COMPUTER TECHNICIAN CAREER STARTER
COMPUTER TECHNICIAN career
starter 2nd edition
Joan Vaughn with Jason R. Rich
N ew Yo r k
Copyright © 2001 LearningExpress, LLC. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. Published in the United States by LearningExpress, LLC, New York. Library of Congress of Cataloging-in-Publication Data: Vaughn, Joan. Computer technician career starter/ [Joan Vaughn, Jason R. Rich]—2nd ed. p. cm. ISBN 1-57685-374-8 1. Computer technicians—Vocational guidance. I. Rich, Jason R. II. Title. TK7885.54 .V38 2001 621.39’023—dc21 2001018689 Printed in the United States of America 987654321 Second Edition Regarding the Information in This Book Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of directory information up until press time. However, phone numbers and/or addresses are subject to change. Please contact the respective organization for the most recent information. For Further Information For information or to place an order, contact LearningExpress at: 900 Broadway Suite 604 New York, NY 10003 Or visit our website at: www.learnatest.com
Contents Introduction
Why Enter the Computer Field?
Chapter One
The Hottest Computer Technician Jobs and How to Get Them
Chapter Two
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1
Software Technician Hardware Technician Network Technician Internet Technician Why Become a Computer Technician? How to Become a Computer Technician
2 5 6 8 10 11
All about Training Programs
25
What to Consider When Choosing a Training Program 26 Deciding On an Academic- or a Vendor-Affiliated Training Program 41 How to Evaluate Training Programs 51 Questions to Ask about Training Programs 52 Selecting the Best Option for You 55 How to Make the Most of Your Training Program 56
Chapter Three
Financial Aid and Scholarships for the Training You Need
Getting Started Types of Financial Aid Filing Your Forms Financial Aid Checklist Resources
63
64 67 75 76 76
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Contents
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Appendix A
Appendix B
vi
How to Land Your First Job
83
Conducting Your Job Search Finding the Jobs Available Industry Newsletters and Magazines Networking
84 86 95 96
Putting the Facts Together How to Organize Your Resume Resume Creation Tips Keep Your Resume Clutter Free
101 110 112 118 122
Cover Letters and the Job Interview Process
129
Keep Your Cover Letter Short Participating in Successful Interviews Participating In Internships
129 132 142
How to Succeed Once You’ve Landed the Job
Surviving Your First Weeks at a New Job Managing Work Relationships: Basic Rules Fitting into the Workplace Culture Managing Your Time Finding a Mentor Promoting Yourself A Few Final Thoughts
147 147 149 157 159 164 166 167
Computer-Related Associations
171
Professional Associations Accrediting Associations
171 179
Additional Resources
183
Books Online Resources Job Hotlines Magazines Related Computer Jobs
183 185 186 186 187
Writing Your Resume
Introduction
Why Enter the Computer Field? COMPUTERS—they’re all around us. These technological marvels somehow impact everyone’s life. Virtually every business in the world relies on computer technology, while at the same time, millions upon millions of homes currently have computers installed. With the evolution of the Internet, computers are also changing the way people communicate. Thanks to computers and today’s technology, the demand for skilled people to create and utilize this technology is growing at a much faster pace than jobs in the computer field can be filled. Thus there’s an incredible opportunity for people looking to break into the computer field, and this book will introduce you to just some of the areas where exciting and high-paying job opportunities are available—not just in the United States, but worldwide. This book is ideal for anyone looking to enter into the computer field, whether you’re just graduating from school or seeking a career change. If you enjoy working with technology as well as with people, there are many different, exciting, and rewarding job opportunities in the computer field. After all, you need to look no further than the Help Wanted section of a major daily newspaper or the job listings at a popular career-related website (such as the Monster Board—www.monster.com) to see a sampling of the many computer-related jobs that are available right now for those who are qualified to fill them. Some of the best jobs available are in the computer field. If you have the drive and the necessary skills, you’ll quickly discover that there are many ways to break into this field, and this book shows you what the hottest computer-related positions are and how to get them, so you can get started as soon as possible. Due to the high and fast-growing demand for employees in the computer field, even for entry-level positions, starting salaries are high, and earning
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promotions is relatively easy if you’re willing to work hard and stay on top of the latest technological advancements. This book explains the differences between the four major categories of computer technicians:
Software technicians Hardware technicians Network technicians Internet technicians
You may be surprised to discover that most computer technician jobs can be obtained without a four-year college degree, so you can get your career up and running in the shortest possible time. The training required for becoming a computer technician ranges from a two-year associate’s degree to certificate programs that can be completed within a few weeks or months. The position of computer technician differs from that of computer programmer, as computer programmers often need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree before they begin their careers. If you require the training to become a software, hardware, network, or Internet technician, there are many ways of obtaining the necessary skills and knowledge that don’t involve attending traditional schools. For example, distance learning (online or through correspondence courses), selfpaced videotaped courses, and text-based home study guides allow you to obtain the training you need at your own pace, based on your own schedule. As you’ll soon discover, there are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands, of different job titles in the computer field. For example, many computer technicians are known by other related job titles. Since this field is relatively new, there isn’t a consistent set of job titles throughout the industry. Some alternate job titles that refer to computer technicians are: desktop technician, network support personnel, software troubleshooter, software engineer, LAN (local area network) technician, computer service repair personnel, and PC system support specialist. By the time you finish this book, you’ll be able to easily recognize all the job titles that apply to the computer related job(s) you’re qualified for. This book gives you the information you need to select the computer technician career and training programs that are right for you. Many of the computer-related jobs available fall under the category of Information Technology (IT). This is the study, design, development, viii
Introduction
implementation, support, and/or management of computer-based information systems, such as computer software applications and hardware. No matter what the specific job title is, the work of IT workers is to ensure that the people in a company work well with the technology available to them. Because so many companies are totally reliant on computers, it’s the responsibility of the IT workforce to keep the company’s computers, computer systems, network(s), and software applications running smoothly. In Chapter 1, you’ll get an inside look at what computer technicians do, and you’ll find specific job descriptions, typical salaries, advancement opportunities, hiring trends, and abilities needed for each job. You’ll also find a step-by-step checklist explaining how you can enter and succeed in this exciting and growing field. Chapter 2 explains why you need formal training and how to select and evaluate training programs near you. You’ll find sample courses that are taught in actual training programs for many of the computer technician job titles discussed in this book. These course descriptions can help you decide what occupation is right for you and how long you need to go to school to qualify for it. You can use the checklist in Chapter 2 to ask tough questions of the admissions counselors in training programs you’re considering, in order to evaluate the quality of their programs. You’ll then discover several tips on how you can make the most of your training program, such as how to study for exams, take notes in class, and network with other students. If a traditional training program isn’t right for you, you’ll also read about online-based training, home study courses, and other ways of obtaining the training and skills you need to enter into this field. After you’ve selected a training program that’s right for you, you’ll find out in Chapter 3 how you can use financial aid to help you pay for it. This chapter clearly explains the financial aid process step-by-step, so you can be prepared and get your aid as soon as possible. Thanks to increased competition among training programs and schools that offer computer-related training, the price for participation has gone down, so the initial financial investment in your professional future probably won’t be as significant as it would have been five or ten years ago. Once you’ve completed your training program, Chapter 4 shows you exactly how to land the job you want in the shortest time possible. You’ll discover tips on where to look for the best openings. You’ll learn how to use networking and the Internet to find the best job opportunities. ix
Introduction
Chapter 5 focuses on how to create the best possible resume, while Chapter 6 offers key information on writing cover letters and performing well during your in-person job interviews. After you’ve landed a job, Chapter 7 explores some things you can do to insure your success. According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce, in 2000 alone, roughly 1.6 million new computer-related jobs were created in the United States. The demand for skilled people among employers, however, far exceeded the supply, resulting in over 850,000 job openings in the IT field going unfilled. Research shows that one out of every ten U.S.-based jobs in the computer field goes unfilled, which presents an incredible opportunity for you to enter and succeed in this fast-growing field. Information technology jobs are projected to be among the fastest-growing occupations between 1996 and 2006. This includes jobs for database administrators, computer support specialists, computer scientists, computer engineers, and systems analysts, along with hundreds of other types of computer-related jobs. International Data Corporation (IDC) reported, “The U.S. will experience intense recruiting for nearly 850,000 IT openings in 2002, and the shortage of skilled IT professionals will exceed one million in Europe alone in that same year. By 2002, the number of openings for IT worker positions could represent a number greater than one-fourth of 1998’s total IT workforce.” So, do you think you’re interested in entering the computer field? Do you have what employers are looking for? Are you willing to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field? As you begin to formulate a career plan for yourself, keep in mind that employers are looking for people who are qualified to fill the job openings available. This means having a good knowledge base in the relevant area and awareness of the latest technology. Hands-on experience is also desirable, but less than half of all companies who hire IT workers list experience as a key qualification. What’s more important is having good communication skills, being a good problem solver, developing analytical skills, being able to work in a flexible environment, and having the ability to learn new computer-related skills quickly. While being able to work well with machines (i.e., computers) is an absolute must, to succeed in many areas of the computer field, you must also be able to work well with people. x
Introduction
Now, get ready to learn how you too can enter into the exciting and everchanging computer field and land an exciting, high-paying job that you’ll enjoy. Remember, just because an abundance of jobs are available, employers are looking to hire only the most qualified applicants who are knowledgeable, hard-working, and motivated. So, in addition to obtaining the necessary training, you must develop the right attitude and be willing to work hard in order to achieve success. It’s also necessary for you to take the initiative and create your own career path. To do this properly, preplanning and research will be required.
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CHAPTER one THE HOTTEST COMPUTER TECHNICIAN JOBS AND HOW TO GET THEM This chapter explains what a computer technician does and describes the four types of technicians: software technician, hardware technician, network technician, and Internet technician. You’ll get an overview of the computer market, the future job market, and salaries available in the computer field. Finally, you’ll learn the steps to take to become a computer technician.
COMPUTERS ARE used to perform almost every type of job in every industry, from restaurants to manufacturing to hospitals. People use computers every day to perform important business tasks and share information with others. Since computers are so important, proper computer maintenance and operation are critical to employers and will be even more valued in the future, especially with the growth of e-commerce (companies doing business on the Internet). People with the right skills and knowledge are finding themselves in high demand. Computer service technicians work with every employee in an organization, as well as outside personnel, to provide a stable computing environment. This requires a thorough understanding of the technology that’s being used, as well as the ability to communicate well with the people working in 1
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the organization. As support personnel, technicians give advice to users by interpreting problems and providing technical support for hardware, software, network systems, and Internet environments. Technicians troubleshoot hardware and software errors, add new equipment, and install, upgrade, configure, and then troubleshoot problems on corporate networks. The job descriptions in this chapter will show you what is involved in these various computer careers and how to match up your personal abilities and interests with one of them. You’ll also find out about the advancement opportunities available for each job. This chapter will provide you with the basic information you need to select the computer technician job for which you’re most suited and in which you can prosper.
SOFTWARE TECHNICIAN Typical Duties Software technicians act as troubleshooters for desktop operating systems and software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, and data® ® bases. Software companies such as Microsoft and Lotus are releasing new products or upgrades to existing products every day. The people who use those programs require someone on site who understands how they work. The software technician installs the software, keeps it running reliably, and may be required to train users or arrange alternate training for them. The software technician spends the majority of his or her time helping users by answering questions about specific software packages and helping people become as productive as possible using the technology and software available to them. Suppose a user is trying to create a spreadsheet of the corporate budget. He works all morning to create the perfect budget and then goes to lunch. When he returns from lunch, he tries to print the file but can’t find it; he is faced with having to repeat all that work. What can he do? He calls the software technician. The technician relies on his or her knowledge of the software and operating system to recover the file and save the user a lot of extra work.
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The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
Abilities/Skills Required Since so much of the software technician’s job involves interacting with people and dealing with stressful situations, it is best suited to people with excellent written and verbal communication skills and a calm demeanor. Though at times it can be stressful, work in software support offers an immediate reward whenever you can solve a problem or help someone use software more effectively. In addition to being able to work well with people, it’s important to maintain a thorough understanding of the software and equipment you’re hired to support. This means being knowledgeable about all of the latest upgrades, revisions, and modifications to the software and knowing how and when to implement them as seamlessly as possible in your company’s work environment. S o f t w a r e Te c h n i c i a n J o b D e s c r i p t i o n A major manufacturer in the Southeast is currently looking for well-qualified and talented candidates to be Software Technicians. Responsibilities include: ■ Installing and upgrading software applications on both the local area network (LAN) and on stand-alone desktop computers. ■ Coordinating registration, licensing, and acquiring bulk discount programs with software manufacturers. ■ Maintaining all company software for optimal performance. ■ Training company personnel or coordinating the outsourcing of this training to ensure the most productive use of company resources. ■ Troubleshooting software problems. ■ The prompt resolution of any software problems, to restore productivity within the shortest possible time. ■ Maintaining contacts with pertinent technical support agencies to ensure prompt assistance when a need arises. ■ Ordering new software applications as needed to increase individual and company productivity. ■ Recommending new software applications that will meet the company’s need to perform various tasks efficiently. ■ Customizing new software applications to best fit the stated needs of the company and to improve the efficiency of the tasks to be automated.
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■ Identifying the need for new software applications when essential software is not readily available in a prepackaged format. ■ Assisting departments in the efficient automation of their activities. The successful candidate will have the following qualifications: a minimum of two years of software test experience with some knowledge of software test suites, white and black box testing, and software quality assurance. The candidate must have excellent team working skills and exceptional verbal and written communication skills. The candidate must be able to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Advancement Opportunities After you land a job in the computer field, the best way to advance in the area of software technology is to keep current with changes to the software that your company uses. The more you know about that software and how to troubleshoot it, the more valuable you will be. Because it is easier for the technician to support a single manufacturer’s software, most companies purchase the majority of their business applications from a single manufacturer, such as Microsoft or Lotus. However, if you have the opportunity to attend classes or seminars to learn other software, take it. The table below lists some of the most popular software packages used in industry today.
4
Word Processors
Microsoft Word
Corel WordPerfect
Lotus Word Pro
Electronic Mail
Microsoft Exchange/Outlook
Lotus Notes
Lotus cc:Mail
Office Suites
Microsoft Office 2000
Corel WordPerfect Suite
Lotus SmartSuite
Spreadsheets
Microsoft Excel
Quattro Pro
Lotus 1-2-3
Databases
Microsoft Access
Corel Paradox
dBase dB2K
Web Browsers
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Netscape Navigator/Communicator
Operating Systems
MS DOS
Microsoft Windows 98/2000/ME/NT
UNIX/LINUX
The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
HARDWARE TECHNICIAN Typical Duties While software technicians troubleshoot operating systems and software applications, hardware technicians spend their time repairing, supporting, and maintaining computers and computer-related equipment, such as printers, scanners, monitors, CD-ROM drives, modems, networking hardware, mass storage devices, hard disk drives, and floppy disk drives. As software programs become more and more powerful, computers must continually be upgraded to keep pace with those changes, and hardware technicians are responsible for making these changes. Hardware technicians perform an initial system setup and check diagnostics to determine upgrade needs; install and adjust disk drives; test and install chips, circuit boards, modems, and interface cards; perform minor adjustments and repairs to monitors and printers; repair and replace cables; and perform preventive maintenance.
Abilities/Skills Required This type of job is best suited to people who enjoy puttering with electronics and solving problems. You need to listen to a user’s problem, process the information, and propose solutions. Hardware technicians function in much the same way as auto mechanics. If a car owner tells the mechanic his car is stalling, the mechanic takes that information, recalls problems for which stalling might be a symptom, identifies the appropriate problem, and fixes it. Hardware technicians use the same analytical decision-making skills to identify solutions to computer problems.
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Computer Hardware Technician Job Description Major Northeast financial services firm is currently seeking Computer Hardware Technicians for our new office. If you like working with people, are creative and talented, and enjoy solving problems, we want to hear from you. Primary responsibilities include: ■ Maintenance, repair, and installation of computer hardware, including printers, AS400, HP9000, SUN, and COMPAQ Alpha systems. ■ Installing and configuring software on Windows 2000 desktops and servers. ■ Troubleshooting hardware problems and maintaining our investment in technology. Experience with Windows NT 4.0 required. This position requires excellent interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills. A college/university degree is preferred. Entry-level and midcareer positions available. We offer competitive wages, training, and excellent opportunities for advancement.
Advancement Opportunities Most hardware technicians begin their careers as specialists in a particular type of equipment (PCs, UNIX boxes, or, to a lesser extent, Apples). Advancement in this career usually means promotion to supervisor or analyst responsible for making decisions about the right equipment and servicing options for a company.
NETWORK TECHNICIAN Typical Duties A network is a collection of computers linked together so they can share information or peripherals, such as printers or modems. A network of computers within a single office or building is called a LAN (local area network); a WAN (wide area network) connects computers between buildings, cities, and even countries. The technology that connects these computers requires constant vigilance and upkeep. The network technician’s chief function is to 6
The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
ensure that the network is always available. This requires identifying problems that occur on a network as well as installing and testing network cards, running cables, and training others to use the network properly.
Abilities/Skills Required Individuals who enjoy problem solving and methodical work may be wellsuited to a career as a network technician. Networks rely on the interaction of many small parts (cables, network cards, modems, and software), any one of which may develop problems that result in a loss of the informationsharing portion of the network or, as is commonly heard around the office, causes the network to go down. Detail-oriented individuals will enjoy the challenge of the hunt to find the one part that is causing the problem. N e t w o r k Te c h n i c i a n J o b D e s c r i p t i o n Midsize auto manufacturer is looking for an employee with enthusiasm, intelligence, and a strong work ethic for this exciting position. Candidates must be able to tackle complex configurations of new technology and focus on making things solid and reliable. Experience with Novell NetWare 5.0, Windows 98/NT, Lotus Notes, Baan, and Ethernet networks a plus. Responsibilities include: ■ Setting up and managing LANs and associated servers ■ Troubleshooting hardware and software systems ■ Networking between LANs at remote locations and sites, coordinating domains and trusts ■ Wireless networking ■ Dealing with prototype or leading-edge hardware and software systems ■ Assisting in the design, implementation, and support of all data networks ■ Helping users with problems related to connectivity and routine computer usage Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (computer science, information systems, communications, business) and have training as a lower-level LAN/WAN technician. Strong technical knowledge and broad problem-solving skills required. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.
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Advancement Opportunities Since every company’s network is slightly different from everyone else’s, network specialists usually begin each new job as a technician. As they learn more about their company’s network and the associated equipment, they can advance to analyst or supervisor. These advanced positions require specialists to educate themselves continually about the changing industry standards.
INTERNET TECHNICIAN Typical Duties The Internet has made the move into mainstream businesses, and that has created a need for technicians to pave the way for individual companies establishing or expanding their presence on the Web. Internet technicians perform many of the same job duties as the hardware, software, and network technicians but concentrate on the technology specific to the Internet, including site development, administration, and server maintenance. These people can specialize in areas such as e-commerce, website development, or Internet security, for example.
Abilities/Skills Required Because of the newness of the job description, those aspiring to a career in this field need to be flexible. The industry is changing so rapidly that the market sees new software and hardware every day. Technicians must enjoy researching, learning, and designing. When asked to make recommendations for future expansions, they need to be familiar with current trends as well as likely future developments in order to avoid suggesting technology that will be out-of-date before projects are completed. A working knowledge of the latest advances regarding Internet technology is a must. This means keeping up-to-date on such things as Web browsers, plug-ins, Webbased languages, and so on. On the website development side, for example, 8
The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
having graphic-animation programming skills using Macromedia’s Flash can make you extremely desirable to employers looking to enhance their online presence. I n t e r n e t Te c h n i c i a n J o b D e s c r i p t i o n A global leader in the field of producing design and planning tools for access providers, network operators, system integrators, and manufacturers of WDM transmission systems is looking for Internet Technicians. Responsibilities include: ■ Designing, modifying, developing, writing, and implementing software Web programming applications. ■ Supporting and/or installing Web software applications. ■ Developing installation applets. ■ Participating in the testing process through test review and analysis. Candidates must be able to resolve problems associated with website server administration (presently dedicated UNIX server with Apache). Must also have knowledge of server-based security technologies: encryption, virus protection, certificates, and definition of security policies. Job requirements include a strong working knowledge of more than one of the following: C++, DHTML, Java, PHP, Perl, CGI, and JavaScript. Knowledge of a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures within several particular fields (i.e., Mac, Solaris, Apache, LINUX, UNIX and Windows platforms). Sufficient database knowledge to code for database access, modifications, and constructions including stored procedures. One to two years of work experience with Internet-related positions. Competitive salary and benefits available. No relocation required.
Advancement Opportunities As the Internet’s technology becomes more diverse and companies become more comfortable with their role on the Internet, the technician’s job will become more specific. Just as traditional computer technicians focus on software, hardware, or networking, so too will the Internet technician’s job become divided into those categories. No longer will technicians need a broad knowledge of every subject; soon they will need to become expert at a particular subject: design, software support, hardware support, or network interaction, for example. 9
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WHY BECOME A COMPUTER TECHNICIAN? Exploding Job Growth The computer services industry has grown rapidly over the past two decades, and this growth has created a need for highly skilled technicians. Many specializations have developed, but as yet there are no uniform job titles. Even with this uncertainty, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the industry will continue to grow rapidly in the future, with employment expected nearly to double by 2005. In fact, computer-related careers are among the top five fastest-growing professions of this decade, and the demand for computer technicians will grow faster than average—about 60 percent faster. The demand for technicians will rise because organizations will continue to develop more sophisticated uses for computers and computer systems and more non technical employees will need to use computers more frequently. As the technology advances, computer technicians will need to upgrade their skills and technical expertise and their ability to interact with users. Computer technicians will need to be flexible in order to stay competitive in the job market. Experts suggest that the successful employees of the future will be those dedicated to continuous improvement just to keep up with the changes in the industry’s future.
Good Salary A number of factors affect salaries in any industry. They include supply and demand, employer size, corporate industry, and geographic location. Industry experts acknowledge that salaries for entry-level positions in the computer industry vary greatly. To discover the most current salary ranges, visit a website such as Salary.com (www.salary.com) or a career-related website, such as My Job Coach (www.myjobcoach.com). Computer professionals increase their salary by obtaining more training and advancing within their chosen specialty. The table below presents salary information from Salary.com for IT professionals working in New York City in December, 2000. Keep in mind that you can achieve salaries higher 10
The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
than those listed below by continuously acquiring more training, certification, and experience. Specialization
2000 Entry-Level
2000 Average
2000 High
Software Technician—Application Systems Analyst
$45,407
$52,574
$56,878
Hardware Technician—PC Maintenance Technician
$32,290
$36,976
$42,923
Internet Technician—Web Designer
$52,859
$59,525
$66,139
Network Technician—Network Administrator
$52,612
$65,468
$79,057
Minimum Level of Training You can become a computer technician without a four-year college degree, so these jobs are very enticing to people who want to get through training quickly and land a good-paying job in the shortest time possible. A human resources manager from North Carolina says this about the training to become a computer technician, based on ten years of experience in the field: Some companies state that a bachelor’s degree is a standard requirement for computer technician work. However, this is not a necessity. You can ask a company to look at comparable skills and experience as a means of waiving the educational requirement. Almost every company will require a GED as a minimum educational requirement. This high school equivalency shows the employer that you have the potential to increase your skills level and thus become a more valuable employee in the future. You can get a GED through your local community college by passing a standardized test; no class work is required.
HOW TO BECOME A COMPUTER TECHNICIAN Now that you have some idea of what computer technicians do and why they are in such high demand in the job market, let’s take a look at how you can join this exciting field. There is no universally accepted way to train for a career in the computer industry, because every employer’s needs vary with 11
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the type of work to be done. With so much variety, you’re going to need some help. Read on for step-by-step guidance on becoming a computer technician.
Do You Have What it Takes To Be a Computer Technician? Computer technicians must think logically, have good communication skills, and be able to concentrate on a number of tasks simultaneously. Take this brief quiz to determine if a career working with computers is right for you. Yes
No
Do you own or have access to a personal computer?
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_____
Do you enjoy trying out new software packages?
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_____
Have you ever removed the cover from your computer just to see
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_____
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Do you enjoy talking to people, even people who disagree with you?
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_____
Do you spend your free time solving problems and puzzles?
_____
_____
_____
_____
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Do you love to learn?
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_____
Do you like to tinker with electronic devices?
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Are you interested in trying to find out how things work?
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_____
Do you currently read any computer industry news?
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_____
what was inside? Have you ever been frustrated by your computer’s lack of processing speed and then done something about it?
When faced with a subject that you don’t understand, do you keep at it until you learn it? Do you cope well with change, reacting favorably to it instead of becoming frustrated by it?
If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, chances are you will feel right at home in an industry as challenging and diverse as computer technology. Follow the steps listed in the rest of this chapter to learn what you need to do to become a computer technician.
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The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
Get a high school diploma or a GED While a career as a computer technician does not always require a college education, high school graduation or a GED (general equivalency diploma) is required.
If you’re in high school now, there are a number of ways you can prepare for your future career. A career in computers requires good analytical and problem-solving skills; studying math, sciences, and logic will help you attain these skills. If your school offers classes in computers or has a computer lab available to students, take advantage of it. Learn as much about computers as you can. Volunteer in the computer lab and spend your free time learning the operating system (Windows 95/98/2000/ME/NT, UNIX, DOS, or OS2) and as many of the software packages as you can. Familiarity with the computer will help you when you begin the job-hunting process. If you’ve recently graduated, you may still be able to make use of your high school’s facilities. Discuss your career goals with your school guidance counselor; he or she can help you choose the right level of schooling and obtain financial aid. Deciding on a career path early will allow you to choose the proper course of study and get you out into the job market and earning money as soon as possible. If you want to change careers, inventory your computer skills. Do you already have the skills you will need in this new career or will you need additional training? In your current job, do you have access to a computer? Are you the one your coworkers come to for help when they have problems with their hardware or software? Does your company link its computers together via a LAN? If so, do you understand the technologies used to achieve this link? Are you interested in learning about it? Many people who are changing to a career working with computers will answer these questions in the affirmative. They have made the most of their existing opportunity and are convinced that they will excel as computer technicians. If you don’t use a computer in your current occupation and you don’t use one at home, you should complete a computer training program before quitting your job.
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Inventory your skills Once you develop a general idea of what area of the computer industry interests you, you need to determine what skills you already have and what skills and areas of knowledge you will need to acquire before you begin applying for the jobs. Begin by reviewing a series of Help Wanted ads or job opening listings. As you read about the jobs available, take note of what specifically the various employers are looking for in terms of skills. Next, create a detailed list of the computer-related and job-related skills you already possess and determine how these skills are applicable to the job(s) you plan to apply for. Whenever you apply for a job, the questions you want to answer are: “Why should I be considered for the job?” and “What makes me qualified?” Once you’ve created a list of your qualifications and skills, determine exactly what knowledge and skills you’re lacking and figure out how you’ll obtain them. More information on how to apply for and land a job will be offered later, but it’s important to begin developing a true understanding of who you are and what you can offer to employers as you begin to define your career path in the computer field. Learn about the computer industry If you are interested in a career as a computer technician, you can begin preparing now by following these simple guidelines offered by an industry expert:
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Take advantage of any opportunity to work with a computer at home, work, school, or the library. Learn everything you can about how to use it. Read about computers and computing professionals in newspapers, books, and magazines. Visit your school or public library. Study the latest trends. Learn about new developments. Read critically, and ask questions about each article. You may not be able to answer those questions now, but you will later. In addition to consumer-oriented computer magazines, be sure to read industry-oriented publications, such as InfoWorld, The Industry Standard, VARBusiness, Computer User, Computer Reseller News, CIO Magazine, LAN Times, and Internet World. You can find information about these and other publications at the library or online.
The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
Join a computer club at school or in your community. It’s a great way to keep up with the latest developments. Members often share software programs and general computing knowledge. Talk to people employed in the field. Do you know someone who works with computers? Perhaps he or she will sit down with you for a couple of hours and tell you about the field. Find out the advantages and disadvantages associated with the job. Ask the technician to describe an average day. Participate in online-based training programs and/or distance learning programs to enhance your skills in specific areas. Try to get after-school, part-time, or summer jobs in which you can observe a programmer or other computer specialist at work.
Decide on your area of specialization As you’ll find when you begin your job search, the term computer technician is more than a job title; it’s also a set of skills that make you a successful job seeker. Concentrate on one area of specialization and use that knowledge to build your skills in each of the other areas. As noted previously, the following are some of the areas of specialization you should consider:
Internet technicians manage the corporate website and make it possible for the company to access the Internet without putting its corporate security in jeopardy. The most important skill for these technicians is adaptability. As with the entire computer industry, the technology changes rapidly, and the tools you use today will be obsolete tomorrow. Some of the job titles you may see Help Wanted ads for include: Art Director—Web, Business Development Associate—Web, E-Commerce Director, Electronic Data Interchange Specialist, Executive Producer, Graphical User Interface Programmer, Technical Producer, Web Animator, Web Content Engineer, Web Content Specialist, Web Designer, Web Master, Web Producer, Web Product Manager, Web Programmer, Web Security Administrator, and Web Software Developer. Network technicians are responsible for the security and administration of corporate networks. Larger companies often employ several network specialists, each of whom performs a different function; smaller 15
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companies have one or two people who do everything. Some of the job titles you may see Help Wanted ads for include: LAN Support Specialist, Manager of Network Planning, Manager of PC Support, Network Administrator, Network Planning Analyst, Telecommunications Analyst, Telecommunications Technician, and UNIX Administrator. Software technicians have to be good communicators and must enjoy working with other people. More nontechnical employees use computers every day and often run into computer problems they can’t solve. The software technician helps them solve those problems. Some of the job titles you may see Help Wanted ads for include: Application Systems Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Client/Server Programmer, Data Architect, Database Administrator, Database Analyst, Database Librarian, Documentation Specialist, Help Desk Support, Mail Server Administrator, Mainframe Programmer, Manager of Computer Operations, Operating Systems Programmer, Programmer, Software Engineer, Software Quality Assurance, Technical Support Analyst, Web Master and Supervisor of Computer Operations. Hardware technicians install, maintain, and repair computers and other office equipment. Their responsibilities include installing computers and peripheral devices (printers, drivers, etc.). They also perform routine maintenance and diagnostics. Some of the job titles you may see Help Wanted ads for include: Application Systems Analyst, Computer Operator, Data Control Clerk, PC Maintenance Technician, and Systems Administrator.
In addition to thinking about an area of specialization, you’ll also eventually need to consider what type of work environment you’d like to work in. Would you prefer to work for a large, medium, or small company? What type of office environment will you best prosper in? What type of people would you like to work with as you coworkers? What salary are you looking to earn? What benefits are important to you? What part of the country would you like to work in? How flexible do you want your work schedule to be? These are all things you’ll need to consider before you begin searching for the most suitable job opportunities for you. Answering the following questions will help you define your own personal career-related wants and needs. 16
The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
Write a short description of the job you’re seeking. Be sure to include as much information as possible about how you can use your skills to the employer’s benefit. Later, you’ll condense this answer into one short sentence. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What is the job title you’re looking to fill?____________________________________ What are alternate job titles you’re qualified to fill?_________________________ What do you believe is your most marketable skill? Why?_________________ List three or four specific examples of how you have used this skill in the past while at work. What was accomplished as a result?_________________ 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________________________ What are keywords or buzzwords that can be used to describe your skill?__________________________________________________________________________________ What is another of your marketable skills? ____________________________________ Provide at least three examples of how you’ve used this skill in the workplace: 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________________________ What unusual or unique skill(s) do you possess that help you stand out from other applicants applying for the same types of position as you?________________________________________________________________________________ How have you already proven that this skill is useful in the workplace?_____________________________________________________________________________ What would be the ideal atmosphere for you to work in? Do you prefer a large corporate atmosphere, working at home, or working in a small office?_____________________________________________________________________________ List five qualities about a new job that would make it the ideal employment opportunity for you: 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 17
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3. _________________________________________________________________________ 4. _________________________________________________________________________ 5. _________________________________________________________________________ What did you like most about the last place you worked? __________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ What did you like least about the last place you worked? ________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What work-related tasks are you particularly good at? ________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What type of coworkers would you prefer to have? ________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ When it comes to work-related benefits and perks, what’s most important to you?____________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ When you’re recognized for doing a good job at work, how do you like to be rewarded? __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ If you were to write a Help Wanted ad describing your ideal dream job what would the ad say? _________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Decide on a mode of training Until recently, formal university or vocational courses were not available, and prior work experience was the only education required of job applicants. But computer hardware and software change so rapidly that technicians need to update their skills continuously. This training is available from a number of sources, including employers, vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions. See Chapter 2 for more information on types of training. Even though jobs may be available now without a formal education, employers do value employees with the initiative to seek continuing educa-
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The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
tion. As in any industry, employers also value experience, but don’t let that scare you if you don’t have any. Most employers allow some combination of work experience and education, as evidenced in the job posting shown below: W a n t e d : E l e c t r o n i c s Te c h n i c i a n — C o m p u t e r Systems Specialist Candidate must have: ■ One year of experience in computer hardware maintenance/installation OR ■ Six-month certificate of training in computer hardware technology PLUS six months of experience in computer hardware maintenance/installation OR ■ Two-year vocational/technical school program OR ■ Associate of Arts degree in computer hardware technology
Choose the right school Educational opportunities for technicians are increasing in number and variety every year. In years past, only a small number of public and private schools provided training, but recently many colleges and universities are offering this type of occupational training. Distance learning programs, online-based training programs, video-based training programs, and other types of self-paced home study programs are also available. No matter which training method you choose, you will first have to decide which is right for you. Chapter 3 contains a list of training programs that are geared to preparing students for a career working with computers. Apply to the school of your choice Every school’s admission requirements vary, but most have similar guidelines. They all require some type of formal application or registration process. Each application will have a deadline date and will request basic educational background information and test scores. Some may require an essay explaining your career goals or why you think you should be admitted to the school. Whatever the admission requirements for your school, follow them precisely. If you have any questions about the requirements, don’t guess; call the admissions office and find the right answer. You can improve your odds of being admitted by asking questions.
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Obtain financial aid Once you’ve decided on the type of schooling you prefer, you’ll need to think about financial aid. Even if you plan to attend classes at a national chain computer store instead of a school, you will probably find that some form of financial assistance is available. Chapter 4 contains in-depth information on financing the training you need, but here are some quick pointers:
Don’t assume that you won’t qualify for some form of aid. Make sure you submit your tax forms by April 15. Don’t lie (or exaggerate) on your application. Always submit your applications well within the deadlines. Start looking for sources of financial aid as soon as possible.
Graduate from your training program Just as your high school diploma is important, the degree, certificate, or knowledge obtained in your training program is vital to your success in this career. Education is the base that will allow you to recognize and understand the changes in the industry. Chapter 2 will show you how to make the most of your training program. Prepare your resume First impressions count, and your resume is your prospective employer’s first chance to learn about you. A good resume convinces the reader that you are qualified for the job and worth interviewing. It is a marketing brochure; you are selling yourself to the employer. See Chapter 5 for advice and examples to help you create your own resume. Remember to update your resume whenever you have new information to add. If you need to submit your resume in a hurry, you don’t want to have to rush to update it—rushing can lead to embarrassing errors. Decide where you want to work Just as you have to make a decision about the type of training you feel most comfortable with, you also need to think about the type of company in which you’d feel most comfortable. Computer technicians perform varied job duties, and most companies would like to hire people who can do it all; however, you will find that in most instances they will hire you based on your expertise in one area. 20
The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
Large companies
At large companies, those with more than five hundred employees, computer technicians work as a team, and each member of the team has his or her own specialty. In this way, the company can be assured of having a wealth of knowledge available, and each team member is able to concentrate on keeping up with the technology in only one area. Large companies may be able to provide an additional benefit. Many such companies in metropolitan areas are establishing internship programs. These programs offer students or recent graduates an opportunity to gain experience at little or no cost to the company. Your school’s career placement office will be able to help you find companies offering internships, but you also can approach companies yourself. If you decide you want to work at a particular company, call the human resources department and ask if it has an internship program for computer technicians. Even if the answer is no, you may find out where to address a formal inquiry. You will have to propose the program, explain how it benefits both parties, and set a time limit. Small companies
Companies with fewer than one hundred employees will usually hire an individual who has expertise in one technical area but will require that he or she learn other areas. For instance, the company may be experiencing rapid growth and decide it’s ready to hire a network technician. When it does, the individual hired will be responsible for learning about software and Internet technologies too. Universities
Like large companies, universities and colleges will typically hire individuals with expertise in a single area of technology. They differ in the type of technology used; businesses generally operate on PC client-server technology, while universities also use mainframes. Government agencies
Government agencies also use both client-server technology and mainframes. However, they have the added security requirements you might expect. They want to hire people with technical experience in support and a knowledge of security procedures. 21
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Contract agencies
Contract agencies offer an interesting opportunity for technicians. Many companies are finding that they need technicians to perform a specific job for a limited amount of time. For example, suppose a company with a staff of competent technicians decides to install a new network. The company’s own technicians are perfectly capable of maintaining the new system but would require a great deal of training in order to be able to design and install the new system. That company may decide that it makes sense to temporarily contract with a technician who has the skills necessary to set up the new system. Self-employment/consulting
A growing number of IT professionals are working as independent consultants to companies and organizations. These people are self-employed, set their own schedule, and work for a number of different clients. They’re paid on an hourly, daily, or per-job basis. To be successful, you must have the drive, motivation, skill, and knowledge to own and operate your own business as well as the knowledge of technology needed to cater to your clients. As an independent consultant, you’ll need to market yourself to land new clients and then cater to the needs of your clients. Often independent consultants must make themselves available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to their clients (or have backup support) in case a client experiences an emergency. Find the right job
After you know the type of job you want and the type of company you want to work for and have prepared your resume, it’s time to find the job that’s right for you. See Chapter 5 for a wealth of tips for conducting a successful job search.
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The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them
THE INSIDE TRACK Who:
John David
What:
Technical support manager
Where:
Tennessee
INSIDER’S STORY
This type of work (technical support) used to be performed only by electricians and required a basic background in electricity and electronics, with knowledge of transistors, capacitors, diodes, integrated circuits, chips, and so on. Technology has changed so much that, with minimal training and a thorough understanding of networking, anyone with the proper training can get started as a computer technician in most companies. Most equipment manufacturers offer training, and once you have secured a job, the company usually will train you on the new equipment in its facility or send you to the manufacturer for training. Possibly the best opportunity today for a novice is to attend a computer-specific technical college to get the basics. It’s important to look for one that has a high job placement record. Anyone interested in working in this field must be willing to learn new equipment and technologies continually. It is a very fast-paced, high-pressure, multitasking, self-starter type of job. Even if you get your foot in the door at a company and start working, you will be amazed at how much more you have to learn.
INSIDER’S ADVICE
The technician’s job is constantly changing. The equipment you have today will be obsolete in a year or two. But it is exciting and very satisfying when you have the knowledge and skill to keep a system or network running at peak performance.
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CHAPTER two ALL ABOUT TRAINING PROGRAMS
Before you can begin your career in the computer field, you must acquire what every employer is looking for— the necessary qualifications. Depending on what type of job career path you’re looking to pursue, this could mean obtaining anything from a postgraduate degree or four-year college degree to a high school diploma plus one or more certifications. Once you determine what level of education, skills training, and core knowledge base you need, this chapter will help you determine the best way of acquiring that training, taking into account your time constraints, budget, and how you as a student prefer to be taught.
THE U.S. Department of Labor estimates that over half of U.S. workers will require some type of IT skills training by 2002. Now that you’ve decided to get into a training program, you need to know what options are available near you. This chapter contains information about four main categories of training:
Academic programs offered by colleges and universities Training programs offered by technical schools Classroom-based vendor-affiliated programs (including Microsoft and Novell certification programs) Distance learning programs
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NOTE: The specific schools and training programs included in this chapter are not endorsed or recommended by LearningExpress or the author, and not all the training options that are available are listed here, due to space limitations.
In addition to the various training programs described in this book, see Appendix A for names of professional associations from which you can request additional lists of accredited and/or authorized training programs in your area. Conducting research on the Web is also an excellent way of discovering various types of training opportunities in your city or geographic area.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TRAINING PROGRAM Before you can sign up for a training program and begin acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to land a job in the computer field, you need to make several very important decisions and do research. Begin by determining what aspect of the computer field appeals to you. Specifically, determine what type of job or career path you’d like to pursue. For example, do you want to work in the computer industry itself or hold a computer-related job in another industry? Are you interested in designing, building, and maintaining websites or computer networks? Would you prefer to become a programmer and design software packages? Are you more interested in tapping your artistic side and becoming a computer animator? Each type of job within the computer field requires different training. Some popular job titles in the computer field that require training include:
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Applications Developer Database Administrator Director of Information Technology E-Commerce Applications Developer Help Desk Specialist Information Technology Specialist
All about Training Programs
Internet Solutions Leader IT Client Systems Analyst Network Architect Network Specialist Programmer Analyst Software Engineer Systems Administrator Systems Engineer Web Developer
In addition to reading this book, an excellent strategy is to review the Help Wanted ads in your local newspaper and conduct online research to learn about the types of job opportunities that are out there, what’s required to obtain one of those jobs, what it pays, and what the day-to-day responsibilities of the job will be. Most important, once you determine what type of job or career path you want to pursue, you’ll need to determine what additional education you’ll need and the best way to go about obtaining the necessary training. If, for example, a four-year college degree or postgraduate degree is required (i.e., a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or some other specialized degree), chances are you’ll need to investigate recognized colleges and universities with two-, three- or four-year degree programs in your area of interest. If you determine that a high school diploma in conjunction with the completion of a specific certification program is what’s required, you’ll probably want to look at attending a technical school or vendor-affiliated training program or participating in some type of distance learning program, based on the funds you have available and the amount of time you’re willing to invest in your education. Some of the pros and cons of each type of training program are outlined in this section.
Academic Programs Offered by Colleges and Universities For many high-level technical jobs, including many in the computer field, the core requirements include a college diploma (and in some cases a higher-level 27
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graduate degree). To obtain this level of education, a two-, four- or six-year commitment is typically required, as is enrollment in a traditional college or university. If you want to enter into the computer field, it’s important to select a college or university that will provide you with a well-rounded education and top-notch computer training. Through research, based on the career path you hope to pursue, you should easily be able to determine what education you require. The next step is to find a school that can offer you that education in an environment in which you’ll prosper. There is a wide range of colleges and universities in the United States. Some offer small campuses in a suburban environment, while others offer no formal campus and are based in the heart of a major city. Some educational institutions offer small classes (with a low student-to-teacher ratio), while others offer well-known and nationally recognized professors, but very large classes taught in a seminar fashion. Some schools offer on-campus housing and classes during the day, while others cater to students who live at home and work during the day (so evening and weekend classes are offered). While the curriculum taught to prepare students for specific occupations may be somewhat standard, how this information is taught will vary greatly. In general, the college experience involves attending regularly scheduled classes and seminars, doing hands-on work in computer labs, completing individual and group projects, completing homework assignments, and ultimately passing exams. For each course you complete you’ll earn college credit. By completing the core requirements and earning enough credits, you’ll ultimately graduate with a degree over a two- or four-year period, depending on the program. In a traditional college environment, classroom attendance is mandatory, as is lab work. Choosing the right college or university to attend will require considerable research on your part. You’ll need to choose schools that meet your requirements, schedule an in-person tour of the school, schedule a meeting with someone from the admissions department for an interview, and then formally apply for admission. There are literally thousands of colleges and universities in the United States. Some are considered highly respected Ivy League colleges or universities, while others are classified as state schools or private colleges or universities. 28
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Once you have a general career path you’re interested in pursuing, contact the guidance counselor at your high school for advice on choosing the best college to meet your needs. The reference section of any bookstore will also have a selection of directories that describe colleges and universities. The Internet provides an abundance of free online resources that can help you find the best possible college or university offering the type of computer training in which you’re interested. For example, Peterson’s Thomson Learning website (www.petersons.com) offers detailed information about thousands of colleges and universities, graduate programs, IT programs, adult/distance learning programs, training and executive education programs, and private schools. The area of this website called the IT Channel will be of particular interest to anyone looking to pursue a career in the IT field. One feature of the Peterson’s website is a searchable database of two-year IT programs in the United States. Select an area of interest from the following list, followed by preferred geographic location, and the database will provide you with a listing of schools that are appropriate to your needs. Some of the computer-related programs you can learn about are:
Business Computer Facilities Operator Business Computer Programming Business Systems Analysis and Design Business Systems Networking and Telecommunications Computer Engineering Computer Engineering Technology Computer Graphics Computer Management Computer Programming Computer Science Computer Science Analysis Computer Typography/Composition Equipment Operator Information/Information Sciences Data Processing Technology Design/Visual Communications Desktop Publishing Equipment Operator Electrical, Electronic, Communications Engineer/Technician 29
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Enterprise Management and Operations Graphic Design, Commercial Art, and Illustration Information Processing/Data Entry Technician Information Sciences/Systems Mathematics/Computer Science Management Information Systems/Business Data Processing Multimedia Systems Engineering Systems Science and Theory Technology Education/Industrial Arts
Peterson’s also publishes a book, Peterson’s Handbook for College Admissions, by Thomas C. Hayden, that offers detailed advice on how to choose a college. Another related website that is a useful resource can be found by pointing your Web browser to www.collegecenter.com. To pursue any type of college-level courses, a high school diploma or GED is almost always required. In addition to the mainstream computerrelated programs taught by colleges and universities, some schools, such as DigiPen (in Redmond, WA), for example, offer very specialized programs. DigiPen is the only accredited school in the United States that prepares its students for a career designing video and computer games. The benefit of attending an accredited college or university is that you’ll graduate with a degree and a diploma that will be recognized in any industry in which you choose to work. You’ll have a well-rounded education as well as specialized computer-related skills and knowledge. Most people look back and consider their college years to be among the most memorable in terms of their personal development and growth. You’ll also be able to continue your education to pursue a graduate-level degree if you choose to do so. The potential drawbacks to attending a two- or four-year college or university are the significant expense and time commitment involved. With the help of scholarships, student loans, and parents, many high school students graduate and continue directly to college before entering the job market. Obtaining as much education and training as possible is always an excellent long-term career strategy, but it’s a path that not everyone can take. 30
All about Training Programs
As you’ll see later in this chapter, it’s also possible to earn a college or graduate degree by participating in a distance learning program. This means you can obtain the education and training you need at your own pace and around your own schedule.
Training Programs Offered by Technical Schools Technical schools such as DeVry and ITT Technical Institute are accredited educational institutions designed to cater to the needs of high school graduates looking to earn a degree without having to attend a four-year college or university. They’re also appealing to people who are looking to obtain the necessary technical training in order to change careers. Instead of offering a well-rounded education combined with specialized computer courses, technical school offer the specific courses and training you need to obtain a specific degree or certification. Depending on the type of degree or certification you choose to pursue, earning it could take anywhere from several months to several years. Classes are typically offered during the days, evenings, and/or weekends to accommodate the schedules of students who are also employed. While students are still required to attend classes, do hands-on work in labs, complete projects, and pass exams, most technical schools offer an environment different from that of a traditional college or university. In addition, the tuition tends to be cheaper, yet the ultimate degree or certification you earn will be widely accepted in corporate America as well as in the overseas IT job market. Another benefit of technical schools is that each typically offers a variety of different certification or degree programs plus a broader range of computer or IT-related classes that a vendor-affiliated training center might not offer.
Vendor-Affiliated Training Programs Vendor-affiliated training centers are licensed or authorized to teach curriculums developed by a specific software or hardware manufacturer, such as Microsoft, Novell, or Lotus. 31
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Companies like Microsoft have developed standardized training programs for their key products and have contracted with independent training centers across America to offer these curriculums to students in order to prepare them for the exams required to earn specific certifications. According to Microsoft, “Microsoft Certified Solution Providers (MCSPs) are independent companies that can provide you with the highest levels of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on skills. MCSPs encompass a broad range of expertise and vendor affiliations and their real world perspective can help you prioritize and effectively deliver your technology solutions.” If you want to become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), the first step is to visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices) to learn more about what types of jobs this certification will prepare you for. Next, determine what training centers are available in your area, this information can also be obtained from the Microsoft website. To become an MCP you must pass one or more Microsoft certification exams. Microsoft offers certifications focused on specific areas of expertise and ranges of job skills. Decide which certification is appropriate for you based on your experience, skills, and interests. For online examples of job titles that might be appropriate for a particular certification, click on that certification on the Microsoft Web page to see a description of it. Vendor-affiliated certification can be pursued through instructor-led training, online training, or a self-paced distance learning program. Each of these training options is designed to prepare students to pass certification exams administered at specific testing centers throughout the country. The following two independent companies provide testing centers for Microsoft, Lotus, Novell, and a wide range of other vendor-affiliated certification programs. Additional information about these testing facilities can be obtained by contacting: NCS—Virtual University Enterprises Suite 300 11000 Prairie Lakes Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3857 952-995-8800 www.vue.com 32
All about Training Programs
Sylvan Learning Center 1000 Lancaster Street, Suite A Baltimore, MD 21202 410-843-8000 www.prometric.com To find vendor-affiliated training centers or programs in your area for Microsoft, Novell, Lotus, and/or other well-known certification programs, visit one of the following websites. You’ll be prompted to enter what type of certification training your looking for, in addition to your city, state, and/or zip code. You can also check with any local computer retail store or search the Yellow Pages for a training center located near you.
Cisco—www.cisco.com/public/Training_root.shtml CompTIA (A+)—www.comptia.org/certification/index.htm Lotus—www.lotus.com/home.nsf/welcome/education Microsoft—www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices Novell—www.novell.com/education Oracle—http://education.oracle.com
The advantages of participating in vendor-affiliated training programs are plentiful. For example, the actual time it takes to earn a certification will range from only a few weeks to a few months, depending on your level of commitment and the speed at which you learn the material. Once you have the certification, you’ll be qualified to fill jobs in that area. While the initial salary range might not be as high as for someone with a college or graduate degree, you will be qualified to fill a technical position, which puts you in a higher earning bracket than someone who has no certification and minimal qualifications for an entry-level IT job. Furthermore, by acquiring a vendor-affiliated certification, you’re obtaining training that is recognized and respected by employers. For example, if you have a Microsoft certification, companies that use Microsoft products know they’re hiring someone who is qualified for the job. A greater number of job opportunities will be available to you when you possess the certification(s) employers are looking for. The cost of participating in a vendor-affiliated certification program is also much less than that of pursuing a college education or a degree from a 33
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technical school. Furthermore, most training centers offer classes designed to accommodate almost anyone’s schedule. Plus, if you’re already employed and looking to further your education and computer-related skills, you may find your current employer will pay for this type of training. As you’ll quickly discover by visiting the website of a company such as Microsoft, independent training centers are available across the United States. In many cases, even your local retail computer superstore is equipped to offer the training you require. For example, many CompUSA stores offer fully equipped training centers and a broad range of training programs. CompUSA’s Authorized Advanced Technology Sites (www.compusa. com/training) present an expanded selection of high-tech courses. Authorized training is offered in an open enrollment format at various locations. And if for any reason you are not fully satisfied with a class, you can retake it within one year. The sites offer training for the most popular computer applications currently used by businesses, including:
Advanced Technologies Advanced Technologies—Authorized Cisco Router Microsoft Windows NT/2000 Microsoft Windows NT/2000—Authorized Novell NetWare Novell NetWare—Authorized Specialty Advanced Technical Training
Distance Learning Programs Let’s face it, not everyone is cut out to attend traditional classes and obtain an education by enrolling in a college, university, technical school, or even a computer training center. For financial, scheduling, or other reasons, some people are more comfortable taking their education into their own hands and participating in a distance learning program. These days, it’s possible to earn a high school diploma or GED, a college degree, a graduate degree, or almost any type of computer-related certification by participating in a distance learning program. This means you learn 34
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the same material as you would by participating in traditional classes; however, your education is done at home, at your own pace, through reading, participating in online courses, listening to audiocassettes and/or watching videocassettes. Assuming you pass the exams associated with the distance learning program, the end result and the degree or certification you earn are identical to what someone who attended a traditional educational institution would earn. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the percentage of 25- to 34-year-olds enrolled as college undergraduates increased by nearly onethird between 1972 and 1994. In the even shorter period between 1976 and 1994, the percentage of undergraduates age 35 and older increased by about one-third. As a result, there are numerous programs for students with nontraditional learning curves. Hundreds of colleges and universities grant degrees to people who cannot attend classes at a regular campus or have already learned what the college is supposed to teach. Distance-study diploma programs have no residency requirements, allowing students to continue their studies from almost any location. Depending on the course of study, students need not be enrolled full time and usually have more flexible schedules for finishing their work. Taking courses by distance study is often more challenging and time-consuming than attending classes, especially for adults who have other obligations. Success depends on a individual student’s motivation. Students usually do reading assignments on their own. Written exercises, which they complete and send to an instructor for grading, supplement their reading material. A list of some accredited high schools that offer diplomas by distance study is available free from the Distance Education and Training Council. Request a copy of the DETC Directory of Accredited Institutions by calling 202234-5100. Adult learners can also contact their local school system, community college, or university to learn about programs that are readily available. The following national organizations can also supply information: American Council on Education One Dupont Circle Washington, DC 20036-1193 202-939-9300 35
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Distance Education and Training Council 1601 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009-2529 202-234-5100 National University Continuing Education Association One Dupont Circle, Suite 615 Washington, DC 20036 202-659-3130 Many well-known and accredited colleges, universities, and technical/ vocational schools now offer distance learning programs in the computer or IT field. For example, at the School of Information Technology, Kaplan College offers an online technical skills training program. This program gives you the comprehensive IT training that many employers look for. It is simple to use, and you can easily log on to it, anytime, through the Internet. Kaplan College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). As an accredited academic institution of higher education, Kaplan College has been approved as a Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Program (AATP) institution and delivers technical training using the Microsoft official curriculum and other authorized materials. Some of the programs offered via online distance learning from Kaplan College are:
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Bachelor of Science in Management/Information Technology Management A four-year degree in general education, business, and information technology. Completing this program demonstrates mastery of technology skills as well as effective communication skills, teamwork, and initial thinking. Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies This two-year degree provides a strong foundation in general education and preparation in your desired concentrated area of study. To fulfill some concentration requirements, you can transfer in previous college-accredited work. The associate’s degree can prepare you either for employment or for study toward a four-year degree, and you can apply
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the credits that you receive in the certificate programs toward the associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Microsoft Solution Developer Certificate This certificate program prepares you for the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certification exams, the premium certification for professionals who design and develop custom business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. It also gives you college credit at the same time. Microsoft Network Engineer Certificate (MNE [MCSE 2000]) The Microsoft Network Engineer Certificate program qualifies you to operate the business world’s most important network operating system. You will master the skills you need to pass Microsoft’s new Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE 2000) Certification Exams. The IT field requires that individuals learn the latest technology, and here you will be able to learn even more because the program focuses on the 2000 track. Microsoft Network Engineer Certificate and Site Builder (MNE [MCSE+SB 2000]) As an adjunct to the Network Engineer Certificate program, if you pursue the Site Builder track, you will also learn how to build websites and e-commerce solutions.
There are many reasons why someone might want to pursue an education though a distance learning program, and with recent advances in Internet technology (i.e., streaming audio and video on the Web), distance learning has been brought to a whole new level, making it easier to obtain a complete education from any desktop computer that’s connected to the Internet. Distance learning is an extremely viable option for those who are already holding down a job, have limited time in their daily schedule, and/or have financial limitations.
Local Training Programs Most computer technician jobs do not require a four-year college degree. In fact, courses at traditional four-year schools focus primarily on programming, not on operations, maintenance, or networking. Computer technician 37
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courses are offered more often through two-year colleges, technical schools, and proprietary facilities (private teaching facilities sometimes run by a vendor). Often you will be able to find the courses you need in a training program near you. Though not a complete list, the courses described below will give you an idea of the type of training you can expect to find. Network technician
Network Operating Systems Courses with this title familiarize the student with popular network operating systems, including Novell NetWare® and Microsoft Windows NT/2000®. Networking Essentials Current networking technologies for local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet are covered in courses with this title. In addition to understanding the configuration requirements for these networks, you will also learn system administration techniques. Network Design Here you will learn about designing complex networks, the directory structure and naming conventions, partition/replica strategies, remote user configuration, and techniques for project management. Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) Training Following the structure of the certification test, this course prepares the student to pass the CNE exam. It includes training on Novell NetWare® installation and configuration; TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol) transport; Ethernet, Arcnet, and Token Ring configurations; and Novell system administration guidelines.
Hardware technician
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Computer Hardware and Small Computer Systems An introduction to the design and operation of small computer systems (PC clones), this course emphasizes logic circuit design and basic assembly language programming.
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Supporting Operating Systems This course teaches skills for handling the day-to-day administration and technical support of various operating systems. Introduction to the Psychology of Computer Support This course teaches methods for coping with stress, communicating with the people you support and your supervisors, as well as purchasing replacement parts.
Software technician/Microsoft Certification As a world leader in computer operating systems and software used in the business environment, Microsoft has established a variety of different certification programs to insure that students are taught exactly what they need to know in order to help their (future) employer’s computer systems operate properly using Microsoft products. According to Microsoft, “Earning a Microsoft certification acknowledges your expertise in working with Microsoft products and technologies. The IT industry, your employer, clients and peers will recognize your MPC (Microsoft Certified Professional) credential as a symbol of the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through experience. Microsoft certification shows that you are a technical leader with the ability to successfully implement Microsoft business solutions for your organization or client.” To help keep people up-to-date on the latest Microsoft training programs, software, and technology, the company publishes the Microsoft Online Certified Professional Magazine (www.mcpmag.com). As of January 1, 2000, the Microsoft certifications you can earn include:
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) This program teaches students all about at least one Microsoft operating system and provides a working knowledge of development tools or desktop applications (such as Microsoft Office 2000). The MCP with Internet certification teaches the student how to plan security, install and configure server products, manage server resources, and perform other duties related to the Internet. The MCP with a specialty in site building teaches how to plan, build, maintain, and manage websites using Microsoft technologies and products. 39
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Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) This certification program teaches the student how to use development tools and platforms to create business solutions. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) This certification program teaches the student how to design, install, support, and troubleshoot information systems. Students become network gurus, support technicians, and operating system experts. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer with a specialty in the Internet (MCSE and Internet) By completing this certification, students learn to enhance, deploy, and manage sophisticated Intranet and Internet solutions. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Students learn how to implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases in this certification program. Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) By completing this course, students learn how to teach others about Microsoft products using the Microsoft official curriculum.
Each of these certification programs will qualify you to land a specific type of job within the computer field. You can also call 800-636-7544 or email
[email protected] for more information directly from Microsoft about these programs. Microsoft also offers certification programs for mastering specific Microsoft software applications, such as the Microsoft Office suite of business products (which includes Word, Excel, Access, Explorer, and PowerPoint). Internet Technician
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Understanding Internets Students in this course learn about the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) and how to install a TCP/IP stack on a network. Web Basics This course teaches students how to support the hardware and peripherals required to maintain a successful website and how to choose the right Internet service provider (ISP) for any Web needs.
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Internet Security Students in this course learn to identify possible security risks imposed by the Internet and how to avoid them. Corporate firewalls and file permissions will be discussed.
Other Internet applications Developing Internet websites means being able to program using such languages as HTML and Java. In addition, you’ll also want to become proficient using the latest and most popular Web design tools, such as Flash, and be able to take full advantage of browser plug-ins for implementing streaming video, audio, e-commerce applications, animations, and other content into a website.
DECIDING ON AN ACADEMIC- OR A VENDOR-AFFILIATED TRAINING PROGRAM You can receive academic computer training through an accredited school, college, or university; this type of training provides you with a broad scope of information about many elements of computers made by many different vendors. Vendor training, generally called certification, provides intense training on all the products made by one company (such as Microsoft, Novell, or Lotus). Some academic programs also provide vendor training as a part of their degree program. Because computer technology is growing, the opportunities for training are increasing rapidly.
Finding the Right Academic Computer-Related Program for You Because computer technology is still a relatively new field, most schools have their own naming conventions for programs; there are no universal terms used to name academic computer programs. You rarely will find a program called Computer Technician, but there are many closely related titles. Most of these programs offer essentially the same information—you will find many similar courses even under different program titles. Here are just some of the names used for programs related to the computer technician field. 41
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Computer Business Systems Technology Computer Electromechanics Computer Engineering Technology Computer Hardware Technology Computer Information Science Computer Information Systems Computer Information Systems Management Computer Information Systems Technology Computer Literacy Computer Maintenance Computer Maintenance Technology Computer Management Systems Computer Networking Computer Operations Computer Repair Computer Science Computer Science and Business Computer Science and Electronics Computer Science and Information Studies Computer Services Theory and Systems Computer Systems Technology Computer Technology
The best approach is to contact schools and ask for a catalog of their courses related to the computer field. Then you can see for yourself which of their courses are related to becoming, specifically, a hardware technician, software technician, network technician, or Internet technician. You can also call the schools that interest you and speak to an admissions counselor for more detailed information. Below are two samples of academic training schools that have branches across the nation offering training for computer technicians. DeVry Technical Institute DeVry provides academic programs that unite education, technology, and business. The school offers two different programs for training computer technicians: Computer Information Systems and Electronics Technician. You can register for classes or get more information online at www.devry.com. 42
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General admission requirements for DeVry
To be admitted to any DeVry program, a prospective student must interview with a DeVry admissions representative and complete an application for admission. In addition, the following specific requirements must be met regarding age, prior education, and demonstrated proficiency in the basic skills required for college-level work. Each applicant must be at least 17 years old on the first day of classes. In addition, each applicant must be a high school graduate, hold a GED certificate, or have a degree from an approved postsecondary institution. Selected DeVry programs have entry points beyond the freshman level. Such programs have a more advanced prior education requirement than those with freshman-level entry and may also have separate requirements for assessment and placement. An official transcript (or equivalent documentation) with the high school or college grade point average (GPA) and graduation date must be provided for the student’s file by the end of the first semester. Each applicant must demonstrate proficiency in basic college-level skills. This must be evidenced in one of the following ways:
Submission of ACT or SAT examination scores deemed appropriate by DeVry for the chosen program Attainment of scores appropriate to the chosen program on DeVryadministered placement examinations in reading comprehension, sentence skills, arithmetic, and elementary algebra Submission of required documentation indicating acceptable grades in qualifying college-level work completed at an approved postsecondary institution (Twenty-four qualifying semester credit hours (or the equivalent) in which the language of instruction was English, including at least three semester credit hours in English composition, demonstrate proficiency in language skills. Qualifying college-level mathematics credits appropriate to the intended program provide evidence of mathematics proficiency.)
To be admitted to DeVry, prospective students must complete an application and interview with a campus- or field-based DeVry representative, who provides information on programs, start dates, part-time work, student 43
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housing, and graduate employment opportunities. When all admission requirements have been fulfilled, applicants are notified in writing of their admission status. DeVry Institutes are accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The baccalaureate Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) programs at all U.S. campuses except Fremont and West Hills, CA; Tinley Park, IL; Alpharetta, GA, North Brunswick, NJ, and Orlando, FL; and the Electronics Technology program at Long Island City, NY, are separately accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC of ABET). The Fremont, West Hills, Tinley Park, North Brunswick, and Orlando institutes will apply for TAC of ABET accreditation for their baccalaureate EET programs once the first classes have graduated, as will the Long Island City Institute. The Alpharetta, GA, institute operates as a branch campus of the Decatur, GA, institute. The North Central Association and TAC of ABET are listed by the U.S. Department of Education as recognized accrediting associations. ITT Technical Institute ITT Technical Institute (www.itt-tech.edu) also provides academic programs that unite education, technology, and business. It offers training for computer technicians in its Electronics Technician program. ITT Technical Institute has over 68 schools nationwide in more then 28 states. To qualify for admission at ITT Technical Institute, an individual must:
Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent Meet with a representative of ITT Tech Pass an admissions exam Arrange a time to tour the school Pay the application fee
Curriculum offerings, leading primarily to associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, are designed to help students begin to prepare for career opportunities in various fields involving technology, including electronics, computer
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network systems technology, computer-aided drafting, information technology, industrial design, automated manufacturing, computer visualization, chemical technology, telecommunications, and other areas. One ITT Technical Institute also offers a master’s degree program in project management. Programs of study vary among the ITT Technical Institutes. ITT Technical Institute programs of study blend traditional academic content with applied learning concepts, with a significant portion devoted to practical study in a lab environment. Advisory committees, composed of representatives of local businesses and employers, help each ITT Technical Institute periodically assess and update curriculums, equipment, and laboratory design. According to U.S. Department of Education data, all of the ITT Technical Institutes combined granted the largest percentage (12.9%) of the total number of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees awarded in the United States in electronics and electronics-related programs in the 1996-1997 school year (the latest year for which statistics are available). All of the ITT Technical Institutes combined also granted the largest share (20.5%) of the total number of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees awarded in the United States in drafting programs during the same period. Students attend classes year-round, with convenient breaks provided throughout the year. Year-round classes enable students to complete bachelor’s degree programs and enter the work force full-time in as few as three years. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered only at selected campuses. Classes are generally offered in four-hour sessions five days a week and are typically available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, depending on student enrollment. This class schedule offers students flexibility to pursue part-time employment opportunities. Each ITT Technical Institute is authorized by the state in which it is located and is either accredited or seeking accreditation by a national accrediting commission recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All but the most recently opened colleges are eligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended and as administered by the U.S. Department of Education. ITT Technical Institute offers the following associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs:
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Associate’s degree programs
Business Technology and Administration Chemical Technology Computer and Electronics Engineering Technology Computer Drafting and Design Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology Computer-Aided Drafting Technology Computer Network Systems Technology Electronics Engineering Technology Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Information Technology—Computer Network Systems Information Technology—Multimedia Information Technology—Software Applications and Programming Information Technology—Web Development Tool Engineering Technology
Bachelor’s degree programs
Automated Manufacturing Technology Computer Visualization Technology Electronics Engineering Technology Industrial Design Telecommunications Engineering Technology
Master’s degree program
Project Management
Tips on applying to academic programs Apply as early as you can. You’ll need to fill out an application and submit official high school or GED transcripts and any copies of SAT, ACT, or other test scores used for admission. If you haven’t taken these, you may have to before you can be admitted. Call the school and find out when the next program starts, and then apply at least a month 46
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or two prior to that date to make sure you can complete requirements before the program starts. You may receive a prewritten request for transcripts from the admissions office when you get your application. Make sure you respond promptly, so you don’t hold up the admissions process. Make an appointment as soon as possible to take placement tests if they are required. Pay your fees before the deadline. Enrollment is not complete each quarter or semester until you have paid all fees by the date specified on the registration form. If fees are not paid by the deadline, your classes may be canceled. If you are going to receive financial aid, apply as early as you can. Find out if you must pass a physical or have any other medical history forms on file for the school you choose, so this does not delay your admission.
Finding Vendor-Affiliated Training for the Certification You Need Vendors are companies that make specific products. Several training companies are affiliated with one or more vendors and are authorized to teach their curriculums. This section discusses the most popular and widely obtained certifications in the computer industry: Microsoft, Novell, Lotus, and A+. Read on for more details about how to obtain the training you need to pass certification exams in these exciting areas. Authorized Academic Training Programs (AATPs) Students can find instructor-led training on Microsoft products and technologies through high schools, colleges, and universities participating in the Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Provider (AATP) program . The curriculum is developed by Microsoft and prepares students for certification exams. Authorized Academic Training Program institutions deliver the Microsoft official curriculum (MOC) in a conventional classroom setting. Developed by Microsoft, MOC courses provide hands-on experience, with 47
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lectures, labs, and supplemental materials. Contact Microsoft at 800-5088454 to find out if participating AATP institutions are located near you. Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs) Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs) offer several training options. Companies (generally private) that are Microsoft Certified Solution Providers (MCSPs) prepare students for taking certification exams. These programs are shorter than the academic associate’s degree programs, and some courses can be completed within a few days or weeks. To find a CTEC near you, visit www.microsoft.com/trainingand/services/providers. Novell Certification Just as Microsoft offers various certification programs that qualify students to hold specific jobs within the computer field, other companies, such as Novell and Lotus, offer similar programs based around their products. Novell, for example, offers the following certifications:
Certified Novell Salesperson (CNS) Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) Master CNE Certified Novell Instructor (CNI)
Acquiring Novell certification status can increase job opportunities. Certification is available from two types of authorized trainers:
Novell Authorized Education Center (NAEC) Novell Education Academic Partner (NEAP)
Novell Authorized Education Centers (NAECs) are private companies authorized by Novell to provide Novell training to students preparing to take certification exams. Some of these courses can be completed within a few days or weeks. Call the Novell education information line, 800-233EDUC, for information on NAECs. Through Novell Education Academic Partners (NEAPs), students can find instructor-led training on Novell products and technologies at high 48
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schools, colleges, and universities participating in the NEAP program. The curriculum, developed by Novell, prepares students for certification exams and is delivered in a conventional classroom setting. The courses provide hands-on experience, with lectures, labs, and supplemental materials. Call your local community or technical college to see if it offers Novell certification training. Lotus certification Lotus Professional Services (www.lotus.com/home.nsf/welcome/-certification) education offerings and certification programs are designed to help customers take full advantage of technology investments to improve business processes. The curriculum development team at Lotus Professional Services designs and develops courseware, in both instructor-led and selfpaced formats, in order to ensure that each course reflects and responds to real business needs. Through research with customers and work with the product development team, the Lotus-authorized curriculum focuses on creating the knowledge that application developers, system administrators, or end users say they need to best perform their jobs. This highly focused, task-based training gives practical results quickly, and the instructor-led and self-paced delivery formats provide flexibility to meet individual needs. Certification provides individuals with a means to benchmark their technical knowledge and achieve industry recognition, which results in increased business value to both the individual and the organization. As members of the highly regarded Lotus-certified community, trained individuals enjoy benefits commensurate with their certification level. The following certifications are offered by Lotus:
Certified Lotus Specialist (CLS) The Certified Lotus Specialist program recognizes a basic level of technical expertise. Certified Lotus Professional (CLP) The Certified Lotus Professional program requires individuals to pass a series of exams to demonstrate expertise in a job function and represents a high level of technical knowledge. 49
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Certified Lotus Instructor (CLI) The Certified Lotus Instructor program is directed toward technical training professionals who through experience and expertise have demonstrated their ability to present Lotus’s authorized courseware in a professional and understandable format. Certified Lotus End-user Instructor (CLEI) The Certified Lotus End-user Instructor program is available for training professionals who have experience presenting Lotus’s authorized end-user courseware. IBM Certification Visit the IBM certification site (www-1.ibm.com/certify/index.shtml) if you’re interested in pursuing IBM certifications.
You can seek professional certification by attending Lotus-authorized instructor-led courses or by completing Lotus self-paced computer-based training courses. For more information about Lotus training and to find a Lotus training program near you, call the Lotus education help line at 800346-6409 or 617-577-8500. A+ certification A+ certification is a home-study program. To become certified, you must pass two test modules: the core and the Windows/DOS modules. Candidates who pass the two test modules become certified, demonstrating basic knowledge of configuring, installing, diagnosing, repairing, upgrading, and maintaining microcomputers and associated technologies. You can order the A+ course by calling 800-776-4276. The course is in an interactive, Windows-based format that lets you practice answering questions as if you were taking the actual test. The A+ course includes:
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The A+ Certification Success Guide for computer technicians Interactive certification assessment software Over nine hundred sample questions on three disks A study guide and workbook
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HOW TO EVALUATE TRAINING PROGRAMS Schools are businesses; they need students in order to make money. When you think of it in that light, the brochure you read about a school is actually an advertisement. You, as a consumer, need to carefully research, evaluate, and compare schools the same way you would if you were buying a car or major appliance. Come up with a list of criteria for judging a school or training program’s worth to you. For instance, ask yourself:
Do you want to attend classes full-time or part-time? Are you more comfortable in a rural or an urban setting? What kind of student-teacher ratio are you looking for?
All of this information is available through a number of sources, including schools themselves. Make a chart like the one below to help you compare the choices and make your decision. My Criteria
School A
School B
Rural setting
X
X
Public school
X
X
Computer lab open 24 hours
X
Computer lab has PC and UNIX platforms
X
Computer lab hires students
X
Student body size less than 10,000
X
Student-to-teacher ratio less than 10-to-1
X
Coed campus
X
School D
X
X
X X X
X
Financial aid offered through the school
X
X
X
Work-study program available
X
X
On-campus placement office
X
X
Large nontraditional student population
School C
X
X X
X
If you have time, try to visit the schools in your area and talk to the guidance counselor at each one. These counselors are trained to help you identify your needs and decide if their school will meet your criteria. Follow this checklist in preparing for an on-campus visit: 51
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Contact the Office of Admissions at each school and request an appointment to visit. Be sure to request a complete tour as well as a meeting with a representative from the school who will be able to answer your questions. Remember to ask for the names of both the person making the appointment and the person with whom you will be meeting. Bring a copy of your transcript or permanent record card if you will have the opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor during your visit. Include a list of honors or awards you have received in school or in the community. Know your PSAT and ACT or SAT test scores, in case someone asks you about them. Be ready to ask questions about the school and surrounding community, especially about extracurricular activities, work opportunities, and other details you won’t find in the promotional brochures.
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT TRAINING PROGRAMS
Is the program accredited?
The accreditation process recognizes schools and professional programs that provide a level of performance, integrity, and quality to its students and the community. The accreditation process is voluntary; accreditation is granted on the basis of the school’s curriculum, staff ratios, and other criteria established by the accrediting agencies. Accreditation doesn’t attempt to rank or grade the schools, only to accredit them. So what does that mean to you? Basically, it assures you and your potential employers that the school you chose to attend tries to provide valuable courses taught by qualified instructors. In short, it offers you peace of mind. National accreditation agencies and regional agencies have jurisdiction over the entire United States; schools can also be accredited by professional organizations. Although a school can be accredited by more than one agency, one is enough. Most schools are proud of their accredited status and freely share the information in their printed materials, but you can be sure of their status by asking. Be sure that all programs you evaluate are accredited by one of the accrediting bodies listed in Appendix A. 52
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In addition to being state or nationally accredited, a school may be accredited by a company to train students in the use of its various products. An example of such accreditation is the Microsoft CTECs discussed earlier.
What is the program’s length?
You have choices about the amount of time you spend on your training. Decide in advance how long you want to spend on your training and find a program that meets your needs and budget. Keep in mind that in addition to structured, classroom-based training programs you can also participate in distance learning programs that are self-paced and allow you to work around your existing schedule. These distance learning programs are available using textbooks, videotaped courses, audiotaped courses, and online (multimedia) courses. The curriculum is typically identical to what you’d learn in a traditional classroom environment; however, the approach to teaching is different. In terms of tuition, distance learning programs also tend to be cheaper.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
The student-teacher ratio is a statistic that shows the average number of students assigned to one teacher in a classroom or lab. It is important to know the ratio because a lower student-teacher ratio means that, as a student, you will get more small-group, one-on-one, intense training. A higher ratio (30to-1 or even 100-to-1) is sometimes acceptable for a lecture class in which interaction between students and teachers is not necessary. However, for a lab setting (hands-on work), students need a lower student-teacher ratio: 30-to-1 might be acceptable for easy work, 15-to-1 for moderate projects; intense work might require a 5-to-1 or even 1-to-1 ratio.
What is the classroom-lab ratio?
Theory and discussion, which you will get in a classroom setting, are important. However, lab experience—working with hardware and software, hands-on—is equally important in a technical degree program. Evaluate how much of your training time will be spent in the classroom versus the lab. Be cautious about any program that does not include significant lab 53
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work. Lab work is an absolute must for acquiring hands-on experience as opposed to theoretical knowledge.
Is the school’s lab technologically advanced?
Technology is changing rapidly; it would be a waste to have excellent student-teacher ratios in a lab full of old technology. While it is important to become familiar with hardware and software that is a few years old (your future employer probably has some old equipment), you need to be sure that you will also have experience working with state-of-the-art equipment. Investigate how the labs in your prospective schools are equipped, maintained, and updated. Through research, you can determine exactly what software and equipment the employers you’d like to work for are currently using and then insure that you will be taught using that equipment. You want to make sure you’re not only being taught on the latest computer hardware but also being trained to use the latest versions of the most popular operating systems and software packages.
What are the school’s job-placement statistics?
Most schools and programs have specific placement offices, dedicated to helping you find a job after you have completed your training. Placement offices keep records of what types of jobs their students get. Don’t just read the statistics; closely examine them. Understand the difference between a statistic that shows how many students got jobs in the computer field and one that shows how many got jobs, even in unrelated fields. Find out how many jobs were found through the placement office and how many students found independently. Even if the school does not have a job placement service, you still should be able to find out what percentage of graduating students get jobs in the computer industry.
Does the school offer internships?
An internship, a source of experience and potential employment, is an excellent opportunity for any student. In an internship, a student works in a company for a short time (often one to three months) to complete a predefined 54
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project or task. The students are sometimes (but not always) paid an internship salary, which is usually low. Internships are valuable because they offer on-the-job experience, a chance to create portfolio pieces, and opportunities to network with other people in the field. If you perform well in an internship, chances are you’ll be hired by that company in a full-time position once your education and internship are completed. So, in addition to considering an internship to be a learning experience, also think of it as an in-person audition for the job you’d eventually like to land. Find out if any of your prospective programs or schools have internships with companies in the area.
What are the entrance requirements?
Depending on which program and school you attend, you may have to complete entrance and placement exams. These exams evaluate your reading, writing, and math skills. For example, if you score low in math on a placement exam, you may be placed in a remedial math course, such as Math 099, to use as review before taking Math 101. Other criteria used in admitting applicants to programs include high school grade point average, recommendations, and personal statements. If you already have real-world work experience, some schools will waive certain entrance requirements.
SELECTING THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU Since training programs in the computer industry range from single courses to advanced degrees, how do you determine which path is best for you? Here are some things to consider:
The more education you have, the better your opportunities for getting a job. The more education you have, the better your opportunities for advancing into supervisory or management positions. You don’t want to become a professional student. You want to fulfill an educational goal and then get a job to fulfill career and financial goals. 55
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You must be realistic about your present financial situation. You probably can get financial aid or loans to go through school, but you also must consider rent, food, and those who need your financial support. You will find three basic types of education: course certification, program certification, and degrees.
Type of Education
Description
Typical Time
Where to Get the Training
Course certification
A class that
Ranging from half
Temporary agencies
focuses on one
a day to six months
Private training companies
piece of software
Vendors (the companies that
or one technology.
make hardware, software, or other technologies)
Program certification
A series of classes
One to two years
Vocational schools
that gives an
Proprietary schools
overview of a field.
Independent colleges Technical schools
Associate’s degree
Two years of
Two years
Colleges
college-level work,
Universities
with courses in
Technical schools
general education and specialized studies Bachelor’s degree
Four years of college-level work, with
Four years
Colleges Universities
courses in general education and a specialized major subject
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM After you decide to enter a training program to receive a certificate or degree, you want to make the most of it, right? The rest of this chapter shows you how to do just that by providing specific things you can do to maximize the benefits of completing your training program.
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Taking Notes in Class Very few people are gifted with a photographic memory that allows them to remember all the information that bombards them throughout the day. Also, very few students are gifted with a lightning-quick hand that can record everything said in a classroom. So it is essential to your success in a training course that you use an effective note-taking method that will help you learn and remember key information. Note-taking methods There are basically three different kinds of note taking. You should give a few trial runs to each to discover which one fits your learning style best. Traditional outline
The traditional outline method is typically the basis for teachers’ lectures. Concepts (broad ideas) are farthest left, marked by Roman numerals (I, II, III); the ideas and details that expand the concept are marked first by capital letters (A, B, C), then Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3), then lowercase letters (a, b, c). Increase the indent with each level of detail. You don’t have to get all the lettering and numbering exactly correct. The important part of this method is to understand and accurately record the relationships between ideas (for example, this idea is really a subset of that idea). Here is a sample of this method: I. How to make the most of your training program A. Taking notes in class 1. Methods a. Outline b. Columns c. Diagramming 2. Shorthand B. Studying for exams II.Finding training
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Three-column method
The three-column method is basically a more artistic way of outlining. The advantages over outlining are:
You don’t have to spend time writing down Roman numerals and numbers and worrying about correct indents, so you will be able to write faster. You don’t have to understand the exact relationships of less important concepts at the time they are presented. Some people are visual learners, and this method works better for them. Be prepared to use a lot of paper this way; your third column fills up fast.
Informal diagramming
Informal diagramming allows your imagination to run wild while still sticking to the facts of the matter. You choose how to represent the main idea and how to make the details feed into that. This can be very useful for how-to information about computers, because it’s essentially a flowchart, a common method of presenting information in the technology industry. Creating different ways to visually represent relationships helps you to analyze and synthesize the information, leading to greater comprehension. Plus, exercising your artistic side will help keep you awake in class! (It’s a great alternative to doodling.) Invent your own shorthand Even when you find the right note-taking method for your learning style, getting down every word an instructor speaks is virtually impossible. Don’t attempt this with a laptop, even if your typing skills are top-notch: you’ll be miserable trying to condense and organize the material after class. You need to invent ways to abbreviate words. Constantly writing out computer and because and training is time-consuming (and your wrist will protest). You can write bc for because. So many words end with -ing, why not just add -g? The common ending -tion can become -tn. And drop as many vowels as possible without making the word indecipherable. For example, training can easily become trng. Use acronyms (just the first letter of each word) for key terms that are repeated over and over. How many times could you write ct for each time you spell out computer technician? 58
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You rarely need to write complete sentences. The meat of a sentence is its noun and verb—skip all the extra words (the, it, etc.). If you haven’t tried it before, creating your own shorthand is going to involve trial and error, just like any other note-taking method. It’s not important that everyone else understands your notes, only that you understand them. Review your notes Look over your notes as soon as possible after class—within twelve hours. Fill in any missing information you still remember; cross out what obviously became unimportant by the time the class was over. Mark key points with a highlighter. Make sure each set of notes is clearly titled with date, course title, teacher’s name, and overall theme.
Studying for Exams Try to budget your study time so you don’t have to cram for an exam. Pulling an all-nighter is not a red badge of courage in education. Studies show that you will study less effectively and perform worse on tests when you are tired. Set up a reasonably neat study area and make sure:
Your lighting is good You have plenty of pens, pencils, Post-It notes, and highlighters Your telephone isn’t going to ring with a tempting offer to blow off the evening You have a comfortable chair and posture You’re not going to be distracted by lyrics or awesome bass if you enjoy listening to music while you study
Of course, your notes are already in order, well-titled, clear, and concise. You’ve also been using your handy highlighter in the textbooks to capture key information, right? Ask your instructor about the exam format: essay, multiple choice, lab, or one of the many other methods of testing. You probably won’t take many essay exams in your coursework; you probably will encounter a lot of multiple-choice and lab (hands-on) tests. 59
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Networking with Other Students It can be lonely out there, so why not make friends on campus? Observe who is in more than one of your classes; those students probably share some of your goals and interests. Compare your courses of study and ask about their plans after they finish their training. Note announcements of get-togethers organized by major field of study, and attend with a friendly attitude. This may help you become aware of students who are in the same boat with you, even if you didn’t notice them before. Getting used to networking with other students will help prepare you for networking to find a job after you complete your training program.
Getting to Know Your Instructors It is important to have peers for moral support and fun, but it’s just as important to get to know your instructors. Being just a number to them will do you no more good than taking a correspondence course. When instructors know you personally, chances are you will learn more from their classes. You can approach them with questions that are too timeconsuming or off the main subject to ask in class. You will discover that they are flesh and blood, not just robotic dispensers of knowledge, and knowing this will enrich your educational experience. After a class has met once or twice, find out your instructor’s schedule and office location. Make a point to drop by the office at least twice a month, even if it’s just to chat about how things are going for you. Look for notices from student organizations announcing special social times to gather with instructors. Remember, they were students once, too.
Making the Most of Your Career Placement/Counseling Office There are squadrons of people out there who have made it their job to run career placement and counseling offices just for students on campus. That includes you. Don’t shun their efforts. Make the career placement office one of the first places 60
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you visit when you set foot on campus, and include it on your list as you’re making rounds to the instructors’ offices. Read the posters and notices on the walls. Start by asking general questions to get a feel for the office. Focus on interacting with one particular person—just as you do with your instructors—so you aren’t just a number. If one staff person takes an interest in your situation, he or she will be able to give you more personalized help and more detailed information. Not every placement office works the same way. Most offices participate in career fairs and distribute candidate position lists. Career fairs are generally held in large buildings, such as hotels or convention centers. They are a great opportunity to learn more about companies in the field and trends in the marketplace, get experience interviewing, and find a job.
THE INSIDE TRACK Who:
Mark Anderson
What:
Independent Computer Consultant
Where:
Small-medium sized companies Los Angeles, CA
INSIDER’S STORY
As an independent computer consultant, I’m responsible for finding and landing my own clients, usually in small-to-medium size companies, and then supporting the computing and networking needs of those companies. I’m virtually always on-call, but have other independent computer consultants on-call to support me, when I need them. I’ve been working freelance for about three years now. Before that, I worked at a start-up website as a computer technician. During my time there, I took every opportunity I was given to make contacts and network, and take advantage of any training that was offered. Unfortunately, like many start-ups, my company went under quite dramatically, and I was left without a job. By that time though, I had developed enough contacts and reputation that I decided to try my hand at consulting. It started off slow at first, but as I kept working and networking, trying to get myself out there, I gradually built up a large client list. Now I have so much work that I sometimes have to pass it off to one of my colleagues when my plate is too full. I enjoy it because I’m working for myself, and set my own schedule; it’s also quite lucrative.
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INSIDER’S ADVICE
If you’re going to pursue a career as an independent computer consultant, keep in mind that the actual consulting is only a small part of the overall job. Finding and landing clients, plus handling the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business are time consuming as well. I’m responsible for everything, from marketing to purchasing to bookkeeping. Make sure you go into this with a knowledge of how to operate a business, in addition to having all of the necessary computer training. Without a doubt, the key to being successful is having unlimited patience. You would not believe the amount of patience it takes to deal with a frustrated and upset client who is in the midst of having a computer crisis. You also have to deal with clients who create their own crises. I once received a frantic call from a client stating that their whole network was offline. As a result, their business was basically shut down. When I dropped everything and arrived on-site to deal with the problem, it turned out to be a computer that got unplugged from the wall. They thought the computer crashed, no one thought to check the plug. To be successful, you need to really be a “people person” and understand how to relate and deal with others who don’t understand computers.
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CHAPTER three FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE TRAINING YOU NEED In order to earn the highest possible salary in the career path you choose to pursue, you’ll need to obtain the necessary training that will qualify you to fill those top-paying jobs. To obtain the training, you’ll need to make a rather significant investment of your time as well as your money. This chapter explains how to determine your eligibility for financial aid and will help you gather the information you need before you begin the financial aid process. As you’ll see, there are many types of financial aid available, plus an even larger selection of scholarships for which you may be eligible. The lists of resources and acronyms provided in this chapter will help you along the financial aid path.
NOW THAT you’ve decided that working in the computer field is an exciting, worthwhile, and potentially high-paying career with lots of opportunities available, and have chosen a training program, you need a plan for financing your training. If you’ve already been in the workforce and plan to change careers, or if your parents have offered to pay for your education, perhaps you already have the money you’ll need. There’s no harm, however, in spending some time investigating the financial aid and scholarship options available, even if you think you might not qualify. Financial aid is available to cover the cost of education/training at several different types of schools, including vocational schools that offer shortterm training programs. Chances are you can qualify even if you’re attending only part-time. The financial aid you get may be less than that for 63
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longer, full-time programs, but it still can help you pay for a portion of your computer training. Also, if you’re currently employed, be sure to contact your employer to determine if the company will cover some or all of your education/training.
GETTING STARTED First of all, get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your public library or financial aid office, or order it online at www.finaid.org/finaid.html or by calling 800-4-FED-AID. (Be aware that photocopies of federal forms are not acceptable.) The FAFSA determines your eligibility status for all grants and loans provided by federal or state governments and certain college or institution aid, so this can be a highly useful and informative first step in the financial aid process and help you further understand your options. The U.S. government and state governments alike offer a wide range of scholarships and financial aid packages for civilians, plus special aid programs for present and former military personnel. There are also attractive tax benefits associated with obtaining additional education or training. Aside from the government, there is a wide range of other available options, some of which are outlined at the website www.finaid.org/otheraid. According to the government, anyone in the process of applying to school should complete the FAFSA form, which can be done using traditional printed forms or online via the organization’s website. “Many families mistakenly think they don’t qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources of aid, such as unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans, that are available regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free. There is no good excuse for not applying,” explains one FAFSA brochure. For more information, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) and ask for a free copy of The Student Guide: Financial Aid from the US Department of Education. The toll-free hotline (800-4-FEDAID) is run by the U.S. Department of Education, which can answer questions about federal and state student aid programs and applications. You can also write to: Federal Student Aid Information Center, PO Box 84, 64
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Washington, DC 20044. The FAFSA website can be accessed by pointing your Web browser to www.fafsa.ed.gov. This site will help you obtain and complete the FAFSA form. To complete this form, you’ll need the following information:
Records for income earned in the year prior to the one when you will start school (for the 2001-2002 school year, you will need 2000 information. You may also need records of your parents income). Your Social Security card and driver’s license W-2 forms or other records of income earned Your (and your spouse’s, if you are married) federal income tax return Your parent’s federal income tax return Records of other untaxed income received, such as welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, TANF, veteran’s benefits, or military or clergy allowances Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments Business or farm records, if applicable Your alien registration card if you are not a U.S. citizen
To complete the form online using FAFSA Express, point your Web browser to www.sfadownload.ed.gov/fafsa/fexpress.html. FAFSA Express makes the paperless financial aid application a reality. A PC equipped with the Windows operating system and a modem can transmit an electronic FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education. FAFSA Express users enjoy the benefits of electronic data exchange, eliminating delays from mailing and ensuring faster receipt of an official Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the department. The software also speeds the application process by automatically checking electronic FAFSA data, resulting in fewer rejected applications.
Gathering Your Records When you apply for financial aid, your answers to certain questions will determine whether you’re considered dependent on your parents and must 65
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report their income and assets as well as your own, or whether you’re independent and must report only your own income and assets (and those of your spouse if you’re married). If you are a dependent student, you will need financial information from your parents to fill out the FAFSA. Read the following list to determine if you are dependent or independent according to financial aid rules. You are considered an independent student if you meet any one of the following criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
You are at least 24 years old You are married You have a dependent other than a spouse You are a graduate student or professional student You are a ward of the court or an orphan You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
Determining Your Eligibility To receive financial aid from an accredited institution’s student aid program, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non citizen with a Social Security number. Call the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) at 415-7054205 if you are not a U.S. citizen and are unsure of your eligibility. Eligibility is a very complicated matter, but it can be simplified to the following equation: your contribution + your parents’ contribution = expected family contribution (EFC). Student expense budget/cost of attendance (COA) minus EFC = your financial need. The need analysis service or federal processor looks at the following if you are a dependent student:
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Family assets, including savings, stocks and bonds, real estate investments, business/farm ownership, and trusts Parents’ age and need for retirement income Number of children and other dependents in the family household Number of family members in college Cost of attendance, also called student expense budget, which includes tuition/fees, books and supplies, room and board (living with parents,
Financial Aid and Scholarships
on campus, or off campus), transportation, personal expenses, and special expenses such as childcare
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID The two major types of financial aid are gift aid and self-help aid. Gift aid (aid that does not need to be paid back) consists of grants and scholarships. Grants are awarded based on financial need, whereas scholarships are almost always awarded on academic merit or special characteristics (e.g., ethnic heritage, interests, parents’ career, geographic location) rather than financial need. They also usually apply only to tuition and other educational expenses, not to living expenses. Self-help aid consists of loans and student employment (also called workstudy). There are many types of loans, all of which you have to repay with interest. Payment schedules and interest rates vary. You can arrange to work to help pay your school bills either on your own or in partnership with your school, taking into account your field of interest. Gift aid and self-help aid are each available on four levels: federal, state, school, and private. You will encounter an amazing number of acronyms while applying for any type of federal financial aid. Refer to the acronym list at the end of the chapter for help. Also use the Internet as a supplemental source of information. A list of additional Internet addresses can be found in the Resources section at the end of this chapter.
Loans: Federal, State, School, Private Federal loans One source of information about federal, state, and private loans and scholarships can be found online at www.educaid.com or by calling 1-800-EDUCAID. Educaid is one of the top ten education lenders in the United States. Its mission is to provide the “knowledge that helps pay for college” and to help make education possible for more students and their families. Educaid, a division of First Union National Bank, has been providing education loans since 1984. The Internet Student Loans Company (www.collegenet.com/about/ index.html), American Student Financial Aid Services (www.edudotfunding.com), 67
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and the Federal College Student Loans Directory (www.college-student-loans.com) are other excellent online-based resources. To find additional resources on the Web, use any search engine and enter the search phrase or keyword student loans. Perkins Loans
The Perkins Loan (www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide/19990/perkins.html) is for students with acute financial need, so the interest rate is low (5% as of late 2000). You repay your school, which lends you the money with government funds. You can borrow up to $3,000 each year, up to a total of $15,000 over the course of your undergraduate study. The school pays you directly by check or credits your account. You have nine months after you graduate (provided you were continuously enrolled at least half-time) to begin repayment, with up to ten years to pay off the entire loan. A Perkins Loan borrower is not charged any fees. However, if you skip a payment, make a late payment, or make less than a full payment, you may have to pay a late charge plus any collection costs. Late charges will continue until your payments are current.
Examples of Typical Payments for Perkins Loan Repayment A borrower with a total loan amount of $3,000 will ■ Have 119 monthly payments of $31.84 and a final payment of $28.90 ■ Pay $817.86 in interest charges ■ Repay a total of $3,817.86
A borrower with a total loan amount of $5,000 will ■ Have 119 monthly payments of $53.06 and a final payment of $49.26 ■ Pay $1,363.40 in interest charges ■ Repay a total of $6,363.40
A borrower with a total loan amount of $15,000 will ■ Have 119 monthly payments of $159.16 and a final payment of $150.81 ■ Pay $4,090.85 in interest charges ■ Repay a total of $19,090.85
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The Perkins Loan program is also available to graduate students. Graduate students can obtain up to $5,000 per year, or $30,000 for the entire time you’re enrolled (including federal Perkins Loans you borrowed as an undergraduate). Stafford Loans
Both subsidized and unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans are available to students who need help paying for college. The financial aid office at your school will determine which loan you may be able to receive.
Subsidized loans (the federal government pays the interest) are awarded on a need basis. These are also called Direct Stafford Loans. Unsubsidized loans (you pay the interest) are awarded on request. There are also called Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs). The unsubsidized federal Stafford Loan is available to all students regardless of income. Because this loan is not subsidized by the government, you are responsible for all interest that accrues while you are in school, in deferment, or during your grace period. You may choose to make interest payments while in school or may defer (and accumulate) the interest until repayment.
Stafford Loans have many borrowing limits, depending on whether you get an unsubsidized or subsidized loan, which school year you’re in, the length of your program, and whether you’re independent or dependent. You can have both kinds of Stafford Loans at the same time, but the total loaned at any time cannot exceed $23,000. The interest rate varies, but under current regulations it will never exceed 8.25%. There is a six-month grace period after graduation before you must start repaying the loan. The annual limits for subsidized Federal Stafford Loans are: Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Graduate/Professional
$2,625
$3,500
$5,500
$5,500
$5,500
$8,500
The combined annual limits for the subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans are:
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Year in School
Dependent Student
Independent Student
1
$2,625
$6,625
2
$3,500
$7,500
3
$5,500
$10,500
4
$5,500
$10,500
5
$5,500
$10,500
N/A
$18,500
Graduate/Professional
If you’re enrolled full-time in courses that serve as prerequisites to a degree or certificate program, you’re eligible for Stafford Loans up to these limits: Undergraduate
Graduate
Subsidized Stafford
$2,625
$5,500
Unsubsidized Stafford
$4,000
$5,000
In addition, according to Educaid, if you have a bachelor’s degree and you’re enrolled full-time in a state teacher certification program, you’re eligible for $5,500 in subsidized and $5,000 in unsubsidized Stafford Loan funds. PLUS Loans (Loans for Parents)
Educaid reports, “To take out a Federal PLUS Loan, you must be the parent of a dependent child who is enrolled at an approved school at least halftime and is making satisfactory academic progress. You should have no adverse credit history. Federal PLUS loans are not based on parents’ income.” Parents must also meet citizenship requirements and cannot be in default or owe a refund to any Student Financial Assistance (SFA) program. It’s possible to borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial aid awarded. In this case, the cost of education includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. PLUS loans are made to your parents and they are responsible for repayment. They must have a good credit history; you must be their dependent and be enrolled at least half-time. The borrowing limit equals your cost of attendance (COA) minus all other financial aid you’re receiving. The PLUS loan has a variable interest rate based on the 91-day T-Bill + 3.1%, adjusted each July 1, with a cap of 9%. Effective
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July 1, 2000, PLUS loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 1998, have an interest rate of 8.99%. The lender for these loans charges no fees; however, the borrower is responsible for two other fees. The U.S. Department of Education charges an origination fee of 3%, and the loan guarantor may charge up to 1% for a guarantee fee. Your parents must begin repayment while you’re still in school—generally 60 days after the final disbursement for the period of enrollment under which the loan is borrowed. There is no grace period. Consolidation loans
This is an umbrella term for merging all your loans into one easy monthly payment. Details vary greatly, depending on your particular borrowing plans. Consolidation loans also can be arranged on the school and private levels. State loans Many states have websites; you can find the same information by contacting your state’s department of education. You can qualify for state loans based on your residency, your parents’ residency, or the location of the school you’re attending. School loans You can get information on these loans only through the financial aid office at the school of your choice. Quickly become acquainted with the financial aid administrators and stay in close touch. Their full-time job is to help you with your financial aid questions. Private loans Check several banks, savings and loan institutions, and credit unions for loan programs. If you are dependent, consult your parents about their financial institutions and ask them to do some footwork for you in researching borrowing opportunities.
Grants and Scholarships: Federal, State, School, Private This is the painless money—the kind you don’t have to pay back. Again, don’t assume you don’t qualify simply because you think your finances are in 71
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pretty good shape, especially where scholarships are concerned. You won’t know how much financial aid you qualify for unless you file the forms and get the process started. Federal grants and scholarships Pell Grants
This program is one of the largest and provides a foundation of financial aid upon which many students build. It is completely based on financial need. You can even be enrolled less than half-time to qualify. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can’t receive a Pell Grant. You will not be considered for certain other sources of financial aid if you haven’t first applied for a Pell Grant. To apply for student financial aid from the federal government, including the Pell Grant, Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan and work-study, you will need to submit the FAFSA discussed earlier in this chapter. There is no charge for submitting this form. The FAFSA is also required by all state and many school student-assistance programs. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs)
Priority is given to students receiving Pell Grants because the Pell Grant is based on exceptional financial need. The FSEOG differs from the Pell Grant in that it is not guaranteed that every student in need will receive one. Each school has only a certain amount of funds to distribute among all students with financial need. National Merit Scholarships
About 5,000 students each year receive scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation based solely on academic performance in high school. If you are a high school senior with excellent grades and high scores on tests such as the ACT and SAT, this scholarship could be for you. State Grants and Scholarships State grants and scholarships may be specific to the state in which you are trained; the state in which you reside, even if you plan to attend another school out of state; or even the state in which your parents reside. A hand72
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ful of states have websites about state grants; these include California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. School Grants and Scholarships You need to know which school you’ll be attending in order to pursue a school grant or scholarship. Once you’ve overcome that hurdle, immediately talk to the school’s financial aid administrator (FAA) to find out specific details about school-based grants. The financial aid office offers a wealth of information about all student aid programs, application requirements, and eligibility; advice on financial planning and debt management; advice about applying for a student loan and the associated interest rates and payment schedules; and even help with short-term loans in a financial emergency. Check it out! Private Grants and Scholarships It is always worthwhile to look into religious organizations, businesses, labor unions, and community and professional groups for private grants and scholarships. You can find highly specific sources of financial aid in the private sector. For example, you can obtain a scholarship for being of a certain gender in a certain field, of a particular ethnicity, an athlete, or a music lover. Places to look for help include local community organizations, such as the Rotary Club, American Legion, 4H Club, chamber of commerce, PTA/PTSA, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Perhaps your parents’ companies offer financial aid to children of employees. Check with the personnel office. Also check with your library for directories of professional, career, and trade associations in the computer industry that offer scholarships and loans, especially if you are specializing in a certain company’s software or hardware. Also check computer-related magazines. You never know what type of private aid you might dig up.
Work-Study Your school’s student employment office is the place to head for more information about work-study. Work options include on- or off-campus jobs, part-time or almost full-time jobs, jobs in the computer field or just to pay 73
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the bills, jobs for money to repay student loans or to go directly toward educational expenses. One advantage of working under the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is that your earnings are exempt from FICA taxes if you are enrolled full-time and are working less than half-time. You will be paid by the hour, at least minimum wage. For FWS, you must demonstrate financial need. Usually you will be signed up for a community service or computer-related job in a private nonprofit organization or a public agency. Some schools have agreements with private for-profit companies, if the work demands your computer technician skills. The total hourly wages you earn cannot exceed your total FWS award. Your FAA or the direct employer must consider your class schedule and your academic progress before assigning you your job. For more information about National Work-Study programs, visit the Corporation for National Service website (www.cns.gov) and/or contact:
National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) This AmeriCorps program is an 11-month residential national service program intended for 18- to 24-year-olds. Participants receive $4,725 for college tuition or to help repay education loan debt. Contact the National Civilian Community Corps, 1100 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20525, 800-94-ACORPS. VISTA Volunteers in Service to America VISTA is part of ACTION, the federal domestic volunteer agency. This program offers numerous benefits to college graduates with student loans outstanding. Contact VISTA, Washington, DC 20525, 800424-8867.
AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, engages more than 40,000 Americans in intensive, results-driven service. Most AmeriCorps members are selected by and serve with local and national organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Boys and Girls Clubs. This is one example of how you can earn money for your education through work-study. Another option is Learn and Serve America (www.learnandserve.org). Throughout our nation, many schools are discovering the value of service-learning through projects that link education and 74
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service. At the forefront of this movement is Learn and Serve America, which helps support nearly one million students from kindergarten through college who are meeting community needs while improving their academic skills and learning the habits of good citizenship.
FILING YOUR FORMS Start investigating financial aid as soon as possible. The FAFSA can be filed anytime between January 1 and June 30; however, the closer to January 1, the better. Do not file before January 1 of the year in which you want to obtain financial aid, or your application will be discarded. You will need federal and state income tax information, but even if you or your parents haven’t filed yet, you can submit the FAFSA with estimated income tax information. You may wish to mail your application by certified mail. Within four weeks after you mail the form, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) detailing your eligibility. Your SAR will also be forwarded for Pell Grant evaluation and to up to six schools of your choice. If more than four weeks go by and you don’t get the SAR, call the federal processor at 319-337-5665 to find out what happened. You will be asked for your Social Security number and date of birth as verification. Your application must be received by June 30 of the school year in which you want to attend your school. The Student Aid Report (SAR) must be at your school by August 31 or the last day of enrollment for that school year, whichever is earlier. Carefully meet any deadlines set by state, school, or private sources of financial aid. Your FAA should make these clear to you. If all goes well, you will receive financial assistance to become a computer technician. If you get a loan, be sure you understand how the money will pay your bills: Will it be paid directly to the school, deposited in your account, or sent to you in check form? And just as important, be sure you understand how you are to pay back the loan. Most loans require no payment until you have completed your training. However, there are rules about staying enrolled, taking leaves of absence, grace periods after graduation, and so on. You need to investigate and take responsibility for loan repayment once you accept financial aid. Also talk to the financial aid office 75
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about spreading your payments over the school year, rather than paying in a lump sum, and consolidating more than one loan into one payment. Note that you have to reapply for financial aid every year that you are in school. Once you are started on financial aid, you should receive a renewal FAFSA by January 15 each year. Probably 75% of the information will remain the same from year to year, but you may need to report changes in your income, how many of your family members are in college, or your family size. Always have a copy of each year’s FAFSA sent to your school’s financial aid office.
FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST 1. Explore your options as soon as possible after you’ve decided to begin a training program. 2. Find out what your school requires and what financial aid it offers. 3. Complete and mail the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. 4. Complete and mail other applications by the deadlines. 5. Gather loan application information and forms from your college financial aid office. You must forward the certified loan application to a participating lender: bank, savings and loan institution, or credit union. 6. Carefully read all letters and notices from your school, the federal student aid processor, the need analysis service, and/or private scholarship organizations. Note whether financial aid will be sent before or after you are notified about admission and how exactly you will receive the money. 7. Report any changes in your financial resources or expenses to your financial aid office so your award can be adjusted accordingly. 8. Reapply each year.
RESOURCES Scholarship Search Services If you find financial aid information overwhelming or if you simply don’t have the time to do the footwork yourself, you may want to hire a scholar76
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ship search service. Be aware that a reasonable price for this service is $30 to $50. If the service wants to charge more, investigate it carefully. Scholarship search services usually only provide you with a list of six or so sources of scholarships, which you then need to check out and apply for. To find a scholarship search service, use any search engine on the Web and enter the keyword or search phrase scholarship search. A rather long directory of related websites will be displayed. Be sure to shop around for the best deals in terms of locating a company or organization that will be the most helpful in finding you scholarship opportunities based on your personal situation. Scholarships.com (www.scholarships.com) is just one such online-based company that helps students pinpoint scholarship opportunities and apply for them. If you’re still in high school and you haven’t yet filled out the ETS Student Search Service form or the ACT Student Profile form, check “Yes” in the box asking if you wish to release your information to scholarship programs.
Books and Pamphlets
Annual Register of Grant Support. Chicago: Marquis, Annual. A’s and B’s of Academic Scholarships. Alexandria, VA: Octameron, Annual. Chronicle Student Aid Annual. Moravia, NY: Chronicle Guidance, Annual. College Blue Book. Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants and Loans. New York: Macmillan, Annual. College Financial Aid Annual. New York: Prentice-Hall, Annual. Directory of Financial Aids for Minorities and Directory of Financial Aids for Women. San Carlos, CA: Reference Service Press, Biennial. Financial Aid for the Disabled and Their Families. San Carlos, CA: Reference Service Press, Biennial. Financial Aids for Higher Education. Dubuque: Wm. C. Brown, Biennial. How Can I Receive Financial Aid for College? Published from the Parent Brochures ACCESS ERIC website. Order a copy by calling 800-LETERIC or writing to ACCESS ERIC, Research Blvd. MS 5F, Rockville, MD 20850-3172. 77
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Leider, Robert, and Ann Leider. Don’t Miss Out: The Ambitious Student’s Guide to Financial Aid. Alexandria, VA: Octameron, Annual. Looking for Student Aid. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Annual. This is an overview of sources of information about financial aid. To order a copy, call 800-4-FED-AID. Paying Less for College. Princeton: Peterson’s Guides, Annual. The Student Guide. Washington, DC: Department of Education, Annual. This is the handbook about federal aid programs. To order a copy, call 800-4-FED-AID.
Another method of finding books specifically about scholarships, financial aid, and/or student loans is to visit an online bookseller, such as Barnes and Noble Online (www.bn.com) or Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) and enter a search phrase that’s appropriate for what you’re looking for.
Telephone Numbers and Addresses
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800-MIS-USED (800-647-8733) for suspicion of fraud, waste, or abuse of federal aid American College Testing (ACT) program, 916-361-0656, for forms submitted to the need analysis servicer AmeriCorps, 800-94-ACORPS College Scholarship Service (CSS), 609-771-7725; TDD 609-8837051 FAFSA on the Web processing/software problems, 800-801-0576 Federal Student Aid Information Center, PO Box 84, Washington, DC 20044, 319-337-5665 Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), 415-705-4205 Internal Revenue Service (IRS), 800-829-1040 Need Access/Need Analysis Service, 800-282-1550 Selective Service, 847-688-6888 Social Security Administration, 800-772-1213 U.S. Department of Education hotline, 800-4-FED-AID (800-4333243)
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Websites
One of the most comprehensive financial aid websites is the federal government’s www.finaid.org. It has many pages addressing special issues, such as international students, bankruptcy, defaulting on student loans, divorced parents, financially unsupportive parents, and myths about financial aid. Another equally excellent financial aid website is FastWEB, at www.fastweb.com. If you answer a few simple questions (such as geographical location and age), you will receive a list of scholarships for which you might qualify. The database is updated regularly, and your list will be updated when new scholarships that fit your profile are added. FastWEB boasts that every day more than 20,000 students access the site. The Student Guide (www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide/20001/index.html) is one of the most comprehensive resources on student financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Grants, loans, and work-study are the three major forms of student financial aid available through the federal Student Financial Assistance Programs. CollegeNET (www.collegenet.com/about/index.html) is a useful portal for applying to college over the Web. It contains extensive information about financial aid, student loans, and scholarships. CollegeNET allows applicants to complete, file, and pay for their admissions applications entirely through the Internet. Over 500 colleges and universities have contracted with CollegeNET to serve their official Web-based admissions applications. However, these applications are also directly accessible from the university home pages. Using any Web-based search engine, enter the search phrase financial aid or scholarships to find other online resources. Software for EFC calculators and financial aid planning and advice can be found at www.finaid.org/calculators.
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Financial Aid Acronyms Key COA
Cost of Attendance
CWS
College Work-Study
EFC
Expected Family Contribution
EFT
Electronic Funds Transfer
ESAR
Electronic Student Aid Report
ETS
Educational Testing Service
FAA
Financial Aid Administrator
FAF
Financial Aid Form
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FAO
Financial Aid Office
FDSLP
Federal Direct Student Loan Program
FFELP
Federal Family Education Loan Program
FSEOG
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
FWS
Federal Work-Study
GSL
Guaranteed Student Loan
PC
Parent Contribution
PLUS
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
SAP
Satisfactory Academic Progress
SC
Student Contribution
SLS
Supplemental Loan for Students
USED
U.S. Department of Education
Having the desire to obtain additional training so that you can pursue a career in the computer field is admirable, not to mention a smart career path strategy. No matter what your personal financial situation is, chances are you’ll be able to find the funds necessary to pay for the education and training you need. Make sure that you carefully explore all of your options, including financial aid, scholarships, and various types of loans. A significant financial investment in your future made right now will no doubt pay for itself many times over once you land a high-paying job with limitless career advancement potential.
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THE INSIDE TRACK Who:
Peter Arnolds
What:
Computer Technician
Where:
MAA Inc. Boston, MA
INSIDER’S STORY
Like many people in the computer field, my love for working with computers blossomed when I was young, playing video games. I would sit in my bed at night dreaming up different ideas for games that I would create one day. I wasn’t content to just play on the computers, after a while I started to investigate the programming of the games to see how they were constructed. When I was 12, I taught myself Basic on my old Apple IIe, and as I got older and even more interested, I broke into more complex programming languages. But I kept it as a hobby—it wasn’t until my senior year at UMass, where I was studying psychology, that I realized what my calling was. I was working part-time as a clerk in a publishing company, and the word quickly spread around the cubicles that if there was a problem with the one of the computers, I was the one who could fix it. There was a satisfaction I received from diagnosing and fixing the problems that I never got from my schoolwork. So, as soon as I graduated from UMass, I enrolled at the Chubb Institute and was on my way. Now I work for a medium-sized company as a computer technician, and I’m responsible for designing, maintaining, and supporting my company’s 15-station network.
INSIDER’S ADVICE
In addition to obtaining the necessary training to break into this field, I suggest pursuing an internship so that you can obtain hands-on experience at the same time. This will make you more marketable to potential employers once you’re done with your education. Also, it’s critical as a computer technician that you stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, software, product updates, and trends. There are many ways of doing this, and based on my own experience, I recommend taking a multifaceted approach. Read industry magazines, attend trade shows, join professional associations, participate in online forums, and interact with as many other people in your field as possible. As I discovered first hand, most jobs in the computer field have a never-ending learning curve. In order to remain competitive and stay in-demand among employers, it’s critical to be on the cutting-edge in terms of computer knowledge.
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CHAPTER four HOW TO LAND YOUR FIRST JOB
This chapter explains how to find a job after you complete your training. First you’ll learn how to conduct your job search through networking, research, industry publications, classified ads, online resources, job fairs, and hotlines. Knowing how to find the best job opportunities is the first part of the whole job search process. In the next chapter, you’ll get tips on how to write your resume. In Chapter 7, you’ll discover the secrets of participating in a successful job interview and learn how to ultimately land your first job in the computer field.
ONCE YOU’VE completed your training program and have a degree or certification that’s in demand by employers, you’ll be ready to kick off your job search. The good news is that there are a lot of jobs available in the computer industry, because it’s a booming field. The bad news is that the job search process can be a time-consuming and stressful one. But by taking an organized approach and utilizing the resources available to you, such as the Internet, the whole process can be extremely manageable.
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CONDUCTING YOUR JOB SEARCH Finding the right job always begins with research. You need to know exactly what computer-related jobs you’re qualified to fill, what jobs are available, where the jobs can be found, and what it’ll take for you to land one of those jobs. Luckily, a lot of material is available to guide your search. By utilizing techniques ranging from answering Help Wanted ads and networking to attending job fairs and tapping the power of the Internet, you can confidently land your first job in the computer field with confidence.
Taking a Deadline-Oriented Approach to Your Job Search Efforts Landing a job is often a confusing, stressful, and extremely time-consuming task. You have to find job opportunities, create a resume, write cover letters, schedule interviews, research companies, participate in interviews, make follow-up calls, and keep track of all the potential employers you meet or correspond with. One way to help take the stress out of this whole procedure is to adopt an organized, deadline-oriented approach to finding yourself a job in the computer field. Begin by acquiring a personal planner, such as a Day-Timer, or a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as the Palm III™ or Palm V™ (www.palm.com). Before actually starting your job search, make a list of everything you’ll have to accomplish in order to land a job. Break up the big tasks into lots of smaller ones, which are easier to accomplish. If you have to write or update your resume or get your resume printed, add that to your list. If you need to buy outfits to wear to interviews, that too goes on your list. Once your list is complete, write down how long you think each task will take to accomplish. Next, prioritize your list. Determine what tasks need to be done immediately and which ones can wait until later in the job search process. Now that you know what needs to be done and approximately how long it will take to accomplish each task, create a schedule for yourself and set deadlines. 84
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Using your personal planner, calendar, or PDA, start at today’s date and enter each job-search-related task, one at a time. Under your list of tasks to complete, add items like “Check the Help Wanted ads” and “Update resume.” Leave yourself enough time to accomplish each task, and in your planner, mark down the date when each task should be completed. Keep meticulous notes in your planner or on your PDA. Write down everything you do, whom you contact, the phone numbers and addresses of your contacts, what is discussed on the phone or during interviews, what follow-up actions need to be taken, and even what you wore to each interview. Throughout your job search process, keep your planner or PDA with you at all times. Refer to it and update it often to ensure that you remain on track. To demonstrate that you are a well-organized person, refer to your planner or PDA during job interviews, and don’t be afraid to jot down notes during the interview. If a potential employer wants to schedule a second interview, take out your planner or PDA and schedule an appointment on the spot. Once you land a job, don’t toss out your personal planner or organizer. You’ll find that writing out what you need to accomplish, prioritizing those tasks, setting deadlines for yourself, and keeping this information with you will help you stay focused, save time, and cut down procrastination in your daily personal life and on the job. One of the keys to working successfully in the computer field is being well-organized and having the ability to juggle multiple tasks at the same time. Utilizing a personal planner or PDA will help keep you organized, so important to-do items don’t fall through the cracks.
Playing the Field and Understanding What’s Out There Many job seekers limit their potential success by limiting their job search. Keep in mind that almost every industry requires skilled computer specialists, because virtually every industry now relies heavily on computers to keep its businesses operating. Schools, hospitals, publishers, banks, retail shops, accounting firms, and law firms, for example, all use computers and all hire computer specialists. Furthermore, more and more companies are establishing themselves on the World Wide Web, which has created a demand for skilled Web technicians, website designers, and other people with a strong knowledge of the Internet. 85
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As you begin your job search, don’t restrict your search to companies within the computer industry, such as Intel, IBM, Compaq, or Oracle. Sure, the computer companies hire computer specialists, but so does virtually every other company in existence, and you may find your dream job lies in another field altogether. For example, it’s possible to be a computer technician and work for a major department store chain, retail shop, doctor’s office, law firm, or even a car dealership, for example. Start your job search by making a list of all the fields that interest you. Then think carefully about the type of environment in which you might feel most comfortable working. Some of your options are a large national company with a corporate environment, a small start-up company with a family feel, or something in between. Refer to the questionnaire in Chapter 1 to help you define your work-related interests.
FINDING THE JOBS AVAILABLE If you’re wondering where to find the best job opportunities, the following section will help you pinpoint what jobs are available. Keep in mind, however, that the majority of really good jobs are never formally advertised. To find out about them, you’ll need to tap your networking skills.
Help Wanted Classified Ads Classified ads are an easy and inexpensive way to job hunt; the newspaper comes right to your doorstep, and it contains pages of job openings geared to computer professionals. When you use the classified ads as a resource, look in the computer section for jobs containing the words technician, support, repair, network, and desktop. You can also often search Help Wanted ads online by visiting the website of your local major daily newspaper. For example, in the Boston area, the Help Wanted ads published in The Boston Herald newspaper can also be accessed online at www.jobfind.com. The problem with relying solely on the classified ads for your job search is that the same paper that comes to your doorstep also arrives at the doorsteps of several thousand of your neighbors. For every job listed, dozens 86
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of applicants will send a resume to the employer, and you will be competing with all of them. Don’t ignore the ads; just know that you need to use additional job search strategies to maximize your success. Also, don’t wait to respond to an ad. If the an ad appears in the Sunday newspaper, for example, respond to it first thing Monday morning. Don’t wait until the middle or end of the week. As you look for jobs, first make a list of all the different job titles you’d be qualified to fill. After all, there is little continuity between job titles in the various industries. Make sure you read the job requirements listed within the Help Wanted ad or job description before determining whether or not you’re qualified to fill the computer-related position. Each type of job within the computer field requires different training. Some popular job titles in the computer field that require training include:
Applications Developer Database Administrator Director of Information Technology E-Commerce Applications Developer Help Desk Specialist Information Technology Specialist Internet Solutions Leader IT Client Systems Analyst Network Architect Network Specialist Programmer Analyst Software Engineer Systems Administrator Systems Engineer Web Developer
Sample Help Wanted Ads Network Engineer DESCRIPTION: Our client is looking for a Network Specialist able to work in a heterogeneous environment with several hundred machines. Must be proficient in maintenance and fire fighting for a wide variety of problems. Skills needed are: routers, gateways, firewalls, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, POP, STMP, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, LINUX, BSDI,
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Solaris, Mac OS. You will be required to carry a pager. REQUIREMENTS: Network Engineer, Windows 95, CISCO Router, TCP/IP, Windows 98, Windows NT Server, LINUX. Technical Support Engineer [Company Name Deleted] is a leading provider of network-based platforms and innovative enhanced service solutions such as prepaid calling, integrated voice/fax messaging, and Internet-based personal communications. Many times awarded for excellence, we are putting forth innovative solutions to meet the ever-growing demand for advanced communications in today’s global marketplace. Recently ranked as the XXth fastest-growing technology company in New England, [Company Name Deleted] is first choice for those with extraordinary vision and an entreprenuerial spirit who are looking to make a name for themselves. Responsibilities: Provide technical support in troubleshooting and debugging hardware and software performance problems on our UNIXbased intelligent telephony platform. Qualifications: Requires a bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline or its equivalent and 2+ years of experience in customer support, including knowledge of remote diagnostics, networking (TCP/IP), switching, transmission, and system configuration. Requires telecommunications experience. Manager of Technical Support The successful candidate will provide technical support for diverse energy operations. Exp. required in most or all of these areas: Unisys Clearpath NX/LX, Windows NT/2000, SQL Server, Windows Networking, IIS, C++, COM Novell NetWare 5.0, Oracle Applications/Database. We offer a competitive starting salary and benefits package, Including medical, dental, life and long-term disability, as well as 401(k) and pension plans. Interested candidates should e-mail cover letter indicating salary requirements along with resume. Senior Software Engineer This position is in the Boston Development Center, located in the suburbs south of Boston, MA. This facility designs sophisticated products used in electronics manufacturing, including market-leading laser manufacturing systems for semiconductor yield improvement, best-in-class production and test equipment for the manufacture of surface mount ceramic capacitors, laser trim systems for precise electrical tuning of circuits, high-speed precision laser and mechanical drilling systems for electronic interconnection, and machine vision systems for leading OEM semiconductor suppliers. This position is responsible for coordinating and supporting software development for all future software projects and high-tech robotic systems. A candidate should have a minimum of a BSEE or BSCS and minimum eight years of software design experience. This individual must have experience in Windows NT/95;
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UNIX experience is a plus. Programming experience with device drivers and real-time, multithreaded operating systems is a must. This position requires a senior-level systems architect with leadership capabilities.
School Career Placement Centers Many colleges, universities, and technical schools have a career guidance office that receives job openings from a variety of local employers. Many of these guidance offices also offer resume-writing assistance and interview skills training. If you have access to one of these offices, make use of it.
Career-Related Websites On the World Wide Web, there are literally thousands of career-related websites. Some of these sites offer how-to advice about landing a job. Others offer a database of job listings that can be searched by region, industry, job type, salary, position, job title, or almost any other criteria. There are also resume databases allowing applicants to post their resume in hopes of its being read by a recruiter. If you need assistance creating your resume, there are professional resume writers whom you can hire directly off the Web; many of them also have informative websites of interest to job seekers. The Web is an extremely powerful job search tool that can not only help you find exciting job opportunities but also enable you to research companies, network with other people in your field, and obtain valuable careerrelated advice. Using any Internet search engine or portal, you can enter a keyword such as resume, job, career, job listings, or help wanted to find thousands of websites of interest to you. The following is a listing of just some of the online resources available to you. Many of these sites offer special areas focusing on high-tech or computer-related jobs:
ABA Resume Writing—www.abastaff.com/career/resume/resume.htm About.com—http://jobsearch.about.com/jobs/jobsearch/msubrespost.htm Accent Resume Writing—www.accent-resume-writing.com/critiques
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Advanced Career Systems—www.resumesystems.com/career/Default.htm America’s Employers—www.americasemployers.com America’s Job Bank—www.ajb.dni.us Best Jobs USA—www.bestjobsusa.com BrainBuzz—www.brainbuzz.com The Boston Herald’s Job Find—www.jobfind.com Career and Resume Management for the 21st Century—http://crm21.com Career Builder—www.careerbuilder.com Career Center—www.jobweb.org/catapult/guenov/res.html#explore Career Creations—www.careercreations.com Career Express—www.careerxpress.com CareerMosaic—www.careermosaic.com CareerNet—www.careers.org CareerPath—www.careerpath.com Career Spectrum—www.careerspectrum.com/dir-resume.htm CareerWeb—www.cweb.com Career.com—www.career.com College Central Network—http://employercentral.com Competitive Edge Career Service—www.acompetitiveedge.com Computer Jobs—www.computerjobs.com Computer Work—www.computerwork.com The Confident Resume—www.tcresume.com ConnectMe.com—http://connectme.com/advice/resume/index.html Creative Keystrokes—www.creativekeystrokes.com Creative Professional Resumes—www.resumesbycpr.com Curriculum Vitae Tips—www.cvtips.com Dice High Tech Jobs Online—www.dice.com The Employment Guide’s Career Web—www.cweb.com/jobs/resume.html First Impressions Career Site—www.1st-imp.com First Job: The Web Site—www.firstjob.com First Resume Store International—www.resumestore.com Gary Will’s Worksearch—www.garywill.com/worksearch IT Career Hub—www.itcareerhub.com IT Jobs—www.internet-solutions.com/itjobs.htm JobBank USA—www.jobbankusa.com JobLynx—www.joblynx.com
How to Land Your First Job
JobSource—www.jobsource.com JobStar—http://jobsmart.org/tools/resume JobTrack—www.jobtrack.com Just Tech Jobs—www.justtechjobs.com Kaplan Online Career Center—www.kaplan.com The Monster Board—www.monster.com My Job Coach—www.myjobcoach.com National Business Employment Weekly Online—www.nbew.com Occupational Outlook Handbook—http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocoiooo.htm Professional Association of Resume Writers—www.parw.com/homestart.html Programming.com—www.programing.com Proven Resumes—www.provenresumes.com, www.free-resume-tips.com Quintessential Careers—www.quintcareers.com/resres.html Rebecca Smith’s eResumes and Resources—www.eresumes.com Resumania—www.resumania.com The Resume—www.wm.edu/csrv/career/stualum/resmdir/contents.htm Resume Broadcaster—www.resumebroadcaster.com Resume Magic—www.liglobal.com/b_c/career/res.shtml Resume Plus—www.resumepls.com Resume.com—www.resume.com Resumedotcom—www.resumedotcom.com Salary.com—www.salary.com Six-Figure Jobs—www.6figurejobs.com Software Developer.com—www.softwaredeveloper.com Taos Careers—www.taos.com/resumetips.html Vault.com—www.vaultreports.com/jobBoard/SearchJobs.cfm The Wall Street Journal Careers—www.careers.wsj.com Yahoo Careers—www.careers.yahoo.com
Job Placement Firms Generally speaking, two types of businesses specialize in job placement: employment agencies and contract houses. Employment agencies search for full-time employment opportunities for you. Sometimes you are required to 91
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pay their fee; sometimes your new employer will pay it. Be sure to find out who is responsible for paying the fee before you sign up with an agency. After you are placed in a job, your relationship with the placement agency ends. A contract house places you in short- or long-term contract positions for an ongoing fee paid by the employer (e.g., the employer pays $20 per hour for your skills; you make $15 per hour, and the contract house makes $5 per hour). When your contract with a particular company is over, the contract house finds another contract position for you. You are not an employee of the companies with which you contract, and you do not receive benefits from them. An advantage of contracting is that you get a variety of experiences. Many temporary employment agencies offer job opportunities for people with computer skills. If you’re having trouble landing a full-time job, you’re looking to get your foot in the door with a specific employer, or you’re not sure what area of the computer field you want to work in (so you decide to experience a handful of jobs before making your decision), temporary employment assignments offer a wide range of benefits. By proving yourself to an employer during a temporary employment assignment, your chances of being offered a full-time job with that employer increase dramatically. Using the Web or any Yellow Pages, you can find the names of temporary employment agencies in your area that cater to people with computer-related skills. It’s important to understand that many temporary employment agencies don’t specialize in just entry-level positions. Some cater primarily to temporarily filling highly technical, middlemanagement, or even upper-management positions that have been created due to a long-term illness or maternity leave, for example. The length of a particular assignment or placement can be anywhere from one day to several months.
Job Fairs Attending job fairs, or career fairs, is another way to find employment as a computer technician. Held in most larger cities, job fairs bring a number of employers together under one roof, usually at a hotel, convention center, or civic center. These employers send representatives to the fair to inform prospective employees about their company, to accept resumes, and occa92
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sionally, to conduct interviews for open positions. Most of these job fairs also hold seminars for attendees, covering such topics as resume writing, job-hunting strategies, and interviewing skills. To find the next scheduled job fair in your area, contact the information office of the convention center or civic center nearest you and ask if there’s a job fair on their upcoming events calendar. If not, your local newspaper or state unemployment office may have relevant information. Attending a job fair can be an intimidating experience, but by taking time to prepare in advance, you can often discover excellent job leads and learn about a variety of different employment opportunities for which you’re qualified that employers are looking to fill immediately. While it’s true that you’ll most likely be competing with many other job seekers at a job fair, your ability to impress an employer is far greater during an in-person meeting than it is if you simply respond to a Help Wanted ad by submitting your resume. By attending a job fair, you can use something far more powerful than a resume to dazzle an employer—yourself. Your appearance, level of preparation, what you say, how you say it, and your body language can be used to help make an employer interested in hiring you. Job fairs offer job seekers an opportunity to meet face-to-face with dozens of potential employers looking to fill all types of positions. If you’re planning to attend a job fair with the ultimate goal of landing a new job, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you’ll make the most positive first impression possible and set yourself apart from the competition. When attending a job fair, your goal should be to impress potential employers so you ultimately get invited to come in later for a formal in-person interview. Since you’ll have limited time with an employer at a job fair, (typically between five and ten minutes) it’s very rare that an employer will hire someone on the spot, but this does happen. Martha Rodriguez, home office staffing specialist at TJX Companies, says, “We use job fairs as a recruiting tool to fill openings we have at all levels within our organization, ranging from file clerks in our home office to retail store management positions. When a job seeker is attending a job fair, the first impression they make is important and will play a major role in determining any future they have with the company.” In order to impress an employer, preparation on your part is vital. Before actually attending a job fair, determine which employers will be there and 93
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whether or not you have the qualifications to fill the job openings available. Begin your research by visiting the website created to promote the job fair you’re interested in attending. A job fair’s website typically lists detailed information about the companies being represented and what types of jobs participating employers are looking to fill. Once you pinpoint the employers you’re interested in, do research on those companies as if you were preparing for an actual in-person job interview. Part of your research should include determining exactly how your qualifications and skills meet the needs of the employer. Also, develop a list of questions to ask the employer during your in-person meeting at the job fair. Showing a sincere interest in working for an employer and asking questions that demonstrate your interest will help set you apart from the competition in a positive way. “During a meeting with a job seeker at a career fair, I always ask questions like, ‘What are your goals?’, and ‘Where do you see yourself within our organization?’ I try to learn something about a potential applicant’s goals and qualifications based on their answers to these and other questions,” says Rodriguez. “I expect people visiting us at a job fair to already know at least something about TJX Companies based on their research.” Make sure you bring plenty of copies of your resume. Begin your visit to the job fair by finding the companies you’re most interested in working for. It’s best to visit these companies as early in the day as possible, since as the day goes on, the people working the job fair tend to get tired and may be less responsive, especially if they’ve already met with several dozen potential applicants. Amy Lee, regional recruiter at Starbucks Coffee Company, states, “A prepared candidate already knows what positions we’re trying to fill and has a resume in hand that demonstrates their qualifications. If I ask someone if they’re interested in working for Starbucks, I expect the answer to be ‘Yes. I am a customer of Starbucks and I’ve learned about your company by visiting your website.’ One answer I sometimes get that turns me off is, ‘I don’t know anything about Starbucks. I’ve never been inside one of your locations. I don’t know if I’d be interested in working for your company.’ ” When meeting with a potential employer for the first time at a career fair, be prepared to answer questions about why you want to work for that company and how your skills and qualifications make you qualified to fill one of the positions the employer has available. 94
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Lee believes anyone attending a job fair should be well dressed. She states, “Wearing the very latest fashion or a designer outfit isn’t important. I look to see if someone is wearing an outfit that’s appropriate. Having a neat, clean, and well-kept appearance is very important. Whatever outfit someone wears should be well fitting and wrinkle free.” Tonda Lumley, manager of recruiting for Massport, adds, “Be prepared to engage in a discussion with an employer at a job fair, not just drop off your resume and answer one or two questions. How you present yourself will be as important as the information your resume contains. People tend to think a meeting with an employer at a job fair isn’t as important as a formal job interview, so they dress in casual attire and don’t always act professionally. This is one of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make.” Another common mistake job fair attendees often make is bringing up topics such as salary, benefits, and vacation time during an initial meeting, even before they’ve been invited for a formal interview. These topics shouldn’t be brought up by job seekers at anytime during a job fair. As you meet with people at a job fair, collect business cards and follow up your meetings later that day with a short letter, e-mail, or fax thanking each person with whom you met for his or her time. Use this correspondence to reaffirm your interest in working for an employer. “At TJX Companies, we often leave it up to potential applicants to follow up with us after we meet at a job fair. This helps us gauge their true interest in the job opportunities we’re offering,” says Rodriguez. “Either making a follow-up phone call or sending some type of letter, fax, or e-mail is essential.” Some job fairs cater specifically to computer-related jobs. Look for ads in your local newspaper or surf the Web for listings of high-tech job fairs in your area. TechExpo USA (www.techexpousa.com) is just one example of a company that sponsors high-tech job fairs in the Northeast.
INDUSTRY NEWSLETTERS AND MAGAZINES Knowing how to stay on top of changes in your field will help make you a more attractive candidate for any job. One of the best ways to track industry changes and identify industry trends is by reading newspapers and publications geared toward that industry. These publications will announce breaking news for the 95
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industry and explain its significance. Being up on industry news will help convince potential employers that you will be a valuable asset to their company. You need to watch two types of trends: those specific to the computer industry and those specific to the company/industry you want to work in. Articles in computer-related magazines, e-zines (online magazines), and journals can help you keep up with emerging trends in the computer industry. Your knowledge of trends—the direction of future computer development— will make you more noticeable as a prospective employee and more valuable as a full-time employee. You will bring a strategic vision to your position based on your informed insight about the trends of the future. You also need to be aware of trends in the industry or company of your choice (medical, state universities, banks, etc.). For instance, an article in the business section of your local newspaper announcing a new vice president may signal that the company is either expanding or changing direction and might soon be hiring new employees. An article in your area’s business newspaper describing the legislature’s plans to impose a new law that will affect local businesses might lead you to either approach or avoid those companies in your job search. A series of articles in an industry publication about the future of business in that industry should help you focus your job-hunting strategy. Depending on what aspect of the computer industry you choose to work in, chances are there’s an industry-oriented publication that caters to your professional interests. One of the best ways to keep up on the latest news and developments in your field is to read as many industry publications as possible. Reading back issues of these magazines will also help bring you up to speed on what’s happening in an industry. A list of industry-specific magazines and newsletters, such as InfoWorld, TechWeek and Internet World, is available at the end of this book. Using any search engine (such as Yahoo), enter the search phrase Computer Trade Magazines to learn more about other computer-specific publications.
NETWORKING You’ve heard the expression, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” To be honest, it’s both. What you know is vital to getting a job; who you know can also help. 96
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What is networking? Networking is simply getting to know people in your industry and maintaining contact with them. Networking relationships can provide many benefits:
Mentoring Contacts within a prospective employer’s company Information about emerging technology Cutting-edge training Information about trends in the industry
Getting Good Contacts How do you begin networking? You probably already have. Anytime you talk to someone you meet about your mutual interests in the computer field or emerging technology, you have made a contact. Of course, the contact will be short-lived if the person walks away before you get a name and phone number. Make a habit of exchanging business cards with people you meet in your field. You can get your own business cards even before you land your first job. Include your name, phone number, and a title, such as computer technician or computer repair person. However, you don’t want to exchange cards with everyone you meet. You’ll run out of your own cards and places to store all the cards you collect. So whom should you consider a contact? Mainly people you meet through family and friends who work in the computer field, especially if they have experience you can learn from. Exchange cards with people in a position to hire new computer technicians. And don’t discount your peers—consider peers who are energetic, personally motivated, and advancing in their field as good contacts too.
Expanding Your Contact List If a computer professional speaks to one of your classes or you take a seminar from a working professional, ask for his or her business card. Ask the person a few questions, and then follow up the next day with a phone call or e-mail, saying thank you or asking an additional question. 97
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Also consider requesting informational interviews at companies that interest you. An informational interview is one in which you meet with someone to find out about the company—what it does and what sorts of positions are available or may be in the future. An informational interview is an excellent opportunity for you in many ways:
You learn more about how companies work You gain interview experience You gain a contact that might help you get a job in the future
Maintaining Your Contacts It is important to maintain contacts once you have established them. Try to contact people again within two weeks of meeting them. You can always send a note of thanks, ask a question, or send a piece of information related to your conversation with them. This contact cements your meeting in their minds; they will remember you more readily when you contact them again. If you haven’t been in contact with some people for a few months, you might send them a note or e-mail about a relevant new technology or an article you read. Keep your name fresh in their minds.
Organizing Your Contact List Many software packages, such as Act! 2000 (www.act.com) can help you maintain your contact list. The alternative is to use business cards on a Rolodex or a list in your day planner. A PDA is also an excellent tool for managing contacts electronically. The benefit to using a PDA is that the unit is portable and can be taken with you when you leave your office. Try to maintain the following pieces of information about each contact person:
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Name Address E-mail address Phone number(s)
How to Land Your First Job
Fax number Company Position First meeting (where, when, what topics did you discuss?) Last contact (when, why, and how)
Now that you know where to find the best jobs and have the training to fill one or more of the job openings you find, the next step in the job search process is to create your resume and cover letter, then start applying for the jobs that are of interest to you. The next chapter will walk you through the resume creation process.
THE INSIDE TRACK Who:
Patrick Dermott
What:
Helpdesk Technician
Where:
C3i Inc. New York, NY
INSIDER’S STORY
Technology has interested me since I was a child, but not necessarily computers. As I got older though, my interest naturally led me into the emerging field of computer technology, and I started out as an Information Systems Analyst. Computers are indispensable in today’s business environment, and the technology is constantly advancing; I knew there would always be a demand for skilled computer professionals and the opportunity to grow as long as I kept abreast of the new technology and developments in the field. While I was working as an Information Systems Analyst, I would call helpdesk technicians for advice, and their job seemed appealing to me. A colleague of mine had an interview with the company that I would call for support, so I figured I’d ring Human Resources and ask a few questions about the position and any other available opportunities. I ended up landing an interview, and because of my tech background, I was hired and trained without prior helpdesk experience. Basically, my job is to provide phone support to customers calling with off-the-shelf and proprietary software questions. I answer any queries customers may have regarding printers, scanners, docking stations, Palm Pilots, and other relevant hardware. What
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I like the most about being a helpdesk technician is being presented with complex problems or issues that seem almost impossible at first and then solving them. Unfortunately, not every caller necessarily has a difficult problem for me, and part of the job is answering repetitive and basic computer operation problems.
INSIDER’S ADVICE
My advice for anyone interested in getting into the computer field is simple: Get as much training as possible and stay committed to your goal. It’s funny, because I now work with the people I used to call for support. That’s why it is always important to keep your eyes open and follow your interests, because if you stay informed, job opportunities will present themselves.
CHAPTER five WRITING YOUR RESUME
Once you’ve pinpointed what job opportunities you’re interested in pursuing, you’ll need to use a resume and cover letter to apply for those jobs. This chapter walks you through the process of creating a resume. Your resume and your cover letter are extremely important tools for landing a job. Be sure you take whatever time is necessary to create well-thought-out documents that clearly represent who you are and what qualifications you have.
MOST POTENTIAL employers want to know the same basic things about you: your name/address, education/training, computer skills, and work experience. You might also include information about your career goal/objective, professional organizations to which you belong, publications you read, and references. The rest of this chapter will explain how to organize and present all that information. Even if you ultimately choose to hire a professional resume writer or resume preparation service to create your resume, the majority of this information will be needed in order to do a good job of creating a resume on your behalf. The same holds true if you purchase off-the-shelf resume creation software for your computer.
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Contact Information
Full name Permanent street address City, state, zip Daytime telephone number Evening telephone number Pager/cell phone number (optional) Fax number (optional) E-mail address (optional, but recommended) Personal website address (optional) School address (if applicable) Your phone number at school (if applicable)
While it’s not necessary to include an e-mail address on a resume, it’s strongly recommended. Most people working in the computer field use e-mail as a primary form of communication. Be sure to list an e-mail address on your resume so you’re easily accessible. Listing a personal website address also emphasizes the point that you’re computer literate and provides potential employers with an additional way of learning more about you. Your website can also be used to showcase your programming and website design skills. If you don’t yet have an e-mail address, consider joining one of the popular online services, such as America Online (www.aol.com). Many other companies, such as Yahoo! (www.yahoo.com), Hotmail (www.hotmail.com), and Juno (www.juno.com) offer free personal and private e-mail accounts to people who already have Internet access. These free e-mail accounts can be accessed from any computer that’s connected to the Internet, which means you can send and receive messages from your personal e-mail address anytime from school, your home computer, your computer at work (although this isn’t recommended), a public library, or a friend’s computer. If you already have your own Internet account, chances are you have an e-mail address through your ISP. Do not use your current work e-mail address, especially if you’re keeping your job search a secret from your current employer. The following questions will help you pinpoint the specific types of information that need to go into the various sections of your resume and/or cover 102
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letter. By answering these questions, you’ll also get to know yourself better, so you can find the job opportunities where you’ll prosper and that you’ll enjoy. For more information on creating your resume, be sure to read Great Resumes, by Jason R. Rich (LearningExpress, 2000).
Job/Career Objective(s) Write a short description of the job you’re seeking. Be sure to include as much information as possible about how you can use your skills to the employer’s benefit. Be sure to review several Help Wanted ads to determine what employers are actually looking for. Later, you’ll condense this answer into one short sentence. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What is the job title you’re looking to fill? _______________________________ What are alternate job titles you’re qualified to fill? _____________________
Educational Background List the most recent college or university you’ve attended: ______________ City/state: __________________________________________________________________ What year did you start? __________________________________________________ Graduation month/year: __________________________________________________ Degree(s) and/or award(s) earned: ________________________________________ Your major: ________________________________________________________________ Your minor(s): _____________________________________________________________ List some of your most impressive accomplishments, extracurricular activities, club affiliations, and so on:___________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Grade point average (GPA): ______________________________________________ Other college/university you’ve attended: ________________________________ City/state: __________________________________________________________________ What year did you start? __________________________________________________ Graduation month/year: ___________________________________________________ 103
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Degree(s) and/or award(s) earned: ________________________________________ Your major: _________________________________________________________________ Your minor(s): ______________________________________________________________ List some of your most impressive accomplishments, extracurricular activities, club affiliations, and so on:____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Grade point average (GPA): ________________________________________________ High school attended: ______________________________________________________ City/state: __________________________________________________________________ Graduation date: ___________________________________________________________ Grade point average (GPA): ________________________________________________ List the names and phone numbers of one or two current or past professors/teachers (or guidance counselors) you can contact about obtaining letters of recommendation or list as references: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ List any computer-related degrees, certificates, or other accreditations you’ve earned:____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Degree/Certificate/Accreditation Date Completed Educational Institution ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ On your actual resume, you probably don’t want to list your GPA or your class ranking unless you graduated from the very top of your class. For now, however, include the information within this questionnaire.
Personal Skills and Abilities Your personal skill set (the combination of skills you possess) is something that differentiates you from everyone else. Skills that are marketable in the workplace aren’t always taught in school, however. 104
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Your ability to manage people, stay cool under pressure, remain organized, surf the Internet, use specific software applications (such as Microsoft Office), program (using a language such as Java, Flash, HTML, C++, etc.), speak in public, communicate well in writing, communicate in multiple languages, or perform research are all examples of marketable skills. When reading job descriptions or Help Wanted ads, pay careful attention to the wording used to describe what the employer is looking for. As you customize your resume for a specific employer, you’ll want to match up your own qualifications as closely as possible with what the employer is looking for. Try to utilize the wording provided by the employer in the Help Wanted ad or job description. What do you believe is your most marketable skill? Why? (If you’re applying for a computer-related job, list specific skills or knowledge you have that makes you qualified, such as a working knowledge of Flash or programming in HTML, for example.) ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ List three or four specific examples of how you have used this skill in the past while at work. What was accomplished as a result? 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________________________ What are keywords or buzzwords that can be used to describe your skill?_____________________________________________________________________ What is another of your marketable skills? ________________________________ Provide at least three examples of how you’ve used this skill in the workplace. 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________________________ What unusual or unique skills do you possess that help you stand out from other applicants applying for the same type of position?________ ______________________________________________________________________________ How have you already proven that these skills are useful in the workplace?____________________________________________________________________ 105
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What specific computer skills do you possess? ____________________________ What operating systems are you familiar with? (MS-DOS, Windows 98/2000/ME/NT, UNIX, etc.) __________________________________________ What computer software packages are you proficient at using (e.g., Microsoft Office—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)? ____________________ What programming languages are you proficient at using? ___________ Thinking carefully, what skills do you believe you currently lack? ________ ______________________________________________________________________________ What skills do you have that need to be polished or enhanced in order to make you a more appealing candidate? What options are available to you to either obtain or brush up on the skills you believe need improvement (e.g., evening/weekend classes at a college or university, adult education classes, seminars, books, home study courses, on-the-job-training, etc.)? ____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ In what time frame could you realistically obtain this training? ________
Work/Employment History Most recent employer: _____________________________________________________ City, state: ____________________________________________________ Year you began work: ___________________________________________ Year you stopped working (write “Present” if still employed): ___________ Job title: _____________________________________________________________________ Job description: _____________________________________________________________ Reason for leaving: _________________________________________________________ What were your three proudest accomplishments while holding this job? 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________________________ Contact person at the company who can provide a reference: ___________ Contact person’s phone number: __________________________________________ Annual salary earned: _______________________________________________________ Previous employer: _________________________________________________________ City, state: __________________________________________________________________ 106
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Year you began work: ______________________________________________________ Year you stopped working (write “Present” if still employed): ___________ Job title: _____________________________________________________________________ Job description: _____________________________________________________________ Reason for leaving: _________________________________________________________ What were your three proudest accomplishments while holding this job? 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________________________ Contact person at the company who can provide a reference: ___________ Contact person’s phone number: __________________________________________ Annual salary earned: _______________________________________________________ Complete these employment-related questions for all of your previous employers, including part-time or summer jobs held while in school, as well as temp jobs, internships, and so on. When it actually comes time to communicate with potential employers, you probably won’t want to reveal your past earning history. You will want this information available to you as reference, however, when you begin negotiating your future salary, benefits, and overall compensation package.
Military Service (if applicable) Branch of service you served in: ___________________________________________ Years served: ________________________________________________________________ Highest rank achieved: _____________________________________________________ Decorations or awards earned: _____________________________________________ Special skills or training you obtained: ____________________________________
Professional Accreditations and Licenses List any and all of the professional accreditations and/or licenses you have earned thus far in your career. Be sure to highlight items that directly relate to the job(s) you’ll be applying for. _______________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 107
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Hobbies and Special Interests List any hobbies or special interests you have that are not necessarily workrelated but that potentially could separate you from the competition. Can any of the skills utilized in your hobby be adapted for the workplace? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What nonprofessional clubs or organizations do you belong to or actively participate in? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
Personal/Professional Ambitions What are your long-term goals? Knowing what your long-term goals are will help you choose the best possible job opportunity for yourself as you consider various options. Long-term goals refer to what you’d like to accomplish in the next five, ten, or fifteen years. Personal goals: ______________________________________________________________ Professional goals: __________________________________________________________ Financial goals: _____________________________________________________________ Will the job(s) you’ll be applying for help you achieve your long-term goals and objectives? If so, how? If not, why not? ______________________ Describe your personal, professional, and financial situation right now.__ ____________________________________________________________________________ What would you most like to improve about your life overall? ________ What are a few things you can do, starting immediately, to bring about positive changes in your personal, professional, or financial life? ______ ____________________________________________________________________________ Where would you like to be personally, professionally, and financially five and ten years down the road? ____________________________________________
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What needs to be done to achieve these long-term goals or objectives?_______________________________________________________________________________________________ What are some of the qualities about yourself, your appearance, and your personality of which you’re most proud?________________________________ What are some of the qualities about yourself, your appearance, and your personality that you believe need improvement?________________________ What do others most like about you? _____________________________________ What do you think others least like about you? ___________________________ If you decided to pursue additional education, what would you study and why? How would this help you professionally? _________________________ If you had more free time, what would you spend it doing? ______________ List several accomplishments in your personal and professional life of which you’re proud. Why did you choose these things? 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________________________ 5. ________________________________________________________________________ What were your strongest and favorite subjects in school? Is there a way to incorporate these interests into the job(s) or career path you’re pursuing? _____________________________________________________________________ What do you believe is your biggest weakness? Why wouldn’t an employer hire you? _______________________________________________________________ What would be the ideal work atmosphere for you? Do you prefer a large corporate atmosphere, working at home, or working in a small office? ____________________________________________________________________________ List five qualities about the new job you’re seeking that would make it the ideal employment opportunity for you. 1. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________________________ 5. ________________________________________________________________________ What did you like most about the last place you worked? __________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ What did you like least about the last place you worked? ________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 109
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What work-related tasks are you particularly good at? ___________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What type of coworkers would you prefer to have? ______________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ When it comes to work-related benefits and perks, what’s most important to you? ____________________________________________________________________________ When you’re recognized for doing a good job at work, how do you like to be rewarded? _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ If you were to write a Help Wanted ad describing your ideal dream job, what would the ad say? _______________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
PUTTING THE FACTS TOGETHER Using the information in the previous questionnaire, you should be able to begin piecing together content for your resume. In terms of choosing the best possible wording to convey your information and then formatting your resume, follow the guidelines in this book or purchase a good guide that contains dozens of specific sample resumes from which you can obtain ideas. Whatever you do, never simply copy your resume right out of a book. Use the sample resumes provided in this book and elsewhere as guides, but be sure the content is 100% accurate and customized to you.
About You List your full name, your address, and a phone number. If you live at school or if you are thinking of moving soon, include a permanent address as well as your current one. That way a potential employer can find you next week or in three months. Do not include personal information such as your religion, marital status, race, or other personal details in the resume. Because of equal employment laws, you will endanger your chances if you do so.
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Education and Training When listing your educational background, start with your most recent training and work backward. List your most recent degree or certificate, the name and location of the school that granted it, and the date you graduated. Also include special programs or vendor training you have completed.
Computer Skills Include names of software, hardware, networking protocols, and platforms with which you have worked. Indicate your level of expertise (e.g., “familiar with,” “experienced,” or “expert”).
Work Experience List all your computer-related experience, even if it isn’t as a computer technician. Also list all customer service experience you have; every job requires customer service skills. Summer employment or part-time work should be labeled as such, and you will need to specify the months in the dates of employment for positions you held for less than a year. If you’ve just finished your training program, you might feel you don’t have much experience to list in a resume. Not true! Think back to those grueling school projects. Getting a grade on a project was only half the project’s value. You can use it now in place of experience you have not yet gained in the workplace. List special projects with their title, a description, and lessons learned.
Objective Many resumes begin with a career goal or objective. It doesn’t have to be profound or philosophical. Describe the job you want, the field in which you want to work, whether you want full- or part-time work, and whether you
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want employment or contract work. The purpose of the objective is to assure potential employers that they are about to read a relevant resume.
Professional Organizations If you belong to any professional organizations and read professional/trade publications, you can list them in a separate section of your resume.
References Employers interested in hiring you may want speak to people who can accurately (and favorably) present your ability to do the job; these people are called references. Make a list of everyone you feel would be a good reference—people who would highly recommend you to an employer. However, don’t include your family members; this list should be made up of former supervisors, teachers, or other adults you have worked or dealt with in the past and who know you well. Make sure you get permission from your references before listing them. You can include references with each resume you send out, or you can simply state at the bottom of the resume that your references are available upon request. If you are responding to an advertisement, read it carefully to see if you are supposed to send references. If the ad does not mention them, you probably don’t need to send them with your resume. List your references on a sheet of paper separate from your resume, but remember to include your name, address, and phone number on your reference list too.
HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR RESUME What your resume says is important, but how it’s formatted and what it looks like on the printed page are also critical. You can organize your resume in several ways. The most common types are:
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Chronological format Skills format (also known as a functional resume)
Writing Your Resume
Combination of chronological and skills format Electronically scannable format
The Chronological Resume The most common resume format is chronological—you summarize your work experience year by year, beginning with your current or most recent employment experience and working backward. For each job, list the dates you were employed, the name and location of the company for which you worked, and the position(s) you held. (See the sample chronological resume at the end of this chapter.)
The Skills Resume The skills resume (also known as the functional resume) emphasizes what you can do rather than what you have done. It is useful if you have large gaps in your work history or have relevant skills that would not be properly highlighted in a chronological listing of jobs. The skills resume concentrates on your skills and qualifications. Specific jobs you’ve held are listed, but they are not the primary focus of this type of resume. (See the sample skills resume at the end of this chapter.)
The Combination Resume You may decide a combination of the chronological and the skills resume would be best to highlight your skills. A combination resume allows for a mixture of your skills with a chronological list of jobs you’ve held. You get the best of both resumes. This is an excellent choice for students who have limited work experience and who want to highlight specific skills.
The Electronically Scannable Resume At many large companies, all resumes from job applicants are scanned by a computer software program with optical character recognition (OCR) 113
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systems and entered into a database. Also, if you apply for jobs over the Internet via an e-mail attachment, your resume requires special formatting so it can be read electronically. Having access to the Internet offers job seekers a wide range of resources. One of the biggest trends right now in terms of corporate recruiting is for employers to accept resumes online via e-mail, through their own or one of the career-related websites. If you’re going to be applying for jobs online or submitting your resume via e-mail, you’ll need to create an electronic resume (in addition to a traditional printed resume). An electronic resume can be created and distributed in a variety of ways. Keep in mind that there are no standard guidelines to follow when creating an electronic resume, since employers use different computer systems and software. Thus it’s important that you adhere to the individual requirements of each employer in terms of formatting, saving, and sending your resume electronically. Some companies accept electronic resumes created using Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. However, if you’ll be creating your electronic resume using one of these software packages, pay careful attention to the format in which the finished document needs to be saved before sending it to an employer, as the majority of employers prefer to receive resumes in ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) or Rich Text format. An alternative to creating an electronic resume using a word processor (or resume creation software) is to complete an online-based resume form while visiting an employer’s website or a career-related site. In order to keep incoming resumes consistent in terms of formatting, many websites designed for recruiting insist that all electronic resumes be created using a predefined template. Online job seekers complete a detailed form that requests all pertinent resume information. The user is prompted for each piece of information separately (the user fills in predefined fields). The website then formats the information automatically to meet the employer’s requirements. When completing an online-based resume form, be sure you fill in all fields with the appropriate information only. Be mindful of limitations for each field. For example, a field that allows for a job description to be entered may have space for a maximum of only 50 words, so the description you 114
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enter needs to provide all of the relevant information (using keywords), but it must also be written concisely. Since an electronic resume is as important as a traditional one, consider printing out the online form first and then spending time thinking about how you’ll fill in each field (or answer each question). Don’t attempt to be clever and add information that wasn’t requested in a specific field in order to provide more information about yourself to an employer. For example, if you’re given space to enter only one phone number, but you want to provide both a home and a cell phone number, don’t use the fields for your address to enter the second phone number. In most situations, if an employer accepts electronic resumes, chances are those resumes are imported directly into applicant-tracking software. Thus it is important that the software used by the employer be able to extract the specific information it’s programmed to seek out in the resume document you submit. If you don’t provide the resume file in the appropriate format, there’s a strong change your resume will be ignored or not processed correctly. The majority of online resume templates you’ll come across on the various career-related websites and sites hosted by individual employers follow the same basic format as a traditional chronological resume. However, you’ll be prompted to enter each piece of information in a separate field, and you’ll most likely be limited to the number of fields you can fill in to convey your information. Some employers give applicants the option of completing an online resume form/template or sending an electronic resume via e-mail. Unless your work history and other information fits nicely into the format the online form/template follows, opt to send your own electronic resume via email. This will allow you to customize the format you use more easily so you can best highlight your skills and abilities. For an electronic resume to do its job correctly, it needs to be loaded with keywords that will result in your resume being selected when processed by a potential employer using applicant-tracking software. When e-mailing your electronic resume directly to an employer, as a general rule, the document should be saved in an ASCII, Rich Text or Plain Text file and inserted into your e-mail message or attached to it. Contact the employer directly to see which method is preferred. The benefit to using an attached file is that all of the formatting you added to your electronic 115
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resume when you created it on your word processor (line spacing, tabs, bullets, bold text, etc.) will remain intact. If the file is sent in the body of an email message, all formatting will be lost, so only the text will be received. On the other hand, due to the threat of computer viruses, many employers refuse to accept e-mail messages with file attachments. Thus, if you send your resume file attached to a standard e-mail message, the chances of that message simply getting deleted is very high. When sending a resume via e-mail, the message should begin as a cover letter (and contain the same information as a cover letter). You can then either attach the resume file to the e-mail message or paste the resume text into the message. Be sure to include your e-mail address, as well as your regular mailing address and phone number(s), in all e-mail correspondence. Never assume an employer will receive your message and simply hit “Respond” to contact you. No matter how you’re submitting your electronic resume, be sure to proofread it carefully before hitting the “Send” button. Just as with a traditional resume, spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and providing false information won’t be tolerated by employers. When creating an electronic resume to be saved and submitted in an ASCII format, follow these formatting guidelines:
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Set the document’s left and right margins to 6.5 inches of text displayed per line. This will insure that the text won’t automatically wrap to the next line (unless you want it to). Use a basic 12-point text font, such as Courier or Times Roman. Avoid using bullets or other symbols. Instead of a bullet, use an asterisk (*) or a dash (—). Instead of using the percent sign (%), spell out the word percent. Use the spell-check feature of the software used to create your electronic resume and then proofread the document carefully. Just as applicant-tracking software is designed to pick out keywords from your resume that showcase you as a qualified applicant, these same software packages used by employers can also instantly count the number of typos and spelling errors in your document and report those to an employer as well. Avoid using multiple columns, tables, or charts within your document.
Writing Your Resume
Within the text, avoid abbreviations—spell everything out. For example, use the word Director, not Dir. and Vice President as opposed to VP. In terms of degrees, however, it’s acceptable to use terms like M.B.A., B.A., Ph.D., and so on.
Knowing how to properly create and submit an electronic resume demonstrates at least some level of computer skill. If you have a personal website you want potential employers to visit in hopes they’ll learn more about you, be sure the site doesn’t contain personal information that you don’t want the employer to discover or that is of no interest to the employer. Posting your resume and support materials on a personal website can be worthwhile, especially if you’re hoping to land a job in a computer-related or high-tech field, but don’t include pictures from your last vacation or photos of your pet cat on your personal site. Properly formatting your electronic resume is important; however, what you say in your resume is what could ultimately get you hired. According to Rebecca Smith’s eResumes and Resources website (www.eresumes.com), “Keywords are the basis of the electronic search and retrieval process. They provide the context from which to search for a resume in a database, whether the database is a proprietary one that serves a specific purpose, or whether it is a Web-based search engine that serves the general public. Keywords are a tool to quickly browse without having to access the complete text. Keywords are used to identify and retrieve resumes for the user.” “Employers and recruiters generally search resume databases using keywords: nouns and phrases that highlight technical and professional areas of expertise, industry-related jargon, projects, achievements, special task forces, and other distinctive features about a prospect’s work history.” The emphasis is not on trying to second-guess every possible keyword a recruiter may use to find your resume. Your focus is on selecting and organizing your resume’s content in order to highlight keywords for a variety of online situations. The idea is to identify all the possible keywords that are appropriate to your skills and accomplishments and that support the kinds of jobs you are looking for. But to do that, you must apply traditional resumewriting principles to the concept of extracting keywords from a resume. Once you have written your resume, then you can identify your strategic keywords based on how you imagine people will search for your resume. 117
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The keywords you incorporate into your resume should support or be relevant to your job objective. Some of the best places within your resume to incorporate keywords are when listing:
Job titles Responsibilities Accomplishments Skills
Industry-related buzzwords, job-related technical jargon, licenses, and degrees are among the other opportunities you’ll have to come up with keywords to add to your electronic resume. Keywords are the backbone of any good electronic resume. If you don’t incorporate keywords, your resume won’t be properly processed by the employer’s computer system. Choosing the right keywords to incorporate into your resume is a skill unto itself, one that takes some creativity and plenty of thought. For example, each job title, job description, skill, degree, license, or other piece of information you list within your resume should be descriptive, self-explanatory, and among the keywords the potential employer’s applicant-tracking software is on the lookout for as it evaluates your resume. One excellent resource that can help you select the best keywords to use in your electronic resume is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (published by the U.S. Department of Labor). This publication is available free of charge online (http://stats.bls.gov/oco/oco1000.htm); however, a printed edition can also be found at most public libraries.
RESUME CREATION TIPS Creating a resume that conveys the information you need to get across quickly is a skill that every job seeker must master. Your resume has to be powerful, positive, and attention-getting, yet truthful. It should shout out to the employer, “Hire me!” not “File me!” No matter what type of resume you’re putting together, here are some useful tips and strategies to help ensure that your finished document has the most impact possible when it’s read by a potential employer.
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In the heading, include your full name, address, telephone number(s), fax number, pager number, and e-mail address. If you’re trying to keep your job search a secret from your current employer, don’t list your work telephone or fax number. Also make sure that there’s an answering machine connected to the telephone number that’s listed on your resume, so a potential employer can reach you anytime. Missing a message could result in a missed job opportunity. When listing your education, don’t include your grades, class rank, or overall average unless this information is extremely impressive and will help to set you apart from other applicants. Obviously, graduating first in your class with a solid 4.0 GPA (straight-A average) is worth mentioning. The first piece of information listed in the education section of your resume should describe the highest degree you’ve earned or are in the process of earning. To decide what work experience to include on your resume, start by listing all of your internships, after-school jobs, summer jobs, part-time jobs, full-time jobs, and volunteer and charitable work. Be prepared to provide specific dates of employment, job titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments for each position. How you convey this information in your resume will be critical. Ultimately, you may have to refrain from including some of the less pertinent information in order to conserve space. As you sit down to write your resume, use action words, which are usually verbs, that make your accomplishments sound even better (without stretching the truth). What your resume says about you—and more important, how it’s said—is what will make your resume a powerful job search tool. Keep your resume short and to the point. Make sure all of the information is well organized and stated as succinctly as possible. Your sentences should be under 20 words each, and all paragraphs should be ten lines or less. Remove words and phrases that are redundant. Before distributing your resume to potential employers, proofread it carefully. Even the smallest spelling or grammatical error will not be tolerated and could result in your missing out on a job opportunity. Have at least two other people proofread your resume.
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Spending extra time on your resume is an excellent investment in your future. Pay careful attention to detail, and make sure that your resume promotes you in the best possible way. To assist in formatting and designing your resume, consider using specialized resume creation software, such as ResumeMaker Deluxe Edition (www.individualsoftware.com) for PC-based computers. Since the design and formatting of a resume is so important, check out one of the many books available that explain and demonstrate the resume creation process. Successful job seekers spend many hours creating multiple drafts of their resume, fine-tuning each sentence to make sure every word makes a positive impact. A resume is a one-page composition designed to sell your skills, work experience, and educational background to a potential employer. Taking shortcuts when creating this extremely important document can have disastrous results. To ensure your resume will be seriously considered by a potential employer, avoid making these common errors:
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Having a typo or grammatical error in a resume is one of the worst mistakes you can make. If you refuse to take the time necessary to proofread your resume, why should an employer assume you’ll take the time needed to do your job properly if you’re hired? Avoid stretching the truth. A growing number of employers are verifying all resume information. If you’re caught lying, you won’t be offered a job, or you could be fired later if it’s discovered that you weren’t truthful. Don’t forget to list your full name, address, and telephone number at the top of your resume as part of the heading. A potential employer must be able to contact you easily. Don’t use multiple fonts or overuse bold and italic typestyles. Choose one easy-to-read 12-point font, such as Times Roman or Courier. If you’re applying for a traditional job, don’t include clip art or graphic images in your resume. This is appropriate only if you’re hoping to land a job as an artist or plan to work in an industry such as advertising, where employers are looking for creativity. Refrain from including in your resume and cover letter any references to past salary or how much you’re looking to earn.
Writing Your Resume
Never include the reasons why you stopped working for an employer, switched jobs, or are currently looking for a new job. If necessary, this information can be brought up later, during an interview. Likewise, do not include a line in your resume saying, “Unemployed” or “Out of work,” along with the corresponding dates, in order to fill a time gap. Don’t use long paragraphs to describe past work experience. Instead, consider using a bulleted list. Most employers will spend 30 seconds initially reading a resume, so it’s critical that key information, such as work experience, be easy to find and described using punchy action words and phrases. Avoid using too much technical jargon and too many industry buzzwords. Avoid brightly colored paper and cheap 20-pound copy paper when you print your resume and cover letter. Use the same type of paper for both, along with matching envelopes to create synergy. Visit any stationery or office supply store to purchase quality resume paper. Be prepared to spend between 25¢ and $1 per sheet of resume paper (a bit less if you purchase packages of matching paper and envelopes). Never photocopy your resume. Use a laser printer to generate resumes from your computer or have your resume professionally typeset and printed.
Submitting electronic resumes via e-mail and posting resumes to an online database are becoming increasingly popular. Remember that the format for electronic resumes is different from that for traditional resumes, and adjust your resume accordingly. If you know the resume you’re sending to an employer will be scanned into an automated applicant-tracking system and not initially read by a human, it should be created as a keyword resume. Instead of using action verbs, use nouns or adjectives to describe your skills, job responsibilities, and qualifications. For example, instead of using the action word managed, use the word manager or management. Also, be sure to use the keywords listed by an employer in the job description or Help Wanted ad to which you’re responding. One of the biggest complaints from human resource professionals is that applicants often apply for jobs they’re not qualified to fill. Before submitting your resume to a potential employer, read the job description carefully to ensure that you have the skills, experience, and educational background the employer is looking for. 121
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It’s an excellent strategy to customize your resume for each job you apply for; however, padding your resume so you can apply for jobs you’re not qualified to fill will often be a waste of your time as well as the employer’s. Finally, virtually all employers like to see applicants who can work well with others. Stress teamwork in your resume, and focus on leadership or managerial positions you’ve had in order to demonstrate that you can take charge of a situation or a group of people. Creating a powerful resume will take time and effort. Don’t be afraid to write and then rewrite your resume many times until you’re confident it has the impact needed to set you apart from the competition.
KEEP YOUR RESUME CLUTTER FREE As a job seeker, probably your most valuable job search tool is the resume. Typically, it will be the information contained on this single sheet of paper that determines whether or not you’re invited for an interview and ultimately land the job you’re applying for. That’s why the information offered in your resume should be totally accurate, contain no spelling or grammatical errors, be easy to read and understand, and contain all of the important information an employer needs to know about you, the applicant. Knowing you’ll have the attention of the person initially reading your resume for 30 seconds, you need to convey that information succinctly. Everything about the resume document itself, including the resume format you choose, the font the text is printed in, the style of your writing, the wording you use, and the actual content will be evaluated. Next to being dishonest and listing false or exaggerated information, the biggest mistake applicants make when creating a resume is including too much information or information not directly relevant to the job they’re applying for. To keep your resume short (no longer than one side of one 8 1/2-by-11inch page), it’s critical to avoid adding irrelevant information. Likewise, if you’re trying to pad your resume to make it longer, don’t add fluff in order to compensate for a lack of work experience. Sue Nowacki is a professional resume writer and president of 1st Impact Resume & Career Strategies (904-794-5807, www.1st-imp.com). She says, 122
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“What the employer is interested to read on a resume is information that is totally relevant and valuable to the position you’re applying to fill. Everything else they simply don’t care about.” As you begin writing your resume, always be asking yourself if the information is directly relevant. Does the information make you appear more valuable to the employer and more qualified to fill the specific job you’re applying for? If the information doesn’t apply, don’t include it. “The more clutter you add to your resume, the lower the chances of the important information actually being noticed and read,” says Nowaski. It’s ultimately your responsibility to determine what information the employer wants and needs to see on your resume and to offer only that information. To help determine what information about yourself is essential, think carefully about each specific job you’re applying for. What are the education, skill, and work experience requirements the employer will be looking for in attempting to fill the position? What specific information can you provide in order to showcase your qualifications? “As you list your previous work experience and the responsibilities you had in each of your previous jobs, you also want to list major achievements in order to give the reader a sense you were good at those past jobs. Thus, you want to highlight specific achievements as well as the benefits and value you offered to past employers,” says Nowaski. The portion of your resume that lists your employment history might have the heading “Employment,” “Work Experience,” “Job History,” “Professional Experience,” or “Employers.” The information in this section of your resume should list each employer, your job title, dates of employment, the city and state of the employer, one or two well-written sentences about your key responsibilities, and then three or four short sentences or bulleted items describing specific accomplishments. Whenever possible, list quantitative data, such as “Managed over 200 accounts generating $1 million in annual sales,” “Developed 41 new accounts in 18 months,” or “Achieved a 24% average increase in sales over an 11month period.” These statements demonstrate achievements and value to a potential employer. If a bulleted item or descriptive sentence doesn’t showcase your responsibilities and demonstrate positive results, don’t include it. Never list personal information on your resume that’s not directly related to the job you’re applying for. “Avoid listing hobbies. Also, refrain from 123
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including personal information the employer can’t legally ask, such as your marital status, whether or not you have children, or your religion. I recommend applicants list affiliations with professional associations as long as the information relates to the job. While it’s common for people to add a section to their resume listing awards and accolades, Nowaski believes this information should be included, when applicable, in conjunction with specific employment information, not in a separate section of the resume. Thus, if you’ve been named “Employee of the Month” for six months in a row while working for the ABC Company, this piece of information should be included under the “Employment” section of your resume where you list the ABC Company. If you’re still employed but searching for a new job, refrain from listing on your resume your current work phone number, fax number and/or e-mail address unless you’re comfortable with your current employer knowing about your job search efforts. Finally, there’s no need to include a line at the bottom of your resume stating “References available upon request.” This is assumed. If, however, you have specific and highly marketable skills, be sure they’re clearly listed. As you write, edit, and proofread your resume, make an effort to keep all of the information short, to the point, and totally relevant. Remember, any less important information can be discussed during a job interview. The purpose of your resume is to get an employer interested enough in you so you get invited for an interview. There’s no need to convey your entire life story using just your resume.
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Chronological Resume Sample CHRISTINE MCDONALD 5110 Appleview Road Watertown, ND 50298 703-425-7322 OBJECTIVE
To obtain a contract position as a computer technician
WORK EXPERIENCE NOVEMBER 1997—PRESENT
BROWN PUBLISHING COMPANY, WATERTOWN, ND Hardware and Software Technician Performed software rollout of Microsoft Office to 300 employees. Installed and supported Microsoft applications, hardware, and software; helped users with hardware and software problems.
JUNE 1995—NOVEMBER 1997
TORRANCE SUPPLIES, WATERTOWN, ND Hardware and Software Technician/Help Desk/Network Technician Hardware and software installation, helped users with hardware and software problems, repaired Banyan and Windows NT 4.0 problems on contract to Texaco E&P.
APRIL 1993—JUNE 1995
ACE ADVERTISING, WATERTOWN, ND Graphic Artist Handled large volume of ad design, pasteup, and layout for newsletters. Took on extra duties and became heavily involved in desktop maintenance and troubleshooting.
OCTOBER 1992—APRIL 1993
CROWN TRAVEL, INC., WATERTOWN, ND Customer Service Agent/Manager on Duty Consistently scored high on monitored calls providing customer assistance in a call center. Promoted to Manager on Duty within two months, serving as first line of technical support to customers.
EDUCATION
Associate of Science, Midtown College, Watertown, ND, 1992 Microsoft Certified System Engineer, 1995 A+ Certification, 1997
SKILLS
Experienced with Windows 95, Windows 3.1 and 3.11, MS Office 95 and 97, Harvard Graphics, WordPerfect, and Corel Draw Familiar with Novell NetWare 3.12, Banyan Vines, MS FrontPage, Doc-to-Help
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Skills Resume Sample KEVIN SINGH 5110 Viewcrest Road Mesa, AZ 11223 948-230-3843 OBJECTIVE
A position as a computer technician
QUALIFICATIONS
• Proficient in all Windows and Macintosh platforms • Proficient in TCP/IP, NetBeui, and IPX networking protocols • Proficient in most office and publishing applications, including Excel, Word, WordPerfect, PageMaker, and Photoshop • Expert in hardware and software installation • Expert in basic hardware maintenance and repair
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Assisted students with desktop needs and provided troubleshooting for student computer lab • Developed online cataloging system for instructor materials • Involved in the maintenance and expansion of campus-wide network • Assisted in the maintenance of over 1500 computers and data terminals utilizing a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX • Advised customers on what hardware and software to buy to fit their needs • Performed small upgrades in shop on desktops and notebooks
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Computer Lab Technician, Mesa College—Mesa, AZ, June 1995—present Computer Sales, Office Supplies Unlimited—Mesa, AZ, February 1993—June 1995 Computer Sales and Upgrades, Office Supplies Unlimited—Mesa, AZ, August 1992—February 1993
EDUCATION
Associate degree in computer science, 1997 Pleasant Community College Mesa, AZ 11226
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In the next chapter, you’ll learn how to complete your job search by creating cover letters to complement your resume. You’ll also discover the importance of writing thank you notes and preparing for that all-important job interview.
THE INSIDE TRACK Who:
Duane Hinkson
What:
Cold Fusion Developer
Where:
LearningExpress New York, NY
INSIDER’S STORY
Working with computers has allowed me to express my creativity in a functional way by developing programs and applications that people all over will use to improve their work. I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. Keeping a high GPA and getting that degree was very important, but just as important were the internships I held during my schooling. My first two internships were at my college and at Loctite; I worked as help desk support for their information systems. I also interned at IBM, performing queries on the mainframe. The diversity of the work I did during those internships, coupled with my education, gave me a well-rounded knowledge of the way different computer systems function, and the experience helped me land my first job with Pratt & Whitney as a Cold Fusion developer. I make it a point to learn as much as possible about the developments in my field. I taught myself the basics of Cold Fusion in my spare time, and when Pratt & Whitney hired me, I received a couple of days of training that helped me along even further. Cold Fusion is a Web application utility, and I knew with the explosion of e-commerce my skills would make me a commodity among employers. It’s very important not to limit yourself; the opportunity for success increases with the more you know. Besides Cold Fusion, I have the ability to program in numerous programming languages including Active Server Pages, Visual Basic, and Cobol.
INSIDER’S ADVICE
I got my position at LearningExpress by conducting a search using the popular job sites for the technology field: Monster.com, Nettemps.com, Dice.com, Computerjobs.com,
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etc. My postings on those sites led recruiters to me, and ultimately I found the right job at the right company. I work under a more advanced programmer, so I’ve had the ability to learn new technology and techniques and expand my knowledge base even further. If possible, finding a mentor is one of the best ways to learn. Anyone starting out should make sure they are diversified in the many different programming languages. You can only get better when you see how the different languages interact with each other. It is also very important to have a very advanced knowledge of most Microsoft products. It takes time to get to this level so don’t expect everything to come to you at once; with patience and the right attitude, doors will open for you.
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CHAPTER six COVER LETTERS AND THE JOB INTERVIEW PROCESS
Now that you have pinpointed what type(s) of jobs you plan to apply for and have a resume that clearly showcases your skills, work history, educational background, and qualifications, you’re almost ready to begin actually applying for jobs. In this chapter, you’ll discover how to complement your resume with a well-written cover letter, and then you’ll discover some of the secrets of participating in a successful job interview.
THE PURPOSE of a cover letter is to provide the reader (your potential employer) with the following information at a glance:
Which job you are applying for Where you heard about the opening An overview of your qualifications
KEEP YOUR COVER LETTER SHORT The average hiring manager reads a cover letter for approximately three seconds, so you need to get the main point across in that time. 129
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A hiring manager may have several similar job openings at one time, so you should clearly describe which job you are applying for. You can copy the title directly from the advertisement; after all, the hiring manager probably wrote the ad and is very familiar with the terminology. Many human resources departments track the success of their ads, so name the source where you saw the position advertised. The cover letter is your opportunity to summarize your qualifications effectively. While it may be impressive to list all the details of all the jobs you have held, it’s better to limit your cover letter to powerful statements, such as “I have six years’ experience in the customer service industry and eight years’ experience repairing computers.” Address your cover letter to someone in particular, if possible. Take the time to do some investigating. Call the human resources department and ask for the name of the hiring manager or the human resources representative. If it is company policy not to give out names, at least get a formal title and use that in place of the name. Try to avoid simply using Human Resources Representative as a name.
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Sample Cover Letter 38320 Highway 66 Atlanta, GA 80293 January 31, 2001 CORRINE MICHAELS Human Resources Manager Medical Devices Company 99302 Oak Street Naples, GA 90233 Dear Ms. Michaels: Please accept my resume for the desktop computer technician position advertised in the Tribune on Sunday, January 30. As required, I have a two-year computer science degree and am certified through Microsoft. I have six years of experience in the customer service industry and eight years of experience servicing computers. I am available for an interview immediately and available to begin work two weeks after I am hired. I look forward to meeting you in the interview. Regards,
Jana Polowski
Enclosure: resume
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PARTICIPATING IN SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS While there are many computer-related jobs out there, the trick to landing one of them is to sell yourself to a potential employer. While the goal of your resume is to capture the attention of a human resources person, participating in an in-person job interview will provide you with the ultimate opportunity to sell yourself as the ideal candidate for the job you’re applying for. The only way to ace an interview is by being prepared. Showing that you understand the company’s needs and can fulfill them will help you convince the interviewer that you are the right person for the job. Remember the guidelines listed below as you prepare for upcoming interviews (for more help, consult Great Interview by Vivian Eyre, LearningExpress, 2000).
Be Prepared Research the company before your interview and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge. Learn what the company does and try to read recent news releases to find out where it is planning to go in the future. You can research the company in many ways: look at its Internet website, read about it in industry magazines and newspapers, and talk to people who are familiar with it. At a minimum, you should know the size of the company, what it does, and its main products or services.
Professionally Take the interviewing process very seriously. You are entering the professional world, and you want to show that you will fit into that environment. It is important to be on time for your interview. Allow extra time for traffic and getting lost if the interview is in an unfamiliar location. Schedule your travel time so that you are in the lobby ten minutes before your interview starts. This will give you time to relax before you start the interview. Although your interview is not a fashion show, take the time to dress properly. Depending on the culture of the company, proper attire could be 132
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anything from a suit to khakis. Make sure that your clothes are free of stains and wrinkles. If you must make a choice, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Speak Confidently Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and an enthusiastic smile. Speak with confidence throughout your interview and address your comments as if you assume you will be getting the job. For example, phrase your questions this way: “What would my typical day consist of?” “How many people would be on my team, and what are their areas of expertise?” Answer questions in complete sentences, not with just yes or no. However, don’t ramble on too long answering any one question; try limiting your answers to under two minutes each. Many hiring managers will ask questions that don’t have a right or wrong answer; they ask such questions to evaluate your problem-solving skills.
Ask Questions You usually will be given the opportunity to ask the interviewer questions, so be prepared. Have a list of questions ready in advance. There’s much you need to know about the company and the hiring manager in order to determine if the company is a good fit for you. It’s not just a one-way street— while you are being evaluated, you are also evaluating the company to see if it’s a working environment you want. If you don’t ask any questions, the hiring manager may think that you aren’t interested in the position. In addition to asking specific technical questions that relate to the job you’re looking to fill, here are some examples of the types of questions you might want to ask in an interview:
What would my typical day consist of? What would my level of responsibility be? What are the work hours? What is your management style? (directed to the interviewer) 133
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What is the possibility for promotion in the next two years? What type of computer systems, network, software does the company use? What’s the annual budget for keeping systems up-to-date with the latest technology?
Know the Interview Format Large companies usually expect formal attire and hold formal interviews. You probably will have to interview with two to five people and may be required to come back for two or three rounds of interviews. The longer the hiring process takes, the less likely the company is to lay off its staff. It takes great pains to hire only as many people as are needed and only those who will grow with the company. Smaller companies are the largest employers right now. They are hiring more people more quickly than any other employers. The smaller companies usually require that you undergo only one or two interviews for a job. Generally, your first interview will be with the person who will make the final decision in this streamlined process. Universities often require that computer personnel fill out a qualifications form along with the job application as a part of the screening process. If your qualifications don’t measure up, you won’t get an interview. If you pass the qualifications portion of the application, you will be contacted for an interview and probably will have at least two interviews. Government agencies test applicants to make sure they meet the job requirements. They have regularly scheduled exam dates and will keep the results on hand so you can refer to them if you find a job you’d like to apply for. Contact your local state or city government to find out the testing dates; you also can purchase a set of booklets called The Federal Job Winner’s Tips published by the federal government to help job seekers obtain government jobs.
Anticipate Interview Questions As part of your job interview preparation, determine the types of questions the interviewer will ask. Obviously, if you’re applying for a job that requires 134
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specific computer-related skills, the employer is going to ask you detailed questions about what skills you possess and what experience you have using those skills. Spend time developing well-thought-out, complete, and intelligent answers to these questions. Thinking about answers or even writing out answers on paper will be helpful, but what will benefit you the most is actual practice answering interview questions out loud and having someone you trust evaluate your responses honestly. Most of the questions you’ll be asked will be pretty obvious; however, be prepared for an interviewer to ask you a few questions that are unexpected. By doing this, the interviewer can see how you react and how well you think on your feet. As you answer all of the interviewer’s questions:
Use complete sentences and proper English. Don’t be evasive, especially if you’re asked about negative aspects of your employment history. Never imply that a question is stupid. Don’t lie or stretch the truth. Be prepared to answer the same questions multiple times. Make sure your answers are consistent, and never reply “You already asked me that.” Never apologize for negative information regarding your past. Avoid talking down to an interviewer or making him or her feel less intelligent than you are.
The following are common interview questions and suggestions on how you can best answer them:
What can you tell me about yourself? [Stress your skills and accomplishments. Avoid talking about your family, hobbies, or topics not relevant to your ability to do the job.] Why have you chosen to pursue your current career path? [Give specific reasons and examples.] In your personal or professional life, what has been your greatest failure? What did you learn from that experience? [Be open and honest. 135
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Everyone has had some type of failure. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how it helped you to grow as a person.] Why did you leave your previous job? [Try to put a positive spin on your answer, especially if your were fired for negative reasons. Company downsizing, a company going out of business, or some other reason that was out of your control is a perfectly acceptable answer. Remember, your answer will probably be verified.] What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishments at your last job? [Talk about what made you a productive employee and a valuable asset to your previous employer. Stress that teamwork was involved in achieving your success and that you work well with others.] In college, I see you were a (insert subject) major. Why did you choose (insert subject) as your major? [Explain your interest in the subject matter, where that interest comes from, and how it relates to your current careerrelated goals.] What are your long-term goals? [Talk about how you have been following a career path and where you think this preplanned career path will take you in the future. Describe how you believe the job you’re applying for is a logical step forward.] Why do you think you’re the most qualified person to fill this job? [Focus on the positive things that set you apart from the competition. What’s unique about you, your skill set, and your past experiences? What work-related experience do you have that relates directly to this job?] What have you heard about this company that was of interest to you? [Focus on the company’s reputation. Refer to positive publicity, media attention, or published information that caught your attention. This shows you’ve done your research.] What else can you tell me about yourself that isn’t listed in your resume? [This is yet another opportunity for you to sell yourself to the employer. Take advantage of the opportunity.]
Don’t Forget to Wow ’em! The in-person job interview is your opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer by demonstrating through your words, appearance, attitude 136
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and body language that you’re the very best candidate to fill the job opening available. Whether or not you receive a job offer after participating in one or more interviews has nothing to do with luck. The employer’s decision will be based on your skills, experience, education, and how well you present yourself and perform during the interview. The following are strategies to help you properly prepare for an interview and make a positive first impression:
The most important thing to do prior to an interview is to prepare. Do research about the company you’re interviewing with and the industry you’ll be working in, and if possible, try to learn as much as possible about the individual who will be conducting the interview. Failure to prepare properly for each interview is a guaranteed way to stay unemployed. As part of your preparation, participate in mock interviews with a friend, relative, or career counselor. Practice answering common interview questions out loud, and compile a list of at least five intelligent questions you can ask the employer during the interview. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before the interview. You want to look and feel rested and be totally awake and alert. Before your interview, take a shower, shampoo your hair, clean your fingernails, brush your teeth, shave, and apply antiperspirant and deodorant. Your appearance is the very first thing a potential employer is going to notice when you arrive for an interview. Making a positive first impression is critical. Make sure your interview outfit is clean and wrinkle free and fits you perfectly. Also, be sure your shoes are shined and coordinate well with your outfit. Make several extra copies of your resume, letters of recommendation, and list of references, and bring them to your interview. You’ll also want to bring your daily planner, along with your research materials, a pad, and a working pen. All of this paperwork will fit nicely into a briefcase or portfolio. On your pad, write down the company’s name, interviewer’s name, address, telephone number, and directions to the location of the interview. 137
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The morning of your interview, read a local newspaper and watch a morning news program so you’re aware of the day’s news events and will be able to discuss them with the interviewer. Many interviewers like to start off an interview with general chit-chat. You want to appear knowledgeable about what’s happening in the world around you. Arrive at your interview at least 10 minutes early and check in with the receptionist. While it’s okay for an interviewer to keep you, the applicant, waiting if he or she is running late, it is never appropriate for the job seeker to show up for an interview even one minute late. From the moment you arrive at the interview location and step in the front door, be in interview mode. Act professionally and be polite to everyone, including secretaries and receptionists. When you’re introduced to the interviewer, stand up, smile, make direct eye contact, and shake hands. Refer to the interviewer formally, as Mr./Ms./Dr. (insert last name). When you’re invited to sit down, try to sit down either at the same time or after the interviewer. As the interview gets underway, sit up straight. Listen carefully to the questions posed, take a moment or two to think about each of your answers, and then answer using complete sentences. Words like, yeah, nope, and umm should not be used as part of your professional vocabulary. Throughout the entire interview, in addition to what you say, you will be evaluated based on how you conduct yourself and use body language. Prior to your interview, spend the necessary amount of time learning to control your nervous habits. If you know what your nervous habits are, they’ll be easier to control in stressful situations. During the later part of your interview, make it a point to come right out and ask for the job you’re applying for. Explain exactly why you want the job, what you can offer to the company, and why you’re the best candidate to fill the position. No matter what questions are asked during the interview, what the employer ultimately wants to know is if you’re the best person for the job. Will you be an asset to the company if you’re hired? Do you have the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to achieve the job’s requirements successfully? Will you fit nicely into the corporate culture within the company? Are you a hard worker who is dedicated and
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honest? During an interview, it’s your job to convey whatever information is necessary, using specific examples, and tell your story.
Job Interviews: What NOT To Do Once you are invited by a potential employer to come in for an interview, to maximize your chances of landing the job, it’s critical to do everything within your power to prepare and avoid the common mistakes often made by applicants. Remember, for every job you apply for, chances are there are dozens of other applicants who’d also like to land that same job. The good news for you, however, is that there’s currently a shortage of qualified people with computer skills looking to fill computer-related positions. The following are some of the most common mistakes applicants make while preparing for or participating in job interviews, plus tips on how to avoid making these mistakes.
Never lie on a resume. Don’t apply for jobs you’re not qualified for and then lie in order to get invited for an interview. Don’t skip steps in your interview preparation. Just because you’ve been invited for an interview, you can’t afford to wing it once you get there. Prior to the interview, spend time doing research on the company, its products/services, and the people with whom you’ll be meeting. Before an interview, avoid drinking any beverages containing caffeine. Chances are you’ll already be nervous about the interview. Drinking coffee or soda won’t calm you down. Don’t go into the interview without any questions to ask. Prior to the interview, use your research to compile a list of intelligent questions to ask the employer. These questions can be about the company, it’s products/services, its methods of doing business, the job responsibilities of the job you’re applying for, and so on. In turn, when it’s time for you to answer questions, always use complete sentences. Never bring up salary, benefits, or vacation time during the initial interview. Instead, focus on how you (with all of your skills, experience, and education) can become a valuable asset to the company. Allow the employer to bring up the compensation package to be offered. 139
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Refrain from discussing your past earning history or what you’re hoping to earn. An employer typically looks for the best possible employees for the lowest possible price. Let the employer make you an offer first. If asked about your salary requirements, tell the interviewer you’re looking for a salary/benefits package that’s in line with what’s standard in the industry for someone with your qualifications and experience. Try to avoid stating an actual dollar figure. During the interview, avoid personal topics. There are questions that an employer can’t legally ask during an interview situation (or on an employment application). In addition to these topics, refrain from discussing sex, religion, politics, and any other highly personal topics. Never insult the interviewer. It’s common for an interviewer to ask what you might perceive to be a stupid or irrelevant question. In some cases, the interviewer is simply testing you to see how you’ll respond. Some questions are asked to test your morals or determine your level of honesty. Other types of questions are used simply to see how you’ll react in a tough situation. Try to avoid getting caught up in trick questions. Never tell an interviewer that a question is stupid or irrelevant. If you’re a highly trained computer specialist, don’t get overly technical with the person interviewing you unless that person is also a computer specialist. If you’re interviewing with a human resources person, chances are if you start using all sorts of technical lingo, the person conducting the interview won’t understand what you’re talking about. If the person is the vice president of computer operations for the company, however, it’s certainly appropriate to have a technical discussion during your interview. Throughout the interview, avoid allowing your body language to get out of control. For example, if you’re someone who taps your foot when you’re nervous, make sure you’re aware of your habit so you can control it in an interview situation.
Throughout any job interview, your primary objective should be to position yourself as the ideal candidate for the job you’re applying for. By avoiding the common mistakes made by many applicants, your chances of landing a job increase dramatically. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to participate in mock interviews with someone who will ask you questions and then honestly critique your responses. 140
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Follow Up After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note, e-mail, or voice mail message to the interviewer. Following up lets interviewers know that you are serious about the position and also helps them remember you better. Here are some tips for following up:
Have plenty of notepaper and stamps available. A thank-you note is most effective when it is written on the same day as your interview and mailed right away. Send a separate note to each person who interviewed you, and make each one personal. Refer to something that happened during the interview, such as a tour of the building or an introduction to the present job holder. Check your note for spelling and grammatical errors. You are trying to reinforce the impression that you are the right candidate.
It’s a common belief that by conducting a job interview, the interviewer is simply doing his or her job, which is to fill the position(s) the employer has available. As a result of this belief, many job seekers show no gratitude to the interviewer. Thus, a thank you note is never sent after a job interview—and that’s a mistake. Sending a personal and well-thought-out note immediately after an interview is extremely beneficial. It will keep your name in the forefront of the hiring manager’s mind. It will also show that you have good follow-up skills and that you’re genuinely interested in the job opportunity. Individual and personalized thank-you notes should be sent out within 24 hours of your interview to everyone you met with when visiting a potential employer. Send separate notes containing different messages to each person. As you write each note, address it using the recipient’s full name and title. Make sure you spell the person’s name correctly. The note can be typewritten on personal stationery. If you choose to type your note, follow a standard business letter format. A much more personal alternative is to handwrite your thank-you note on a professional-looking note card, which can be purchased at any stationery, 141
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greeting card, or office supply store. The personal touch will do a lot to further a positive impression and help separate you from your competition. Keep your message brief and to the point. Thank the interviewer for taking the time out of his or her busy schedule to meet with you and for considering you for the job opening available. Make sure to include the exact job title or position you applied for. In one or two sentences, highlight the important details discussed in your interview. You want the interviewer to remember you. Finally, reaffirm your interest in the position and invite further contact. Keep in mind that a thank-you note is never the place to discuss issues under negotiation, such as salary, benefits, concerns, work schedule, and so on. It’s important to show your gratitude to everyone who helps you find and land a job. This includes all the people you interview with as well as any networking contacts that help you find job opportunities. If you demonstrate that you’re grateful for someone’s help, that person is more apt to keep helping you in the future. A thank-you note is a perfect and professional way to show your appreciation.
PARTICIPATING IN INTERNSHIPS Most colleges do an excellent job of educating students, but it’s impossible to teach something that all employers look for—real-world experience. If you’re a college student, one of the best ways to jump-start your career while still in school is to participate in an internship program, working in the industry you hope to break into upon graduation. Virtually all colleges offer structured internship programs that allow students to work during their vacations or after classes (on a part-time basis), earn college credits, and gain valuable real-world experience. Many companies, in all industries, offer paid or unpaid internship opportunities. Even if a company you want to work for doesn’t offer a structured internship program, if you have direct contact with an executive within the company, it’s still possible to work there as an intern. Even if participating in an internship program isn’t a requirement for landing a job in the field you hope to break into, having real-world experience certainly makes you a stronger and more marketable job candidate upon graduation. In addition, working as an intern provides you with 142
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incredible networking opportunities. It also gives you access to computer equipment and software that you will need to be familiar with but that your school or training facility might not provide hands-on training for. Often, if you’re able to demonstrate your abilities as an intern, you can easily parlay that into a full-time job upon graduating. Most employers prefer to hire people who have already proven themselves to be competent and who know their company. The best time to begin looking for internship opportunities is several months prior to when you hope to begin working. Companies with established internship programs often have an application and interview process that prospective interns must complete. This is very similar to applying for a regular job and often requires submitting a resume and a cover letter along with an application, followed by participation in an interview. If you’re hoping to obtain college credit for your internship work, it’s best to work through your college’s internship program coordinator or one of the department heads at your school. Most people have heard that interns are used and abused by employers. In some cases this is true. Interns are used to complete repetitive and remedial tasks that paid employees don’t want to do, for example, making copies, getting coffee, or dropping off an executive’s dry cleaning. For those people who do their research in advance and pinpoint the best opportunities, however, an internship can be a rewarding, fun, and educational experience that leads to greater opportunities. Before looking for an internship program, determine what your goals are. Possible goals might be to get your foot in the door at a specific company, to learn about a specific industry, to obtain real-world work experience doing something that interests you, to master skills that can only be learned on the job (as opposed to in a classroom), to earn college credit, and/or to earn a paycheck. As you explore specific opportunities, some of the questions you’ll want to ask include:
How many work hours are required to receive credit? How much does the internship pay (if applicable)? Will I be graded for my work? If so, will the grading be done by a college professor or the person I work under at the company where I intern? 143
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Do I have to arrange my own internship with the company or will it be arranged through my school? Does the internship program at my school also require me to attend classes, write a paper, or make a presentation to a faculty member in order to receive credit? What will my responsibilities be on a day-to-day basis? Who within the company will I be working for? Will the internship provide real-world work experience that’s directly related to my chosen field? Will my participation in the internship provide me with networking opportunities?
Make sure the internship you’re looking to participate in will allow you to utilize the computer skills and training you’ve already received and also provide you with exposure to new areas of knowledge that will make you a more valuable job applicant in the future. An internship should provide you with a forum to showcase your established computer skills, but it should also provide you with an opportunity to learn. Once you land an internship, consider it an audition for ultimately obtaining a full-time job. Always act professionally, ask questions, follow directions, display plenty of enthusiasm, volunteer to take on additional responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work closely with your boss/supervisor. Upon graduating, make sure to highlight your internship work on your resume. One excellent resource for finding internship opportunities (aside from personal contacts and your school) is the Internet. Vault.com Internships (www.vault.com), for example, offers a listing of internships available nationwide. The following books are also excellent resources: Anselmi, John. The Yale Daily News Guide to Internships 2000. (Kaplan, $25.00) Green, Marianne Ehrlich. Internship Success. (VGM Career Horizons, $12.95) Oldman, Mark. America’s Top Internships, 2000 Edition. (Princeton Review, $21.00) Peterson’s 2000 Internships (Peterson’s Guides, $24.95) 144
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As you can see from reading Chapters 5 and 6, there are many steps involved in finding, applying for, and ultimately landing a job. Throughout this entire process, make sure you keep a positive mental attitude, put in the time necessary to complete each step of the process properly, and never lose focus on what you’re trying to accomplish—finding the best possible job opportunity for yourself. Once you have the necessary training in the computer field, you’ll find that many exciting job opportunities will be open to you. Your goal should be to find the job opportunity that meets your own needs and desires. Don’t settle for the first job that comes along. If a traditional or structured internship opportunity isn’t available and coordinated through your school, you can still contact companies directly and offer yourself as a paid or unpaid intern. In this situation, you’ll gain valuable experience, but you might not earn school credit. Another way to gain additional work experience is to work with a temporary employment agency and accept short-term job assignments with various employers. This gives you the chance to meet people, establish networking contacts, be exposed to various work environments, and experience various types of jobs. Check the Yellow Pages or the Internet to find temporary employment agencies in your area that specialize in placing people in technical or computer-related jobs.
THE INSIDE TRACK Who:
Jason Luft
What:
Technical Analyst
Where:
American Express Tax and Business Services New York, NY
INSIDER’S STORY
In college I was an anthropology and history double major. I loved learning about both fields, but I wasn’t sure what I could do with them in terms of a job. But growing up, I found computers fascinating; I taught myself most of what I know about computers tinkering around with my own computer. Once I started my job search after graduation, I decided to try to work in the exploding technology industry. I got my foot in the door working as an intern at Netlan Inc., a networking company in midtown Manhattan. I didn’t like
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programming, so I decided to get a PC support/help desk job where I would be paid to play with computers all day. My typical day at the Help Desk involves rather basic duties: some phone answering, software and hardware troubleshooting, software rollout and testing, and hardware and software advising. I love the freedom of my current job. It is up to me to perform my dayto-day duties, so once assignments are given, I can be my own boss. In addition, the work atmosphere is very laid-back, my co-workers are young and fun, and I don’t have to take work home with me, so my job doesn’t stress me out.
INSIDER’S ADVICE
This field is extremely collaborative; you often depend on each other for help, so it really helps to like the people you work with. It also helps to be patient; it’s vital when you work with non-tech colleagues. Make sure that you know how to tactfully say, “Is it plugged in?” or “Try rebooting your machine.” You should also know what to say when they ask where the “Any key” is. Anyone considering a career in computer technology should make sure they get the proper training and continue to learn. Keep up with new technologies—the field is constantly changing. If you want to follow this career path, knowledge is vital. You’ll be an even more valuable employee if you become an expert at something. By specializing in a particular field you’ll fill an important niche that most people cannot.
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CHAPTER seven HOW TO SUCCEED ONCE YOU’VE LANDED THE JOB
By following the advice offered in the earlier chapters of this book, you’ll be landing an exciting job in the computer field soon. This job should be one that you’ll thoroughly enjoy and that can lead you toward career advancement in the future. In this chapter, you’ll discover some of the secrets of surviving and thriving in your new career. You’ll learn about managing important work relationships and how to better fit into the workplace culture, manage your time, find a mentor, and ultimately make your mark at work.
FROM THE moment you began applying for jobs and participating in job interviews, you began establishing and building upon your professional reputation—what people think of you in terms of your personality, competence, and attitude. These qualities contribute greatly to what coworkers, subordinates, superiors, clients, customers, and anyone else you come into professional contact with say or think about you behind your back.
SURVIVING YOUR FIRST WEEKS AT A NEW JOB For many job seekers, the stress involved with finding new job opportunities, sending out resumes, participating in interviews, and dealing with all of 147
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the other hassles involved in finding employment can be emotionally draining. Thus it makes perfect sense that most people experience a huge sense of relief once they’re actually offered a new job, conduct a successful salary negotiation, and then accept the new position. The problem is, as soon as some people show up for their first day of work, the stress associated with beginning a new job kicks in, which could make the first few weeks at a new job unpleasant. Stepping into a new job situation can be difficult. It often involves a major change in your daily routine, getting to know an entirely new group of people, and learning the policies and procedures of your new employer. You also need to learn about the underlying office politics that play a major role in any work environment, and you need to determine exactly what is expected of you in terms of job performance. It’s necessary to determine exactly how your position fits into the overall operation of the company and be willing to adapt your work habits to meet the needs of the employer. Starting a new job may also require you to learn new skills or force you to step into a high-pressure situation and immediately perform at your peak efficiency, even before you’re given a proper new employee orientation. While stepping into a new job means a major change in your life, it also impacts your new coworkers, who might not immediately accept you as a peer. As you begin your new job, don’t be surprised if it takes up to several weeks before you’re truly accepted by your new coworkers, especially if you’ll be working with a close-knit group of people who have a long history working together. Be patient. If you try your best, you’ll start to feel comfortable, confident, and you will soon fit in. Hopefully, before accepting a new job, you did the necessary research to learn as much as you could about the company and the position you were being hired to fill, and you’re now confident you’ve found a job that will allow you to combine your interests, skills, and educational background. If possible, try to schedule an appointment, in advance of actually starting the job, to meet your immediate superiors and coworkers and receive a tour of your work environment. If you go into a new job knowing there’s a good chance you’re going to enjoy it, the stress associated with starting the job will be greatly diminished, since much of the stress you’d typically feel would be in anticipation of entering into an unknown situation. Adapting to a new work situation happens instantaneously for some, but for others it could take up to three or four weeks. During this time, be open148
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minded and try to maintain a positive attitude. Until some time has passed, it’s difficult to tell if you simply accepted the wrong job, or if you’re experiencing the new job acclimation process, which is normal. Unless you’re absolutely sure after a week or two that you’ve made the wrong job decision by accepting your job, stick it out for at least a month before making the decision to quit if you’re truly unhappy. If your job requires you to learn new skills, understand that anytime someone attempts to learn something new, it’ll take time, effort, and patience. Even if you received top grades in school, putting your textbook knowledge to work in the real world is a learning process unto itself. In order to meet the expectations of your employer, be prepared to put in some extra hours initially as you learn how to perform in your new job and master the skills required to fulfill the job’s responsibilities. Medium and large companies tend to hire groups of people at the same time and put them through the same new employee orientation process and training. As you meet new coworkers who are beginning their jobs at the same time as you, keep in mind that they’re in the same situation as you are. Try to develop a friendship with these people early on during your orientation and/or training so that when you actually begin working, you won’t be entering a new job situation alone. Always think of a new job as providing a new set of exciting opportunities and a chance to start fresh. By taking control of your life, you can seek out and pursue those opportunities that will lead to career advancement and satisfaction. You must, however, face these opportunities with the proper mind-set and be willing to work hard for what you want. Never allow the fear of failing to hold you back as you begin to take advantage of the opportunities your new job has to offer. If you begin your new job determined to be open-minded, professional, friendly, persistent, and flexible, chances are you’ll adapt quickly and soon be accepted by your new coworkers.
MANAGING WORK RELATIONSHIPS: BASIC RULES No matter what type of career you choose to pursue, your success will depend in large part on the business relationships you develop and cultivate, and how 149
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you get along with others, particularly those with whom you work. Making a conscious effort to respect others, becoming a people person and making sure you’re a team player on the job will help your career immensely. When it comes to building and maintaining professional relationships, some basic rules apply to any workplace. If you’re aware of them, they can help get you out of a bind or even prevent you from getting into one. 1. Sometimes peace is better than justice You may be right about a situation (and your boss or coworker may be wrong). You may be absolutely, 100% sure you are right. Unfortunately, you may have coworkers who doubt you or who flatly disagree with you. This is a common occurrence in the workplace. In some situations, you need to assert your position and convince the disbelievers to trust your judgment. Your previous track record and reputation will go a long way toward helping to convince people to trust your opinions, ideas, and decisions. However, carefully consider the gravity of the situation before you stick your neck out. In other words, in a work environment, choose your battles wisely. For instance, go ahead and argue your position if you can prevent a catastrophe, such as a computer crash or a network failure. On the other hand, if you are having a debate about an issue of taste, opinion, or preference, you may want to leave the situation alone or accept the decisions of your superiors. Let your recommendation(s) be known, but do not argue your point relentlessly. Sometimes you will be right and people will not listen to you. That’s life; it will happen. Settle for peace to save a work relationship or to save time. Always be open to compromise, and be willing to listen to and consider the options and ideas of others. 2. Don’t burn any bridges If you are in a disagreement, or if you are leaving one employment situation for another, or if a project is ending, always leave the work relationship on a good note. Remember, your professional reputation will follow you throughout your career. It will take years to build a positive reputation, but only one mistake could destroy it. When changing jobs, don’t take the opportunity to speak your mind in a ranting and raving manner before you leave. While it might 150
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make you feel good for about three minutes, it will have a lasting effect on your career and on people’s perception of you. Someone you told off could become your boss someday or might be able to help you down the line. No matter what industry you work in, you’ll find that it’s probably a close-knit community and that people know one another, either in person or by reputation. If you wind up acting unprofessional toward someone, even if you don’t ever have contact with that person again, he or she will have contact with many other people and possibly describe you as hard to work with or downright rude. Your work reputation is very important; don’t tarnish it by burning your bridges. Likewise, when changing employment situations, do so in a professional manner. There are countless reasons why someone leaves one job to pursue a career with another company, but in order to maintain a good reputation within an industry, it’s important to act professionally when you actually quit a job. Getting into a fight with your boss, shouting, “I quit!” and then stomping out of the building forever is never the best way to handle things. Even if you think your boss is an incompetent jerk, never let your negative feelings in the heat of anger cause you to act unprofessionally. If you get into a major disagreement with your employer, never make a decision to quit impulsively. Spend a few days thinking about your decision, and if you decide it’s time to move on, start looking for a new job before actually tendering your resignation to your current employer. As a general rule, even if you’re not getting along with your boss or coworkers, it’s never a good idea to quit your current job until you’ve lined up a new one. Once you’ve actually landed that new job and are ready to quit your current one, arrange a private meeting with your boss or with the appropriate person within the company and offer your resignation in person, following it up in writing with a friendly and professional letter. Whether you’re leaving your full-time job or a temporary employment position, never simply walk off the job, and always try to give your current employer proper notice. Two weeks’ notice is the traditional norm. Some people give notice and then use their accumulated vacation or sick days to avoid showing 151
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up for work. This is not appropriate behavior. Even if your new employer wants you to start work immediately, he or she will almost always understand that, as a matter of loyalty and professional courtesy, it is necessary for you to stay with your current employer for those two weeks after giving your notice. During those last two weeks on the job, offer to do whatever you can, such as training your replacement, to maintain a positive relationship with your coworkers and boss. Make your exit from the company as smooth as possible. Purposely causing problems, stealing from the employer, or sabotaging business deals are all actions that are unethical and totally inappropriate. Some companies will request your immediate departure when you quit and will cut off your computer access and escort you out of the building, especially if you’re leaving on a negative note. Prior to quitting, try to determine how past coworkers were treated, so you’ll know what to expect. As you actually leave the company for the last time, take with you only your personal belongings and nothing that is considered the company’s property. Make a point to return, directly to your boss, your office keys and any company-owned equipment that was in your possession. If possible, for your protection, obtain a written memo stating that everything was returned promptly and in working order. If you have a personal client list and are planning on taking a copy of it with you, make sure you have the legal right to take this information. Companies have different restrictions to which their employees are legally bound through non-compete agreements and employee contracts. Down the road, you might need to use your current employer as a reference. Simply walking off the job and leaving the company in a bind is not the best way to maintain positive relationships. Lisa Elias, a former branch operations manager for the Framingham, MA office of Kelly Services, says, “It’s very important to never burn bridges. Your actions with your employers will follow you throughout your career, especially if you stay within one city and keep working in a specific industry. You’ll find that most people within an industry know each other, and your reputation will follow you from job to job.”
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3. Keep work and social life separate You were hired to do a job, not to meet new friends and potential dates. While it’s important to be friendly and form positive relationships with the people with whom you work, beware of becoming too chummy. Personal relationships can wreak havoc in the workplace, especially if those relationships become romantic. Consider that you might have to rate a friend’s job performance, take work direction from a buddy, or fire someone you hang out with. While there are challenges associated with working with friends, these can often be dealt with. The challenges associated with at-work romances, however, more often than not lead to disaster. There are many reasons to avoid romance at work. For example, seeing your heartthrob around the office distracts you from your work, romantic relationships spark rumors, breakups are hard enough without seeing your ex in the office every day, and so on. It is wise to keep your work relationships professional.
Managing Relationships with Your Customers As a computer technician, you will be working in customer service. The customers you’re working with might be clients for whom you do consulting, other employees from various divisions of your company, or anyone else for whom you’re hired to provide computer support or services. As a computer technician, it’s your job to cater to the computing needs of those for whom you work, whether you’re designing a network, maintaining a website, programming applications, or using various off-the-shelf software packages and making sure they run properly. Unfortunately, your customers will often be panicked, stressed-out, or extremely frustrated when they need you. When people call a computer technician, it is usually because something is wrong with their computer or network. They are upset, they are getting behind in their work, they are frustrated, and they may be crabby. Never take their frustration personally; it’s not about you. It’s about the job they can’t get done until you have done yours. One of the most important skills you can have in the computer field (aside from the core computer knowledge) is the ability to communicate and 153
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deal well with others. As a customer service expert, you need to be empathetic. Try a little humor, a gentle smile, and offer assurance. Most important, be friendly, and demonstrate that you have the situation under control and that the disaster can be fixed. Many of the people you may be forced to support will be far less computer literate than you. While your overall job may be to keep a network running, you may be called upon to deal with someone who has forgotten his or her password or who has lost a file and didn’t make a backup. Working as a computer technician will sometimes require tremendous patience and the ability to be understanding of other people’s needs. Just because a computer problem may seem trivial to you because you’re an expert in your field, someone who knows little or nothing about computers may find the most simple problems to be catastrophic. Avoid the temptation to act in a condescending manner to others who have limited computer knowledge. Remember that your coworkers were hired for their positions because of their expertise. You are not an expert at what they do; they should not be expected to be computer savvy.
Managing Relationships with Your Coworkers You will meet many people in the course of your career. For your personal development, you need to find a way to work well with them all, even if they’re not your best friends. Acknowledging and accepting someone else’s talents and expertise is very different from being that person’s close friend, yet in the workplace, maintaining a professional respect for people you work with will allow everyone to be more productive and successful. Many companies have internal training departments or allow their employees to take external business classes and seminars. Either way, take advantage of every opportunity you have to enroll in courses or workshops about human relations, conflict resolution, and personal development. One of the top skills that every successful business leader has, in every industry, is the ability to maintain successful business relationships and work well with others. Taking courses or reading books on positive conflict resolution can be especially helpful if you work with highly confrontational people or if you’re dealing with a stressful situation after some type of computer-related disas154
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ter takes place at work, for example. Taking such courses can help make you better at customer service and increase your potential for moving into management positions. The following are some fundamental rules for fostering positive working relationships with your peers:
Don’t gossip about your boss, your coworkers, or anyone else. Gossip hurts the person being talked about, will inevitably come back to haunt you, and also can make you look as if you don’t have enough to do. Foster sharing relationships instead of competitive relationships. If you experiment with a great new piece of software or read an interesting article in a computer magazine, share the information with your coworkers. A group of people who help each other develop professionally will shine as a team and as individuals. On the other hand, if you jockey for position and compete over everything, you will miss out on the wealth that you could learn from your coworkers (and you’ll have to live in a strained work environment). Don’t become known as a backstabber, looking out only for yourself. Especially when it comes time for employee evaluations or being considered for a raise or promotion, you want to be considered a hardworking, sincere, honest team player who works best in the interests of the company as a whole.
Managing Your Relationship with Your Boss Depending on your boss, this relationship can be pleasurable or painful. In any case, it’s important to keep the communication lines open. Talk to your boss about his or her management style and adjust your expectations to work within that style. For instance, your boss might to be a hands-on person and like to help you troubleshoot problems. He or she might want to talk to you at least once a day to hear about your activities. You need to understand that this boss wants to empower you through a mentoring/teaching style. On the other hand, your boss might want you to call him or her only if you have a problem and otherwise simply submit a weekly status report on your projects. You need to understand that this boss wants to empower you through 155
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a hands-off style that lets you find your own solutions. Both bosses may be good managers; they simply have different styles. Understand the value of each style and get the most you can from it. Also, talk to your boss about your career goals. Set goals for six months, one year, three years, and five years. Based on your discussions, you and your boss can create projects and strategies to lead you toward your goals. If you are a people person and an organizer, you might want to move toward a management position and set goals relevant to that objective. If you love the hands-on, rapidly changing technical environment, you might choose to specialize in one type of technical work or move toward another area such as database administration or programming. No matter what you are interested in, make a plan, share it with your boss, and get a few steps closer to achieving your goals. Dealing with a Difficult Boss Some people love them, some don’t mind dealing with them, but many employees simply don’t get along with their boss, manager, or supervisor. If you’re in a situation where you simply don’t see eye-to-eye with your boss, you have several options. You can do nothing, live with the situation, hope that it doesn’t get worse, and not let your relationship with your boss impact you emotionally, or you can quit your job and seek employment elsewhere. Either of these options might appear to be the easiest solution to your problem, but neither will most likely lead to long-term career fulfillment. Another option is to evaluate your situation carefully and choose to alter your attitude and behavior, doing whatever it takes to develop a relationship with your boss that evolves around mutual respect. Developing this type of professional relationship doesn’t mean you’ll become best friends with your boss, but it does mean that you should find a way to work together so that you’re both happy and productive. When dealing with a difficult boss, use direct eye contact and confident body language to convey your professional attitude. Don’t assume you can work hard to change someone else, because you can’t. You’ll wind up wasting your time and energy. If you choose to accept the situation, set boundaries, and then make it clear if your boss oversteps those boundaries. If a particular situation becomes too intense, take a break, walk away, and let yourself cool down. Often, if you can determine why your boss is acting the way he or she is, you’ll be able to find easy ways to lighten the situation. 156
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William and Kathleen Lundin are the authors of When Smart People Work for Dumb Bosses (McGraw-Hill). William explains, “Sometimes it’ll become necessary to confront your boss and explain how you feel about a situation. Never confront your boss in public or let your emotions get in the way of explaining how you feel in a professional manner. Quitting or getting transferred is always an option, but if you’re willing to suggest some compromises, chances are you’ll be able to find a way to work together. All it takes is the guts to face your boss and confront him or her in a friendly and professional manner.” Prior to confronting your boss, make sure that your problems aren’t a result of your own attitude or behavior. “Mustering up enough courage and using tact when approaching your boss with a problem are the two ingredients that’ll help lead to a positive solution. If you’re a good worker and you have skills and capabilities that your employer needs, you’ll have more leverage than you think when it comes to dealing with a difficult or uncomfortable situation that involves your boss,” adds Kathleen. William believes that executives don’t have to be smart from an emotional standpoint in order to succeed in the business world, thus many bosses don’t have the emotional intelligence to manage their employees properly. “When applying for a job, the only way to avoid being hired by a bad boss is to speak with other people already working for that person and learn as much as possible about the boss before accepting the job,” he says. Most people will have learned everything there is to learn about a specific job within two years. Thus, if a bad situation between yourself and your boss doesn’t improve and your potential career advancement with your current employer looks grim after two years despite your best efforts, it might be time to seek out other employment opportunities. Having an occasional disagreement with a superior is normal, but if your life is being ruined by the actions of a mean or difficult boss, it’s up to you to take action and find a solution that you can be happy with.
FITTING INTO THE WORKPLACE CULTURE Workplace cultures can vary widely, even within the same industry. A company’s culture can be formal and stiff, relaxed and casual, or something in 157
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between. The three main types of corporate cultures are: entrepreneurial, small business, and corporate. An entrepreneurial culture emphasizes risk taking and working independently. Employees tend to wear many hats and are given a wide range of responsibilities. Entrepreneurial cultures often admire and reward a wellpresented (flashy and stylish) idea. You are selling your idea, and the sale takes some pizzazz. Entrepreneurial cultures often are competitive; they are frequently in quick, big-money fields and often pay on commission. The advantage of entrepreneurial cultures, of course, is that they often pay well. The disadvantage is their overly competitive and stressful atmosphere. Despite the name, small-business cultures are not always found in small companies. While entrepreneurial cultures are competitive, small-business cultures are more relaxed and informal. They often nurture as many new ideas as any other type of workplace, but they don’t have such a competitive edge. The team culture is more of a cooperative, brainstorming, think tank environment. If one person is successful, everyone shares the success. The advantage of this type of culture is that it fosters a pleasant working environment that promotes growth and cooperation. The disadvantage is that jobs in this environment often do not pay as much as in other cultures. The third workplace culture is corporate. This culture relies on a reporting structure and hierarchy to accomplish defined goals. Many large companies adopt this style simply because they have a large number of people to deal with. One manager (or president or vice president) cannot talk to everyone in the company all the time about his or her ideas. Instead, there’s a functional reporting system. You might have a president who has seven vice presidents, who have seven directors, who have seven managers, one of whom has you and several coworkers in his or her reporting chain. For employees, the advantage in this type of culture is usually security—job security, the availability of additional training (often company-paid), and a good, long-term salary. The disadvantage is that employees do not have as much freedom as in other cultures and may have to spend more time writing reports and filling out forms than do those in other workplace cultures. In a highly corporate culture, job titles are clearly defined, there is a predefined path to follow for raises and promotions, and there is little opportunity for an employee to shine outside of his or her own defined job. 158
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There is no perfect workplace culture. You need to find one that suits your needs. Do you want financial security and continued training? Then go for a large corporate environment. Are you willing to put in a lot of hours for quick money? Then pursue an entrepreneurial culture. Are you searching for a cooperative, stable working environment? Then a small company is probably right for you. You may think you would not fit into certain cultures, but try not to discount anything out of hand. Decide which you think will be the best fit and try it, but remain willing to try another culture if a great opportunity arises. In the first few chapters of this book, you were asked to answer a series of questions about your goals, likes, and dislikes. Based on these answers (and by combining them with the knowledge you have about yourself), you should have a pretty good idea about the type of culture in which you’ll prosper best.
MANAGING YOUR TIME You’ll most likely find that the workplace environment is more hectic than school was, so you will need to manage your time effectively to make the most of your workweek. Here are some tips for juggling your tasks and managing your time.
Daily Work Activities 1. Know the requirements of your job and what your boss expects of you. Define your role and know what you are expected to deliver on a daily basis.
Customer service Are you supposed to be available for customer service at a moment’s notice? If so, ensure that you are not overloaded with other tasks that will get in the way of customer service. Do not agree to get projects done by a certain deadline if you’re on call; you never know when your customers will need you. Use time between customer 159
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service calls to learn new software, catch up on projects that aren’t time sensitive, or read computer-related publications. Defined deliverables Are you given a defined set of tasks to accomplish within a defined period of time? If you are at this end of the spectrum, don’t let yourself get distracted from your tasks. Make a task list, or to-do list, using a calendar. Estimate what you need to be doing every hour of the day in order to accomplish your tasks and then stick as closely as possible to your schedule. Combination Are you somewhere between the two, given a defined set of tasks to accomplish whenever you have time but expected to be available for customer service? If so, negotiate target deadlines with your boss so the tasks don’t drag on forever, but make customer service your top priority. If a deadline looks impossible to meet, see if you can get an extension before it arrives. Use down time between service calls to accomplish the activities on your task list.
2. Don’t get trapped by interruptions and time wasters. Every job is subject to time wasters. Sometimes you may get caught up by people who want to chat socially, or you may fall into the trap of playing computer games or reading the news. It is important to allow yourself a small amount of relaxation throughout the day, but set limits for yourself—such as 15 minutes per day—so it doesn’t get out of control. If you work with a social, chatty person, don’t let yourself be distracted or interrupted. If you are working on something, let your coworker know that you are busy and can perhaps talk later, during lunch. If you do have time to talk to your coworker, try to steer the conversation to computer-related topics. Use the time to learn something new from your coworker rather than just chat. 3. Keep a day planner. Identify one place where you write everything down, whether it is a formal day planner or a spiral notebook. Are you always running late for appointments? Do the items on your daily to-do list never seem to get done fast enough? If there is 160
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never enough time in your day to meet your personal and professional obligations, you could be lacking important time management skills. Learning time management skills won’t add more hours to the work day, but it will allow you to use all of your time more productively, reduce the stress in your life, better focus on what’s important, and ultimately get more done faster. Time management is easy to learn and requires just one basic tool— a daily planner, PDA, or specialized scheduling software for your computer. It’s important to choose a time management tool with which you’re comfortable, whether it’s a traditional planner, a high-tech device, or specialized software package. The tool you choose for yourself should easily fit within your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, you’ll want a planner or PDA that’s totally portable and can be carried with you. If most of your time is spent working from a desk, a desktop planner or software package for your desktop computer may be best suited to meet your needs. As you examine how you spend your day, pinpoint the biggest time wasters that are keeping your from getting your most important work done. According to Day Timer’s 4-Dimensional Time Management program, an audiocassette-, video- or CD-ROM-based course that teaches time management skills in order to manage your time successfully, you must learn how to:
Focus Determine what’s really important and what duties you are responsible to perform in a timely manner. Learn to differentiate between what’s important and what’s not in terms of how you spend your time. Plan Discover how to properly prioritize your work and the items on your to-do list. Set goals based on your work objectives, and figure out, in advance, how much time each task will take. Act Based on your planning, take an organized approach to completing each of the high-priority tasks and items on your to-do list. Focus on the less important items and tasks later. 161
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Every evening (after work) or first thing in the morning, take about 15 minutes to create a daily to-do list for yourself. After listing all of the things that need to get done that day, determine approximately how long each task will take. Now, set your priorities. On your to-do list, place an A next to the items or tasks that will produce the most valuable results. These are the items that must get done, no matter what. Next, go back to the top of your list and place a B next to important tasks that need to get done but aren’t as critical or time sensitive as your A items. Finally, place a C next to items or tasks that should get done but aren’t too important. During a given day or week, a task’s priority may change. Take major projects, goals, and objectives and divide them into smaller, more manageable tasks. You’ll need to incorporate your to-do list into your daily planner, allowing you to schedule your time. Make sure you attempt to complete your high-priority items and tasks early in the day, giving those items your full attention. Make sure you list all of your prescheduled appointments in your daily schedule, allowing ample time to get to and from the appointments, and if necessary, prepare for them in advance. Once you commit to using a time management tool, it’s important to remain disciplined enough to use it continuously until it becomes second nature. Initially, you may have to spend up to 30 minutes per day planning your time and creating your to-do list, but ultimately you’ll begin saving up to several hours per day. Learning to manage your time better will boost your productivity, which will ultimately make you more valuable to an employer, putting you in a better position eventually to receive a raise or promotion.
Managing Life and a Job When you are at work every day all week long, it becomes difficult to get your life tasks done. Here are some tips to help you integrate your job with your life.
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Make to-do lists of your life tasks and prioritize the tasks you need to accomplish. Keep a list of things you need to do, buy, return, pick up, and drop off. A day planner is the best place to keep such a list. If you don’t have a day planner, carry a notebook with you from home to work and back again. Organize your list according to places you will stop. Keep grocery items on one list, pharmacy items on another, dry cleaning on a third, and so on. Cross things off the lists when you have finished them, so you can see what you still have to do at a glance. Use your lunch hour to run errands at least once a week. Identify resources that are close to your workplace for things you can do during your lunch hour—doctor, dentist, dry cleaner, shoe repair, car repair, hardware store, and so on. Use the commute between home and work to take care of other errands, such as stopping at day care and the grocery store.
Mastering the Working Mother’s Juggling Act Ask a working mother what it takes to successfully juggle a career, a marriage, and raising an infant, and you’ll receive a different answer from each person you ask. All will agree, however, that mastering time management skills and being able to go without sleep are absolute musts. Pamela Kelly Boogar worked as the vice president of worldwide marketing for Barbie at Mattel Media. While working in this executive-level position for one of the world’s most successful toy companies, she was required to work long hours and travel extensively to meet the day-to-day responsibilities of her job. Every morning, before her workday began, and then after it ended, her role as a wife and mother of newborn twins took precedence. Boogar found herself focusing on time management as she adjusted her commuting times to and from work to avoid sitting in traffic. “I focused on ways of saving time so I could be with my kids. Even finding an extra 15 minutes per day by maximizing my time became important because, as a mother and career woman, there is always so much to do,” she said. Mothers and fathers alike must juggle childcare along with their other responsibilities. There are a variety of options available to parents in regards
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to day care for a child. Having friends, parents, or other relatives babysit is sometimes a viable option. For others, independent day care centers or day care programs sponsored by an employer better fit into the family’s lifestyle. A more expensive option is hiring an in-home nanny to care for a newborn while the mother is at work. If you work for a medium or large company, and your employer offers an in-house day care program, don’t assume you’ll be able to take advantage of it. Some company-sponsored day care programs are at capacity and have a waiting list. Even if you sign your child up for the program when you first become pregnant, it could take years before your child is admitted into a company-sponsored day care program. As early as possible, investigate what your options are and determine what fits into your budget, lifestyle, and schedule. Women who want to stay home with their children yet don’t want to give up working entirely have more options than ever before. A growing number of companies offer family-friendly services that allow for telecommuting (working from home part-time and from an office part-time) and/or job sharing (where two people work together to fulfill the responsibilities of one full-time job). Another option is for a mother to give up her traditional job and use her expertise to launch a home-based business. Creating and managing an online-based business from home using a computer is also a viable option for mothers with computer skills. Mompreneurs: A Mother’s Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Work-at-Home Success (Berkley Publishing Group, $13) is an excellent resource for women interested in launching any type of home-based business while raising children. Having a career and being a mother are both extremely rewarding experiences for most women. Every mother needs to be creative and find an ongoing source of energy within herself that will allow her to achieve success in whatever personal and employment situation she is in.
FINDING A MENTOR A mentor is someone you identify as successful and with whom you create a teacher-student relationship. Choose your mentor based on what is important to you and on how you define success. Someone can be successful with164
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out having attained certain titles or positions, so keep an open mind when you’re looking for a mentor. A mentor is someone you can learn from. Enter into the relationship intending to observe your mentor carefully and ask many questions. There are two primary types of mentors: business mentors and technical mentors. You will learn different things from each type of mentor. A business mentor will provide guidance about how to be successful in the business culture. Although each mentoring situation is different, you often can learn the following from a business mentor:
Customer service skills Presentation skills How to design a career plan How to set incremental goals What to expect in your business culture How to communicate with your boss How to gain sponsorship for your ideas
A technical mentor, on the other hand, is someone who has more technical knowledge than you do and can teach you those skills, direct your path for ongoing learning, and help you develop technical problem-solving skills. You often can learn the following from a technical mentor:
Problem-solving skills In-depth knowledge about technology used by your company Tricks and shortcuts for repair and maintenance Trends in technology Which computer magazines are best Which conferences/seminars/classes you should attend
How to Connect with a Mentor Don’t just wait for your fairy godmother to appear and provide you with a mentor; actively search for one! A mentor can be anyone from a senior-level 165
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manager to one of your peers. Remember, finding a good mentor is not a matter of title, years in the business, or years with your company. A good mentor is someone who is expert in a certain area and willing and able to teach you. There are many ways to find a mentor. Since you probably will be looking for a mentor when you start your new job, you won’t know many people at the company. Try these techniques for identifying possible mentors:
Ask your boss to recommend someone. Let your supervisor know that you are trying to improve yourself through a mentor. This actually helps you in two ways. First, it helps you find an appropriate mentor based on your boss’s experience at the company and in the industry. Second, it lets your boss know that you are serious about your career and your personal development. Observe people. You can learn a lot this way. When asked a question, do they take the time to help you find an answer or do they point you toward someone else who can help you? The one who takes the time to help you answer your question is the better choice for a mentor. How does the potential mentor resolve problems? In a calm manner? If so, you’ve found a good candidate. Listen to people who admire your potential mentor. What qualities do they admire? Do the admirable qualities coincide with your values and goals? If you need to learn conflict-resolution skills, you probably shouldn’t consider a mentor who is admired for having a forceful, aggressive style. Instead, look for someone people describe as fair, calm, and easy to work with.
PROMOTING YOURSELF Once you have a job, you can promote yourself in many ways. No, you can’t give yourself a raise or a better job title, but you can position yourself for success. An excellent way to do that is by setting realistic, tangible career goals. This shows that you take your job seriously and that you expect promotion. Goals can be specific tasks you want to accomplish—for example, finishing a comprehensive report about computer maintenance trends—or personality characteristics you want to improve—such as dealing with difficult 166
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people better. However, it’s not enough to set goals and keep them to yourself. You need to share your goals with your managers, so they know when you have achieved each goal; then they can reward you. Make an appointment to discuss your goals with your boss, and remember to be open to your boss’s ideas for possible goals. You also can discuss your goals with a human resources representative so your name will come to mind when a suitable job opens up. Expand your contacts on the job and share your successes with them to build a strong position for future growth.
A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS From this book, you’ve discovered that the computer field offers a wide range of career opportunities in virtually every industry. While there is an abundance of jobs available in the United States for trained professionals with the skills that are in demand, if you’re willing to work overseas, keep in mind that the foreign job market offers even greater opportunities. Once you’ve landed a job in the computer field, never stop pursuing new knowledge and training. Keeping up with the latest technological developments, software, operating systems, and hardware will ensure that you continue to be a valuable asset to your employer. You’ll be worth more as an employee, be more promotable, and have greater earning potential. Be sure to take training courses, read technical manuals and computer magazines, attend special interest group meetings and trade shows, and talk with other people in your field as often as possible. We’re at the dawn of the twenty-first century. Companies and individuals alike are becoming more and more dependant on computers and technology. This trend shows no signs of changing, which means the job opportunities for people who understand and can use technology will be plentiful now and in the future.
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THE INSIDE TRACK Who:
Brian Ledwith
What:
Head of Internet Development, Senior ColdFusion Engineer
Where:
LearnATest.com New York
INSIDER’S STORY
I was introduced to computers during my early years of elementary school at the local library, and developed a habit of wandering off into files and programs that I really shouldn’t have been playing with. I quickly learned that you really can’t do permanent, physical harm to a computer just by playing around with it, and that knowledge gave me the confidence to really dive in and see how they worked. When I got older, I realized that as the computer field kept expanding, there would be a growing demand for specialized people. In addition to a highly specialized education, my first career-related job was as an intern at a large corporation where there were many entry-level positions to be filled. I spent time learning one role, and then moved on to another, and yet another. I then took my accumulation of knowledge and my education to the “real world.” In my current position, I oversee the development, enhancement, maintenance, and troubleshooting of a large website. I also write much of the code used on the website. I document the development, testing, and implementation process. I meet with colleagues in other departments in order to turn their ideas and needs into functional and [hopefully profitable] new branches of the site. Finally, I act as the technical liaison between the corporate customers and the marketing and sales departments. I really enjoy the responsibility that comes with a growing company. No two days are the same—some days seem to be spent entirely in meetings, others entirely spent with customers, or developing and fixing things, and some days are spent doing a combination of everything. For me, learning something new every day is the biggest perk.
INSIDER’S ADVICE
Many of the current technologies didn’t even exist 5, 10, or even 20 years ago, so few people can have decades of experience, making the chances for learning, improving, and advancing in this career much more attainable for a younger person. As for finding jobs, I’ve used a variety of methods. I just walked into the HR department of one company and asked for an application, not knowing what, if any, were available; the news-
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paper was the source of another job; a headhunter pointed me to yet another. Personal networking has landed me more than one position. I’ve also attended meetings of several local special interest groups in NYC, which has extended my networking circle. The most important piece of advice I can give, however, is to work hard and be extremely dedicated; remember that it takes time to learn and master new technologies.
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Appendix A
Computer-Related Associations ONE OF the best ways of meeting new people who work in your field and staying on top of the latest trends in your industry is to join an industry-oriented or professional association. One excellent way of learning about job opportunities in a particular field or industry is to contact an industry association, read its newsletters or magazines, and participate in meetings, seminars, or trade shows that the group hosts. The following is a sampling of the associations that relate to the computer field.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Advanced Computing Systems Association (USENIX) Since 1975, USENIX has brought together the community of engineers, system administrators, scientists, and technicians working on the cutting edge of the computing world. The USENIX conferences have become the essential meeting ground for the presentation and discussion of the most advanced information on the developments of all aspects of computing systems. The USENIX Association and its members are dedicated to:
Problem-solving with a practical bias Fostering innovation and research that works Rapidly communicating the results of both research and innovation Providing a neutral forum for the exercise of critical thought and the airing of technical issues
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CONTACT INFORMATION
The USENIX Association 2560 Ninth Street, Suite 215 Berkeley, CA 94710 510-528-8649 www.usenix.org
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Founded in 1947, ACM is the world’s first educational and scientific computing society. Today, its members include over 80,000 computing professionals and students worldwide. ACM boasts that it offers authoritative publications, pioneering conferences, and visionary leadership for the new millennium. CONTACT INFORMATION
ACM 1515 Broadway New York, NY 10036 800-342-6626 www.acm.org
Association for Women in Computing (AWC) A non-profit professional organization for individuals with an interest in information technology, AWC is dedicated to the advancement of women in the computing field, in business, industry, science, education, government, and technology. CONTACT INFORMATION
Association for Women in Computing 41 Sutter Street, Suite 1006 San Francisco, CA 94104 www.awc-hq.org
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AWC Chapters CALIFORNIA
MICHIGAN
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter 41 Sutter Street, Suite 1044 San Francisco, CA 94104 415-979-8450
[email protected]
Ann Arbor Chapter PO Box 1864 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1864
[email protected]
MINNESOTA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
National Capital Chapter PO Box 5781 Bethesda, MD 20824-5781 202-452-5557
[email protected]
Twin Cities Chapter PO Box 131022 Saint Paul, MN 55113 612-729-7582
[email protected]
MONTANA FLORIDA
Central Florida Chapter PO Box 160366 Altamonte Springs, FL 32716-0366
[email protected] (website is temporarily unavailable)
Montana State University Chapter EPS 357 Montana State University Bozeman, MT 59717
[email protected]
NEW JERSEY
Florida Space Coast Chapter Crawford Building, 2nd Floor 150 West University Boulevard Melborne, FL 32901
[email protected]
Northern New Jersey Chapter c/o Deb Smith 11 Lincoln Road Kinnelon, NJ 07405
[email protected]
MARYLAND
NEW YORK
Baltimore Chapter PO Box 20327 Baltimore, MD 21284
[email protected]
New York City Chapter PO Box 1503 Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163-1503
[email protected]
MASSACHUSETTS
Upstate New York Chapter PO Box 23041 Rochester, NY 14692
[email protected] [email protected]
Greater Boston Chapter PO Box 68 Newton Upper Falls, MA 02164
[email protected]
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OHIO
VIRGINIA
Miami University of Ohio Chapter 230 J Kreger Hall Miami University Oxford, OH 45056
[email protected]
Virginia Tech Chapter Department of Computer Science 60 McBryde Hall, Mail Stop 0106 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061
[email protected] [email protected]
TEXAS
Dallas Chapter PO Box 800886 Dallas, TX 75380
[email protected] Houston Chapter PO Box 6613 Houston, TX 77265-6613
[email protected]
WASHINGTON
Puget Sound Chapter PO Box 179 Seattle, WA 98111 206-781-7315
[email protected]
NOT NEAR A CHAPTER?
Independents 41 Sutter Street, Suite 1006 San Francisco, CA 94104 415-905-4663
[email protected]
Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) The AITP offers its members opportunities for professional and personal growth, helping them to achieve career objectives and meet the challenges of the information systems profession. CONTACT INFORMATION
AITP 505 Busse Highway Park Ridge, IL 60068 800-224-9371 x242 www.aitp.org
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Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) CPSR is a public-interest alliance of computer scientists and others concerned about the impact of computer technology on society. The group works to influence decisions regarding the development and use of computers, because those decisions have far-reaching consequences and reflect our basic values and priorities. As technical experts, CPSR members provide the public and policy makers with realistic assessments of the power, promise, and limitations of computer technology. As concerned citizens, members help to direct public attention to critical choices concerning the applications of computing and how those choices affect society. Every project CPSR undertakes is based on five principles:
It fosters and supports public discussion of and public responsibility for decisions involving the use of computers in systems critical to society. It works to dispel popular myths about the infallibility of technological systems. It challenges the assumption that technology alone can solve political and social problems. It critically examines social and technical issues within the computer profession, both nationally and internationally. It encourages the use of information technology to improve the quality of life.
CPSR is a democratically organized membership organization. Its accomplishments result from the active involvement of members, supported by the CPSR staff and computer professionals across the country. CONTACT INFORMATION
CPSR P.O. Box 717 Palo Alto, CA 94302 650-322-3778 Fax: 650-322-4748 www.cpsr.org/dox/home.html 175
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Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) The IEEE (“eye-triple-E”) helps advance global prosperity by promoting the engineering process of creating, developing, integrating, sharing, and applying knowledge about electrical and information technologies and sciences for the benefit of humanity and the profession. Today, the IEEE includes members who conduct and participate in its activities in 147 countries. Membership in the IEEE is open to professionals with varying amounts of education and work experience. Member, Senior Member, and Fellow grades are limited to those who have achieved professional competence and recognition, as demonstrated by their degrees and their work experience. Associate grade is open to certain technical and nontechnical applicants who may benefit from membership and participation in the IEEE and also to those progressing through education and work experience toward Member grade. CONTACT INFORMATION
IEEE Admission and Advancement Department 445 Hoes Lane PO Box 459 Piscataway, NJ 08855-0459 800-678-IEEE www.ieee.org
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE) Computer Society With nearly 100,000 members, the IEEE Computer Society claims to be the world’s leading organization of computer professionals. Founded in 1946, it is the largest of the 35 societies organized under the umbrella of the IEEE. The IEEE Computer Society’s vision is to be the leading provider of technical information and services to the world’s computing professionals. The society is dedicated to advancing the theory, practice, and application of computer and information-processing technology. Through its conferences and tutorials, applications- and research-oriented journals, 176
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local and student branch chapters, technical committees, and standards working groups, the society promotes an active exchange of information, ideas, and technological innovation among its members. In addition, it accredits collegiate programs of computer science and engineering in the United States. With nearly a third of its members living and working outside the United States, the IEEE Computer Society fosters international communication, cooperation, and information exchange. To meet the needs of its members conveniently and efficiently, the society maintains service center in Brussels and Tokyo in addition to its publications office in Los Alamitos, CA and its headquarters in Washington, DC. Members may join the Computer Society by itself or in conjunction with joining the IEEE. CONTACT INFORMATION
IEEE Computer Society Attn: Membership 10662 Los Vaqueros Circle P.O. Box 3014 Los Alamitos, CA 90720-1314 714-821-8380 Fax: 714-821-4641 www.computer.org e-mail:
[email protected]
Internet Society (ISOC) The mission of the ISOC is to assure the beneficial, open evolution of the global Internet and its related internetworking technologies through leadership in standards, issues, and education. In addition to the technological, educational, and standards issues, ISOC is involved in a variety of initiatives stemming from social, economic, political, ethical, and legal sources that can and do exert influence on the direction of the Internet. The organization’s current programs include the following: 177
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Legal defense of the term Internet ISOC has taken action to ensure that the term Internet is accepted as generic or descriptive, and not as a term that can be trademarked, to protect and free the term from ownership. Internet industry self-governance The Internet Society is active in a variety of issues, such as global electronic commerce, encryption, censorship, privacy, and many more. Internet standards development The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG), and the Internet Architecture Board (IAB), responsible for the technical underpinnings of the Internet, including standards and protocols, operate under the auspices of ISOC. Conferences The Internet Society sponsors two annual conferences: INET focuses on the worldwide issues of the Internet by bringing together people developing and implementing Internet networks, applications, and policies for the worldwide infrastructure.
The Internet Society is partnered with Advanced Network and Services to assist in the judging of ThinkQuest, an international educational contest that provides $1 million in scholarships for secondary school students who develop innovative Web-based educational tools. CONTACT INFORMATION
Internet Society 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 100 Reston, VA 20190-5321 703-326-9880 Fax: 703-326-9881 www.isoc.org
Network Professional Association (NPA) The NPA is a nonprofit organization for networking professionals who design, implement, and maintain computer networks. The NPA’s mission is 178
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to advance the network computing profession by educating and providing resources for its members. The NPA accepts and encourages multivendor certification and education on the part of its nearly 7,000 members in 100 chapters worldwide. CONTACT INFORMATION
Network Professional Association 401 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611-4255 888-379-0910 www.npa.org/about/membership.htm
ACCREDITING ASSOCIATIONS National Accrediting Agencies Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology 750 First Street NE, Suite 905 Washington, DC 20002-4242 202-336-6850 Fax: 202-842-2585
Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) Two Landmark Square, Suite 209 Stamford, CT 06901 203-975-1117 Fax: 203-975-1222
Accrediting Commission of Distance Education and Training Council 1601 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009-2529 202-234-5100 Fax: 202-332-1386
National Association of Trade and Technical Schools (NATTS) 2251 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 202-333-1021
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) 750 First Street NE, Suite 980 Washington, DC 20002-4242 202-336-6780 Fax: 202-842-2593
National Home Study Council (NHSC) 1601 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 202-234-5100
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Regional Accreditation Agencies Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS) 3624 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680 215-662-5606 Fax: 215-662-5501 New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) 209 Burlington Road Bedford, MA 01730-1433 617-271-0022 Fax: 617-271-0950 North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS) 159 North Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60601 312-263-0456 Fax: 312-263-7462
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NASC) Boise State University 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725 208-334-3226 Fax: 208-334-3228 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033-4097 404-679-4500 Fax: 404-679-4558 Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) 533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200 Burlingame, CA 94010 415-375-7711 Fax: 415-375-7790
Accrediting Agencies Responsible for Each State
180
State
Regional Accrediting Agency
State
Regional Accrediting Agency
Alabama
SACS
Nebraska
NCACS
Alaska
NASS
Nevada
NASC
American Samoa
WASC
New Hampshire
NEASC
Arizona
NCACS
New Jersey
MSACS
Arkansas
NCACS
New Mexico
NCACS
California
WASC
New York
MSACS
Colorado
NCACS
North Carolina
SACS
Connecticut
NEASC
North Dakota
NCACS
Delaware
MSACS
Northern Marianas
WASC
District of Columbia
MSACS
Ohio
NCACS
Florida
SACS
Oklahoma
NCACS
Appendix A
State
Regional Accrediting Agency
State
Regional Accrediting Agency
Georgia
SACS
Oregon
NASC
Guam
WASC
Pacific Islands
WASC
Hawaii
WASC
Pennsylvania
MSACS
Idaho
NASC
Puerto Rico
MSACS
Illinois
NCACS
Republic of Panama
MSACS
Indiana
NCACS
Rhode Island
NEASC
Iowa
NCACS
South Dakota
NCACS
Kansas
NCACS
Tennessee
SACS
Kentucky
SACS
Texas
SACS
Louisiana
SACS
U.S. Virgin Islands
MSACS
Maine
NEASC
Utah
NASC
Maryland
MSACS
Vermont
NEASC
Massachusetts
NEASC
Virginia
SACS
Michigan
NCACS
Washington
NASC
Minnesota
NCACS
West Virginia
NCACS
Mississippi
SACS
Wisconsin
NCACS
Missouri
NCACS
Wyoming
NCACS
Montana
NASC
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Additional Resources FOR ADDITIONAL information on the topics discussed in this book, refer to the following reading list of books organized by subject followed by a list of online resources, job hotlines, computer-related magazines, and related computer jobs.
BOOKS Finding the Right College and Paying for It Best 331 Colleges: 2001 Edition. Princeton Review, 2001. Cassidy, Daniel J., The Scholarship Book 2001: The Complete Guide to PrivateSector Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loans for the Undergraduate. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2000. The College Board College Cost & Financial Aid Handbook 2001. College Entrance Examination Board, 2000. The College Board Index of Majors and Graduate Degrees 2001. College Entrance Examination Board, 2000. Kaplan Guide to the Best Colleges in the U.S. 2001. Kaplan Publishing, 2000. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor, 2000. Peterson’s Guide to Colleges for Careers in Computing. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s Guides, 1996. Peterson’s Guide to Two-Year Colleges 1998: The Only Guide to More Than 1,500 Community and Junior Colleges. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s, 1998.
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Finding Certification There are literally dozens, perhaps hundreds of study guides and books focusing on how to obtain specific computer-related certifications. To find titles that cater specifically to your area of interest, visit Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble Online. Do a keyword search for your area of interest. For example, if you’re looking for books or training materials about Novell CNE Certification, type Novell Certification as your search phrase. Books can then be ordered online using any major credit card. Just a sampling of the books available include: Anderson, Duncan. CNE NetWare 5 Test Yourself Practice Exams, Core 5 + 1. McGraw-Hill, 1999. Meyers, Michael J. A+ All-In-One Certification Exam Guide. McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, 1999. Microsoft Corporation. A+ Certification Training Kit. Microsoft Press, 2000. Mueler, John P. All-In-One Novell 5 CNA/CNE Exam Guide. McGraw-Hill, 1999.
Career and Job-Hunting Guidance Your local library and chamber of commerce maintain directories of employers in your area. Two excellent sources organized specifically for job hunters are The World Almanac National Job Finder’s Guide (St. Martin’s Press) and the Job Bank series (Adams, Inc.). There are brief job descriptions and online resources in the Job Finder’s Guide; the Job Bank books are published by geographic region and contain a section profiling specific companies, with contact information for major employers in your region sorted by industry. Once you’ve identified companies in your area of interest, use the resources at your local library to learn more about them. Your librarian can help you find public information about local firms, including the names of all the company’s officers, the number of employees, a brief description of the company, and contact information. Also, be sure to tap the Internet as a research tool for finding job opportunities and learning about potential employers. There are many career-related books available that will walk you through the entire job search process. Here are just a sampling of the books you’ll find at your local bookstore: 184
Appendix B
Blackett, Thomas F. Adams Electronic Job Search Almanac 2000. Adams Media Corporation, 1999. Bolles, Richard Nelson. What Color Is Your Parachute? 2001: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. Ten Speed Press, 2000. Cabbege, Sue and Marcie Willians. National Job Hotline Directory: The Job Finder’s Hot List, Planning Communication, 1999. Dikel, Margaret. Guide to Internet Job Searching. 2000-01 ed. NTC/ Contemporary Publishing Co., 2000. Eyre, Vivian. Great Interview: Successful Strategies for Getting Hired. LearningExpress, 2000. Rich, Jason R. Great Resume. LearningExpress, 2000. ———. Job Hunting For The Utterly Confused. McGraw-Hill, 1998. ———. The Unofficial Guide To Earning What You Deserve. Macmillan, 1999. Smith, Rebecca. Electronic Resumes and Online Networking: How to Use the Internet to Do a Better Job Search, Including a Complete, Up-To-Date Resource Guide. Career Press, 1999. Yonge, Katherine K. 110 Best Job Search Sites on the Internet. Linx Education Publications, Inc., 1998.
ONLINE RESOURCES One of the fastest-growing resources for job searching is the Internet. Companies of all sizes now have websites that describe their business and list job openings. In addition, the federal government, many state and local governments, and several national job banks have websites with thousands of job listings all over the country. Most libraries and many schools allow free Internet access to their patrons. In fact, the Public Library Association has published its own Guide to Internet Job Searching. This book contains an entire section devoted to Internet search techniques that will help you find exactly what you are looking for. If you are interested in working for a particular company, use the Internet, search for its website and see if it posts job openings. If you are looking for a government job, check out www.jobsfed.com. This site lists over 10,000 federal jobs. Also search the Internet to see if your state’s placement office has a website. 185
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JOB HOTLINES Many companies maintain a list of job openings through telephone hotlines. These job hotlines are a great way to find jobs with specific companies without having to contact the human resources department directly. Using a Touch-Tone telephone, you can listen to a company’s list of available jobs and requirements. Job hotlines usually are not found in the phone book, but The National Job Hotline Directory, updated every year, lists thousands of job hotlines all over the country, including those for the federal and state governments. It is available at most local libraries and bookstores.
MAGAZINES Here are the names of just some of the many consumer and industry-oriented computer-related magazines and their Web addresses. From these sites, you can often read the online editions of the printed publications. Newsstands and libraries are where you can find actual printed copies of the majority of these publications. Reading some of these publications will help you keep up-to-date with current and emerging computer technology trends. Also, be sure to read industryoriented publications that target the specific industry you choose to work in.
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Publication Title
URL
BigPipe/Cable Today
www.cabletoday.com
Byte.com
www.byte.com
C/Net
www.cnet.com
CIO Magazine
www.cio.com/CIO
CIO WebBusiness
http://webbusiness.cio.com
ClieNT Server News
www.computerwire.com
Computer Reseller News
www.crn.com
Computer Retail Week
www.crn.com
Computer Shopper
www5.zdnet.com/cshopper
Computer User
www.computeruser.com
Computerworld
http://208.184.36.144
Appendix B
The CPA Software News
www.softwarenews.net
Crossroads: The International ACM Student Magazine
http://info.acm.org/crossroads
Federal Computer Week
www.fcw.com
HotWired Online Magazine
www.wired.com
InformationWeek
www.informationweek.com
InfoWorld
www.infoworld.com
Internet Week
www.phillips.com/iw
Internet World
www.internetworld.com
IT Support News
www.itsupportnews.com
LAN Magazine
www.lanmag.com
Microsoft Magazine
www.microsoft.com/insider/default.htm
Microsoft Systems Journal
www.microsoft.com/msj/default.asp
PC Week
www.pcweek.com
PC World
www.pcworld.com
Silicon Valley Daily
www.svdaily.com
TechWeb
www.techweb.com
TechWeek
www.techweek.com
Time Digital
www.time.com/time/digital
VAR Business
www.varbusiness.com
Washington Technology Online
www.wtonline.com
Web Week/Internet World
www.webweek.com
WebServer Online
www.cpg.com/ws
Windows Magazine
www.winmag.com
Windows Sources
www.zdnet.com/wsources
Wireless Week
www.wirelessweek.com
ZD Smart Business
www.zdnet.com/pccomp
RELATED COMPUTER JOBS In addition to all of the computer-related jobs described in this book, be sure to investigate related jobs in the following fields. Take advantage of an online career-related website, such as the Monster Board (www.monster.com), to learn about the following jobs and other areas that are available in the United States and around the world.
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188
Computer Programming Computer Support Computer Systems Administrator Database Management/Administration E-Commerce Graphic Design/Computer Aided Design Multimedia Producer Network Design/Maintenance Website Design, Creation, Programming, and Maintenance
