Work Experience in Computing

[aqeel]

I graduated with a HND in I.T a year back and have done an Introductory course in SQL. Since graduating, I failed to find a computer related job but worked for a local company as a Data Technician. This job is mixture of admin and data inputting. I would like to go into the computing field but i find it very very competitive as I dont really have a solid computing experience. In what ways can i gain work experience in computing ? I really want to go into database admin. So as you have a gathered, I worked as a data technican dealing with databasaes and have knowledge on databases with reference to my HND and SQL. Where do i go from here ? whats my next step to gain some computing work experience ? Please help.

[ledow]

Without any good luck, I think you're going to run into the employment viscous circle. Can't get a job doing X, can't get experience doing X, therefore nobody will give you a job doing X.

Basically, keep trying. You're going about it the right way, trying to get qualifications and experience to work your way in. You have a definite aim in mind and therefore a specific field of interest/expertise that you are aiming for.

You could try areas similar to but around just plain SQL, e.g. learn a language like PHP so that you can build PHP/SQL based websites which are the current fad for dynamic websites. Have something to show... qualifications (maybe a specific database/SQL based qualification, e.g. something in Access or SQL Server), evidence of trying (the data tech job is a good example). Jobs are there but you need to hunt.

Sign up for every job website in the country and put your skills on there.

[vehelpfulguy]

One other option is to do voluntary work for a charity or school who need PC or database skills. 

Many charities and schools use computers but do not have the skills to run them properly, or the money to pay people.   

If you help out a charity or school you gain valuable experience, and also make contacts. Often people who work for a charity also have business contacts so they may be able to find you work. 

[vehelpfulguy]

Some other suggestions:

There a lot of computer agencies who find people to fill short term contracting jobs. Register with some agencies and do some contracting. Often people who work as contractors then get offered permanent jobs.

Build up some skills in Microsoft SQL Server 2005. This product is due to ship in November 2005 and there are going to be thousands of companies buying it who will need people with MS SQL Server 2005 skills.

If you go to the microsoft web site you can order a free beta version of MS SQL Server 2005.

The web site is

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windowsserversystem/sql/2005/default.aspx

Microsoft have also got loads of webcasts and tutorials on the SQL Server product on their web site.