[srslaw86]

Hiya!

Im currently employed by BT as a call center advisor and previously worked at Tesco for 5 years throught my Degree and College years.

I have a BSc(hons) degree in Computer Networks and Security, in which I acheived a 2.2.

My problem is that my experience isn't IT based and so employers just don't want to know. I personally feel that doing my degree may have been a big waste of time and money if this is the case. Even for jobs that pay LESS than BT or Tesco want the same (how is that possible??)

Can someone help me please??

Thanks!

[Dream Weaver]

no idea... try craigslist?

[stoney]

(Original post by srslaw86)
Hiya!

Im currently employed by BT as a call center advisor and previously worked at Tesco for 5 years throught my Degree and College years.

I have a BSc(hons) degree in Computer Networks and Security, in which I acheived a 2.2.

My problem is that my experience isn't IT based and so employers just don't want to know. I personally feel that doing my degree may have been a big waste of time and money if this is the case. Even for jobs that pay LESS than BT or Tesco want the same (how is that possible??)

Can someone help me please??

Thanks!

Hey there, I'm a recent Comp Sci graduate who is looking for work after working something not so good for the past 6 months lol so I can empathise.

I would say IT on a grad scheme, thats where I'd been applying to. It is kind of late this year but its an idea for the comming september to apply then if you can find something to do for a year. They're pretty flexible when it comes to experience as mostly inexperienced graduates apply to them.

Failing that scour job sites, draw on the experience from your degree. Above all when applying to jobs read about the company and try to understand what they need from the person that will fill that position (you can show off how your degree i.e. specific projects have given you what they want). You can show off this in the covering letter you send with your application. I've had soooo many more interviews by just doing a little research about the company and putting across that I have got the skills they seek from my limited experience as a graduate.

Hope that helps a little.

[biffyclyro27]

perhaps try going for a year placement or internship to gain some experience?

[srslaw86]

Tried all that. Im starting to wonder how people get into IT in the first place. Every single emplyer wants "proven track record" or "experience". By saying that iv gone to university and studied IT for 5 years and worked part time in a supermarket for the past 6 years doesnt seem to be enough for a job paying 14k!

[biffyclyro27]

(Original post by srslaw86)
Tried all that. Im starting to wonder how people get into IT in the first place. Every single emplyer wants "proven track record" or "experience". By saying that iv gone to university and studied IT for 5 years and worked part time in a supermarket for the past 6 years doesnt seem to be enough for a job paying 14k!

You have tried to get a student placement and been refused on grounds of having no real experience? Really, I find that hard to believe as most students going for placements don't have any experience and I managed to secure one with barely any experience.

[Cyberman Thetory]

That Catch-22 (you can't get a job without experience) has existed in IT for 20 years. It is particularly bad at the moment because of the recession; many experienced IT people are out of work and desperate.

One way to get experience is volunteering. Have a look at IT Can Help or iT 4 Communities.

[m.grump]

Get voluntary experience, a few months or a few finished projects, and then apply like crazy for entry level jobs. It worked for me..