Once I have my certifications, what is the best way to get into the co

Once I have my certifications, what is the best way to get into the computer industry?
- Oscar

This question was answered on October 8, 2001. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

During the 'Dotcom' boom, stories about new BMW convertibles and other lucrative signing bonuses for technology employees generated a huge interest in joining the IT (Information Technology) revolution 'Career changers' in large numbers went in search of a way to become technology employees.

This in turn created technology 'diploma mills' all over the country promising students a quick route to the IT riches that awaited anyone that was interested.

Certification was held up as the only thing that separated you from those riches But what has held true since the beginning of time still holds true today: Experience is what really counts Not just technology experience, but any experience that you have gained from the industry that you want to leave.

For instance, if you have been in the insurance business for the last 10 years and you now want to get certified in some phase of technology, your value to the insurance industry as a tech worker is much higher than an individual that just has the certifications.

Most people are trying to 'escape' from the industry they are in, when they should be looking for opportunities there first

Because certification only means that you were able to pass a specific series of tests, it does not necessarily make you employable In fact, I am fairly certain that a large number of currently employed networking technicians that have been working in the industry for over a decade could not pass some of the current 'certifications' without some long nights of studying But I know that a technician with 10 years of real world experience and no certification is more employable than a freshly certified tech with no real experience.

Not to say that certification is not important, because it is, but no educational facility on the planet can begin to prepare you for the infinite combinations of hardware, software and users that you will encounter in the real world.

My number one suggestion to anyone wanting to pursue IT as a career is to take on the attitude that no job is too menial Do your best to get a job during your educational phase that will get you closer to the real world, even if it means sweeping the floors at a computer retailer.

Working around technology on a daily basis in virtually any position, including sales, stocking inventory or basic counter help will expose you to many aspects of the industry that just can't be gained in a school setting.

The other thing that you should do before fully committing to any specific IT path is to talk to the Human Resources departments of prospective employers to find out what kind of experience they require.

Larger companies typically require less of a skill set from its entry level employees because they generally have a better training program and they can employ a larger number of techs that can each provide a specific skill.

Smaller companies typically only have a couple or in many cases one individual to handle all of their IT needs, so a variety of real world skills helps in getting a job in these situations

According to the Small Business Administration, 98% of all businesses are classified as a 'small business' (less than 500 employees) That means the number of IT jobs available, as a whole, is much greater in smaller companies than the Fortune 500.

Whichever direction you choose to go, technology is one of the most dynamic and rewarding industries and can provide you with a tremendous future Just be sure to 'do your homework' so you can realistically manage your own expectations and not fall prey to the hype!