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HELP, I want a Mentor

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I am new to IT and the organization I work for is a great company with excellent benefits, however I have no guidance and no support. It seems as if everyman for themselves when in truth I thought we were supposed to be team players. My question to the TechRepublic Community is how do you get ahead in IT when no one is willing to teach you? Also if anyone is willing to mentor me I would greatly appreiate it. I really do want to excell in this field but when your supervisor is not providing you with a career advancement stratagey what do you do?

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A lot depends on your situation

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

If you’re in a large organization, then as you work with people, you’ll figure out those you can trust and which ones will be able to act as your mentor.

If you’re in a small co., then it might be your boss who’s the only possibility. If you’re new and (s)he’s been around soaking up a fat paycheck for a while, you might be viewed as a threat. A young gun with up-to-date skills just waiting to knock off the old-timer.

If that’s the case, I’d advise you to be the best employee you can and you should be able to build up trust. In either case, it might take several months to get the relationship going.

Away from work, look into local geek forums. There usually are formal or informal IT organizations that have some structure. It’s a great way to network. Good luck, grasshopper.

Call me!

In reply to A lot depends on your situation

I have mentored a number of people and can supply references. People tend to forget that we are all in this together and sometimes get caught up in their own little houses without looking out the door.

You should check into professional organisations

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

That is an easy way to find guidance.

You don’t mention where you are or what you do so it is difficult to really give you specific direction.

I have found my best mentors in the organisations I work in- people who know their job and have an understanding of mine. They are generally people that I would choose to socialise with outside of the workplace.

In a pinch, you might want to consider asking your manager if a mentor programme exists in you workplace. Many companies have them but few use them.

Bring questions here. There are always those who are happy to give you an answer to the best of our individual knowledge.

Good luck!

try IEEE’s new mentor pgm

In reply to You should check into professional organisations

if you are a member of the IEEE, they have recently started a mentoring program. from their recent email on this pgm:

Subject: IEEE Mentoring Connection Invitation – Call for Mentors

The IEEE has developed an online program to foster mentoring relationships
between younger IEEE members and those with more experience. We would like to
offer you the opportunity to participate as a mentor in this program.

As a mentor, you will be able to draw from your professional life experiences
to help guide a younger professional in their career planning and professional
development. The online program enables the mentee to select their mentoring
partner from among those who have volunteered to serve as mentors. After you
have been identified as potential match, you will be contacted and asked to
begin establishing a relationship.

IEEE has partnered with The Training Connection, a vendor that has developed a
web-based mentoring program to facilitate the matching process. Participation
in the program is voluntary and open to all IEEE members above the grade of
Student Member.
If you are interested in being a mentor, please go to
http://www.ieee.org/mentoring for information on the roles and responsibilities
of each mentoring partner including additional program information and an FAQ
page. We also ask that you review the time and effort commitment to the
program necessary to ensure a successful mentoring partnership. Access to the
actual mentoring site is available via the IEEE Membership Benefits page at
http://www.ieee.org/web/membership/benefits/index.html.

Getting ahead

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Professional growth:
A lot depends on who you work for, where you live, the shape of the economy and what you want. Do you have an idea of where you want to go? Write down some short term and long term goals. Then figure out what you need to do to acheive those goals.

Personal growth:
READ! I can’t stess that enough. Especially for newbies. Get your hands on every trade rag you can find and read them. Most of them are free.

Mentors:
You’ll find quite a few off them right here on this forum. Just start asking questions.

good to be open

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

It is very normal for any fresher in IT industry. People take time to manage with new environments. It is very good to start conversation with your colleagues(team members). Let me know in what platform u r working with i’ll try to help u in gathering info. related to that field.

perspective…

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Also remember, if you are new, that this position is probably a very good [b] first step [/b] to many other steps in your career – not your entire career. As you dig in and focus on all your new tasks, even if you had a mentor, you still need to be your own mentor in a way.

– Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed, but as you focus on the details of your job, and show them how well it can be done – remember at the same time that this may not be the only position you will ever fill so remember to work on you – not just the job.

– Take a few moments at the end of each workday to step-back and reflect on issues both technical and political that you’ve had to face (or anticipate) and decide how to best handle them tomorrow.

– Take care of yourself professionally and keep up on all the latest technology – not just what’s needed for your current position. As jdmercha said before…READ READ READ. Use as many resources as you can find. Just drink them all in!

– In lier of a personal mentor, mine as many tech sites as you can. TR is a great start. This is one of the best of many org’s where you can converse with other professionals in your field…and in other, similar fields that may also effect your work at times…and give-and-take information (and have fun). These folks have a great practical & realistic view of the professional/technical world. Don’t worry if at first there’s more take than give, that will change as you acclimate.

– Remember to document, document, document – no matter exactly what position you are filling. Take the time to cover your butt – write everything down. Even if it’s just a notebook with a list of what you did and who you did it for that day. Take the time to keep good notes – they may save you in the future. Trust me on this one.

– Also remember that mistakes aren’t the end of the world no matter how upset someone will get at you for one. They will happen. Take them in stride and learn from them. It’s okay. If you are new to tech, then I’m sure that you will be learning for years to come. You don’t get this stuff overnight. It’s not as easy as say, law, or the medical profession. And changes a lot more frequently!

– And be courteous to everyone – even the doodie-heads. Stay calm and professional and don’t let anyone at work see you sweat. Your calm is your power – keep it in check and stay professional…even if no one else does. If you need to vent – find family, friends, chat rooms, discussion boards, etc. People outside of work are great for understanding. Like the saying goes “Don’t poop where you eat” (that’s the nice version) 😉 .

– Oh, and finally, remember to put spaces before and after your emoticons when posting.

That’s all I have right now. Good advice that was given to me once – that I have, on occasion, totally forgotten and regretted it each and every time. What can I say, I’m human.

Good luck.

Find somewhere to start

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Look for something you can research and pick up on in your own time.

What you pick depends on what the organisation has to do, what your experience is etc.

For example, IT support in most organisations is usually the infrastructure, but less on applications. However, you may have some application expertise that could be useful.

It might help to start by creating a list of things that have to get done by the department; some will require more knowledge than others, and you may be able to start with the simple, tedious ones that veterans of the department dislike doing – they prefer the more complex and challenging problems.

Look for things you can learn easily that will help you have the basics of what you need. Understanding mail flow might be an example.

Then collect resources around it. If you have some spare old hardware at home, get hold of free evaluation software and practice with it – there are also online labs where you can experiment with configuring systems for free.

Find out which users have trivial problems that then irritate your coworkers, and see if you can deal with some of these.

Once you have some expertise that complements, or may exceed what others in your department have, then you have something to “trade” i.e. you can help them in exchange for help in other areas.

Bear in mind that it is unlikely that any of your coworkers have had their workload reduced so that they can help you, and so they have to see that any investment they make in you is going to be repaid in the longer term.

Same As The Rest Of Us

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Research, enquire, hassle and practice at home.

Maybe you’re such a dweeb that no-one wants to share anything with you. Ever thought of that?

Shape up, stop whinging and start learning. Or try plumbing, apparently there is a dirth of plumbers right now.

Think about what you just said…

In reply to Same As The Rest Of Us

The average plumber is going to make anywhere from $45K-$90K a year. IF you own the plumbing business, chances are in a busy area you are going to CLEAR $120K-$240K a year.

Before you begin to make stupid statements and start talking S**T you better apply your own advise to yourself. Learn, stop giving useless advise. And “Sir”.. I recommend you brush your teeth before speaking, your breath is really foul…

THX

In reply to Think about what you just said…

Thx, lscott anyone can clearly see that robb06 has a lack of self pride since he has to foul mouth someone who wants to actually learn something abd has enough guts to ask for help. Robb06 back OFF!

Same as us? I’m not a dweeb…

In reply to Same As The Rest Of Us

But aparently you’re okay with letting everybody else know what you think of yourself.

Yes, no whinging!

In reply to Same As The Rest Of Us

🙂

Seriously, you are not likely to find a mentor at WORK — this is not my idea; it is the basis of the book “The Peter Principle” (by Dr. Lawrence Peter) which, digested somewhat, says that you are a threat to anyone whose job you might take if he/she teaches you what she/he does for a living.

On the other hand, if you discover that the accountant is a geek whose got Linux on the side (or some similar combination), teaching you something about I.T. is not going to threaten his/her job and it could even lead to social satisfaction. Fellow geeks are more likely to “show off” rather than patiently get your I.T. career bootstrapped.

Older I.T. workers are MUCH more approachable in my opinion, also ex-career military I.T. workers that have learned well to pass along talents as the way to free time for new talents. I teach as many of my co-workers as much as they are willing to learn; and while there is some risk of losing my job because of it, meanwhile I obtain considerable satisfaction and an opportunity to go on vacation if I am NOT the only one capable of doing critical things. My “big” boss recognizes the value in employees willing to share their knowledge even at risk of employment; it speaks to character rather than “skill set”. In fact, Robb’s comment about “whinging” speaks to character rather than skills. I have no idea what a “dweeb” is; might even be that I am such a thing 🙂

The “newsgroups” (USENET “discussion groups”) are a tremendous resource of questions and answers. You can often “Google” a question and find an answer from one of the newsgroup archives. Getting STARTED can be extremely difficult I’ll admit; making my first “C” program talk to MySQL took about two years but now I make them quite easily and it all seems very straightforward.

you might also like to note

In reply to Yes, no whinging!

that the “Peter Principle is also called “the point at which a person has reached their level of incompitance” for those that missed it, sarcasm was suppose to be dripping all over what was written. and i do appologize for my laziness in regards to grammar, spelling and proof reading. did way to much of that when i was working don’t feel like doing now. if that makes my words pointless and of no use then so be it. every one is allowed their own opinion and i welcome any that fly my way whether they be good or bad.

you hit your peter…

In reply to you might also like to note

…right at the point of grammar, spelling, and proof-reading. I’m too scared to read your advice so i will not.

oh i hit my peter point

In reply to you hit your peter…

years ago and miles away. at the stage of the game i am at now retired i don’t expend the energy to be fancy with my written language. as far as taking my advice, it is thrown up in the air and who ever wants to catch it is welcome to it. one thing i will point out that you have missed, i do not attack a person, i attack the situation, you on the other hand? take care, enjoy life and don’t sweat the little things.

ok no personal attack

In reply to oh i hit my peter point

(although I just LOVE how people talk in 3rd person in Canada like it makes it really more polite)

What I EXPECT from Edmonton…sloppiness. There, I “citified” it instead of personalized.

:o)

Enjoy your retirement — I’m sure your clients are!

for someone who is so quick to

In reply to Same As The Rest Of Us

give such assinine advice as you, who can’t even bother to complete your profile, should really not be so negative or insulting. what is wrong with asking for help. oh wait, maybe you never needed to ask anybody for help. come on now and give the new person a break and give an answer that is well thought out and helpful. or as my parents (and probably everyone elses) would say, “if you can’t say anything nice, DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL” got it.

THX 2 U

In reply to for someone who is so quick to

Again I thank you for having my back. I have to excel at this just to have something to say to Robb06-WHAT!!!!

your welcome

In reply to THX 2 U

i hope i can always be helpful

Strange

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

It is strange that no one replied. And it is very strange that a company that hires people to do a job does not supply the environment that is necessary. As for you conclusion that ?as if everyman for themselves?, that is more common then you think. Actually that and the statement ?we should act as a team? is your first and valuable lesson! Team spirit, team building?.the are obsolete thoughts. More and more personal drives are the motivators. It takes a strong management to guide those individuals down that path of business goals and successes. I gather (as a European) it is stronger in American companies than in Europeans. But it is a common complaint. So as for the guidance, my advice is look at the internet. There is a multitude of white papers for people to learn. I understand the problems of cost but this is free. Determine which areas are more valuable for you then others and concentrate on them. Most books are available through libraries (low cost solution) and concentrate on ready materials that are low cost. I seldom buy extended a costly books because I use easier to read stuff that compresses the problem or subject to a few handy pages (easy to read and less costs). Most of the documentation is a repetition of problems and cases done many times over. Keep a clear view of what you really want and do not get distracted from the main problem or target. Difficult? Yes! But easy to do yourself without the help of others.

Welcome to the real world

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Hello Shyne530,

I have 35 plus years of experience in IT. Consider yourself fortunate if you are not being micromanaged. Listen carefully. Try to figure out what your supervisors need in order to be successful. Try to become the person who consistently provides the solutions to his or her challenges to assure your group’s top performance goals within the district. Keep asking questions and keep struggling to keep up with the information and the technology explosions.

putting the cart in front of the horse, aren’t you?

In reply to Welcome to the real world

He is just starting. How come this so wonderful firm is not traing you and providing you with training materials? And how wonderful is lack of team work?

Dependening on what you are supposed to be doing- how did you get there, if you lack the training?- read up on it, and ask questions. approach anyone whom you find friendly and ask them for advice on reading materials, and then ask questions, stroking their ego and making sure they know that you are grateful for their help. Talk to your boss. Any manager should be willing to give you advice , knowing you are a novice, as making you look good will make them look good, and trained employees create less problems.

Last , if you know anyone else in another company that does the same type of work as you do, go pick their brain. I am , frankly, surprised that no t4raining is being provided.
You will need to study hard to catch up. Look into crash courses in your field and read up on details and finetune later.
Good luck.

I promote self-support…

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

shyne530, I am an IT Manager, and I feel for you. Many questions come to my mind about your supervisor; Are they apethetic, or simply are looking for self-motivated employees? Does your employer have any kind of employee review process, hence the sup will only act during those review cycles? Have you taken the initiative to approach your sup? Which begs the question is your sup approachable?

I personnally try to find a balance with my 50 staff where I am looking for staff to approach me with their individual training/coaching needs, and execute quarterly, semi-annual, and annual employee reviews. I have supervisors too, I do not do all 50 reviews myself.

It’s also not clear if you have coworkers to shadow, or if you’re in a site that requires more independence. Either way, I see an opportunity where you could request time on your sups calendar maybe bi-weekly for 15-30 minutes and specifically ask him/her about your performance. When you get to know your environment a little better, look for internal training offerings (CBT?), or local vendor classes teaching application and enironmental courses appropriate to what you support.

As an alternative, and as a last resort if your sup doesn’t respond, go over their head. Risky, but it can be done tactfully. I personnally don’t mind if my staff go over my head, one, because we have that kind of relationship, and two, as long as my director maintains their anonymity, I get useful feedback to change my ways to accommodate my staff’s changing needs.

Good luck, it is not easy being an island in this field.

Look for resources outside work

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

As said above, there are a lot of tech sites. Look into downloading Stumble and check off IT to find them.

Look to google for advice. Many problems have solutions that google can find. The problem is to phrase the search the right way to get the best answer.

Look outside work continued

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

I forgot one important place to look. The manufacturer of the hardware or software has a web site usually. It usualy has a lot of info on how to maintain their product. Sometimes their tech support is useful but some will require some form of money for help. If there is an important piece of equipment like a router, your company might have a service agreement.

Study! Study! STUDY!!!

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

If you have learned enough to get a job in the IT industry, then you should have learned enough to know how to learn, what you don?t know and are expected to produce. Basicly on your own time, you study any available material and master it, so you can produce the expected output your employers are looking for. If this solution is unacceptable, then you need to find a position in a larger IT organization that has enough senior staff to mentor you.

Great company with benefits

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Check with your HR dept to find out what kind of education assistance you get, also sometimes your supervisor can give you time off with pay to take classes or seminars. Some IT depts have money in there budget for technical courses and specific training needs in addition to HR sponsored classes. You should be exploring what your interests are and don’t wait for your supervisor to recognize your strengths, they usually have too much on their plate to see your strengths. Talk to your supervisor about your interests, during review time explain your plans to advance in your field and what types of classes you need to get to that goal. Once your supervisor sees you are willing to work hard and plan they will usually support you in your efforts the best they can.

IT Mentor

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Congrats to you….in IT it is either feast or famine…..the organization I left had people willing to share info/ideals and grow subordinates. My current company I love, but it is more secretive than the military ( retired Commander )with people unwilling to share ideals / tricks or train subordinates for fear of becoming “replaceable”. My best advice is to take every opportunity to learn from projects, do supplemental readings and take time off for training. My company hates to send personnel to training, so I take time off myself and expense it all on my tax returns.

As for the supervisor, he/she is probably one of those “bosses” who knows the buzzwords but if had to talk the technology, it would soon be apparent they are idiots! Play “dumb” with him / her and listen to the other coworkers how they handle their projects/problems. Eventually, someone will slip up and talk, giving you helpful insights and tips into how to perform your day to day task/projects.

If you need more advice, I will be happy to assist you in this “culture”….just e-mail me and we can go from there. Been in this business 11 years, started as a PC Tech at a retail store, now am a Local Network Admin for a corp entitity.

contact me

In reply to IT Mentor

computer_consultant4u@hotmail.com

All depends…

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Hi Shyme530

An interesting question. Two things pop out of your post, one is your screen name – are you really shy? If so, I sympathise – I was too, until I learned that most people were willing to help if asked – gives them a bit of an ego boost too!

The other thing was “…no one is willing to teach you…” Don’t wait to be taught – start learning – books, manuals are a valuable start but mostly you will find your peers are more than willing to help if it is obvious that you have made an effort to solve your problem by yourself but now need the assistance of an experienced professional.

Most (no flames, please!) IT people tend to be somewhat insular in their approach to their work but if approached, are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience.

If you still feel you need a formal mentor, you need to speak to your manager about it. It may be that your company has an appropriate scheme but if you don’t ask, (s)he may not think to mention it. If not, then you need to decide whether the great company you work for outweighs your personal needs.

You’ve made a great start, recognising that you need or want a little advice and guidance, rather than blunder along in ignorance. I’m sure your manager and colleagues will respect this and be more than willing to help. Just remember when you reach their skill levels to pass on your experience to your juniors!

Good luck!
A.

All depends…

In reply to All depends…

Yes I did ask for help he said he would get back to me..no respone My screen name is actually SHYNE (as in sunshine)530. I am not shy at all, I possess agreat personality and I pay great attention to detail.

Boss Attacks!!!

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

I used to work as an IT Technician (or that is what they called the position) and was responsible for three medium networks. What I didn’t find out until later was that I was to be responsible for everything else. A Phone system PBX with no access to service, A database that I was NOT authorized to work on but I must be familiar with, and the hardest part 125 people that had no clue what so ever on any details of what a computer was. The “Boss” in this case was the payroll officer who was more interested in in being over critical and extremely demanding. It was also very apparent she wanted someone that could fix anything anywhere at anytime. For example, while being a good idea, when ever a thunderstorm came into the area I was to return to the office and powerdown all the servers. I was NOT allowed to isolate the equipment from the possibility of a lightning strike. I live in an area where lightning is generally the largest threat to just about everything. What good is it to just turn everything off and still keep it plugged in? I also had three sites that I had to maintain. The hardest part was being able to maintain overall security. In one place the clients were allowed to access the computer network because the passwords were non-exixtant or extremely weak. Tried to get that changed and you would be suprised how many of these professionals would cry like babies because they didn’t have the mental facilities to remember something they chose. Other problems were Windows 98 security, users who would not listen to reason and refused to report problems as well as sneaking around and doing personal stuff on the computer which would later cause one employee to loose over $5000.00 in a phishing scam, a supervisor who would absolutely refused to allow access to areas that needed to be maintained, and I was NOT allowed to educate the users on simple tasks which would have kept their systems up and running with fewer problems. I documented everything. I tried to set up classes. I tried to write little email messages offering assistance. And if that wasn’t enough, I also had to be the HIPAA (sp) Nazi. Oh you are going to love this one. I was to keep the servers updated with microsoft updates, but I was NOT allowed to install them once they were downloaded unless they were approved from a DIFFERENT IT COMPANY. Go figure. Any way I really did enjoy the job, and I lasted 88 days out of a 90 day probation period. I had the tools, the know-how, the willingness to apply myself, and well you get the idea. Oh here is a good one. In the time that I was working there, I removed 13000 viruses, 138 trojans, 14 backdoor keyloggers, and 12 hackers. The boss wasn’t happy because I was to build systems from old computers that would rival the newest computers they had on order. (they didn’t get any new machines until I had been out of there for 4 months – imagine that). They finally hired an IT Technician, I wish him all the luck he can find cause he is going to need it. Would I go back? Yes I would. And I would be more assertive and take control better than I did before. Would they hire me back? Absolutely NOT!!!

Suggestions for you:

1. Keep a seperate journal on EVERYTHING you did. Including just looking at the system. Make exact notes on changes to any system and who the system belongs to.

2. Enforce all department policies no matter how outdated or stupid they are. If you must take action against another employee under these policies, do it immediately and remember rule #1.

3. Do exactly what the boss thinks you should be doing and then turn around and do the job correctly. Again remember rule #1.

4. Find any type of information you can on the system that you are running and memorize it – literally. There is more information you can read out on the internet, and don’t pass up some of the hacker sites. They have a wealth of information on how to break into a system which will help you keep them out. And don’t forget rule #1.

4. CYA – Cover Your Anus!!! If the boss feels threated by you in any way, you will get it in the end. I can’t stress it enough.. don’t forget rule #1.

5. When dealing with a bunch of PROFESSIONAL MORONS who are computer illiterate, do what you can because you will find yourself talking to the walls otherwise, and some of those MORONS will be your worst enemies reporting back to the boss that you can’t do anything. (GO figure that one out.)Especially remember rule #1 here. You may have to “explain in vain” what you did at the time you were in that persons office.

6. DO NOT under any circumstances get caught in your office trying to catch up on your work. If your boss is as bad as mine was, you won’t have a job, because you spent too much time on the computer system doing nothing that concerned the business. Try to have your IT information sent to your personal email address and not to the one at work. When you get home, you can much better read and enjoy the information at your own pace.

7. Most important, NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER contact other IT professionals while you are at work!!! This I can guarantee you will cost you your job. Do that again on your own time away from the office. Explain why you are doing that to whom you are speaking to then begin to ask your questions and comments to the person you are talking to. Chances are good to excellent you can pick their brains once they know what you up against. Remember rule #1

I admit this is probably too lengthy, however if you really like your job, this will help keep your head above rough water and keep you in line for all those benefits you like. Because you will have to earn them. 🙂

If you think I may be able to help you, feel free to email me. I may not know everything there is to know, but I do know how to “do research.” 🙂

ロニースコット

Even worse: knowing _something_!

In reply to Boss Attacks!!!

“When dealing with a bunch of PROFESSIONAL M…”

The difficult ones know a thing or two about the OSI model, IP addresses or whatever and refuse to implement the cure to their problem. I’ve been that way in the past, but I’m not too proud — if I am stumped, I’ll try anything, even the thing I am sure will not work. On those occasions when the thing I was sure would not work, DID work, then I appreciate the opportunity to update my understanding of things.

It is difficult to express my feelings when someone who lacks specialized computer training nevertheless passes judgement on my abilities.
I had one director refuse to talk to me for two years after saying, “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” What had happened was that I was unable to get her laptop connected to a rogue wireless access point, and I said it would never happen until and unless she obtained the WEP key for that particular access point. Several other technicians tried and failed and I suppose she now thinks all technicians are idiots.

The blind controlling the seeing…

In reply to Even worse: knowing _something_!

I to have been talk down to. And I can relate it is no fun. Now then, even though you had a director not talk to you for two years, because of her stupidity is no fun. The thing that would have tipped me off that you had been dealing with a MORON is the fact that she wanted access to a rogue AP. For example a questin I would have ased off the top of my head is “IS IT YOURS?” If the answer was no or well it belongs to a friend, I would have said, sorry you have to figure that out on your own. Then continue on saying that if you were to access that AP the information on her laptop would become open source to hackers.. You know.. Scare them out of the idea. IF she wanted to access the system that you were on then that is fine. But to allow access to outside points without the AP owners permission is seriously asking for problems. From what I gathered in your reply, it was doomed to fail even before it left the room. It only goes to show how far idiots without training will try to push their weight around to have you do something which could be considered unethical and or illegal. I would much rather have her think that all technicians were idiots then loose my job because of her extremely high IQ level and assumed knowledge of IT support.

I advise everyone to forumlate a plan ‘B’

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

As a 57 yr old, with an MS in CompSci, I’d like to give some fatherly advice:

The growth/prestiege/money is out of IT. I find most people in IT to be very thoughtful and intelligent. However the O/S & hardware manufacturers are headed to build networks that can be maintained from a distance (need I say India or China). Plus continued, relentless change over change is gonna take it’s emotional and monetary toll.

Sit back an imagine what you will be doing when you are 40. Where would you like to be? I urge all of you to chart a course to a better paying more satisfying job. Another words, IT is sorta like a high paying fast food job… you’re gonna be stuck in it unless you think ahead.

As for the respondent’s who label people, or use tough guy statements – they contribtue little, it’s simply their coping mechaism.

couple of different options

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

1. do nothing.
2. find a new job.
3. discuss it with your manager. ask them for help.

if you are new to IT, 2 may not be a viable solution. if you have discussed it with your manager and they are unwilling or not interested or simply too busy, ask for help elsewhere- like this fourm. 1 is there if you are content bieng where you are (doesn’t sound like it).

you can email me for questions or even setup a conf. call or a meeting at starbucks. i’d be glad to help. i was lucky enough to have a great mentor and i have tried to mentor others as much as possible. it’s a great way to motivate, lead, and learn, IMHO.

I never had a Mentor

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Although I never had a mentor that’s not to say I didn’t know people I could talk to about work or study.

When I first got into the IT industry I set up a gaming group and we got together once every 2 months. This group was made up of IT professionals from many different business and area’s of IT.

My main reason for this group was to have people I could ask questions of no mater what I was looking for. They also found this useful as it gave them also other to seek advise from.

Seven years later and I am in my third IT jod and one of these came from the contacts I made in this group of People. I now have a number of people who come and ask me question and advise. These people have become very good friends of mine and have been invaluble in helping me get where I am today.

I would suggest you look around your local area and see Groups of IT professional there are. Look on the net for professional ogranision in the same relate field you work in. Like System admins have a look at Sage. Some of these groups have Mentoring programs.

The main thing is to get out there and talk to people. Let them now who you are and what you do.

leave!!

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

If a company does not work with you to get things done they are klooking for a slave. What kind of company is that? I worked most of my life for IBM (motto: THINK) and I had about two to three months a year paid training. That’s what a good company does. If you are willing to pay I gladly work as a tutor for you. 20 years of my working life I taught all over the globe covering subjects from language to electronics to applications.

It depends on you

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

What experience do you have, and do you have any type of degree? I know there are great computer people out there with out any schooling but they had to learn ether from some one are they are self taught. If you are hired for a position ether they felt you had enough qualifications? for it or they thought you could learn it quick.
When I started out all I had was a two year degree from a tech. school.
Buy I never stop learning, I read every tech. mag. I get most of them for free. I repaired and helped fix for free tons of computers. I studied and got certs. on my own and I work on odd stuff like Mac?s, Linux boxes and any thing I can.
The idea is to keep learning and welcome change.
I never had a mentor or any one who just said let me show you the ropes, I step in and say what you want done. If I need help I start from the lowest rung because they have the basic idea of any process. And that?s the best way to start.
If you need a mentor I will help but it will be limited and I only point an expect you to find the right way. O grasshopper. )

I know how you feel!

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

You sound like you’re in the same position I was in about 12 months ago. Moved up from ‘amateur PC enthusiast’ to sysadmin, and expected to have all the answers. I don’t know of the size or style of your company, but I found it helpful to plunder our ‘outsource’ IT support for any info, no matter how stupid I looked, as long as they would give it. I found Google was even more my best friend than before, too. Read every magazine even remotely related to IT, and some that aren’t (e.g. health/wellbeing?). And be patient – friends in the biz will come along, and when they do, the relationship will be worth more than gold. Be loyal to it – there are friends in the biz (I personally can’t believe how much sharing there is informally when you find those willing to), you just haven’t found them yet. I have very little knowledge to mentor you with but I’d always offer encouragement. Leave me a comment if you like.

Mentor You

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

You wish to be mentored (by your definition seems like you mean trained). How much do you wish to pay for this service?

Tutoring on net

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

I work for an organisation called vision2learn as a tutor in it and web design. you want to check out there web site, or deal direct.

take time off

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

Hi..
@ the speed at which we are moving there’s little time for mentoring my fren..we have to find it for ourselves..
try catching up with your team players at lunch or socialize a bit..u ll get a mentor as if by magic…
al d best

Need Help Ask!

In reply to HELP, I want a Mentor

If you need any help ask. I am in the same boat but I have old colleagues to fall back on. I am the youngest one that I know so far to have the position that I am in right now! Not trying to brag. But sure if you need help I do what I can.

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