How is the tech field? (Pacific: find a job, school, college)

[dpgtfc]

I am entry level, just graduated college with a B.S in Information Technology, though I have experience in the field working through college through a work-study that took me on part-time (and now full time, but temporary due to economy).

My wife had a phone interview with Apple physical therapy today and really likes what she hears. However, I know from the Portland Forums that the Pacific NW is high in unemployment, and while she seems to have people knocking down her doors, my prospects are more limited.

I would prefer a Database Administration job or web development, but since I am entry level anyway, I'm not planning on being too particular.

Should I plan on being unemployed for months and months, or is there a good chance I can find some work (even if it isn't in the IT field per se)?

[Heiwos]

Have you checked the job sites like Monster and Indeed? That should give you a feel. If IT isn't hiring at entry level (read: cheap, energetic youth), it's a depression.

[dpgtfc]

Monster is only a indication that there are jobs out there. If somebody posts an "entry level" job, it isn't always going to go to a person with no experience, right?

If there are 10,000 unemployed programmers/DBAs and somebody posts a job that is entry level, are they going to reject all the more experienced people?

[Heiwos]

Originally Posted by dpgtfc

If there are 10,000 unemployed programmers/DBAs and somebody posts a job that is entry level, are they going to reject all the more experienced people?

Possibly, esp. if they want a body to stay in that position for years. The more experienced candidates will leave for greener pastures, if the pastures ever become green again, and be disgruntled at their fate in the meantime. That's where the "overqualified" excuse comes from.

[vette-dude]

I'm retired from the IT Tech field in the PacNW in the Fed Gov't...you may want to check out the link that reflects most gov't jobs., but I must say "like other locations" my organization's IT was downsizing to a degree.

Here is the link you may want to check out, it has all "gov't positions" worldwide..and last time I used it was free to create an account, post your resume and apply for as many jobs you are qualified for and have an interest in..

USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site

If I can further assist just send me a pm...

Good Luck...there will always be a need for IT...., small or large corporations, ...

[41Willys]

Originally Posted by vette-dude

I'm retired from the IT Tech field in the PacNW in the Fed Gov't...you may want to check out the link that reflects most gov't jobs., but I must say "like other locations" my organization's IT was downsizing to a degree.

Here is the link you may want to check out, it has all "gov't positions" worldwide..and last time I used it was free to create an account, post your resume and apply for as many jobs you are qualified for and have an interest in..

USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site

If I can further assist just send me a pm...

Good Luck...there will always be a need for IT...., small or large corporations, ...

IT is short for India.

[eskercurve]

Microsoft is laying off workers, so I wouldn't consider them. I'm not so sure in the short term you will find a job. I'd lower your prospects, lower your expectations, and maybe go back to school. When the economy picks back up you will be more qualified, especially if you take internships during your master's degree studies.

[Heiwos]

A Master's for the IT field is a waste, I think. Not only would it make him less competitive, because few employers want to pay for a pedigree or a disgruntled & inexperienced employee who feels underpaid, but also he'd need to recoup all the cost, including the lost opportunity cost (not earning $$ while in school). It would put him $100K or more in the hole, during a depression.

[mikec34]

Originally Posted by dpgtfc

I am entry level, just graduated college with a B.S in Information Technology, though I have experience in the field working through college through a work-study that took me on part-time (and now full time, but temporary due to economy).

My wife had a phone interview with Apple physical therapy today and really likes what she hears. However, I know from the Portland Forums that the Pacific NW is high in unemployment, and while she seems to have people knocking down her doors, my prospects are more limited.

I would prefer a Database Administration job or web development, but since I am entry level anyway, I'm not planning on being too particular.

Should I plan on being unemployed for months and months, or is there a good chance I can find some work (even if it isn't in the IT field per se)?

Use dice.com, man. It's specific to IT. careerbuilder, monste,r craigslist (the worst of the lot) are some others.


Good luck! Remember, 93% of working class Americans aren't filing for unemployment.

[AzDreamer]

I know that Federal agencies like Homeland Security and Border Patrol are hiring. They need IT people just like everyone else.