scatbass
Heliman
Location: Hiram, GA
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| Wow, I've meet Mcdonalds employees with more education than you(no kidding). How can you become a database engineer with no formal education on the subject or certificates? Is it who you know? Did you work from the bottom up? What? I'm serious here because I'm trying to figure this out. I've gone to 10 interviews this month on entry level IT posistions only to be turned away for no formal education on it, even though I demonstrated the knowledge to do the job in the interviews.
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There's a few factors involved. Who you know - yes, that can certainly help. I got my start based off of a personal connection, which ultimately led to a 3rd shift support job working for IBM back in 99. Once my foot was in the door, I worked my butt off to learn as much as I could and prove my worth. Having competent management with common sense helped a lot as well.
After putting in 6+ years there and learning a wealth of info, it was easier to prove that I had experience, as well as technical expertise as I went on interviews in related fields.
Another thing to consider is location. I don't know what the market is like where you are, but for me, moving to an area (Atlanta) with a (relatively) booming IT industry didn't hurt. If that's an option for you, don't discount it.
Someone earlier mentioned the concept of taking a lower paying job that may offer longer term potential. There is a lot to be said for this. Sometimes the value of a position is not immediately obvious.
BTW - as far as the college thing...int he spirit of full disclosure, I attended 1 semester of Community College right after high school. I dropped out due to lack of interest and drive at the time, but I still put that on my resume to this day - simply worded as "Attended such and such Community College". I'm not lying, and if asked about it would certainly disclose the full truth...but the fact of the matter is that I have never been asked.
Mike |
