Now that you have started college its time to get to work. While you definitely want to give as much time to your studies as you can, try to find projects at the school that will provide you with some experience in the IT field.

Ask about work-study programs, such as being a computer lab assistant.

Get to know the IT department on your campus. Let them know you would like to help whenever possible. Whether it’s running cable, installing software on the campus computers, or anything, this counts as experience that you can put on your resume.

Also look into taking certification tests while in school. My first semester I took an A+ Hardware class, so when the holiday break came I went ahead and took my A+ Certification to get it out of the way. This way when you graduate you can focus on the more difficult certifications. Once you do graduate, it’s time to start looking for work.

Remember the guys in the IT department at the school you helped out? Well ask them if they know of any places that you might be able to get your foot in the door. I think the reason people have so much trouble finding work is because they try to get the big jobs first. It just does not happen this way. A company is not going to hire somebody right out of college with no experience, and have them manage their network. Instead search for jobs such as working Tier 1 Help Desk. While you will not be making a fortune doing this, it does get your foot in the door. You need to make a name for yourself, and earn the trust of the company. Talk to others who work in the field. This is probably the most important point.

Most IT jobs are not posted, and are advertised by word of mouth only, so networking with colleagues is the most important step in finding the big paying job.

Paul

[tags]it, college, tech vocation[/tags]