Entry Jobs?

bike5

What kind of jobs should I be looking for and would be able to get in the computer field with say just a high school diploma and no (job related) exp. in the computer field.

I am in college going toward a BS in CS and almost have my AS in webmaster.

Is there even ANY jobs out there for someone that is interested in computers (mostly programming part) that does not have a degree yet or exp in another computer related job? I have looked forever and everything wants experience,experience,experience from another job with having to know a ton of diff. skills. That is fine and all but where do we start? Is there no hope for me to get even a most basic low pay entry level computer job because I have no experience. All I want is a job to get me some exp but without prior exp I can't get a job (computer related anyhow).

Anyone have any suggestions or paths I should take? Or is the search for a computer related job impossible until you get at least a 4 year degree?

I am just looking for some direction, should I be trying to look for some job that will help me gain exp with computers or is it a waste of time because I am not qualified to get any job in the computer field? Sorry I am just all confused on what to do.

drew010

yes it can be difficult finding good computer jobs with no degree or job history. one of the good things you can do is freelance locally and build php sites or make small software solutions for companies in your area. that way, you can make some money, (usually you can charge high prices for it), and then you can build up a portfolio of work, as well as increase your references.
that way, in the future you can apply for a good job and be able to show them a lot of your past work, explaining, "this small business needed a database driven fully automated website so they could......" and show the site and the code and you will have them as job references. this is what i have done in the past and i have had good luck getting contracts for bigger companies. if you have past work that is impressive, the companies will want to hire you.

bike5

drew010 - That sounds like it could work, although, I have never ran a business (even if it would be only say 1 client). Has anyone ever written a guide to freelance computer work like this? Like how to price, what kind of support are you supposed to give after it is done, the legalities of it? I would hate to not get paid or get sued because I "left something out" or didn't do something right legal wise.

And if there isn't any articles out there like that, someone should write one. 😉

Thanks.

drew010

your questions are valid, however i have never really ran into any problems like that. all the money i made was under the table. i didnt really have a business license or anything like that. i started out doing things for my friends, or friends of my mom and then through word of mouth and handing out business cards, my name spread to people i didnt know.
i charged 50$ per hour for computer troubleshooting, coming to their home or business to solve a problem. for programming, i usually charge either a lower hourly rate, or a flat fee based on the size of the project and how long it took. in all cases i was paid. i suppose its possible to get stiffed by someone just because they want to be an asshole and not pay you. but if it is for programming, you can retain full copyright of the code until you sign it over to them. im sure you can find a legal form online that has to do with rights of information.

Mordecai

I'm currently in the same situation. Just have a HS degree, but can't really find a stable programming job.

I'm mainly doing little programming jobs, I have a few clients that regularly ask me for jobs before they go elsewhere, which is great. So, once you do one little job for someone and do it extra well, they'll probably come to you first in the future.

I also mainly get my offers off IRC. I hang out in programming channels and offer my help to those who are having problems, much like on this board. These people usually see that I know what I'm doing, and come to me.

I'm getting a pretty good start with just little jobs, but I hope to try and make it big some day 😉

bike5

Now I just wish I knew some people that would need anything I could offer.

Well know one said this was going to be an easy career path, actually, most people have already told me I was headed down one of the hardest career paths. O-well, do what you love and love what you do (and hope someone will pay you for it!).

Thanks.

If anyone else wants to add to this, please🙂