Looking for a job in IT/found one recently?

A question about : Looking for a job in IT/found one recently?

Hi I'm looking for a job in IT but I don't have a degree, MSCE, CCNA, or any experience.
I have a lot of IT knowledge, aswell as a CCNA1 and a BTEC in IT (neither of which added to the knowledge I had naturally accumulated in any grand measure, but both of which hopefully bolster my appeal from a company's POV).
I'd like to work in network security, and think the best way to get there (not necessarily the fastest) is via a IT Technician/Desktop Support/IT Helpdesk role.
This would hopefully give me a foot-in-the-door, from where I could do server support and then network admin and then network security manager and then freelance network security consultant.
I am interested in studying both MSCE and CCNA, along with RHCP (I'm actually studying CCNA already, and I've got access to the books for MSCE).
I'm not interested in getting a degree.

Basically what I need is a foot-in-the-door, so any advice would be appreciated.

Best answers:

• can't help you with a foot in the door, but the best job site for contract and permanent jobs in IT is www.jobserve.com
  Most of my contract jobs have come from there and all the IT job agencies will post their vacancies on there
• Hi,
  I'm moving this to the Techie Board as you might get more replies there.
• https://www.cwjobs.co.uk/JS/JobSearch.asp The IT Specialists
  Oh yeah and sign on with IT agencies youll
  get customer support work no problem, its a start.
• Firstly, make sure you have a decent cv, one that is informative (gives an overview) and looks professional/attractive. If you've got a good eye for design, or know someone that has get them to help you create a cv, 2 pages, no more, no less. And bullet points make it easy to read, no one likes long paragraphs of Times New Roman. A friend of mine works at an agency, and they often get hundreds of applications for one job, and initially for a lot of the cv's will judge them within 5 seconds to filter down the number of applications.
  Maybe have it in word and pdf format too, adds a touch of professionalism. Also a brief website with your cv on, that too helps.
  When you lack a degree/experience the key is to show that you are capable of doing the work. For me being a software developer it's slightly easier as I can put a portfolio of my work on the web for them to view. You'll need to think of a similar kind of approach.
  Also, most companies usually want someone that is enthusiastic (willing to learn) and that will integrate into the team. I've been involved in interviews for a couple of new starters here, and we generally went for the people who we got on well with during interview, and who showed that they were capable of doing the job and more.
  Finally, don't get depressed. When you're trying to break into the market failed applications can become common. You just have to keep pushing your cv out there and something will crop up.
• JobserveIT and cwjobs are the main ones. MonsterIT might be worth signing up for. The vast majority of the jobs posted here are by agencies so you'l find the same job listed multiple times with slight variations. The downside to agencies is that tend to only interested in people with commercial experience.
• EDS Modern Apprenticeship
  www.mas.eds.co.uk
  Edit: sites down at the moment but this is how I got my foot in the door so to speak
• Not sure it's absolutely relevant to you, but a lot of universities have started degree courses in Forensic Computing recently. The syllabus usually includes security and elements of law pertaining to data retrieval etc. Also, a lot of 3rd year students at my son's uni have chosen network security and related topics for their projects/dissertations.
  It looks as if it could be a service career that will see a lot of growth in the next few years (with plenty of opportunities for consultants).
  You may find on-the-job experience will stand you in good stead, but be aware, there will soon be a crop of young graduates out there chasing similar jobs!
• I completed an IT degree some years ago now, and found that the best way to get your foot in the door if you don't have a degree is to apply for helpdesk jobs, I would say also tester jobs but, nowadays you need qualification for that too, your talents will soon be spotted and you will also be in a good place to spot any internal vacancies...good luck anyway
• send me your email address via pm
  the company i work for (in coulsdon) some one has just left the it help desk (last friday), as yet they havent advertised.... but i havent heard to say they wont (i work in the it department)
• Try weekly magazines such as Computing for advice/jobs.. also helps you to keep upto date with latest UK technological advancements. (often asked in interviews)
  I had a look through this weeks job section in Computing and there are a few support/security style roles (in London). Alternatively, check the local papers for ISPs/broadband providers. Personally I'd avoid online agencies as you could spend hours and hours emailing your CV to agencies all over UK with little/no feedback.
  If you're determined to get into IT Security then check out Royal Holloway uni for their IT security degress and courses. Consider antivirus companies like Symantec/Sophos.. or consultants like LogicaCMG.. or the multitude of civil service departments specialising in security, i.e gchq/cesg, hmgcc, home office, mi5/6