Are there any entry level Computer Networking jobs?

How hard is it to find an entry level Computer information jobs?

• Bachelor degree's in computer information systems with a minor in business, will be graduating next semester! I live in Richmond VA~

• Answer:

  Congrats on your almost degree. I have a CIS degree also. As far as what you need to get an IT job: The Holy Grail for IT employment is a 4 year computer related degree, some industry certs and experience. If you have all three of those you should be good. If you have only one element that will help but you may be competing with other people who have two elements or perhaps all three. Some job hunting ideas: 1. Probably one of the best ways to make contacts with potential employers and other people in the IT field is to attend user group meetings in your area. Various operating system or applications user groups exist in many cities. Microsoft, Cisco and others may have free seminars in your area. Be sure that you are present at all these and collect and pass out business cards. You will likely get your first job in IT because of who you know and not what you know. 2. Technology job fairs are a good source of potential jobs. 3. Use any spare time to do some study in a new area. Find an area of specialization you have not pursued before - take some certification tests. 4. This suggestion may sound strange or self serving but I recommend that you attend Church or a Synagogue. Often churches and other institutions of worship will have many older stable members of the community attending. These people may be looking for employees in their businesses and helpful in finding you employment situations. The relationships you can build in these situations can really give you some great networking opportunities. If you go into the average church of a few hundred people, you will likely find several people in IT attending there. You may even meet potential employers there or a small business person who needs help setting up an office network. I'm not encouraging you to go to church for the wrong reasons. I just want you to realize that you need to input of people who are already in IT in your life and this is one place you might find them. You need someone in IT to help sanity check future job decisions you are making and you need them to have your best interests at heart. Ultimately, you might find a house of worship is a very logical place to find a great support system. 5. Volunteer to help charitable groups with your IT expertise. Again this is not just a good thing to do but can give you networking opportunities with other volunteers and the public. Try volunteering at schools, senior centers, churches, animal shelters and any other non-profits you can volunteer to help out at. These look very good on a resume. Tells a prospective employer that you will do more than what is expected - a good character trait. 6. Go hang out at the nearest bookstore. Get some coffee and go fishing in the IT book or business management aisles. When you see someone pick up a book title strike up a conversation and figure out where they are working and if there are any opportunities there. 7. It is important to keep in close contact with your classmates. They may be able to give you job leads and help you in your job search. Best Wishes!