Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

What are the best ways to make up for my lack of experience as I transition to a new career?

Veteran

Ryan hoffman Millersville, PA

I want to transition to the IT workforce in some capacity. I have a degree but no work experience in the field.

11 February 2015 13 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Joe Paschall Madison, AL

Certifications are the name of the game in the IT field, and you have plenty of resources to help you pursue them (GI Bill, VCTP, etc). Determine exactly where in the IT field you want to begin (Databases, SysAdmin, Network Ops, VTC, Help Desk) and pursue certs relevant to that. You certainly have plenty of hands-on IT experience as a user, so play that up as much as possible in the resume. All the above concurrent with networking your butt off by taking an active role in LinkedIn Groups related to IT in your area and joining local professional organizations. It is not easy to start over in something you have no experience in, but if you are willing to span that gap with drive and diligence, then it can be done.

11 February 2015 Helpful answer

Advisor

Tom Ordonez Miami, FL

Hey Ryan,

I know many Veterans that transitioned to IT. I disagree that you must get certifications to get in IT.

For instance I have interviewed hundreds of recent computer science grads. Guess how many had certifications...

About 5%. Which means that 95% are unemployed.

Wrong.

It's actually about the opposite. There is a shortage of IT/Tech related workers in the US.

Guess what I am in IT. Although I have a degree I don't have any certification. Most of my colleagues who work in tech don't even have a computer degree. Many studied history, biology, etc. They learned on their own, built a personal brand and now they are the CTOs of successful businesses. The CTO of the Obama campaign in 2011 went to school for philosophy with a minor in computers.

It depends where you want to be in IT. Do you want to work for a ginarmous enterprise? Yes you need certifications and years of experience.

I learned to punch ethernet cables in my free time. Then I learned how to hook up an office network. Then I got a bunch books and learned how to put together my own server. Built my own website. Guess what. I documented all my lessons on this website. Suddenly people started bloating my website with comments. Started getting dozens of job offers every week...

If you need help please let me know.

13 February 2015 Helpful answer

Advisor

Dave Cooley Denver, CO

Ryan,

If you have some investment resources, there are many franchise companies that operate in the IT industry that would love to talk to you.

If you want to know more and/or look at some options, contact me.

I'm a retired USAF officer and I've been in franchising the last 18 years, including the last 4 as a franchise consultant.

Franchise consultant fees are paid by the franchise sellers -- you don't pay anything and you can't pay more for a franchise because you have the benefit of a consultant.

Want to discuss some options? Give me a call or email and we'll coordinate.

Dave Cooley, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
dcooley@theyounetwork.com
720.259.9475 (Denver, Mountain Time Zone)

Advisor

Doug Bohrer Northbrook, IL

If your degree is in a technical area it is easier to make the move into IT. As far as certifications, I've worked in IT for over 40 years and I've seen very few people with certifications. Right now, the market is excellent for people with Linux skills. All of the application and database servers at Allstate are moving to x86 Red Hat Linux. It is relatively easy to get Linux experience. You can download versions of Linux for free onto an old Windows machine and teach yourself how to do things like writing scripts or system administration. If you are interested in this, I would be glad to help you. Just send me a message.

If your degree is in a non technical area, you can still move into IT through the back door. My daughter's degree was in Business Economics. She started out cleaning up a database of foreign bonds. To do this, she learned a lot of SQL and Perl scripting on her own. She then moved into a purely technical area on the strength of the technical skills she demonstrated in cleaning up Brazilian bonds. (They were a mess.)

Advisor

Ken Creedon Macungie, PA

If you have no experience it will be tough to get a job in IT, even a starting beginner position. Certifications can help but most employers are going to be looking for a degree or some type of training to grant you an interview. Hopefully your military experience will help you out, it is something I would take into consideration when hiring. You should see what training/ degree options are out there for you and go with what works best. Local community colleges often offer these courses/degrees at a very reasonable price, and an associates degree can get you in a lot of doors. Also, be prepared to start in that beginner spot. The good new is you can learn a lot there and move yourself up.

If you do get an interview, make sure you talk up any and all IT experience/knowledge you have. Try to talk about what you like to do in IT and what your interests are. That can be computer, mobile, networks, whatever you have a good knowledge or. We look for people who have a comfortable knowledge even it if is not directly related to the job opening.

Good luck.

Advisor

Carla Signoret San Antonio, TX

Hi Ryan!
I am a firm believer in the power or determination and drive, two things I believe can make up for degrees and certificates. Show your potential employers that you are willing to do whatever it takes to learn the ins and outs of the industry you are pursuing. Let them know you are flexible and willing to invest more time & effort at the beginning since you have the formal training.
I honestly think that employeers look for potential and committment more than diplomas.
Good luck to you!

Advisor

Bob Potterton Oakton, VA

I agree with a few of the others regarding education and certification. These do provide the basis / backbone for your career. I would also add that networking in your industry is very important. Create your profile on LinkedIn and join networking groups in your industry, view position openings, and begin a dialog with others in your field. This is a great professional networking site- its not Facebook. Attend functions and learn as much as you can. Get assistance with developing your resume and you may wish to establish a relationship with a professional recruiter that specializes professionals in their respected industry. Hope this helps just a bit !
Good luck, Bob

Advisor

Mary Fredette Killeen, TX

Education! Get something current on your resume and utilize the education benefits you have earned, such as your GI Bill. As previously mentioned, certificates are very valuable in the IT profession. They are also great short term goals. http://martinsburgcollege.edu/programs/certificate-programs/information-technology/

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

Earn goal-relevant IT certifications.
http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/#!

Advisor

Korey Chandler Sheppard Afb, TX

I'm blessed to have been in IT in the active military for 22 years. Upon retirement, I was able to find a job in the military civilian workforce. As a member of an IT hiring board in my current job, I know what I look for in a prospective employee.

The best way to 'get your foot in the door' is to find computer clerk jobs in the DOD civilian sector. Civil Service usually requires extensive experience but there are numerous opportunities in Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) positions. You can gain invaluable experience in both civilian and military IT systems in this way.

Certifications are not the total solution but they do show a prospective employer that you at least understand the concepts behind the examinations. During the interview process, especially when being screened by in-place IT professionals, do not overstate your current level of prior experience. It will always become apparent very quickly if you are hired.

If you apply for entry level positions, most employers expect that your experience is limited.

Advisor

Brent Hudson Buffalo, NY

My family and I thank you for your service.

The previous posts contain very good advice. I would only add that you should not be too proud to start at the very bottom of a company or organization. Candidates eager and willing to get in at the ground floor and do what it takes to learn at the very bottom are pretty attractive. With effort and determination, you will be amazed at how fast you pick things up and have opportunities to get involved in areas that interest you. Good luck.

Advisor

Jo Prabhu San Rafael, CA

Try offering to work as a Volunteer for a Charitable organization or a hospital. They ALWAYS have need for ALL types of skills and once on board, the next position that opens up could be for you! Good luck!

Advisor

Sandra McKee Buford, GA

Good morning! First you HAVE experience--you just need to work out the descriptions of what responsibilities you have had (with examples of your work ethic and ability to work and solve problems independently) in business-speak instead of military language. I would be happy to work with you as you develop your resume and suggest areas for your job search. The way we describe ourselves professionally often is the clearest determiner of where we will be received well. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sandra

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.