Experience but no qualifications

[BassTech]

I'm thinking of moving on in the next Year or two from being a ICT technician here to something higher-up in another school or private sector. I am 21 years old and currently earn £13,700 pa gross.

 

I want to move because I simply want to move out of home, and my current wage would not cover this, and there are no oppertiunites here for a promotion. I am looking for around £23,000-£28,000 pa gross.

 

The only problem is I have 0 ICT qualifications, although I do have 4 years (nearly 5) experience, and I am very competent with networking, windows server, virtulization, backup soloutions, mis systems, web site building, graphic designing, advance software troubleshooting and various other things...

 

I'm really not sure if I should just go for another job based on my experience (and very good references) or if I should get some qualifications under my belt first, but I wouldn't know where to start!

 

What are your opinions?

[hardtailstar]

Apply for jobs, if you dont get places ask for feedback and if Qualifications are mentioned head down that route.

[sippo]

We're looking at employing someone over the next few weeks, and for me experience outweighs qualifications if it came down to a final decision.

[Ghostgame]

When doing you CV put your work experience\time working ahead of your qualifications.

Also you could compile a portfolio to have proof that you are competent in the skills you have.

[twin--turbo]

A qualification is gained at a point in time, experince is built over time.

 

Sadly some companies do put some outlandish requests on job specifications.

 

Rob

[elsiegee40]

I've got qualifications, but they're not worth the parchment they're illuminated onto because they're so old. (I started on punch cards )

 

Your experience should be enough to make the next step, but of course if you get an opportunity to do relevant training, grab it! Most Job descriptions will have "or relevant experience" next to the required qualifications.

[X-13]

Most Job descriptions will have "or relevant experience" next to the required qualifications.

 

I don't think mine did.

 

I don't have any qualifications [Not even a A-C grade GCSE ] but I've always faffed about with tech and have, once upon a time, taught game design [sort of longish story]

 

 

I would say, just apply for the jobs you see. You may lack the qualifications, but they could be impressed with your history. Personally, I'd take 4/5 years working experience of current tech over qualifications from years ago.

[Miscbrah]

^ These. Experience over certs definitely, at your level for sure.

 

BUT if you WANT something quick and easy for the CV (I think the following still hold true btw) get the easiest Microsoft exam you can find done. You'll breeze it as a tech THEN you're Microsoft certified (MCP) so you get logos to put on the CV. If they ask why you've got it, say you thought it's worthwhile having a cert to vouch for skills gained. If they ask to mean they think it's a bit meaningless, say it's not meant to stand on its own as you're working towards your MCITP.

 

Also, do a few modules of a CCNA say, that way you're working towards your CCNA too! Nothing like some practical knowledge alongside the study, which makes you more useful to the network you're entering into etc... Also helps you answer that "where do you see yourself in five years?" question!

[pete]

Interview - if nothing else you'll gain experience at presenting yourself at interviews.

 

Regarding qualifications: As a starting point, do the practise tests for the CompTIA courses (A+, N+, Security+) and assess how close you are to passing.

[BassTech]

Hey all,

 

I've been working for 70-680 for around 2 Years, now, this is an easy(ish) exam but various family and personal problems keep me from completing it, so each time I start it up again I've forgot most of what I learnt... and now they're expiring this on 30th July this Year so there's not much point now, with server 2012 and windows 8 out now as well.

 

But yeah experience seems to be the key, as I have gained a nice 4 years and I'm still only 21

 

Do you think based on my experince I could go for a, say, Assistant Network Manager type role as that's the level I want to step up to?

[synaesthesia]

Personally I would suggest lowering your expectations of salary a little - for a 21yo in London that would be a reasonable target, however in the Midlands, not so much. Sell yourself on your CV and covering letter and you can easily make lack of qualifications seem unimportant. Make yourself the right person for the jobs you are applying for and experience will speak for itself. At least whilst working for lower salary you can gain more experience and aim for higher salaries later on. After all, at most you've got 4 years experience which in the wide world isn't a lot. Keep at it and good things will come.

[BassTech]

Personally I would suggest lowering your expectations of salary a little - for a 21yo in London that would be a reasonable target, however in the Midlands, not so much. Sell yourself on your CV and covering letter and you can easily make lack of qualifications seem unimportant. Make yourself the right person for the jobs you are applying for and experience will speak for itself. At least whilst working for lower salary you can gain more experience and aim for higher salaries later on. After all, at most you've got 4 years experience which in the wide world isn't a lot. Keep at it and good things will come.

 

It's not a lot, but I started here at 17 so when I will be looking for other jobs in 1-2 years I will have 6-7 years experience and still only be 23 Not sure about the salary, it'd have to be a nice bit more than I pick up now, because I do love working here - just not on enough money!

[Gibbo]

I think the point about qualifications has been missed somewhat. Qualifications - particularly those taken voluntarily as an adult shows a dedication and willingness to learn and better oneself, especially if you're going to a job which involves some degree of management. How are you on staff management and handling budgets?

[Danp]

No qualifications here, but 15 years experience.

[BassTech]

I think the point about qualifications has been missed somewhat. Qualifications - particularly those taken voluntarily as an adult shows a dedication and willingness to learn and better oneself, especially if you're going to a job which involves some degree of management. How are you on staff management and handling budgets?

 

Yes, they are important but it looks like most people here think experience is more valuable. And I've never managed anyone or a budget but it can't be that hard, everyone has to start somewhere!

[witch]

Yes, they are important but it looks like most people here think experience is more valuable. And I've never managed anyone or a budget but it can't be that hard, everyone has to start somewhere!

 

You could go for a job like mine where you are a lone tech in a smaller school as as step up to full NM or even assistant NM. I dont have a budget but I know how much money there is to spend and I get to do quotes and decide on what kit we buy.

Speaking as an ex-recruitment consultant - I would go for any job you think you could do. If you need help with your CV, just drop me a PM

[synaesthesia]

Yes, they are important but it looks like most people here think experience is more valuable. And I've never managed anyone or a budget but it can't be that hard, everyone has to start somewhere!

 

I absolutely concur. 16 years experience in the field, no qualifications. A lack of qualifications nearly always means one of 3 things.

1. You couldn't be bothered or don't have the ability to pass them

2. You could be bothered, but it's difficult to finance them a) at all b) these days c) because of your circumstances

3. You could be bothered but you find you learn more doing the job than theoretically learning how to do the job.

 

1. means you won't be getting anywhere, but the other 2 are easily solvable by correctly selling yourself and proving yourself. A foot in the door to show what you're capable of helps out a lot here.

[rich_tech]

Degree here, not in the field of IT though (Human Resource Management), been in to computers since my Acorn Electron here, though I have 16 years of various experience in PC/Apple/Linux/Unix repair/installation/engineering and support (was funny having my dad drive me to places to fix PCs when I was 16 looking back and funny seeing peoples faces when a 16 year old turned up to fix their PC)

 

I would say also if you want to show that you are interested in training take a look at the https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/Home.aspx - they offer courses for free on most current windows technologies, though not MCP certification, it can show that you are training where possible to an employer if budget is a problem.

Edited January 29, 2013 by rich_tech

[MatthewL]

No qualifications here just 7 years experience in IT within the NHS, I am moving on next week to a new start in the private sector.

[BassTech]

You could go for a job like mine where you are a lone tech in a smaller school as as step up to full NM or even assistant NM. I dont have a budget but I know how much money there is to spend and I get to do quotes and decide on what kit we buy.

Speaking as an ex-recruitment consultant - I would go for any job you think you could do. If you need help with your CV, just drop me a PM

 

I sort of do that now, there is a NM but I handle all orders at the moment - ink, bulbs, bits n bobs etc he just manages bigger spending like computer suites, but I am capable of doing that as well.

 

Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it in the future which leads me onto another question.... When is the best time to apply for a new job? I was thinking sometime around the summer.

[witch]

Anytime. Look ALL the time and then just go for it. Tech jobs come up all year round

Even if you do already do the small ordering a job where you are responsible for the big stuff would be a step up.

My advice to you is simple - look at all jobs and see if you honestly believe you could do them and have enough relevant experience. It is unlikely that you will jump into a NMs job with full budgetary and personnel responsibility but other than that - have a go