How can I get an IT job now if I couldn’t in 2005 with my I.S. degree?
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I earned a degree in Computer Information Systems (C.I.S.) in 2004. During my placement year (in 2002) I worked as a software tester at the beginning and then moved into development. After my degree I was engaged with my family business, and at the end of 2005 I moved to the UK (to accompany my partner during her PhD studies). Then I started my career as an office administrator. At that time I couldn't find a job in the IT field (due to my poor English). But now I want to move back to the IT field. Can you suggest a path for me that would allow me to move back into IT as quickly as possible? Thank you.
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ASKED:
March 5, 2009 10:48 PM
UPDATED:
March 10, 2009 6:55 PM
Answer Wiki:
Dear Sir or Madam:
Thanks for your posting. I guess my first question has to be the obvious one: "Have your English skills improved sufficiently to permit you to function in an IT role?" Depending on your answer, your job search may differ. Here's how:
1. If your answer is "Yes" you should be able to pursue just about any entry-level position you might care to go after. That said, in today's economic climate the path into IT typically starts at either the customer support or the technical support department's door. Because these positions involve substantial involvement with users, customers, and other people, language skills will be essential to your consideration for and success in such positions.
2. If your answer is "Maybe" you might want to consider something in the software development arena (development, test, QA, documentation, etc.). Formal learning and acquired language skills should be enough for you to make your way into a position where you also hold a degree and have had some prior working experience.
3. If your answer is "No," I would urge to work first and foremost on developing and improving your language skills before attempting to enter the workforce. Though this will slow your entry, it will also enable you to qualify for positions that your degree and work experience indicate you should otherwise be able to fill. Otherwise, you may consign yourself to under-employment for the foreseeable future.
HTH, and thanks again for sharing your situation with us. I hope my advice is helpful.
--Ed--
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You also need to determine exactly what it is you want to do…It’ll help to answer these questions: What are you good at? What can you do better than anyone else? What type of work motivates you the most? It sounds like you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a job in software development given your background…but again, it all goes back to who you are, how you work, and what you like to do. Best of luck!