Advice on breaking into IT with poor work/education history

[AnthraxDog]

Hi everyone

Without getting too into it, I've suffered from pretty severe mental health problems all my life and it's wrought havoc on my education and work life. I graduated with a computer science degree in 2017, but my academic performance was awful enough that I had no faith in myself actually being able to work a software development job like I'd intended and I ended up drifting through a series of temporary office admin jobs with bouts of unemployment in between.

Recently I've gotten my mental health under control and I've decided to try and break into IT with a longterm view towards becoming a Linux sysadmin. I know the normal first step here would be to get a job doing tech support, but I'm having a hard time actually finding that sort of work and I suspect recruiters have no idea what to make of my CV - between my borderline-failed degree from 7 years ago and lack of professional IT experience since then I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.

In the face of all that, are there any tangible steps I should take to make myself a more viable candidate? I looked into certs but it didn't seem clear that they'd make much of a difference applying for an entry-level role with no prior experience.

 

[VRDoctor]

Do a Ph.D.

I've got one, they are great.

 

[Quartz]

I looked into certs but it didn't seem clear that they'd make much of a difference applying for an entry-level role with no prior experience.

They show a level of knowledge and of application.

 

[Varys]

Do an I.T apprenticeship - earn while you learn, from level 3 which is equivalent to 2 A levels to level 5 which is degree standard they take 18 months to 2 years. Most employers allow days off for study

 

[OspreyO]

I would start over with your CV. Build up courses and certs. A lot of places are only going to be interested in what you've done recently.

 

[Begbie]

As above you'll need both experience and qualifications, look at jobs your interested in and find what qualifications they want. Then work on them, find yourself an entry level job if you can afford to - or find some volunteer work in the field at the weekends.

How old are you? What do you do now?

 

[dowie]

In the face of all that, are there any tangible steps I should take to make myself a more viable candidate? I looked into certs but it didn't seem clear that they'd make much of a difference applying for an entry-level role with no prior experience.

Maybe depends on the certificate and what you've done. Maybe do some projects at the same time and document them - post stuff online etc.. Maybe get some part time volunteer IT work under your belt to make up for the lack of experience - now your CV doesn't just have admin work and shows clear intent + gives you some stuff to talk about in interviews.

If someone wants a job as an artist or designer they'll have a portfolio of their work, if someone wants a job as a developer they'll have a GitHub showing their work.

You say you want to be a Linux Sys Admin then where is all your stuff about Linux? Where's your blog post where you go into configuring stuff on your favorite distribution? Where are the little command line tools you've developed because you're passionate about Linux etc..? What evidence is there of your skillset in Linux?

[insert similar for AWS, Azure whatever - here's my guide for doing X with Y. Here is when using Y is overkill for your startup/company and how you can achieve a lot and pay substantially less with a VPN as I'll demonstrate...]

If you want to fix the university stuff then transfer credits to the OU and get some sort of computing or "open" degree from them, you'd need to at least do a complete final year with them to get a degree but your first and second year can be covered by your previous study IIRC. You can incorporate studying for Cisco CCNA into a degree with them too:

Computing and IT Degrees | The Open University

Open University Computing and IT Degrees. Explore emerging Technologies and Specialise your study in the area that suits you.

www.open.ac.uk

They also do short courses as "micro-credentials" I don't think these fit into their named degrees but could maybe fit into an "open" degree.

Microcredentials | The Open University

Futureproof your career and gain professional skills, knowledge, and academic credit with a microcredential from The Open University.

www.open.ac.uk

I'm not saying every candidate for a job will have a great GitHub or a blog or YouTube channel about their area of interest and various little tools they've released or guides they've published online but some of the best candidates will have and if you're currently lacking then something like that could well make up for it.

 

[dowie]

Do an I.T apprenticeship - earn while you learn, from level 3 which is equivalent to 2 A levels to level 5 which is degree standard they take 18 months to 2 years. Most employers allow days off for study

This isn't quite correct. Firstly the level of a qualification isn't dependent on how many credits or certificates etc.. you have; A levels *are* a level 3 qualification, if you have a single A level you have a level 3 qualification, you don't need to have 2 of them for that to be true and likewise the level doesn't change if you have say 4 of them.
Secondly, level 5 isn't degree standard it's equivalent (in terms of level) to the second year.

An undergraduate degree is a level 6 qualification as the final year is taught at level 6 but you can also get things like graduate diplomas or advanced diplomas that take less time to complete than a degree and are level 6 quals too.

For example, OP could look at this course, it's not a degree and only takes a year to complete part-time time but it's taught at level 6/third year undergrad level:

Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in IT Systems Analysis and Design

A one-year part-time course for those wishing to develop their understanding of modern systems analysis, development and management. Delivered entirely online, the course is taught at third-year undergraduate level.

www.conted.ox.ac.uk

There is a potential issue with apprenticeships, in principle, they're supposed to offer new skills. There isn't a prohibition on someone with a degree studying for an apprenticeship per se but it could be a bit iffy if he's already got a full degree in that area and now he's looking at taking a lower-level qualification in the same area. I think there is a lot of employer discretion but it could be seen as going against the government guidelines.

 

[Zefan]

Do certifications, this is basically what they are for. I'm hiring for a junior sysadmin role now and I value them.

Also what dowie said.

 

[malachi]

Self studying for some certifications is the better way forward if you have an computer science degree already.

 

[AnthraxDog]

Thanks for the advice everyone - I asked this same question elsewhere and based on everyone's responses it seems like self-studying for certs is the way forward. I've decided on the AZ-900 and LFCS as a starting point, alongside continuing to apply for first-line tech support roles.

Since people are asking more about my situation - I'm 30 and currently the main "work" I've been doing is volunteer work for DIY arts venues and historical archival projects, alongside some amateur web design & video editing stuff on the side. Up till now I've been trying to get another office admin job, but even though I'm getting interviews and I'm told I come off very well in interviews, I'm struggling to actually land a job in a way I hadn't been previously.

I should also probably stress I'm way less of a dedicated "techie" than I think most of the people on this forum are. I don't have deep enthusiasm for Linux or IT, and outside of what I learned on the comp sci degree my experience is limited to building a gaming PC and installing Ubuntu on a laptop so I could **** around with it (for what it's worth I did really enjoy doing that). I'm hoping to get into it because I want a stable career in something after so long of not thinking I'd be capable of anything and I believe I've got the right temprament & personal skills for it (good eye for detail, generally IT literate, good at troubleshooting, good at explaining complex concepts to laymen).

 

[Lopéz]

I work in IT - whilst I'm not dribbling into my porridge, neither am I particularly intelligent : no degree, poor A Levels, no specific qualifications other than industry certifications which I gained after getting in to this line of work.
What I am good at is talking to people, being engaging and energetic, and being able to understand problems and concepts.

I use my strengths to combat my weaknesses.

I would ask yourself what are you good at, what do you love, and what those things might bring to a business and make you desirable.

You mention that you are applying for jobs and getting interviews - this indicates to me that there's not a great deal wrong with your CV or your lack of qualifications - if those were lacking I'm not sure you'd be getting to interview stage.
So that begs the question, who has told you that you interview well, because if you're getting in front of people but not getting positive results then it's possible that actually you don't.

 

[Josh]

Personally for what you are looking at, AZ-900 is a waste of time. Look at the MS-900 for a foundational look into basic admin functions that will get you towards a 1st Line/HDS type role.

 

[Zairs]

I did this when I was 35, I studied the comptia A+ which was enough to get my foot in the door with my first company (was although it took several interviews and rejections first) I also volunteered at a local charity that rebuilt old computers to sell on as this gives good experience and also shows a drive for getting into IT. Best thing I ever did, now I have a job that I enjoy and feel good telling people what I do for a living

 

[malachi]

I work in IT - whilst I'm not dribbling into my porridge, neither am I particularly intelligent : no degree, poor A Levels, no specific qualifications other than industry certifications which I gained after getting in to this line of work.
What I am good at is talking to people, being engaging and energetic, and being able to understand problems and concepts.

Same, I only started getting certs in 2017 after I had been working in IT for 15 years already. No A Levels or degree needed. Only thing I had was an GNVQ IT cert.

 

[Paracelsus]

Definitely get a few certs, set up a portfolio-style website and do some hobby projects - I can't speak for everyone but when hiring this stands out a lot to me, hardly anyone does it - with junior roles, I'd rather hire someone with less experience but evident motivation and interest than someone with a bit more experience/more formal qualifications.

 

[VRDoctor]

Do an I.T apprenticeship - earn while you learn, from level 3 which is equivalent to 2 A levels to level 5 which is degree standard they take 18 months to 2 years. Most employers allow days off for study

Level 6 is full degree (B.Sc etc) standard.

Level 5 is foundation degree (Fd.Sc etc).

 

[OldKitMan]

get an entry level job on a service desk and work up from there.

 

[LostCorpse]

its a bit of a crap show out there in the market for IT jobs and other markets with all the new tech coming out.
Service desk roles allow you to get your foot in the door, just know what your getting in to.

 

[D-Ranged]

Thanks for the advice everyone - I asked this same question elsewhere and based on everyone's responses it seems like self-studying for certs is the way forward. I've decided on the AZ-900 and LFCS as a starting point, alongside continuing to apply for first-line tech support roles.

Since people are asking more about my situation - I'm 30 and currently the main "work" I've been doing is volunteer work for DIY arts venues and historical archival projects, alongside some amateur web design & video editing stuff on the side. Up till now I've been trying to get another office admin job, but even though I'm getting interviews and I'm told I come off very well in interviews, I'm struggling to actually land a job in a way I hadn't been previously.

I should also probably stress I'm way less of a dedicated "techie" than I think most of the people on this forum are. I don't have deep enthusiasm for Linux or IT, and outside of what I learned on the comp sci degree my experience is limited to building a gaming PC and installing Ubuntu on a laptop so I could **** around with it (for what it's worth I did really enjoy doing that). I'm hoping to get into it because I want a stable career in something after so long of not thinking I'd be capable of anything and I believe I've got the right temprament & personal skills for it (good eye for detail, generally IT literate, good at troubleshooting, good at explaining complex concepts to laymen).

Your comment on you not having a deep interest in Linux is a little worrying. I've worked in IT for 20+ years, I started on helpdesks, and eventually specialised in infrastructure and virtualization.

I specialised in those things because it's what I enjoyed doing. I don't particularly find Linux enjoyable (I know everyone is different) but it is a more "specialised" field, and from my experience, the people that work dedicated linux jobs generally, are Linux guys through and through, especially nowadays.

It's certainly not something I find a huge amount of interest in, although it does melt into VMware and the Infrastructure side of things.

Personally, I can't think of anything worse than doing all those courses, and looking for a job in something you're not really that interested in.

Maybe it's worth getting a junior helpdesk position, and seeing if there is anything else you actually find more interesting first, before getting into the courses you're looking at?

Just my 2p anyway.