Career Change Advice (Also question at the bottom for Spie)

Steedie

Steedie

Steedie

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Hey guys

I've seen plenty of threads on here where great advice has been given about changes in careers and CV related issues, now I need some myself

I made a thread months ago about my job in the games industry and how pleased I was to get it etc, but after many months and many serious thinking sessions, I've decided on a career change

It just isnt for me, I think the problem is, I enjoy playing games greatly and have since I was about 5, and I enjoy programming, but as wierd as this sounds, I dont enjoy programming games. I think its something that should stay as a hobby of mine, a hobby I love so much, but as much as I thought it would be, its just not a career path that I enjoy and want to do anymore

So I've decided to go into IT Support/Tech Support, again I suppose its a hobby as I do build/maintain PCs in my spare time, and I do a lot of problem fixing regarding to the software side. But the difference is, I do a lot of PC repair/troubleshooting for friends and then their friends when they tell them about me, and I really enjoy doing it.
Infact, say I go there just to do a bit of virus removal, I'll spend much more time than I should cleaning up the rest of their stuff, tweaking stuff (with their permission of course) and just getting their PC how it should be running. Or say I'm going to clean their PC out as its clogged with dust, rather than just do that, I'll do some serious cable tidying, and any other little jobs I can find to help them out.

I realise a lot of the stuff I mentioned I wouldnt be doing in a typical support role, but even other things such as setting up networks, remote desktop stuff with friends when they get problems (LogMeIn - great little program, advise anyone who uses Remote software to check it out). And OS installations, even things like this I enjoy massively. Geek? Yes :D

And people have always commented while watching me how I just always seem to be smiling when doing it, I just really enjoy it so much even when people get me round at the last minute to do it. I dont charge either so its not the financial side that keeps me doing it

So I'd love to do this for a living, but, and this is where you guys come in. I really dont have a clue what to put on a CV regarding this area, my current CV is very programming/development orientated so really isnt much good. So was wondering if anyone working in this area could share their CV's with me or offer advice

Also, wheres the best entry place to start in a career like this? Telephone helpdesk jobs? I've applied for a few tech support roles as well but think the lack of any experience in a role previously might put me in a disadvantage. So again anyone working in ths area, where did you start and how long did it take to progress

Finally, and this is FAO Spie, that System builder job, is there any potential for promotion/bigger roles in that job down the line, if so, I might apply as I must admit, working for a company I spend a lot of money at doing a job I love sounds ideal

Sorry for the epic post guys, just need your advice

Many many thanks
 
Support can be a lot more than just fixing PC's. I run a live application support team within a large bank. In a nutshell, if anything breaks (e.g. cashpoint, the statements system, etc, etc) then there needs to be a support team on call 24 hours a day to fix it. The skills needed there are programming and the ability to solve problems, look at root cause analysis, etc. So maybe something like that would interest you?

With regards to the Spie question, my guess is that it would be entirely down to the employee to show they had the aptitude, ability and initiative for other roles.
 
Sorry for the delay

I've just finished my degree in Computer Science which I got a first in, then just 3 A Levels in Information Technology, Business Studies and Media Studies (B, C, B)
 
Steedie said:
Sorry for the delay

I've just finished my degree in Computer Science which I got a first in, then just 3 A Levels in Information Technology, Business Studies and Media Studies (B, C, B)
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Hi

Are you really sure about this? a first in computer science is not easy to get. You could do a lot more with your degree than tech support and the pay isn't exactly top notch. Why don't you try shifting into something that would accomodate your skills a little more. You don't like programming for games? ok no problem. How about systems analysis and design? Why not try working for a company like Citrix where you can develop remote networking applications and all kinds of other solutions for large corporations and governments? or Maybe some sort of IT consultancy firm that would put your computer science and business skills to use.

I realise you like the practical aspect of the industry you've chosen, I just think you should explore your options a little more before you switch. You can always switch into tech support or open your own computer shop in the future with a bit of capital if that's what you decide you really want to do. But I am a firm believer that you should do whatever makes you happy and if your heart is set on tech support then do it.
 
Steedie said:
Finally, and this is FAO Spie, that System builder job, is there any potential for promotion/bigger roles in that job down the line, if so, I might apply as I must admit, working for a company I spend a lot of money at doing a job I love sounds ideal.
Click to expand...

There is always opportunity for anyone at OcUK to get promoted. The limitation is not opportunity but the individual's suitability. If you're good enough it'll happen.
 
Is support really where you want to be? I'd advise aiming high, it worked out for me, I've just graduated (last week) with a first in a computing subject at a modern university. I now have a job with a leading managed services business, working closely with senior managers, and on a starting salary of £27k.

Aim high, you can afford to with your qualifications, providing you can prove to them your past experience is useful and you can apply yourself well.
 
People bashing support roles, what figures are you talking about when you are saying the pay isn't 'top notch' and that you should 'aim high'?

Im my experiance tech support (using that as a really general term!) can pay very well.

Or are you just talking about 1st line type support roles?

At the end of the day there's no point him doing something he won't enjoy, which we can see he has done once and now wants out. If he'd rather do support than say a dev role then fair enough.

If you do go into support try finding a niche or a more specialist area to work in though, makes you more desirable to employers, and helps when they need someone in a specific area as there won't be as many people to choose from :)

As for the ocuk job, it'd be a great foot in the door in a career where experiance counts for a lot.
 
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Ev0 said:
People bashing support roles, what figures are you talking about when you are saying the pay isn't 'top notch' and that you should 'aim high'?

Im my experiance tech support (using that as a really general term!) can pay very well.

Or are you just talking about 1st line type support roles?

At the end of the day there's no point him doing something he won't enjoy, which we can see he has done once and now wants out. If he'd rather do support than say a dev role then fair enough.

If you do go into support try finding a niche or a more specialist area to work in though, makes you more desirable to employers, and helps when they need someone in a specific area as there won't be as many people to choose from :)

As for the ocuk job, it'd be a great foot in the door in a career where experiance counts for a lot.
Click to expand...

Well I also have 1st in Computer Science, and I am applying to one job which has a starting salary of 36k (Although it is in London, and I doubt ill get it :) ). Typically they are around 25k~31k though. You wont get anywhere near that as a graduate doing support. Your right about the part about not doing something you don't enjoy. Job satisfaction should come first before money.
 
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