Breaking into IT workplace

[mgordon99]

I have my CNA, and working toward CNE, I have passed the Integrating NetWare and NT test. I feel that I have a fair amount of networking and PC knowledge, but need the in-field experience.

I understand the pay is below standard, but for someone with no field experience, how else will I gain it?

[This message has been edited by mgordon99 (edited 05-18-2000).]

[Gene C.]

From what I understand, it is a sort of independent contractor situation.

just some insight on this from what happened with me and my painting company.I had to pay uncle sam this year!!!!

you need to find out if you are an hourly paid employee. if so. than you aren't a contrator. and they are liable for your actions,fed,state,s.s. ect. taxes,insurance,bond, ect.

if you are a sefl-employed. than the load is on you. and at that kinda money. the gov. will eat you up. the dept of labor law states.
that if a company tells you what time to go to and quit work. and where and what you are to do. than they are your employer.

but, you also have to look at the bright side of it too. you will learn from them, you will get a hands on job setup, and you might have a good rep with some of them after awhile. but, if you mess up one time. they will put your laundry out to hang. for all to see ect.

so, as the others have said. make sure you cover all the lastest bases ect. and good luck with the new job. and if you ever make it to my island. I'll buy lunch and have a BIG list of questions for you. he he

[Mntsnow]

Gotcha M http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Yes we have all taken lower than standard pay to gain experience so I can understand your desire. Gene has pointed out several issues that I was coming back to mention as I'm at work now and my first post was from home. I would highly suggest really clarifying the legal liability portion of your "contract" with the "employer"

Mntsnow

[mgordon99]

I have a pretty good chance of landing a job as a "live support" person. I would be helping clients with PC troubles after network rollouts. This would require extensive travel (lower 48), start about $13 hr and pay all travel expenses(airfare,food, lodging, etc..). I am kind of exited about this, just for the experience I will gain.

Has anyone here done this type of work? From what I understand, it is a sort of independent contractor situation. Would it be wise for me to purchase a laptop for documenting what I do, and have support- source software loaded on it for in-field troubleshooting? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Target]

Travel for my job, and have a laptop exactly for the things you describe. Can't imagine having a remote job without it.

[Mntsnow]

A laptop will be a MUST!

As for the pay for a "live on-site" support that is WAY UNDER industry standards!

It would be very valuable as a "feather in the cap" on your future resume`s. But bewarned system admin's and business owners get very upset when a "on-site support tech" doesn't know their stuff or takes to long on fixing the problem. So stay up on current technologies and industry standards.

Good luck and enjoy!

Mntsnow