any entry level position help desk, IT support or 365 administrator, virtual desktop deployment etc. With end goal is to work in cyber security but I believe there are not entry level position in cyber
Click to expand...
For entry level help desk support etc, or even service desk support. You could get lucky and an employer will take you on with no experience, that would be your foot in the door ‘so to speak’ but if you want some basic certs look at

(IT) Information Technology Certifications | CompTIA IT Certifications

This will be a good starting point I guess your biggest issue with be salary if you earn an ok salary now to move into a service desk role you might have to take a pay cut.

Once your in, start focusing your training into the specific areas you want to move into such as cybersecurity etc. (Cisco will be a good place to start, but there a loads of certs out there).

I’ve been a senior network engineer in IT for almost 20 years.
 
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