MIS Job Hunting

Generally, in the IT field (at least in my experience), GPA doesn't matter. Usually which school you graduated from doesn't matter (unlike other professions such as law, medical, engineering, etc.). What matters is the fact you have a degree (for those jobs where a degree is a requirement). Having a degree can often offset work experience requirements.

However, experience is still king. The type of experience to gain really depends on what your career goals are, and what you like to do.

Coming out of school, your degree will help set you apart. While trying to gain skills that are "hot" may help gain near-term entry into the job market, it may also in fact lock you into a certain path and distract you from your true career goals.

Ok, that was cheesy! (did anyone see my cracker comment in another post?)

You have your degree and that's what matters. Not that I can relate perfectly, but your GPA shouldn't matter a ton, only unless you barely made it should you be a little concerned SHOULD some hiring manager actually ask you what your GPA was.

When you were in school, you should have had some kind of guidance as to what career paths you might take once you graduate... what were they? Programming? Databases? Networking? Mainframe?what interested you? What had the compensation ranges you were looking for? These are all thigns you should weigh, but speaking with those around you (professors and counselors) who know you well and have a decent grasp on what's out there can help you move toward the proper career. Remember, ballpark the first position you get... It might not be exactly what you want, but it might be for the right company. Keep the company in mind as much as the position.

It'll all work out form here, just be a little cognizant of what it is and run with where it can lead you.

Seriously...unless you're considering a career as a test pilot, chances are slim that you'll ever be asked for a GPA. Many people don't realize this, but a lot of hiring managers aren't terribly concerned about the degree you get. They use a degree as a litmus test of someone who is willing to take on a major project and see it to its' completion.

Certs help, but experience is king in this business. I know a guy who charges $200 an hour for his consulting fee and doesn't hold a single cert. But he has a reputation of proven knowledge on several systems and an ability to solve complex problems. Good luck.

In today's job environment, life for students comming out of school is rougher than it used to be. Especially with the 'do or die' attitude of the marketplace, most IT managers today are not going to trust their production networks, servers, and work stations to a 'college kid' (sorry for the label - but trying to be truthful here). Bottom line - the degree helps, the GPA does not matter, you need experience!

I've already anticipated your next question - "But how can I get it, if I don't already have it." Here are some things to think about:

- Volunteer or take a low paying non-profit job. There are thousands of charity orgs that need your IT help. Many cannot pay for it, but it gets you invaluable experience.
- Look to state, county, local governments and religious organizations. I once turned a very frustrated MCSE working at a help desk on to a very exciting (and well paying) sys admin job at the local county library - she turned down a sys admin job at a large church totake the county library job. She had not thought to look outside traditional commercial sector jobs.

Bottom line: you need the experience now to be competitive in the job market - but to get it fresh out of school, you may have to look at unconventional jobs as your primary starting point - even if it means a move out of the area and/or out of state.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Given that you have about another year left... You may want to look into doing an internship, or even a part time job (if school schedule allows). These are things that I see will help you in getting some experience - I say some 'cause the majorityof interns usually end up performing admin tasks. But if you're very agressive and can show some initiative, maybe a project will come your way.

The other thing about this is that you start meeting people - and networking is probably the most powerful tool in this economy.

Finally, I don't know if you've ever thought of the Federal Government. I'm at a point where I wished I started out in the public sector (I shunned them when I graduated). Yes, most folks will tell you that they'revery slow paced due to the structure. However, you can't beat the stability, benefits, and the pay for the IT folks ARE pretty competitive. And from working with them for the last 2 years, they normally do have some of the largest installations interms of IT infrastructure - having experience managing a system that supports over 5 million users is never a bad thing to put on your resume.

Anyways, just my .02 worth.