LearningExpress Computer Tech Career Starter 2nd

somehow impact everyone’s life. Virtually every business in the world relies
on computer technology, while at the same time, millions upon millions of
homes currently have computers installed. With the evolution of the
Internet, computers are also changing the way people communicate. Thanks
to computers and today’s technology, the demand for skilled people to cre-
ate and utilize this technology is growing at a much faster pace than jobs in
the computer field can be filled. Thus there’s an incredible opportunity for
people looking to break into the computer field, and this book will intro-
duce you to just some of the areas where exciting and high-paying job
opportunities are available—not just in the United States, but worldwide.

This book is ideal for anyone looking to enter into the computer field,

whether you’re just graduating from school or seeking a career change. If
you enjoy working with technology as well as with people, there are many
different, exciting, and rewarding job opportunities in the computer field.

After all, you need to look no further than the Help Wanted section of a

major daily newspaper or the job listings at a popular career-related website
(such as the Monster Board—www.monster.com) to see a sampling of the
many computer-related jobs that are available right now for those who are
qualified to fill them. Some of the best jobs available are in the computer
field. If you have the drive and the necessary skills, you’ll quickly discover
that there are many ways to break into this field, and this book shows you
what the hottest computer-related positions are and how to get them, so you
can get started as soon as possible.

Due to the high and fast-growing demand for employees in the comput-

er field, even for entry-level positions, starting salaries are high, and earning

Introduction

promotions is relatively easy if you’re willing to work hard and stay on top
of the latest technological advancements. This book explains the differences
between the four major categories of computer technicians:

Software technicians

Hardware technicians

Network technicians

Internet technicians

You may be surprised to discover that most computer technician jobs can

be obtained without a four-year college degree, so you can get your career
up and running in the shortest possible time. The training required for
becoming a computer technician ranges from a two-year associate’s degree
to certificate programs that can be completed within a few weeks or months.
The position of computer technician differs from that of computer pro-
grammer, as computer programmers often need to complete a four-year
bachelor’s degree before they begin their careers.

If you require the training to become a software, hardware, network, or

Internet technician, there are many ways of obtaining the necessary skills
and knowledge that don’t involve attending traditional schools. For exam-
ple, distance learning (online or through correspondence courses), self-
paced videotaped courses, and text-based home study guides allow you to
obtain the training you need at your own pace, based on your own schedule.

As you’ll soon discover, there are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dif-

ferent job titles in the computer field. For example, many computer technicians
are known by other related job titles. Since this field is relatively new, there isn’t
a consistent set of job titles throughout the industry. Some alternate job titles that
refer to computer technicians are: desktop technician, network support person-
nel, software troubleshooter, software engineer, LAN (local area network) tech-
nician, computer service repair personnel, and PC system support specialist.

By the time you finish this book, you’ll be able to easily recognize all the

job titles that apply to the computer related job(s) you’re qualified for. This
book gives you the information you need to select the computer technician
career and training programs that are right for you.

Many of the computer-related jobs available fall under the category of

Information Technology (IT). This is the study, design, development,

viii

Introduction

implementation, support, and/or management of computer-based informa-
tion systems, such as computer software applications and hardware. No mat-
ter what the specific job title is, the work of IT workers is to ensure that the
people in a company work well with the technology available to them.
Because so many companies are totally reliant on computers, it’s the respon-
sibility of the IT workforce to keep the company’s computers, computer sys-
tems, network(s), and software applications running smoothly.

In Chapter 1, you’ll get an inside look at what computer technicians do,

and you’ll find specific job descriptions, typical salaries, advancement
opportunities, hiring trends, and abilities needed for each job. You’ll also
find a step-by-step checklist explaining how you can enter and succeed in
this exciting and growing field.

Chapter 2 explains why you need formal training and how to select and eval-

uate training programs near you. You’ll find sample courses that are taught in
actual training programs for many of the computer technician job titles discussed
in this book. These course descriptions can help you decide what occupation is
right for you and how long you need to go to school to qualify for it. You can use
the checklist in Chapter 2 to ask tough questions of the admissions counselors in
training programs you’re considering, in order to evaluate the quality of their
programs. You’ll then discover several tips on how you can make the most of your
training program, such as how to study for exams, take notes in class, and net-
work with other students. If a traditional training program isn’t right for you,
you’ll also read about online-based training, home study courses, and other ways
of obtaining the training and skills you need to enter into this field.

After you’ve selected a training program that’s right for you, you’ll find

out in Chapter 3 how you can use financial aid to help you pay for it. This
chapter clearly explains the financial aid process step-by-step, so you can be
prepared and get your aid as soon as possible. Thanks to increased compe-
tition among training programs and schools that offer computer-related
training, the price for participation has gone down, so the initial financial
investment in your professional future probably won’t be as significant as it
would have been five or ten years ago.

Once you’ve completed your training program, Chapter 4 shows you

exactly how to land the job you want in the shortest time possible. You’ll dis-
cover tips on where to look for the best openings. You’ll learn how to use
networking and the Internet to find the best job opportunities.

Introduction

Chapter 5 focuses on how to create the best possible resume, while

Chapter 6 offers key information on writing cover letters and performing
well during your in-person job interviews. After you’ve landed a job,
Chapter 7 explores some things you can do to insure your success.

According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce, in

2000 alone, roughly 1.6 million new computer-related jobs were created in
the United States. The demand for skilled people among employers, how-
ever, far exceeded the supply, resulting in over 850,000 job openings in the
IT field going unfilled. Research shows that one out of every ten U.S.-based
jobs in the computer field goes unfilled, which presents an incredible oppor-
tunity for you to enter and succeed in this fast-growing field. Information
technology jobs are projected to be among the fastest-growing occupations
between 1996 and 2006. This includes jobs for database administrators,
computer support specialists, computer scientists, computer engineers, and
systems analysts, along with hundreds of other types of computer-related
jobs.

International Data Corporation (IDC) reported, “The U.S. will experi-

ence intense recruiting for nearly 850,000 IT openings in 2002, and the
shortage of skilled IT professionals will exceed one million in Europe alone
in that same year. By 2002, the number of openings for IT worker positions
could represent a number greater than one-fourth of 1998’s total IT work-
force.”

So, do you think you’re interested in entering the computer field? Do you

have what employers are looking for? Are you willing to obtain the skills and
knowledge necessary to succeed in this field? As you begin to formulate a
career plan for yourself, keep in mind that employers are looking for people
who are qualified to fill the job openings available. This means having a
good knowledge base in the relevant area and awareness of the latest tech-
nology. Hands-on experience is also desirable, but less than half of all com-
panies who hire IT workers list experience as a key qualification. What’s
more important is having good communication skills, being a good problem
solver, developing analytical skills, being able to work in a flexible environ-
ment, and having the ability to learn new computer-related skills quickly.

While being able to work well with machines (i.e., computers) is an

absolute must, to succeed in many areas of the computer field, you must also
be able to work well with people.

Introduction

Now, get ready to learn how you too can enter into the exciting and ever-

changing computer field and land an exciting, high-paying job that you’ll
enjoy. Remember, just because an abundance of jobs are available, employ-
ers are looking to hire only the most qualified applicants who are knowl-
edgeable, hard-working, and motivated.

So, in addition to obtaining the necessary training, you must develop the

right attitude and be willing to work hard in order to achieve success. It’s
also necessary for you to take the initiative and create your own career path.
To do this properly, preplanning and research will be required.

Introduction

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN CAREER STARTER

COMPUTERS ARE

used to perform almost every type of job in

every industry, from restaurants to manufacturing to hospitals. People use
computers every day to perform important business tasks and share infor-
mation with others. Since computers are so important, proper computer
maintenance and operation are critical to employers and will be even more
valued in the future, especially with the growth of e-commerce (companies
doing business on the Internet). People with the right skills and knowledge
are finding themselves in high demand.

Computer service technicians work with every employee in an organiza-

tion, as well as outside personnel, to provide a stable computing environ-
ment. This requires a thorough understanding of the technology that’s being
used, as well as the ability to communicate well with the people working in

This chapter explains what a computer technician does

and describes the four types of technicians: software

technician, hardware technician, network technician,

and Internet technician. You’ll get an overview of the

computer market, the future job market, and salaries

available in the computer field. Finally, you’ll learn the

steps to take to become a computer technician.

THE HOTTEST COMPUTER TECHNICIAN JOBS

AND HOW TO GET THEM

CHAPTER

one

the organization. As support personnel, technicians give advice to users by
interpreting problems and providing technical support for hardware, soft-
ware, network systems, and Internet environments. Technicians trou-
bleshoot hardware and software errors, add new equipment, and install,
upgrade, configure, and then troubleshoot problems on corporate networks.
The job descriptions in this chapter will show you what is involved in these
various computer careers and how to match up your personal abilities and
interests with one of them. You’ll also find out about the advancement
opportunities available for each job. This chapter will provide you with the
basic information you need to select the computer technician job for which
you’re most suited and in which you can prosper.

SOFTWARE TECHNICIAN

Typical Duties

Software technicians act as troubleshooters for desktop operating systems
and software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, and data-
bases. Software companies such as Microsoft

and Lotus

are releasing new

products or upgrades to existing products every day. The people who use
those programs require someone on site who understands how they work.
The software technician installs the software, keeps it running reliably, and
may be required to train users or arrange alternate training for them. The
software technician spends the majority of his or her time helping users by
answering questions about specific software packages and helping people
become as productive as possible using the technology and software avail-
able to them.

Suppose a user is trying to create a spreadsheet of the corporate budget.

He works all morning to create the perfect budget and then goes to lunch.
When he returns from lunch, he tries to print the file but can’t find it; he is
faced with having to repeat all that work. What can he do? He calls the soft-
ware technician. The technician relies on his or her knowledge of the soft-
ware and operating system to recover the file and save the user a lot of extra
work.

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

career starter

Abilities/Skills Required

Since so much of the software technician’s job involves interacting with people
and dealing with stressful situations, it is best suited to people with excellent
written and verbal communication skills and a calm demeanor. Though at times
it can be stressful, work in software support offers an immediate reward when-
ever you can solve a problem or help someone use software more effectively. In
addition to being able to work well with people, it’s important to maintain a
thorough understanding of the software and equipment you’re hired to support.
This means being knowledgeable about all of the latest upgrades, revisions, and
modifications to the software and knowing how and when to implement them
as seamlessly as possible in your company’s work environment.

S o f t w a r e Te c h n i c i a n J o b D e s c r i p t i o n

A major manufacturer in the Southeast is currently looking for well-qualified and tal-

ented candidates to be Software Technicians. Responsibilities include:

■

Installing and upgrading software applications on both the local area network

(LAN) and on stand-alone desktop computers.

■

Coordinating registration, licensing, and acquiring bulk discount programs

with software manufacturers.

■

Maintaining all company software for optimal performance.

■

Training company personnel or coordinating the outsourcing of this training

to ensure the most productive use of company resources.

■

Troubleshooting software problems.

■

The prompt resolution of any software problems, to restore productivity with-

in the shortest possible time.

■

Maintaining contacts with pertinent technical support agencies to ensure

prompt assistance when a need arises.

■

Ordering new software applications as needed to increase individual and

company productivity.

■

Recommending new software applications that will meet the company’s need

to perform various tasks efficiently.

■

Customizing new software applications to best fit the stated needs of the

company and to improve the efficiency of the tasks to be automated.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

■

Identifying the need for new software applications when essential software is

not readily available in a prepackaged format.

■

Assisting departments in the efficient automation of their activities.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications: a minimum of two

years of software test experience with some knowledge of software test suites, white

and black box testing, and software quality assurance. The candidate must have

excellent team working skills and exceptional verbal and written communication

skills. The candidate must be able to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.

Advancement Opportunities

After you land a job in the computer field, the best way to advance in the
area of software technology is to keep current with changes to the software
that your company uses. The more you know about that software and how
to troubleshoot it, the more valuable you will be. Because it is easier for
the technician to support a single manufacturer’s software, most compa-
nies purchase the majority of their business applications from a single
manufacturer, such as Microsoft or Lotus. However, if you have the
opportunity to attend classes or seminars to learn other software, take it.
The table below lists some of the most popular software packages used in
industry today.

Word Processors

Microsoft Word

Corel WordPerfect

Lotus Word Pro

Electronic Mail

Microsoft Exchange/Outlook

Lotus Notes

Lotus cc:Mail

Office Suites

Microsoft Office 2000

Corel WordPerfect Suite

Lotus SmartSuite

Spreadsheets

Microsoft Excel

Quattro Pro

Lotus 1-2-3

Databases

Microsoft Access

Corel Paradox

dBase dB2K

Web Browsers

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Netscape Navigator/Communicator

Operating Systems

MS DOS

Microsoft Windows 98/2000/ME/NT

UNIX/LINUX

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

career starter

HARDWARE TECHNICIAN

Typical Duties

While software technicians troubleshoot operating systems and software
applications, hardware technicians spend their time repairing, supporting,
and maintaining computers and computer-related equipment, such as print-
ers, scanners, monitors, CD-ROM drives, modems, networking hardware,
mass storage devices, hard disk drives, and floppy disk drives. As software
programs become more and more powerful, computers must continually be
upgraded to keep pace with those changes, and hardware technicians are
responsible for making these changes.

Hardware technicians perform an initial system setup and check diagnos-

tics to determine upgrade needs; install and adjust disk drives; test and install
chips, circuit boards, modems, and interface cards; perform minor adjust-
ments and repairs to monitors and printers; repair and replace cables; and
perform preventive maintenance.

Abilities/Skills Required

This type of job is best suited to people who enjoy puttering with electron-
ics and solving problems. You need to listen to a user’s problem, process the
information, and propose solutions. Hardware technicians function in much
the same way as auto mechanics. If a car owner tells the mechanic his car is
stalling, the mechanic takes that information, recalls problems for which
stalling might be a symptom, identifies the appropriate problem, and fixes
it. Hardware technicians use the same analytical decision-making skills to
identify solutions to computer problems.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

Computer Hardware Technician Job Description

Major Northeast financial services firm is currently seeking Computer Hardware

Technicians for our new office. If you like working with people, are creative and tal-

ented, and enjoy solving problems, we want to hear from you.

Primary responsibilities include:

■

Maintenance, repair, and installation of computer hardware, including print-

ers, AS400, HP9000, SUN, and COMPAQ Alpha systems.

■

Installing and configuring software on Windows 2000 desktops and servers.

■

Troubleshooting hardware problems and maintaining our investment in tech-

nology.

Experience with Windows NT 4.0 required. This position requires excellent inter-

personal, administrative, and organizational skills. A college/university degree is pre-

ferred. Entry-level and midcareer positions available. We offer competitive wages,

training, and excellent opportunities for advancement.

Advancement Opportunities

Most hardware technicians begin their careers as specialists in a particular
type of equipment (PCs, UNIX boxes, or, to a lesser extent, Apples).
Advancement in this career usually means promotion to supervisor or ana-
lyst responsible for making decisions about the right equipment and servic-
ing options for a company.

NETWORK TECHNICIAN

Typical Duties

A network is a collection of computers linked together so they can share
information or peripherals, such as printers or modems. A network of com-
puters within a single office or building is called a LAN (local area network);
a WAN (wide area network) connects computers between buildings, cities,
and even countries. The technology that connects these computers requires
constant vigilance and upkeep. The network technician’s chief function is to

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

career starter

ensure that the network is always available. This requires identifying prob-
lems that occur on a network as well as installing and testing network cards,
running cables, and training others to use the network properly.

Abilities/Skills Required

Individuals who enjoy problem solving and methodical work may be well-
suited to a career as a network technician. Networks rely on the interaction
of many small parts (cables, network cards, modems, and software), any one
of which may develop problems that result in a loss of the information-
sharing portion of the network or, as is commonly heard around the office,
causes the network to go down. Detail-oriented individuals will enjoy the
challenge of the hunt to find the one part that is causing the problem.

N e t w o r k Te c h n i c i a n J o b D e s c r i p t i o n

Midsize auto manufacturer is looking for an employee with enthusiasm, intelligence,

and a strong work ethic for this exciting position. Candidates must be able to tackle

complex configurations of new technology and focus on making things solid and reli-

able. Experience with Novell NetWare 5.0, Windows 98/NT, Lotus Notes, Baan, and

Ethernet networks a plus. Responsibilities include:

■

Setting up and managing LANs and associated servers

■

Troubleshooting hardware and software systems

■

Networking between LANs at remote locations and sites, coordinating

domains and trusts

■

Wireless networking

■

Dealing with prototype or leading-edge hardware and software systems

■

Assisting in the design, implementation, and support of all data networks

■

Helping users with problems related to connectivity and routine computer

usage

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (computer science,

information systems, communications, business) and have training as a lower-level

LAN/WAN technician. Strong technical knowledge and broad problem-solving skills

required. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that

includes medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

Advancement Opportunities

Since every company’s network is slightly different from everyone else’s, net-
work specialists usually begin each new job as a technician. As they learn
more about their company’s network and the associated equipment, they can
advance to analyst or supervisor. These advanced positions require specialists
to educate themselves continually about the changing industry standards.

INTERNET TECHNICIAN

Typical Duties

The Internet has made the move into mainstream businesses, and that has
created a need for technicians to pave the way for individual companies
establishing or expanding their presence on the Web. Internet technicians
perform many of the same job duties as the hardware, software, and network
technicians but concentrate on the technology specific to the Internet,
including site development, administration, and server maintenance. These
people can specialize in areas such as e-commerce, website development, or
Internet security, for example.

Abilities/Skills Required

Because of the newness of the job description, those aspiring to a career in
this field need to be flexible. The industry is changing so rapidly that the
market sees new software and hardware every day. Technicians must enjoy
researching, learning, and designing. When asked to make recommenda-
tions for future expansions, they need to be familiar with current trends as
well as likely future developments in order to avoid suggesting technology
that will be out-of-date before projects are completed. A working knowl-
edge of the latest advances regarding Internet technology is a must. This
means keeping up-to-date on such things as Web browsers, plug-ins, Web-
based languages, and so on. On the website development side, for example,

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

career starter

having graphic-animation programming skills using Macromedia’s Flash can
make you extremely desirable to employers looking to enhance their online
presence.

I n t e r n e t Te c h n i c i a n J o b D e s c r i p t i o n

A global leader in the field of producing design and planning tools for access

providers, network operators, system integrators, and manufacturers of WDM trans-

mission systems is looking for Internet Technicians. Responsibilities include:

■

Designing, modifying, developing, writing, and implementing software Web

programming applications.

■

Supporting and/or installing Web software applications.

■

Developing installation applets.

■

Participating in the testing process through test review and analysis.

Candidates must be able to resolve problems associated with website server

administration (presently dedicated UNIX server with Apache). Must also have

knowledge of server-based security technologies: encryption, virus protection, cer-

tificates, and definition of security policies.

Job requirements include a strong working knowledge of more than one of the fol-

lowing: C++, DHTML, Java, PHP, Perl, CGI, and JavaScript. Knowledge of a variety

of concepts, practices, and procedures within several particular fields (i.e., Mac,

Solaris, Apache, LINUX, UNIX and Windows platforms). Sufficient database knowl-

edge to code for database access, modifications, and constructions including stored

procedures. One to two years of work experience with Internet-related positions.

Competitive salary and benefits available. No relocation required.

Advancement Opportunities

As the Internet’s technology becomes more diverse and companies become more
comfortable with their role on the Internet, the technician’s job will become
more specific. Just as traditional computer technicians focus on software, hard-
ware, or networking, so too will the Internet technician’s job become divided into
those categories. No longer will technicians need a broad knowledge of every
subject; soon they will need to become expert at a particular subject: design, soft-
ware support, hardware support, or network interaction, for example.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

WHY BECOME A COMPUTER TECHNICIAN?

Exploding Job Growth

The computer services industry has grown rapidly over the past two decades,
and this growth has created a need for highly skilled technicians. Many spe-
cializations have developed, but as yet there are no uniform job titles. Even
with this uncertainty, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the industry
will continue to grow rapidly in the future, with employment expected near-
ly to double by 2005. In fact, computer-related careers are among the top five
fastest-growing professions of this decade, and the demand for computer
technicians will grow faster than average—about 60 percent faster.

The demand for technicians will rise because organizations will continue

to develop more sophisticated uses for computers and computer systems and
more non technical employees will need to use computers more frequently.
As the technology advances, computer technicians will need to upgrade
their skills and technical expertise and their ability to interact with users.

Computer technicians will need to be flexible in order to stay competitive

in the job market. Experts suggest that the successful employees of the
future will be those dedicated to continuous improvement just to keep up
with the changes in the industry’s future.

Good Salary

A number of factors affect salaries in any industry. They include supply and
demand, employer size, corporate industry, and geographic location.
Industry experts acknowledge that salaries for entry-level positions in the
computer industry vary greatly. To discover the most current salary ranges,
visit a website such as Salary.com (www.salary.com) or a career-related web-
site, such as My Job Coach (www.myjobcoach.com).

Computer professionals increase their salary by obtaining more training

and advancing within their chosen specialty. The table below presents salary
information from Salary.com for IT professionals working in New York
City in December, 2000. Keep in mind that you can achieve salaries higher

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

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than those listed below by continuously acquiring more training, certifica-
tion, and experience.

Specialization

2000 Entry-Level

2000 Average

2000 High

Software Technician—Application Systems Analyst

$45,407

$52,574

$56,878

Hardware Technician—PC Maintenance Technician

$32,290

$36,976

$42,923

Internet Technician—Web Designer

$52,859

$59,525

$66,139

Network Technician—Network Administrator

$52,612

$65,468

$79,057

Minimum Level of Training

You can become a computer technician without a four-year college degree,
so these jobs are very enticing to people who want to get through training
quickly and land a good-paying job in the shortest time possible. A human
resources manager from North Carolina says this about the training to
become a computer technician, based on ten years of experience in the field:

HOW TO BECOME A COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

Now that you have some idea of what computer technicians do and why they
are in such high demand in the job market, let’s take a look at how you can
join this exciting field. There is no universally accepted way to train for a
career in the computer industry, because every employer’s needs vary with

Some companies state that a bachelor’s degree is a standard require-

ment for computer technician work. However, this is not a necessity.

You can ask a company to look at comparable skills and experience as

a means of waiving the educational requirement. Almost every compa-

ny will require a GED as a minimum educational requirement. This high

school equivalency shows the employer that you have the potential to

increase your skills level and thus become a more valuable employee

in the future. You can get a GED through your local community college

by passing a standardized test; no class work is required.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

the type of work to be done. With so much variety, you’re going to need
some help. Read on for step-by-step guidance on becoming a computer
technician.

Do You Have What it Takes To Be a Computer Technician?

Computer technicians must think logically, have good communication
skills, and be able to concentrate on a number of tasks simultaneously. Take
this brief quiz to determine if a career working with computers is right for
you.

Yes

Do you own or have access to a personal computer?

_____

Do you enjoy trying out new software packages?

_____

Have you ever removed the cover from your computer just to see

_____

what was inside?

Have you ever been frustrated by your computer’s lack of

_____

processing speed and then done something about it?

Do you enjoy talking to people, even people who disagree with you?

_____

Do you spend your free time solving problems and puzzles?

_____

When faced with a subject that you don’t understand, do you

keep at it until you learn it?

_____

Do you cope well with change, reacting favorably to it

_____

instead of becoming frustrated by it?

Do you love to learn?

_____

Do you like to tinker with electronic devices?

_____

Are you interested in trying to find out how things work?

_____

Do you currently read any computer industry news?

_____

If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, chances are you will

feel right at home in an industry as challenging and diverse as computer
technology. Follow the steps listed in the rest of this chapter to learn what
you need to do to become a computer technician.

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

career starter

Get a high school diploma or a GED

While a career as a computer technician does not always require a college
education, high school graduation or a GED (general equivalency diploma)
is required.

If you’re in high school now, there are a number of ways you can pre-
pare for your future career. A career in computers requires good ana-
lytical and problem-solving skills; studying math, sciences, and logic
will help you attain these skills. If your school offers classes in com-
puters or has a computer lab available to students, take advantage of it.
Learn as much about computers as you can. Volunteer in the comput-
er lab and spend your free time learning the operating system
(Windows 95/98/2000/ME/NT, UNIX, DOS, or OS2) and as many of
the software packages as you can. Familiarity with the computer will
help you when you begin the job-hunting process.

If you’ve recently graduated, you may still be able to make use of your
high school’s facilities. Discuss your career goals with your school
guidance counselor; he or she can help you choose the right level of
schooling and obtain financial aid. Deciding on a career path early will
allow you to choose the proper course of study and get you out into the
job market and earning money as soon as possible.

If you want to change careers, inventory your computer skills. Do
you already have the skills you will need in this new career or will you
need additional training? In your current job, do you have access to
a computer? Are you the one your coworkers come to for help when
they have problems with their hardware or software? Does your com-
pany link its computers together via a LAN? If so, do you understand
the technologies used to achieve this link? Are you interested in
learning about it? Many people who are changing to a career work-
ing with computers will answer these questions in the affirmative.
They have made the most of their existing opportunity and are con-
vinced that they will excel as computer technicians. If you don’t use a
computer in your current occupation and you don’t use one at home,
you should complete a computer training program before quitting
your job.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

Inventory your skills

Once you develop a general idea of what area of the computer industry
interests you, you need to determine what skills you already have and what
skills and areas of knowledge you will need to acquire before you begin
applying for the jobs. Begin by reviewing a series of Help Wanted ads or job
opening listings. As you read about the jobs available, take note of what
specifically the various employers are looking for in terms of skills.

Next, create a detailed list of the computer-related and job-related skills

you already possess and determine how these skills are applicable to the
job(s) you plan to apply for. Whenever you apply for a job, the questions you
want to answer are: “Why should I be considered for the job?” and “What
makes me qualified?” Once you’ve created a list of your qualifications and
skills, determine exactly what knowledge and skills you’re lacking and figure
out how you’ll obtain them. More information on how to apply for and land
a job will be offered later, but it’s important to begin developing a true
understanding of who you are and what you can offer to employers as you
begin to define your career path in the computer field.

Learn about the computer industry

If you are interested in a career as a computer technician, you can begin
preparing now by following these simple guidelines offered by an industry
expert:

Take advantage of any opportunity to work with a computer at home,
work, school, or the library. Learn everything you can about how to
use it.

Read about computers and computing professionals in newspapers,
books, and magazines. Visit your school or public library. Study the lat-
est trends. Learn about new developments. Read critically, and ask
questions about each article. You may not be able to answer those ques-
tions now, but you will later. In addition to consumer-oriented com-
puter magazines, be sure to read industry-oriented publications, such
as InfoWorld, The Industry Standard, VARBusiness, Computer User,
Computer Reseller News, CIO Magazine, LAN Times, and Internet World.
You can find information about these and other publications at the
library or online.

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Join a computer club at school or in your community. It’s a great way
to keep up with the latest developments. Members often share software
programs and general computing knowledge.

Talk to people employed in the field. Do you know someone who
works with computers? Perhaps he or she will sit down with you for a
couple of hours and tell you about the field. Find out the advantages
and disadvantages associated with the job. Ask the technician to
describe an average day.

Participate in online-based training programs and/or distance learning
programs to enhance your skills in specific areas.

Try to get after-school, part-time, or summer jobs in which you can
observe a programmer or other computer specialist at work.

Decide on your area of specialization

As you’ll find when you begin your job search, the term computer technician
is more than a job title; it’s also a set of skills that make you a successful job
seeker. Concentrate on one area of specialization and use that knowledge to
build your skills in each of the other areas. As noted previously, the follow-
ing are some of the areas of specialization you should consider:

Internet technicians manage the corporate website and make it pos-
sible for the company to access the Internet without putting its corpo-
rate security in jeopardy. The most important skill for these techni-
cians is adaptability. As with the entire computer industry, the technol-
ogy changes rapidly, and the tools you use today will be obsolete
tomorrow. Some of the job titles you may see Help Wanted ads for
include: Art Director—Web, Business Development Associate—Web,
E-Commerce Director, Electronic Data Interchange Specialist,
Executive Producer, Graphical User Interface Programmer, Technical
Producer, Web Animator, Web Content Engineer, Web Content
Specialist, Web Designer, Web Master, Web Producer, Web Product
Manager, Web Programmer, Web Security Administrator, and Web
Software Developer.

Network technicians are responsible for the security and administra-
tion of corporate networks. Larger companies often employ several net-
work specialists, each of whom performs a different function; smaller

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

companies have one or two people who do everything. Some of the job
titles you may see Help Wanted ads for include: LAN Support Specialist,
Manager of Network Planning, Manager of PC Support, Network
Administrator, Network Planning Analyst, Telecommunications Analyst,
Telecommunications Technician, and UNIX Administrator.

Software technicians have to be good communicators and must enjoy
working with other people. More nontechnical employees use comput-
ers every day and often run into computer problems they can’t solve.
The software technician helps them solve those problems. Some of the
job titles you may see Help Wanted ads for include: Application
Systems Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Client/Server Programmer,
Data Architect, Database Administrator, Database Analyst, Database
Librarian, Documentation Specialist, Help Desk Support, Mail Server
Administrator, Mainframe Programmer, Manager of Computer
Operations, Operating Systems Programmer, Programmer, Software
Engineer, Software Quality Assurance, Technical Support Analyst, Web
Master and Supervisor of Computer Operations.

Hardware technicians install, maintain, and repair computers and
other office equipment. Their responsibilities include installing com-
puters and peripheral devices (printers, drivers, etc.). They also per-
form routine maintenance and diagnostics. Some of the job titles you
may see Help Wanted ads for include: Application Systems Analyst,
Computer Operator, Data Control Clerk, PC Maintenance
Technician, and Systems Administrator.

In addition to thinking about an area of specialization, you’ll also eventu-

ally need to consider what type of work environment you’d like to work in.
Would you prefer to work for a large, medium, or small company? What
type of office environment will you best prosper in? What type of people
would you like to work with as you coworkers? What salary are you looking
to earn? What benefits are important to you? What part of the country
would you like to work in? How flexible do you want your work schedule to
be? These are all things you’ll need to consider before you begin searching
for the most suitable job opportunities for you. Answering the following
questions will help you define your own personal career-related wants and
needs.

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Write a short description of the job you’re seeking. Be sure to include as

much information as possible about how you can use your skills to the
employer’s benefit. Later, you’ll condense this answer into one short
sentence.
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

What is the job title you’re looking to fill?____________________________________
What are alternate job titles you’re qualified to fill?_________________________
What do you believe is your most marketable skill? Why?_________________
List three or four specific examples of how you have used this skill in the

past while at work. What was accomplished as a result?_________________
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________

What are keywords or buzzwords that can be used to describe your

skill?__________________________________________________________________________________

What is another of your marketable skills? ____________________________________
Provide at least three examples of how you’ve used this skill in the work-

place:
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________

What unusual or unique skill(s) do you possess that help you stand out

from other applicants applying for the same types of position as
you?________________________________________________________________________________

How have you already proven that this skill is useful in the work-

place?_____________________________________________________________________________

What would be the ideal atmosphere for you to work in? Do you prefer

a large corporate atmosphere, working at home, or working in a small
office?_____________________________________________________________________________

List five qualities about a new job that would make it the ideal employ-

ment opportunity for you:
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

3. _________________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________________________________

What did you like most about the last place you worked? __________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

What did you like least about the last place you worked? ________________

____________________________________________________________________________

What work-related tasks are you particularly good at? ________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

What type of coworkers would you prefer to have? ________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

When it comes to work-related benefits and perks, what’s most important

to you?____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

When you’re recognized for doing a good job at work, how do you like

to be rewarded? __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

If you were to write a Help Wanted ad describing your ideal dream job

what would the ad say? _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Decide on a mode of training

Until recently, formal university or vocational courses were not available, and
prior work experience was the only education required of job applicants. But
computer hardware and software change so rapidly that technicians need to
update their skills continuously. This training is available from a number of
sources, including employers, vendors, colleges and universities, and private
training institutions. See Chapter 2 for more information on types of training.

Even though jobs may be available now without a formal education,

employers do value employees with the initiative to seek continuing educa-

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

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tion. As in any industry, employers also value experience, but don’t let that
scare you if you don’t have any. Most employers allow some combination of
work experience and education, as evidenced in the job posting shown
below:

W a n t e d : E l e c t r o n i c s Te c h n i c i a n — C o m p u t e r

S y s t e m s S p e c i a l i s t

Candidate must have:

■

One year of experience in computer hardware maintenance/installation OR

■

Six-month certificate of training in computer hardware technology PLUS six

months of experience in computer hardware maintenance/installation OR

■

Two-year vocational/technical school program OR

■

Associate of Arts degree in computer hardware technology

Choose the right school

Educational opportunities for technicians are increasing in number and
variety every year. In years past, only a small number of public and private
schools provided training, but recently many colleges and universities are
offering this type of occupational training. Distance learning programs,
online-based training programs, video-based training programs, and other
types of self-paced home study programs are also available. No matter which
training method you choose, you will first have to decide which is right for
you. Chapter 3 contains a list of training programs that are geared to prepar-
ing students for a career working with computers.

Apply to the school of your choice

Every school’s admission requirements vary, but most have similar guide-
lines. They all require some type of formal application or registration
process. Each application will have a deadline date and will request basic
educational background information and test scores. Some may require an
essay explaining your career goals or why you think you should be admitted
to the school. Whatever the admission requirements for your school, follow
them precisely. If you have any questions about the requirements, don’t
guess; call the admissions office and find the right answer. You can improve
your odds of being admitted by asking questions.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

Obtain financial aid

Once you’ve decided on the type of schooling you prefer, you’ll need to think
about financial aid. Even if you plan to attend classes at a national chain com-
puter store instead of a school, you will probably find that some form of
financial assistance is available. Chapter 4 contains in-depth information on
financing the training you need, but here are some quick pointers:

Don’t assume that you won’t qualify for some form of aid.

Make sure you submit your tax forms by April 15.

Don’t lie (or exaggerate) on your application.

Always submit your applications well within the deadlines.

Start looking for sources of financial aid as soon as possible.

Graduate from your training program

Just as your high school diploma is important, the degree, certificate, or
knowledge obtained in your training program is vital to your success in this
career. Education is the base that will allow you to recognize and understand
the changes in the industry. Chapter 2 will show you how to make the most
of your training program.

Prepare your resume

First impressions count, and your resume is your prospective employer’s
first chance to learn about you. A good resume convinces the reader that you
are qualified for the job and worth interviewing. It is a marketing brochure;
you are selling yourself to the employer.

See Chapter 5 for advice and examples to help you create your own

resume. Remember to update your resume whenever you have new infor-
mation to add. If you need to submit your resume in a hurry, you don’t want
to have to rush to update it—rushing can lead to embarrassing errors.

Decide where you want to work

Just as you have to make a decision about the type of training you feel most com-
fortable with, you also need to think about the type of company in which you’d
feel most comfortable. Computer technicians perform varied job duties, and
most companies would like to hire people who can do it all; however, you will
find that in most instances they will hire you based on your expertise in one area.

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Large companies

At large companies, those with more than five hundred employees, com-
puter technicians work as a team, and each member of the team has his or
her own specialty. In this way, the company can be assured of having a
wealth of knowledge available, and each team member is able to concen-
trate on keeping up with the technology in only one area.

Large companies may be able to provide an additional benefit. Many such

companies in metropolitan areas are establishing internship programs.
These programs offer students or recent graduates an opportunity to gain
experience at little or no cost to the company. Your school’s career place-
ment office will be able to help you find companies offering internships, but
you also can approach companies yourself. If you decide you want to work
at a particular company, call the human resources department and ask if it
has an internship program for computer technicians. Even if the answer is
no, you may find out where to address a formal inquiry. You will have to pro-
pose the program, explain how it benefits both parties, and set a time limit.

Small companies

Companies with fewer than one hundred employees will usually hire an
individual who has expertise in one technical area but will require that he or
she learn other areas. For instance, the company may be experiencing rapid
growth and decide it’s ready to hire a network technician. When it does, the
individual hired will be responsible for learning about software and Internet
technologies too.

Universities

Like large companies, universities and colleges will typically hire individu-
als with expertise in a single area of technology. They differ in the type of
technology used; businesses generally operate on PC client-server technol-
ogy, while universities also use mainframes.

Government agencies

Government agencies also use both client-server technology and main-
frames. However, they have the added security requirements you might
expect. They want to hire people with technical experience in support and a
knowledge of security procedures.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

Contract agencies

Contract agencies offer an interesting opportunity for technicians. Many
companies are finding that they need technicians to perform a specific job
for a limited amount of time. For example, suppose a company with a staff
of competent technicians decides to install a new network. The company’s
own technicians are perfectly capable of maintaining the new system but
would require a great deal of training in order to be able to design and install
the new system. That company may decide that it makes sense to tem-
porarily contract with a technician who has the skills necessary to set up the
new system.

Self-employment/consulting

A growing number of IT professionals are working as independent consult-
ants to companies and organizations. These people are self-employed, set
their own schedule, and work for a number of different clients. They’re paid
on an hourly, daily, or per-job basis. To be successful, you must have the
drive, motivation, skill, and knowledge to own and operate your own busi-
ness as well as the knowledge of technology needed to cater to your clients.
As an independent consultant, you’ll need to market yourself to land new
clients and then cater to the needs of your clients. Often independent con-
sultants must make themselves available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to
their clients (or have backup support) in case a client experiences an emer-
gency.

Find the right job

After you know the type of job you want and the type of company you want
to work for and have prepared your resume, it’s time to find the job that’s
right for you. See Chapter 5 for a wealth of tips for conducting a successful
job search.

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THE INSIDE TRACK

Who:

John David

What:

Technical support manager

Where:

Tennessee

INSIDER’S STORY

This type of work (technical support) used to be performed only by electricians and

required a basic background in electricity and electronics, with knowledge of transistors,

capacitors, diodes, integrated circuits, chips, and so on. Technology has changed so

much that, with minimal training and a thorough understanding of networking, anyone

with the proper training can get started as a computer technician in most companies.

Most equipment manufacturers offer training, and once you have secured a job, the

company usually will train you on the new equipment in its facility or send you to the

manufacturer for training. Possibly the best opportunity today for a novice is to attend a

computer-specific technical college to get the basics. It’s important to look for one that

has a high job placement record.

Anyone interested in working in this field must be willing to learn new equipment and

technologies continually. It is a very fast-paced, high-pressure, multitasking, self-starter

type of job. Even if you get your foot in the door at a company and start working, you will

be amazed at how much more you have to learn.

INSIDER’S ADVICE

The technician’s job is constantly changing. The equipment you have today will be obso-

lete in a year or two. But it is exciting and very satisfying when you have the knowledge

and skill to keep a system or network running at peak performance.

The Hottest Jobs and How to Get Them

THE U.S.

Department of Labor estimates that over half of U.S. work-

ers will require some type of IT skills training by 2002. Now that you’ve
decided to get into a training program, you need to know what options are
available near you.

This chapter contains information about four main categories of training:

Academic programs offered by colleges and universities

Training programs offered by technical schools

Classroom-based vendor-affiliated programs (including Microsoft and
Novell certification programs)

Distance learning programs

Before you can begin your career in the computer field,

you must acquire what every employer is looking for—

the necessary qualifications. Depending on what type

of job career path you’re looking to pursue, this could

mean obtaining anything from a postgraduate degree or

four-year college degree to a high school diploma plus

one or more certifications.

Once you determine what level of education, skills train-

ing, and core knowledge base you need, this chapter

will help you determine the best way of acquiring that

training, taking into account your time constraints,

budget, and how you as a student prefer to be taught.

ALL ABOUT TRAINING PROGRAMS

CHAPTER

two

NOTE: The specific schools and training programs included in this chapter are not

endorsed or recommended by LearningExpress or the author, and not all the training

options that are available are listed here, due to space limitations.

In addition to the various training programs described in this book, see

Appendix A for names of professional associations from which you can
request additional lists of accredited and/or authorized training programs in
your area. Conducting research on the Web is also an excellent way of dis-
covering various types of training opportunities in your city or geographic
area.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TRAINING
PROGRAM

Before you can sign up for a training program and begin acquiring the skills
and knowledge you need to land a job in the computer field, you need to
make several very important decisions and do research. Begin by determin-
ing what aspect of the computer field appeals to you.

Specifically, determine what type of job or career path you’d like to pur-

sue. For example, do you want to work in the computer industry itself or
hold a computer-related job in another industry? Are you interested in
designing, building, and maintaining websites or computer networks?
Would you prefer to become a programmer and design software packages?
Are you more interested in tapping your artistic side and becoming a com-
puter animator? Each type of job within the computer field requires differ-
ent training.

Some popular job titles in the computer field that require training

include:

Applications Developer

Database Administrator

Director of Information Technology

E-Commerce Applications Developer

Help Desk Specialist

Information Technology Specialist

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Internet Solutions Leader

IT Client Systems Analyst

Network Architect

Network Specialist

Programmer Analyst

Software Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Engineer

Web Developer

In addition to reading this book, an excellent strategy is to review the

Help Wanted ads in your local newspaper and conduct online research to
learn about the types of job opportunities that are out there, what’s required
to obtain one of those jobs, what it pays, and what the day-to-day responsi-
bilities of the job will be.

Most important, once you determine what type of job or career path you

want to pursue, you’ll need to determine what additional education you’ll
need and the best way to go about obtaining the necessary training.

If, for example, a four-year college degree or postgraduate degree is

required (i.e., a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or some other specialized
degree), chances are you’ll need to investigate recognized colleges and uni-
versities with two-, three- or four-year degree programs in your area of
interest.

If you determine that a high school diploma in conjunction with the com-

pletion of a specific certification program is what’s required, you’ll probably
want to look at attending a technical school or vendor-affiliated training
program or participating in some type of distance learning program, based
on the funds you have available and the amount of time you’re willing to
invest in your education. Some of the pros and cons of each type of training
program are outlined in this section.

Academic Programs Offered by Colleges and Universities

For many high-level technical jobs, including many in the computer field, the
core requirements include a college diploma (and in some cases a higher-level

All about Training Programs

graduate degree). To obtain this level of education, a two-, four- or six-year
commitment is typically required, as is enrollment in a traditional college or
university.

If you want to enter into the computer field, it’s important to select a col-

lege or university that will provide you with a well-rounded education and
top-notch computer training. Through research, based on the career path
you hope to pursue, you should easily be able to determine what education
you require. The next step is to find a school that can offer you that educa-
tion in an environment in which you’ll prosper.

There is a wide range of colleges and universities in the United States.

Some offer small campuses in a suburban environment, while others offer
no formal campus and are based in the heart of a major city. Some educa-
tional institutions offer small classes (with a low student-to-teacher ratio),
while others offer well-known and nationally recognized professors, but
very large classes taught in a seminar fashion.

Some schools offer on-campus housing and classes during the day, while

others cater to students who live at home and work during the day (so
evening and weekend classes are offered). While the curriculum taught to
prepare students for specific occupations may be somewhat standard, how
this information is taught will vary greatly.

In general, the college experience involves attending regularly scheduled

classes and seminars, doing hands-on work in computer labs, completing
individual and group projects, completing homework assignments, and ulti-
mately passing exams. For each course you complete you’ll earn college
credit. By completing the core requirements and earning enough credits,
you’ll ultimately graduate with a degree over a two- or four-year period,
depending on the program. In a traditional college environment, classroom
attendance is mandatory, as is lab work.

Choosing the right college or university to attend will require consider-

able research on your part. You’ll need to choose schools that meet your
requirements, schedule an in-person tour of the school, schedule a meeting
with someone from the admissions department for an interview, and then
formally apply for admission.

There are literally thousands of colleges and universities in the United States.

Some are considered highly respected Ivy League colleges or universities, while
others are classified as state schools or private colleges or universities.

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Once you have a general career path you’re interested in pursuing, con-

tact the guidance counselor at your high school for advice on choosing the
best college to meet your needs. The reference section of any bookstore will
also have a selection of directories that describe colleges and universities.

The Internet provides an abundance of free online resources that can

help you find the best possible college or university offering the type of
computer training in which you’re interested. For example, Peterson’s
Thomson Learning website (www.petersons.com) offers detailed informa-
tion about thousands of colleges and universities, graduate programs, IT
programs, adult/distance learning programs, training and executive educa-
tion programs, and private schools. The area of this website called the IT
Channel will be of particular interest to anyone looking to pursue a career
in the IT field.

One feature of the Peterson’s website is a searchable database of two-year

IT programs in the United States. Select an area of interest from the fol-
lowing list, followed by preferred geographic location, and the database will
provide you with a listing of schools that are appropriate to your needs.
Some of the computer-related programs you can learn about are:

Business Computer Facilities Operator

Business Computer Programming

Business Systems Analysis and Design

Business Systems Networking and Telecommunications

Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering Technology

Computer Graphics

Computer Management

Computer Programming

Computer Science

Computer Science Analysis

Computer Typography/Composition Equipment Operator

Information/Information Sciences

Data Processing Technology

Design/Visual Communications

Desktop Publishing Equipment Operator

Electrical, Electronic, Communications Engineer/Technician

All about Training Programs

Enterprise Management and Operations

Graphic Design, Commercial Art, and Illustration

Information Processing/Data Entry Technician

Information Sciences/Systems

Mathematics/Computer Science

Management Information Systems/Business Data Processing

Multimedia

Systems Engineering

Systems Science and Theory

Technology Education/Industrial Arts

Peterson’s also publishes a book, Peterson’s Handbook for College Admissions,

by Thomas C. Hayden, that offers detailed advice on how to choose a col-
lege. Another related website that is a useful resource can be found by point-
ing your Web browser to www.collegecenter.com.

To pursue any type of college-level courses, a high school diploma or

GED is almost always required. In addition to the mainstream computer-
related programs taught by colleges and universities, some schools, such as
DigiPen (in Redmond, WA), for example, offer very specialized programs.
DigiPen is the only accredited school in the United States that prepares its
students for a career designing video and computer games.

The benefit of attending an accredited college or university is that you’ll

graduate with a degree and a diploma that will be recognized in any indus-
try in which you choose to work. You’ll have a well-rounded education as
well as specialized computer-related skills and knowledge. Most people look
back and consider their college years to be among the most memorable in
terms of their personal development and growth. You’ll also be able to con-
tinue your education to pursue a graduate-level degree if you choose to do
so.

The potential drawbacks to attending a two- or four-year college or uni-

versity are the significant expense and time commitment involved. With
the help of scholarships, student loans, and parents, many high school stu-
dents graduate and continue directly to college before entering the job
market. Obtaining as much education and training as possible is always an
excellent long-term career strategy, but it’s a path that not everyone can
take.

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As you’ll see later in this chapter, it’s also possible to earn a college or

graduate degree by participating in a distance learning program. This means
you can obtain the education and training you need at your own pace and
around your own schedule.

Training Programs Offered by Technical Schools

Technical schools such as DeVry and ITT Technical Institute are accredit-
ed educational institutions designed to cater to the needs of high school
graduates looking to earn a degree without having to attend a four-year col-
lege or university. They’re also appealing to people who are looking to
obtain the necessary technical training in order to change careers. Instead of
offering a well-rounded education combined with specialized computer
courses, technical school offer the specific courses and training you need to
obtain a specific degree or certification.

Depending on the type of degree or certification you choose to pursue,

earning it could take anywhere from several months to several years. Classes
are typically offered during the days, evenings, and/or weekends to accom-
modate the schedules of students who are also employed.

While students are still required to attend classes, do hands-on work in

labs, complete projects, and pass exams, most technical schools offer an
environment different from that of a traditional college or university. In
addition, the tuition tends to be cheaper, yet the ultimate degree or certifi-
cation you earn will be widely accepted in corporate America as well as in
the overseas IT job market. Another benefit of technical schools is that each
typically offers a variety of different certification or degree programs plus a
broader range of computer or IT-related classes that a vendor-affiliated
training center might not offer.

Vendor-Affiliated Training Programs

Vendor-affiliated training centers are licensed or authorized to teach cur-
riculums developed by a specific software or hardware manufacturer, such as
Microsoft, Novell, or Lotus.

All about Training Programs

Companies like Microsoft have developed standardized training pro-

grams for their key products and have contracted with independent training
centers across America to offer these curriculums to students in order to
prepare them for the exams required to earn specific certifications.

According to Microsoft, “Microsoft Certified Solution Providers

(MCSPs) are independent companies that can provide you with the highest
levels of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on skills. MCSPs
encompass a broad range of expertise and vendor affiliations and their real
world perspective can help you prioritize and effectively deliver your tech-
nology solutions.”

If you want to become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), the first

step is to visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com/trainingandser-
vices) to learn more about what types of jobs this certification will prepare
you for. Next, determine what training centers are available in your area,
this information can also be obtained from the Microsoft website.

To become an MCP you must pass one or more Microsoft certification

exams. Microsoft offers certifications focused on specific areas of expertise
and ranges of job skills. Decide which certification is appropriate for you
based on your experience, skills, and interests. For online examples of job
titles that might be appropriate for a particular certification, click on that
certification on the Microsoft Web page to see a description of it.

Vendor-affiliated certification can be pursued through instructor-led

training, online training, or a self-paced distance learning program. Each of
these training options is designed to prepare students to pass certification
exams administered at specific testing centers throughout the country.

The following two independent companies provide testing centers for

Microsoft, Lotus, Novell, and a wide range of other vendor-affiliated certi-
fication programs. Additional information about these testing facilities can
be obtained by contacting:

NCS—Virtual University Enterprises
Suite 300
11000 Prairie Lakes Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3857
952-995-8800
www.vue.com

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Sylvan Learning Center
1000 Lancaster Street, Suite A
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-843-8000
www.prometric.com

To find vendor-affiliated training centers or programs in your area for

Microsoft, Novell, Lotus, and/or other well-known certification programs,
visit one of the following websites. You’ll be prompted to enter what type of
certification training your looking for, in addition to your city, state, and/or
zip code. You can also check with any local computer retail store or search
the Yellow Pages for a training center located near you.

Cisco—www.cisco.com/public/Training_root.shtml

CompTIA (A+)—www.comptia.org/certification/index.htm

Lotus—www.lotus.com/home.nsf/welcome/education

Microsoft—www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices

Novell—www.novell.com/education

Oracle—http://education.oracle.com

The advantages of participating in vendor-affiliated training programs are

plentiful. For example, the actual time it takes to earn a certification will range
from only a few weeks to a few months, depending on your level of commitment
and the speed at which you learn the material. Once you have the certification,
you’ll be qualified to fill jobs in that area. While the initial salary range might not
be as high as for someone with a college or graduate degree, you will be qualified
to fill a technical position, which puts you in a higher earning bracket than some-
one who has no certification and minimal qualifications for an entry-level IT job.

Furthermore, by acquiring a vendor-affiliated certification, you’re obtain-

ing training that is recognized and respected by employers. For example, if
you have a Microsoft certification, companies that use Microsoft products
know they’re hiring someone who is qualified for the job. A greater number
of job opportunities will be available to you when you possess the certifica-
tion(s) employers are looking for.

The cost of participating in a vendor-affiliated certification program is

also much less than that of pursuing a college education or a degree from a

All about Training Programs

technical school. Furthermore, most training centers offer classes designed
to accommodate almost anyone’s schedule. Plus, if you’re already employed
and looking to further your education and computer-related skills, you may
find your current employer will pay for this type of training.

As you’ll quickly discover by visiting the website of a company such as

Microsoft, independent training centers are available across the United
States. In many cases, even your local retail computer superstore is equipped
to offer the training you require. For example, many CompUSA stores offer
fully equipped training centers and a broad range of training programs.

CompUSA’s Authorized Advanced Technology Sites (www.compusa.

com/training) present an expanded selection of high-tech courses.
Authorized training is offered in an open enrollment format at various loca-
tions. And if for any reason you are not fully satisfied with a class, you can
retake it within one year. The sites offer training for the most popular com-
puter applications currently used by businesses, including:

Advanced Technologies

Advanced Technologies—Authorized

Cisco Router

Microsoft Windows NT/2000

Microsoft Windows NT/2000—Authorized

Novell NetWare

Novell NetWare—Authorized

Specialty Advanced Technical Training

Distance Learning Programs

Let’s face it, not everyone is cut out to attend traditional classes and obtain
an education by enrolling in a college, university, technical school, or even
a computer training center. For financial, scheduling, or other reasons, some
people are more comfortable taking their education into their own hands
and participating in a distance learning program.

These days, it’s possible to earn a high school diploma or GED, a college

degree, a graduate degree, or almost any type of computer-related certifica-
tion by participating in a distance learning program. This means you learn

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the same material as you would by participating in traditional classes; how-
ever, your education is done at home, at your own pace, through reading,
participating in online courses, listening to audiocassettes and/or watching
videocassettes.

Assuming you pass the exams associated with the distance learning pro-

gram, the end result and the degree or certification you earn are identical to
what someone who attended a traditional educational institution would earn.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the percentage of 25- to

34-year-olds enrolled as college undergraduates increased by nearly one-
third between 1972 and 1994. In the even shorter period between 1976 and
1994, the percentage of undergraduates age 35 and older increased by about
one-third.

As a result, there are numerous programs for students with nontradition-

al learning curves. Hundreds of colleges and universities grant degrees to
people who cannot attend classes at a regular campus or have already
learned what the college is supposed to teach.

Distance-study diploma programs have no residency requirements, allowing

students to continue their studies from almost any location. Depending on
the course of study, students need not be enrolled full time and usually have
more flexible schedules for finishing their work.

Taking courses by distance study is often more challenging and time-con-

suming than attending classes, especially for adults who have other obliga-
tions. Success depends on a individual student’s motivation. Students usually
do reading assignments on their own. Written exercises, which they complete
and send to an instructor for grading, supplement their reading material.

A list of some accredited high schools that offer diplomas by distance

study is available free from the Distance Education and Training Council.
Request a copy of the DETC Directory of Accredited Institutions by calling 202-
234-5100. Adult learners can also contact their local school system, com-
munity college, or university to learn about programs that are readily avail-
able. The following national organizations can also supply information:

American Council on Education
One Dupont Circle
Washington, DC 20036-1193
202-939-9300

All about Training Programs

Distance Education and Training Council
1601 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009-2529
202-234-5100

National University Continuing Education Association
One Dupont Circle, Suite 615
Washington, DC 20036
202-659-3130

Many well-known and accredited colleges, universities, and technical/

vocational schools now offer distance learning programs in the computer or
IT field. For example, at the School of Information Technology, Kaplan
College offers an online technical skills training program.

This program gives you the comprehensive IT training that many

employers look for. It is simple to use, and you can easily log on to it, any-
time, through the Internet.

Kaplan College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of

Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
(NCA). As an accredited academic institution of higher education, Kaplan
College has been approved as a Microsoft Authorized Academic Training
Program (AATP) institution and delivers technical training using the
Microsoft official curriculum and other authorized materials.

Some of the programs offered via online distance learning from Kaplan

College are:

Bachelor of Science in Management/Information Technology Management
A four-year degree in general education, business, and information
technology. Completing this program demonstrates mastery of tech-
nology skills as well as effective communication skills, teamwork, and
initial thinking.

Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
This two-year degree provides a strong foundation in general educa-
tion and preparation in your desired concentrated area of study. To ful-
fill some concentration requirements, you can transfer in previous col-
lege-accredited work. The associate’s degree can prepare you either for
employment or for study toward a four-year degree, and you can apply

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the credits that you receive in the certificate programs toward the asso-
ciate’s or a bachelor’s degree.

Microsoft Solution Developer Certificate
This certificate program prepares you for the Microsoft Certified
Solution Developer (MCSD) certification exams, the premium certifi-
cation for professionals who design and develop custom business solu-
tions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms.
It also gives you college credit at the same time.

Microsoft Network Engineer Certificate (MNE [MCSE 2000])
The Microsoft Network Engineer Certificate program qualifies you to
operate the business world’s most important network operating system.
You will master the skills you need to pass Microsoft’s new Certified
Systems Engineer (MCSE 2000) Certification Exams. The IT field
requires that individuals learn the latest technology, and here you will be
able to learn even more because the program focuses on the 2000 track.

Microsoft Network Engineer Certificate and Site Builder (MNE
[MCSE+SB 2000])
As an adjunct to the Network Engineer Certificate program, if you
pursue the Site Builder track, you will also learn how to build websites
and e-commerce solutions.

There are many reasons why someone might want to pursue an education

though a distance learning program, and with recent advances in Internet
technology (i.e., streaming audio and video on the Web), distance learning
has been brought to a whole new level, making it easier to obtain a complete
education from any desktop computer that’s connected to the Internet.
Distance learning is an extremely viable option for those who are already
holding down a job, have limited time in their daily schedule, and/or have
financial limitations.

Local Training Programs

Most computer technician jobs do not require a four-year college degree. In
fact, courses at traditional four-year schools focus primarily on program-
ming, not on operations, maintenance, or networking. Computer technician

All about Training Programs

courses are offered more often through two-year colleges, technical schools,
and proprietary facilities (private teaching facilities sometimes run by a ven-
dor). Often you will be able to find the courses you need in a training pro-
gram near you.

Though not a complete list, the courses described below will give you an

idea of the type of training you can expect to find.

Network technician

Network Operating Systems
Courses with this title familiarize the student with popular network
operating systems, including Novell NetWare® and Microsoft
Windows NT/2000®.

Networking Essentials
Current networking technologies for local area networks (LANs), met-
ropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the
Internet are covered in courses with this title. In addition to under-
standing the configuration requirements for these networks, you will
also learn system administration techniques.

Network Design
Here you will learn about designing complex networks, the directory
structure and naming conventions, partition/replica strategies, remote
user configuration, and techniques for project management.

Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) Training
Following the structure of the certification test, this course prepares the
student to pass the CNE exam. It includes training on Novell
NetWare® installation and configuration; TCP/IP (transmission con-
trol protocol/Internet protocol) transport; Ethernet, Arcnet, and Token
Ring configurations; and Novell system administration guidelines.

Hardware technician

Computer Hardware and Small Computer Systems
An introduction to the design and operation of small computer systems
(PC clones), this course emphasizes logic circuit design and basic
assembly language programming.

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Supporting Operating Systems
This course teaches skills for handling the day-to-day administration
and technical support of various operating systems.

Introduction to the Psychology of Computer Support
This course teaches methods for coping with stress, communicating
with the people you support and your supervisors, as well as purchas-
ing replacement parts.

Software technician/Microsoft Certification

As a world leader in computer operating systems and software used in the
business environment, Microsoft has established a variety of different
certification programs to insure that students are taught exactly what they
need to know in order to help their (future) employer’s computer systems
operate properly using Microsoft products.

According to Microsoft, “Earning a Microsoft certification acknowl-

edges your expertise in working with Microsoft products and technolo-
gies. The IT industry, your employer, clients and peers will recognize
your MPC (Microsoft Certified Professional) credential as a symbol of
the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through experience. Microsoft
certification shows that you are a technical leader with the ability to suc-
cessfully implement Microsoft business solutions for your organization or
client.”

To help keep people up-to-date on the latest Microsoft training pro-

grams, software, and technology, the company publishes the Microsoft
Online Certified Professional Magazine (www.mcpmag.com).

As of January 1, 2000, the Microsoft certifications you can earn include:

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
This program teaches students all about at least one Microsoft oper-
ating system and provides a working knowledge of development tools
or desktop applications (such as Microsoft Office 2000). The MCP
with Internet certification teaches the student how to plan security,
install and configure server products, manage server resources, and
perform other duties related to the Internet. The MCP with a spe-
cialty in site building teaches how to plan, build, maintain, and man-
age websites using Microsoft technologies and products.

All about Training Programs

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
This certification program teaches the student how to use develop-
ment tools and platforms to create business solutions.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
This certification program teaches the student how to design, install,
support, and troubleshoot information systems. Students become net-
work gurus, support technicians, and operating system experts.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer with a specialty in the Internet
(MCSE and Internet)
By completing this certification, students learn to enhance, deploy, and
manage sophisticated Intranet and Internet solutions.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
Students learn how to implement and administer Microsoft SQL
Server databases in this certification program.

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
By completing this course, students learn how to teach others about
Microsoft products using the Microsoft official curriculum.

Each of these certification programs will qualify you to land a specific

type of job within the computer field. You can also call 800-636-7544 or e-
mail mcp@msprograms.com for more information directly from Microsoft
about these programs.

Microsoft also offers certification programs for mastering specific

Microsoft software applications, such as the Microsoft Office suite of business
products (which includes Word, Excel, Access, Explorer, and PowerPoint).

Internet Technician

Understanding Internets
Students in this course learn about the transmission control proto-
col/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) and how to install a TCP/IP stack on
a network.

Web Basics
This course teaches students how to support the hardware and periph-
erals required to maintain a successful website and how to choose the
right Internet service provider (ISP) for any Web needs.

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Internet Security
Students in this course learn to identify possible security risks imposed
by the Internet and how to avoid them. Corporate firewalls and file
permissions will be discussed.

Other Internet applications

Developing Internet websites means being able to program using such lan-
guages as HTML and Java. In addition, you’ll also want to become proficient
using the latest and most popular Web design tools, such as Flash, and be able
to take full advantage of browser plug-ins for implementing streaming video,
audio, e-commerce applications, animations, and other content into a website.

DECIDING ON AN ACADEMIC- OR A VENDOR-AFFILIATED
TRAINING PROGRAM

You can receive academic computer training through an accredited school,
college, or university; this type of training provides you with a broad scope
of information about many elements of computers made by many different
vendors. Vendor training, generally called certification, provides intense
training on all the products made by one company (such as Microsoft,
Novell, or Lotus). Some academic programs also provide vendor training as
a part of their degree program. Because computer technology is growing,
the opportunities for training are increasing rapidly.

Finding the Right Academic Computer-Related Program for You

Because computer technology is still a relatively new field, most schools
have their own naming conventions for programs; there are no universal
terms used to name academic computer programs. You rarely will find a pro-
gram called Computer Technician, but there are many closely related titles.
Most of these programs offer essentially the same information—you will
find many similar courses even under different program titles.

Here are just some of the names used for programs related to the com-

puter technician field.

All about Training Programs

Computer Business Systems Technology

Computer Electromechanics

Computer Engineering Technology

Computer Hardware Technology

Computer Information Science

Computer Information Systems

Computer Information Systems Management

Computer Information Systems Technology

Computer Literacy

Computer Maintenance

Computer Maintenance Technology

Computer Management Systems

Computer Networking

Computer Operations

Computer Repair

Computer Science

Computer Science and Business

Computer Science and Electronics

Computer Science and Information Studies

Computer Services Theory and Systems

Computer Systems Technology

Computer Technology

The best approach is to contact schools and ask for a catalog of their courses

related to the computer field. Then you can see for yourself which of their cours-
es are related to becoming, specifically, a hardware technician, software techni-
cian, network technician, or Internet technician. You can also call the schools that
interest you and speak to an admissions counselor for more detailed information.

Below are two samples of academic training schools that have branches

across the nation offering training for computer technicians.

DeVry Technical Institute

DeVry provides academic programs that unite education, technology, and
business. The school offers two different programs for training computer
technicians: Computer Information Systems and Electronics Technician. You
can register for classes or get more information online at www.devry.com.

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General admission requirements for DeVry

To be admitted to any DeVry program, a prospective student must interview
with a DeVry admissions representative and complete an application for
admission. In addition, the following specific requirements must be met
regarding age, prior education, and demonstrated proficiency in the basic
skills required for college-level work.

Each applicant must be at least 17 years old on the first day of classes. In

addition, each applicant must be a high school graduate, hold a GED cer-
tificate, or have a degree from an approved postsecondary institution.
Selected DeVry programs have entry points beyond the freshman level.
Such programs have a more advanced prior education requirement than
those with freshman-level entry and may also have separate requirements
for assessment and placement.

An official transcript (or equivalent documentation) with the high school

or college grade point average (GPA) and graduation date must be provided
for the student’s file by the end of the first semester. Each applicant must
demonstrate proficiency in basic college-level skills. This must be evidenced
in one of the following ways:

Submission of ACT or SAT examination scores deemed appropriate by
DeVry for the chosen program

Attainment of scores appropriate to the chosen program on DeVry-
administered placement examinations in reading comprehension, sen-
tence skills, arithmetic, and elementary algebra

Submission of required documentation indicating acceptable grades in
qualifying college-level work completed at an approved postsecondary
institution (Twenty-four qualifying semester credit hours (or the
equivalent) in which the language of instruction was English, including
at least three semester credit hours in English composition, demon-
strate proficiency in language skills. Qualifying college-level mathe-
matics credits appropriate to the intended program provide evidence of
mathematics proficiency.)

To be admitted to DeVry, prospective students must complete an appli-

cation and interview with a campus- or field-based DeVry representative,
who provides information on programs, start dates, part-time work, student

All about Training Programs

housing, and graduate employment opportunities. When all admission
requirements have been fulfilled, applicants are notified in writing of their
admission status.

DeVry Institutes are accredited by the Commission on Institutions of

Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
(NCA). The baccalaureate Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) pro-
grams at all U.S. campuses except Fremont and West Hills, CA; Tinley
Park, IL; Alpharetta, GA, North Brunswick, NJ, and Orlando, FL; and the
Electronics Technology program at Long Island City, NY, are separately
accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC of ABET). The
Fremont, West Hills, Tinley Park, North Brunswick, and Orlando institutes
will apply for TAC of ABET accreditation for their baccalaureate EET pro-
grams once the first classes have graduated, as will the Long Island City
Institute. The Alpharetta, GA, institute operates as a branch campus of the
Decatur, GA, institute. The North Central Association and TAC of ABET
are listed by the U.S. Department of Education as recognized accrediting
associations.

ITT Technical Institute

ITT Technical Institute (www.itt-tech.edu) also provides academic pro-
grams that unite education, technology, and business. It offers training for
computer technicians in its Electronics Technician program. ITT Technical
Institute has over 68 schools nationwide in more then 28 states.

To qualify for admission at ITT Technical Institute, an individual must:

Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent

Meet with a representative of ITT Tech

Pass an admissions exam

Arrange a time to tour the school

Pay the application fee

Curriculum offerings, leading primarily to associate’s and bachelor’s

degrees, are designed to help students begin to prepare for career opportu-
nities in various fields involving technology, including electronics, computer

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network systems technology, computer-aided drafting, information technol-
ogy, industrial design, automated manufacturing, computer visualization,
chemical technology, telecommunications, and other areas.

One ITT Technical Institute also offers a master’s degree program in proj-

ect management. Programs of study vary among the ITT Technical Institutes.
ITT Technical Institute programs of study blend traditional academic content
with applied learning concepts, with a significant portion devoted to practical
study in a lab environment. Advisory committees, composed of representa-
tives of local businesses and employers, help each ITT Technical Institute
periodically assess and update curriculums, equipment, and laboratory design.

According to U.S. Department of Education data, all of the ITT

Technical Institutes combined granted the largest percentage (12.9%) of the
total number of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees awarded in the United
States in electronics and electronics-related programs in the 1996-1997
school year (the latest year for which statistics are available).

All of the ITT Technical Institutes combined also granted the largest

share (20.5%) of the total number of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees
awarded in the United States in drafting programs during the same period.

Students attend classes year-round, with convenient breaks provided

throughout the year. Year-round classes enable students to complete bache-
lor’s degree programs and enter the work force full-time in as few as three
years. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered only at selected campuses.
Classes are generally offered in four-hour sessions five days a week and are
typically available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, depending on
student enrollment. This class schedule offers students flexibility to pursue
part-time employment opportunities.

Each ITT Technical Institute is authorized by the state in which it is

located and is either accredited or seeking accreditation by a national
accrediting commission recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
All but the most recently opened colleges are eligible to participate in fed-
eral student financial aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended and as administered by the U.S.
Department of Education.

ITT Technical Institute offers the following associate’s, bachelor’s, and

master’s degree programs:

All about Training Programs

Associate’s degree programs

Business Technology and Administration

Chemical Technology

Computer and Electronics Engineering Technology

Computer Drafting and Design

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology

Computer-Aided Drafting Technology

Computer Network Systems Technology

Electronics Engineering Technology

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration

Information Technology—Computer Network Systems

Information Technology—Multimedia

Information Technology—Software Applications and Programming

Information Technology—Web Development

Tool Engineering Technology

Bachelor’s degree programs

Automated Manufacturing Technology

Computer Visualization Technology

Electronics Engineering Technology

Industrial Design

Telecommunications Engineering Technology

Master’s degree program

Project Management

Tips on applying to academic programs

Apply as early as you can. You’ll need to fill out an application and sub-
mit official high school or GED transcripts and any copies of SAT,
ACT, or other test scores used for admission. If you haven’t taken
these, you may have to before you can be admitted. Call the school and
find out when the next program starts, and then apply at least a month

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or two prior to that date to make sure you can complete requirements
before the program starts.

You may receive a prewritten request for transcripts from the admis-
sions office when you get your application. Make sure you respond
promptly, so you don’t hold up the admissions process.

Make an appointment as soon as possible to take placement tests if they
are required.

Pay your fees before the deadline. Enrollment is not complete each
quarter or semester until you have paid all fees by the date specified on
the registration form. If fees are not paid by the deadline, your classes
may be canceled. If you are going to receive financial aid, apply as early
as you can.

Find out if you must pass a physical or have any other medical history
forms on file for the school you choose, so this does not delay your
admission.

Finding Vendor-Affiliated Training for the
Certification You Need

Vendors are companies that make specific products. Several training com-
panies are affiliated with one or more vendors and are authorized to teach
their curriculums. This section discusses the most popular and widely
obtained certifications in the computer industry: Microsoft, Novell, Lotus,
and A+. Read on for more details about how to obtain the training you need
to pass certification exams in these exciting areas.

Authorized Academic Training Programs (AATPs)

Students can find instructor-led training on Microsoft products and tech-
nologies through high schools, colleges, and universities participating in the
Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Provider (AATP) program . The
curriculum is developed by Microsoft and prepares students for certification
exams.

Authorized Academic Training Program institutions deliver the

Microsoft official curriculum (MOC) in a conventional classroom setting.
Developed by Microsoft, MOC courses provide hands-on experience, with

All about Training Programs

lectures, labs, and supplemental materials. Contact Microsoft at 800-508-
8454 to find out if participating AATP institutions are located near you.

Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs)

Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs) offer several train-
ing options. Companies (generally private) that are Microsoft Certified
Solution Providers (MCSPs) prepare students for taking certification exams.
These programs are shorter than the academic associate’s degree programs,
and some courses can be completed within a few days or weeks. To find a
CTEC near you, visit www.microsoft.com/trainingand/services/providers.

Novell Certification

Just as Microsoft offers various certification programs that qualify students
to hold specific jobs within the computer field, other companies, such as
Novell and Lotus, offer similar programs based around their products.
Novell, for example, offers the following certifications:

Certified Novell Salesperson (CNS)

Certified Novell Administrator (CNA)

Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)

Master CNE

Certified Novell Instructor (CNI)

Acquiring Novell certification status can increase job opportunities.

Certification is available from two types of authorized trainers:

Novell Authorized Education Center (NAEC)

Novell Education Academic Partner (NEAP)

Novell Authorized Education Centers (NAECs) are private companies

authorized by Novell to provide Novell training to students preparing to
take certification exams. Some of these courses can be completed within a
few days or weeks. Call the Novell education information line, 800-233-
EDUC, for information on NAECs.

Through Novell Education Academic Partners (NEAPs), students can

find instructor-led training on Novell products and technologies at high

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schools, colleges, and universities participating in the NEAP program. The
curriculum, developed by Novell, prepares students for certification exams
and is delivered in a conventional classroom setting. The courses provide
hands-on experience, with lectures, labs, and supplemental materials. Call
your local community or technical college to see if it offers Novell certifica-
tion training.

Lotus certification

Lotus Professional Services (www.lotus.com/home.nsf/welcome/-certifica-
tion) education offerings and certification programs are designed to help
customers take full advantage of technology investments to improve busi-
ness processes. The curriculum development team at Lotus Professional
Services designs and develops courseware, in both instructor-led and self-
paced formats, in order to ensure that each course reflects and responds to
real business needs.

Through research with customers and work with the product develop-

ment team, the Lotus-authorized curriculum focuses on creating the knowl-
edge that application developers, system administrators, or end users say
they need to best perform their jobs.

This highly focused, task-based training gives practical results quickly,

and the instructor-led and self-paced delivery formats provide flexibility to
meet individual needs.

Certification provides individuals with a means to benchmark their tech-

nical knowledge and achieve industry recognition, which results in increased
business value to both the individual and the organization. As members of
the highly regarded Lotus-certified community, trained individuals enjoy
benefits commensurate with their certification level.

The following certifications are offered by Lotus:

Certified Lotus Specialist (CLS)
The Certified Lotus Specialist program recognizes a basic level of
technical expertise.

Certified Lotus Professional (CLP)
The Certified Lotus Professional program requires individuals to pass
a series of exams to demonstrate expertise in a job function and repre-
sents a high level of technical knowledge.

All about Training Programs

Certified Lotus Instructor (CLI)
The Certified Lotus Instructor program is directed toward technical
training professionals who through experience and expertise have
demonstrated their ability to present Lotus’s authorized courseware in
a professional and understandable format.

Certified Lotus End-user Instructor (CLEI)
The Certified Lotus End-user Instructor program is available for
training professionals who have experience presenting Lotus’s author-
ized end-user courseware.

IBM Certification
Visit the IBM certification site (www-1.ibm.com/certify/index.shtml) if
you’re interested in pursuing IBM certifications.

You can seek professional certification by attending Lotus-authorized

instructor-led courses or by completing Lotus self-paced computer-based
training courses. For more information about Lotus training and to find a
Lotus training program near you, call the Lotus education help line at 800-
346-6409 or 617-577-8500.

A+ certification

A+ certification is a home-study program. To become certified, you must
pass two test modules: the core and the Windows/DOS modules.
Candidates who pass the two test modules become certified, demonstrating
basic knowledge of configuring, installing, diagnosing, repairing, upgrading,
and maintaining microcomputers and associated technologies. You can
order the A+ course by calling 800-776-4276.

The course is in an interactive, Windows-based format that lets you prac-

tice answering questions as if you were taking the actual test. The A+ course
includes:

The A+ Certification Success Guide for computer technicians

Interactive certification assessment software

Over nine hundred sample questions on three disks

A study guide and workbook

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HOW TO EVALUATE TRAINING PROGRAMS

Schools are businesses; they need students in order to make money. When you
think of it in that light, the brochure you read about a school is actually an adver-
tisement. You, as a consumer, need to carefully research, evaluate, and compare
schools the same way you would if you were buying a car or major appliance.

Come up with a list of criteria for judging a school or training program’s

worth to you. For instance, ask yourself:

Do you want to attend classes full-time or part-time?

Are you more comfortable in a rural or an urban setting?

What kind of student-teacher ratio are you looking for?

All of this information is available through a number of sources, includ-

ing schools themselves. Make a chart like the one below to help you com-
pare the choices and make your decision.

My Criteria

School A

School B

School C

School D

Rural setting

Public school

Computer lab open 24 hours

Computer lab has PC and UNIX platforms

Computer lab hires students

Student body size less than 10,000

Student-to-teacher ratio less than 10-to-1

Coed campus

Financial aid offered through the school

Work-study program available

On-campus placement office

Large nontraditional student population

If you have time, try to visit the schools in your area and talk to the guid-

ance counselor at each one. These counselors are trained to help you iden-
tify your needs and decide if their school will meet your criteria.

Follow this checklist in preparing for an on-campus visit:

All about Training Programs

Contact the Office of Admissions at each school and request an appoint-
ment to visit. Be sure to request a complete tour as well as a meeting with
a representative from the school who will be able to answer your ques-
tions. Remember to ask for the names of both the person making the
appointment and the person with whom you will be meeting.

Bring a copy of your transcript or permanent record card if you will have
the opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor during your visit.

Include a list of honors or awards you have received in school or in the
community.

Know your PSAT and ACT or SAT test scores, in case someone asks
you about them.

Be ready to ask questions about the school and surrounding communi-
ty, especially about extracurricular activities, work opportunities, and
other details you won’t find in the promotional brochures.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT TRAINING PROGRAMS

Is the program accredited?

The accreditation process recognizes schools and professional programs
that provide a level of performance, integrity, and quality to its students and
the community. The accreditation process is voluntary; accreditation is
granted on the basis of the school’s curriculum, staff ratios, and other crite-
ria established by the accrediting agencies. Accreditation doesn’t attempt to
rank or grade the schools, only to accredit them.

So what does that mean to you? Basically, it assures you and your potential

employers that the school you chose to attend tries to provide valuable cours-
es taught by qualified instructors. In short, it offers you peace of mind.

National accreditation agencies and regional agencies have jurisdiction

over the entire United States; schools can also be accredited by profession-
al organizations. Although a school can be accredited by more than one
agency, one is enough. Most schools are proud of their accredited status and
freely share the information in their printed materials, but you can be sure
of their status by asking. Be sure that all programs you evaluate are accred-
ited by one of the accrediting bodies listed in Appendix A.

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In addition to being state or nationally accredited, a school may be

accredited by a company to train students in the use of its various products.
An example of such accreditation is the Microsoft CTECs discussed earlier.

What is the program’s length?

You have choices about the amount of time you spend on your training. Decide
in advance how long you want to spend on your training and find a program that
meets your needs and budget. Keep in mind that in addition to structured, class-
room-based training programs you can also participate in distance learning pro-
grams that are self-paced and allow you to work around your existing schedule.

These distance learning programs are available using textbooks, video-

taped courses, audiotaped courses, and online (multimedia) courses. The
curriculum is typically identical to what you’d learn in a traditional class-
room environment; however, the approach to teaching is different. In terms
of tuition, distance learning programs also tend to be cheaper.

What is the student-teacher ratio?

The student-teacher ratio is a statistic that shows the average number of stu-
dents assigned to one teacher in a classroom or lab. It is important to know
the ratio because a lower student-teacher ratio means that, as a student, you
will get more small-group, one-on-one, intense training. A higher ratio (30-
to-1 or even 100-to-1) is sometimes acceptable for a lecture class in which
interaction between students and teachers is not necessary.

However, for a lab setting (hands-on work), students need a lower stu-

dent-teacher ratio: 30-to-1 might be acceptable for easy work, 15-to-1 for
moderate projects; intense work might require a 5-to-1 or even 1-to-1 ratio.

What is the classroom-lab ratio?

Theory and discussion, which you will get in a classroom setting, are impor-
tant. However, lab experience—working with hardware and software,
hands-on—is equally important in a technical degree program.

Evaluate how much of your training time will be spent in the classroom ver-

sus the lab. Be cautious about any program that does not include significant lab

All about Training Programs

work. Lab work is an absolute must for acquiring hands-on experience as
opposed to theoretical knowledge.

Is the school’s lab technologically advanced?

Technology is changing rapidly; it would be a waste to have excellent stu-
dent-teacher ratios in a lab full of old technology. While it is important to
become familiar with hardware and software that is a few years old (your
future employer probably has some old equipment), you need to be sure that
you will also have experience working with state-of-the-art equipment.

Investigate how the labs in your prospective schools are equipped, main-

tained, and updated. Through research, you can determine exactly what
software and equipment the employers you’d like to work for are currently
using and then insure that you will be taught using that equipment.

You want to make sure you’re not only being taught on the latest com-

puter hardware but also being trained to use the latest versions of the most
popular operating systems and software packages.

What are the school’s job-placement statistics?

Most schools and programs have specific placement offices, dedicated to
helping you find a job after you have completed your training. Placement
offices keep records of what types of jobs their students get. Don’t just read
the statistics; closely examine them.

Understand the difference between a statistic that shows how many stu-

dents got jobs in the computer field and one that shows how many got jobs,
even in unrelated fields. Find out how many jobs were found through the
placement office and how many students found independently. Even if the
school does not have a job placement service, you still should be able to find
out what percentage of graduating students get jobs in the computer industry.

Does the school offer internships?

An internship, a source of experience and potential employment, is an excel-
lent opportunity for any student. In an internship, a student works in a com-
pany for a short time (often one to three months) to complete a predefined

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project or task. The students are sometimes (but not always) paid an intern-
ship salary, which is usually low. Internships are valuable because they offer
on-the-job experience, a chance to create portfolio pieces, and opportunities
to network with other people in the field.

If you perform well in an internship, chances are you’ll be hired by that

company in a full-time position once your education and internship are
completed. So, in addition to considering an internship to be a learning
experience, also think of it as an in-person audition for the job you’d even-
tually like to land. Find out if any of your prospective programs or schools
have internships with companies in the area.

What are the entrance requirements?

Depending on which program and school you attend, you may have to com-
plete entrance and placement exams. These exams evaluate your reading,
writing, and math skills. For example, if you score low in math on a place-
ment exam, you may be placed in a remedial math course, such as Math 099,
to use as review before taking Math 101. Other criteria used in admitting
applicants to programs include high school grade point average, recom-
mendations, and personal statements.

If you already have real-world work experience, some schools will waive

certain entrance requirements.

SELECTING THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU

Since training programs in the computer industry range from single cours-
es to advanced degrees, how do you determine which path is best for you?
Here are some things to consider:

The more education you have, the better your opportunities for get-
ting a job.

The more education you have, the better your opportunities for
advancing into supervisory or management positions.

You don’t want to become a professional student. You want to fulfill an
educational goal and then get a job to fulfill career and financial goals.

All about Training Programs

You must be realistic about your present financial situation. You prob-
ably can get financial aid or loans to go through school, but you also
must consider rent, food, and those who need your financial support.

You will find three basic types of education: course certification, pro-
gram certification, and degrees.

Type of Education

Description

Typical Time

Where to Get the Training

Course certification

A class that

Ranging from half

Temporary agencies

focuses on one

a day to six months

Private training companies

piece of software

Vendors (the companies that

or one technology.

make hardware, software,

or other technologies)

Program certification

A series of classes

One to two years

Vocational schools

that gives an

Proprietary schools

overview of a field.

Independent colleges

Technical schools

Associate’s degree

Two years of

Two years

Colleges

college-level work,

Universities

with courses in

Technical schools

general education and

specialized studies

Bachelor’s degree

Four years of

Four years

Colleges

college-level work, with

Universities

courses in general

education and a

specialized major subject

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM

After you decide to enter a training program to receive a certificate or
degree, you want to make the most of it, right? The rest of this chapter
shows you how to do just that by providing specific things you can do to
maximize the benefits of completing your training program.

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Taking Notes in Class

Very few people are gifted with a photographic memory that allows them to
remember all the information that bombards them throughout the day.
Also, very few students are gifted with a lightning-quick hand that can
record everything said in a classroom. So it is essential to your success in a
training course that you use an effective note-taking method that will help
you learn and remember key information.

Note-taking methods

There are basically three different kinds of note taking. You should give a
few trial runs to each to discover which one fits your learning style best.

Traditional outline

The traditional outline method is typically the basis for teachers’ lectures.
Concepts (broad ideas) are farthest left, marked by Roman numerals (I, II,
III); the ideas and details that expand the concept are marked first by capi-
tal letters (A, B, C), then Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3), then lowercase letters (a,
b, c). Increase the indent with each level of detail.

You don’t have to get all the lettering and numbering exactly correct. The

important part of this method is to understand and accurately record the
relationships between ideas (for example, this idea is really a subset of that
idea). Here is a sample of this method:

I. How to make the most of your training program

A. Taking notes in class

1. Methods

a. Outline
b. Columns
c. Diagramming

2. Shorthand

B. Studying for exams

II.Finding training

All about Training Programs

Three-column method

The three-column method is basically a more artistic way of outlining. The
advantages over outlining are:

You don’t have to spend time writing down Roman numerals and num-
bers and worrying about correct indents, so you will be able to write
faster.

You don’t have to understand the exact relationships of less important
concepts at the time they are presented.

Some people are visual learners, and this method works better for them.
Be prepared to use a lot of paper this way; your third column fills up fast.

Informal diagramming

Informal diagramming allows your imagination to run wild while still stick-
ing to the facts of the matter. You choose how to represent the main idea and
how to make the details feed into that. This can be very useful for how-to
information about computers, because it’s essentially a flowchart, a common
method of presenting information in the technology industry.

Creating different ways to visually represent relationships helps you to

analyze and synthesize the information, leading to greater comprehension.
Plus, exercising your artistic side will help keep you awake in class! (It’s a
great alternative to doodling.)

Invent your own shorthand

Even when you find the right note-taking method for your learning style,
getting down every word an instructor speaks is virtually impossible. Don’t
attempt this with a laptop, even if your typing skills are top-notch: you’ll be
miserable trying to condense and organize the material after class.

You need to invent ways to abbreviate words. Constantly writing out com-

puter and because and training is time-consuming (and your wrist will
protest). You can write bc for because. So many words end with -ing, why not
just add -g? The common ending -tion can become -tn. And drop as many
vowels as possible without making the word indecipherable. For example,
training can easily become trng. Use acronyms (just the first letter of each
word) for key terms that are repeated over and over. How many times could
you write ct for each time you spell out computer technician?

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You rarely need to write complete sentences. The meat of a sentence is its

noun and verb—skip all the extra words (the, it, etc.).

If you haven’t tried it before, creating your own shorthand is going to

involve trial and error, just like any other note-taking method. It’s not impor-
tant that everyone else understands your notes, only that you understand them.

Review your notes

Look over your notes as soon as possible after class—within twelve hours.
Fill in any missing information you still remember; cross out what obvious-
ly became unimportant by the time the class was over. Mark key points with
a highlighter. Make sure each set of notes is clearly titled with date, course
title, teacher’s name, and overall theme.

Studying for Exams

Try to budget your study time so you don’t have to cram for an exam. Pulling
an all-nighter is not a red badge of courage in education. Studies show that
you will study less effectively and perform worse on tests when you are tired.

Set up a reasonably neat study area and make sure:

Your lighting is good

You have plenty of pens, pencils, Post-It notes, and highlighters

Your telephone isn’t going to ring with a tempting offer to blow off the
evening

You have a comfortable chair and posture

You’re not going to be distracted by lyrics or awesome bass if you enjoy
listening to music while you study

Of course, your notes are already in order, well-titled, clear, and concise.

You’ve also been using your handy highlighter in the textbooks to capture
key information, right?

Ask your instructor about the exam format: essay, multiple choice, lab, or

one of the many other methods of testing. You probably won’t take many
essay exams in your coursework; you probably will encounter a lot of multi-
ple-choice and lab (hands-on) tests.

All about Training Programs

Networking with Other Students

It can be lonely out there, so why not make friends on campus? Observe who
is in more than one of your classes; those students probably share some of
your goals and interests.

Compare your courses of study and ask about their plans after they finish

their training. Note announcements of get-togethers organized by major field
of study, and attend with a friendly attitude. This may help you become aware
of students who are in the same boat with you, even if you didn’t notice them
before. Getting used to networking with other students will help prepare you
for networking to find a job after you complete your training program.

Getting to Know Your Instructors

It is important to have peers for moral support and fun, but it’s just as impor-
tant to get to know your instructors. Being just a number to them will do
you no more good than taking a correspondence course.

When instructors know you personally, chances are you will learn more

from their classes. You can approach them with questions that are too time-
consuming or off the main subject to ask in class. You will discover that they
are flesh and blood, not just robotic dispensers of knowledge, and knowing
this will enrich your educational experience.

After a class has met once or twice, find out your instructor’s schedule and

office location. Make a point to drop by the office at least twice a month,
even if it’s just to chat about how things are going for you. Look for notices
from student organizations announcing special social times to gather with
instructors. Remember, they were students once, too.

Making the Most of Your Career Placement/Counseling Office

There are squadrons of people out there who have made it their job to run career
placement and counseling offices just for students on campus. That includes you.
Don’t shun their efforts. Make the career placement office one of the first places

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you visit when you set foot on campus, and include it on your list as you’re mak-
ing rounds to the instructors’ offices. Read the posters and notices on the walls.

Start by asking general questions to get a feel for the office. Focus on

interacting with one particular person—just as you do with your instruc-
tors—so you aren’t just a number. If one staff person takes an interest in
your situation, he or she will be able to give you more personalized help and
more detailed information.

Not every placement office works the same way. Most offices participate

in career fairs and distribute candidate position lists. Career fairs are gener-
ally held in large buildings, such as hotels or convention centers. They are a
great opportunity to learn more about companies in the field and trends in
the marketplace, get experience interviewing, and find a job.

THE INSIDE TRACK

Who:

Mark Anderson

What:

Independent Computer Consultant

Where:

Small-medium sized companies

Los Angeles, CA

INSIDER’S STORY

As an independent computer consultant, I’m responsible for finding and landing my own

clients, usually in small-to-medium size companies, and then supporting the computing

and networking needs of those companies. I’m virtually always on-call, but have other

independent computer consultants on-call to support me, when I need them.

I’ve been working freelance for about three years now. Before that, I worked at a

start-up website as a computer technician. During my time there, I took every opportu-

nity I was given to make contacts and network, and take advantage of any training that

was offered. Unfortunately, like many start-ups, my company went under quite dramati-

cally, and I was left without a job. By that time though, I had developed enough contacts

and reputation that I decided to try my hand at consulting. It started off slow at first, but

as I kept working and networking, trying to get myself out there, I gradually built up a

large client list. Now I have so much work that I sometimes have to pass it off to one of

my colleagues when my plate is too full. I enjoy it because I’m working for myself, and

set my own schedule; it’s also quite lucrative.

All about Training Programs

INSIDER’S ADVICE

If you’re going to pursue a career as an independent computer consultant, keep in mind

that the actual consulting is only a small part of the overall job. Finding and landing

clients, plus handling the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business are time con-

suming as well. I’m responsible for everything, from marketing to purchasing to book-

keeping. Make sure you go into this with a knowledge of how to operate a business, in

addition to having all of the necessary computer training. Without a doubt, the key to

being successful is having unlimited patience. You would not believe the amount of

patience it takes to deal with a frustrated and upset client who is in the midst of having

a computer crisis. You also have to deal with clients who create their own crises. I once

received a frantic call from a client stating that their whole network was offline. As a

result, their business was basically shut down. When I dropped everything and arrived

on-site to deal with the problem, it turned out to be a computer that got unplugged from

the wall. They thought the computer crashed, no one thought to check the plug. To be

successful, you need to really be a “people person” and understand how to relate and

deal with others who don’t understand computers.

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NOW THAT

you’ve decided that working in the computer field is an

exciting, worthwhile, and potentially high-paying career with lots of oppor-
tunities available, and have chosen a training program, you need a plan for
financing your training. If you’ve already been in the workforce and plan to
change careers, or if your parents have offered to pay for your education,
perhaps you already have the money you’ll need. There’s no harm, howev-
er, in spending some time investigating the financial aid and scholarship
options available, even if you think you might not qualify.

Financial aid is available to cover the cost of education/training at sever-

al different types of schools, including vocational schools that offer short-
term training programs. Chances are you can qualify even if you’re attend-
ing only part-time. The financial aid you get may be less than that for

In order to earn the highest possible salary in the career

path you choose to pursue, you’ll need to obtain the nec-

essary training that will qualify you to fill those top-pay-

ing jobs. To obtain the training, you’ll need to make a

rather significant investment of your time as well as your

money. This chapter explains how to determine your eli-

gibility for financial aid and will help you gather the infor-

mation you need before you begin the financial aid

process. As you’ll see, there are many types of financial

aid available, plus an even larger selection of scholar-

ships for which you may be eligible. The lists of

resources and acronyms provided in this chapter will

help you along the financial aid path.

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE

TRAINING YOU NEED

CHAPTER

three

longer, full-time programs, but it still can help you pay for a portion of your
computer training. Also, if you’re currently employed, be sure to contact
your employer to determine if the company will cover some or all of your
education/training.

GETTING STARTED

First of all, get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from
your public library or financial aid office, or order it online at
www.finaid.org/finaid.html or by calling 800-4-FED-AID. (Be aware that
photocopies of federal forms are not acceptable.) The FAFSA determines
your eligibility status for all grants and loans provided by federal or state
governments and certain college or institution aid, so this can be a highly
useful and informative first step in the financial aid process and help you fur-
ther understand your options.

The U.S. government and state governments alike offer a wide range of

scholarships and financial aid packages for civilians, plus special aid pro-
grams for present and former military personnel. There are also attractive
tax benefits associated with obtaining additional education or training. Aside
from the government, there is a wide range of other available options, some
of which are outlined at the website www.finaid.org/otheraid.

According to the government, anyone in the process of applying to school

should complete the FAFSA form, which can be done using traditional
printed forms or online via the organization’s website. “Many families mis-
takenly think they don’t qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiv-
ing financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources
of aid, such as unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans, that are available
regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free. There is no good excuse for not
applying,” explains one FAFSA brochure.

For more information, contact the Federal Student Aid Information

Center (FSAIC) and ask for a free copy of The Student Guide: Financial Aid
from the US Department of Education. The toll-free hotline (800-4-FED-
AID) is run by the U.S. Department of Education, which can answer ques-
tions about federal and state student aid programs and applications. You can
also write to: Federal Student Aid Information Center, PO Box 84,

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Washington, DC 20044. The FAFSA website can be accessed by pointing
your Web browser to www.fafsa.ed.gov. This site will help you obtain and
complete the FAFSA form. To complete this form, you’ll need the following
information:

Records for income earned in the year prior to the one when you will
start school (for the 2001-2002 school year, you will need 2000 infor-
mation. You may also need records of your parents income).

Your Social Security card and driver’s license

W-2 forms or other records of income earned

Your (and your spouse’s, if you are married) federal income tax return

Your parent’s federal income tax return

Records of other untaxed income received, such as welfare benefits,
Social Security benefits, TANF, veteran’s benefits, or military or cler-
gy allowances

Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other
investments

Business or farm records, if applicable

Your alien registration card if you are not a U.S. citizen

To complete the form online using FAFSA Express, point your Web

browser to www.sfadownload.ed.gov/fafsa/fexpress.html. FAFSA Express
makes the paperless financial aid application a reality. A PC equipped with
the Windows operating system and a modem can transmit an electronic
FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education. FAFSA Express users enjoy
the benefits of electronic data exchange, eliminating delays from mailing
and ensuring faster receipt of an official Expected Family Contribution
(EFC) from the department. The software also speeds the application
process by automatically checking electronic FAFSA data, resulting in fewer
rejected applications.

Gathering Your Records

When you apply for financial aid, your answers to certain questions will
determine whether you’re considered dependent on your parents and must

Financial Aid and Scholarships

report their income and assets as well as your own, or whether you’re inde-
pendent and must report only your own income and assets (and those of
your spouse if you’re married).

If you are a dependent student, you will need financial information from

your parents to fill out the FAFSA. Read the following list to determine if you
are dependent or independent according to financial aid rules. You are con-
sidered an independent student if you meet any one of the following criteria:

1. You are at least 24 years old
2. You are married
3. You have a dependent other than a spouse
4. You are a graduate student or professional student
5. You are a ward of the court or an orphan
6. You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

Determining Your Eligibility

To receive financial aid from an accredited institution’s student aid program,
you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non citizen with a Social Security
number. Call the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) at 415-705-
4205 if you are not a U.S. citizen and are unsure of your eligibility.

Eligibility is a very complicated matter, but it can be simplified to the fol-

lowing equation: your contribution + your parents’ contribution = expected
family contribution (EFC). Student expense budget/cost of attendance
(COA) minus EFC = your financial need.

The need analysis service or federal processor looks at the following if

you are a dependent student:

Family assets, including savings, stocks and bonds, real estate invest-
ments, business/farm ownership, and trusts

Parents’ age and need for retirement income

Number of children and other dependents in the family household

Number of family members in college

Cost of attendance, also called student expense budget, which includes
tuition/fees, books and supplies, room and board (living with parents,

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on campus, or off campus), transportation, personal expenses, and spe-
cial expenses such as childcare

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID

The two major types of financial aid are gift aid and self-help aid. Gift aid (aid
that does not need to be paid back) consists of grants and scholarships. Grants are
awarded based on financial need, whereas scholarships are almost always award-
ed on academic merit or special characteristics (e.g., ethnic heritage, interests,
parents’ career, geographic location) rather than financial need. They also usual-
ly apply only to tuition and other educational expenses, not to living expenses.

Self-help aid consists of loans and student employment (also called work-

study). There are many types of loans, all of which you have to repay with
interest. Payment schedules and interest rates vary. You can arrange to work
to help pay your school bills either on your own or in partnership with your
school, taking into account your field of interest.

Gift aid and self-help aid are each available on four levels: federal, state,

school, and private. You will encounter an amazing number of acronyms
while applying for any type of federal financial aid. Refer to the acronym list
at the end of the chapter for help. Also use the Internet as a supplemental
source of information. A list of additional Internet addresses can be found in
the Resources section at the end of this chapter.

Loans: Federal, State, School, Private

Federal loans

One source of information about federal, state, and private loans and scholar-
ships can be found online at www.educaid.com or by calling 1-800-EDUCAID.
Educaid is one of the top ten education lenders in the United States. Its mission
is to provide the “knowledge that helps pay for college” and to help make edu-
cation possible for more students and their families. Educaid, a division of First
Union National Bank, has been providing education loans since 1984.

The Internet Student Loans Company (www.collegenet.com/about/

index.html), American Student Financial Aid Services (www.edudotfunding.com),

Financial Aid and Scholarships

and the Federal College Student Loans Directory (www.college-student-loans.com)
are other excellent online-based resources. To find additional resources on the Web,
use any search engine and enter the search phrase or keyword student loans.

Perkins Loans

The Perkins Loan (www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide/1999-
0/perkins.html) is for students with acute financial need, so the interest rate
is low (5% as of late 2000). You repay your school, which lends you the
money with government funds. You can borrow up to $3,000 each year, up
to a total of $15,000 over the course of your undergraduate study.

The school pays you directly by check or credits your account. You have

nine months after you graduate (provided you were continuously enrolled at
least half-time) to begin repayment, with up to ten years to pay off the entire
loan. A Perkins Loan borrower is not charged any fees. However, if you skip
a payment, make a late payment, or make less than a full payment, you may
have to pay a late charge plus any collection costs. Late charges will contin-
ue until your payments are current.

Examples of Typical Payments for Perkins

Loan Repayment

A borrower with a total loan amount of $3,000 will

■

Have 119 monthly payments of $31.84 and a final payment of $28.90

■

Pay $817.86 in interest charges

■

Repay a total of $3,817.86

A borrower with a total loan amount of $5,000 will

■

Have 119 monthly payments of $53.06 and a final payment of $49.26

■

Pay $1,363.40 in interest charges

■

Repay a total of $6,363.40

A borrower with a total loan amount of $15,000 will

■

Have 119 monthly payments of $159.16 and a final payment of $150.81

■

Pay $4,090.85 in interest charges

■

Repay a total of $19,090.85

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The Perkins Loan program is also available to graduate students.

Graduate students can obtain up to $5,000 per year, or $30,000 for the
entire time you’re enrolled (including federal Perkins Loans you borrowed
as an undergraduate).

Stafford Loans

Both subsidized and unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans are available to
students who need help paying for college. The financial aid office at your
school will determine which loan you may be able to receive.

Subsidized loans (the federal government pays the interest) are award-
ed on a need basis. These are also called Direct Stafford Loans.

Unsubsidized loans (you pay the interest) are awarded on request.
There are also called Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs). The
unsubsidized federal Stafford Loan is available to all students regard-
less of income. Because this loan is not subsidized by the government,
you are responsible for all interest that accrues while you are in school,
in deferment, or during your grace period. You may choose to make
interest payments while in school or may defer (and accumulate) the
interest until repayment.

Stafford Loans have many borrowing limits, depending on whether you

get an unsubsidized or subsidized loan, which school year you’re in, the
length of your program, and whether you’re independent or dependent. You
can have both kinds of Stafford Loans at the same time, but the total loaned
at any time cannot exceed $23,000. The interest rate varies, but under cur-
rent regulations it will never exceed 8.25%. There is a six-month grace peri-
od after graduation before you must start repaying the loan.

The annual limits for subsidized Federal Stafford Loans are:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Graduate/Professional

$2,625

$3,500

$5,500

$8,500

The combined annual limits for the subsidized and unsubsidized Federal
Stafford Loans are:

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Year in School

Dependent Student

Independent Student

$2,625

$6,625

$3,500

$7,500

$5,500

$10,500

$5,500

$10,500

$5,500

$10,500

Graduate/Professional

N/A

$18,500

If you’re enrolled full-time in courses that serve as prerequisites to a degree
or certificate program, you’re eligible for Stafford Loans up to these limits:

Undergraduate

Graduate

Subsidized Stafford

$2,625

$5,500

Unsubsidized Stafford

$4,000

$5,000

In addition, according to Educaid, if you have a bachelor’s degree and

you’re enrolled full-time in a state teacher certification program, you’re eli-
gible for $5,500 in subsidized and $5,000 in unsubsidized Stafford Loan
funds.

PLUS Loans (Loans for Parents)

Educaid reports, “To take out a Federal PLUS Loan, you must be the par-
ent of a dependent child who is enrolled at an approved school at least half-
time and is making satisfactory academic progress. You should have no
adverse credit history. Federal PLUS loans are not based on parents’
income.” Parents must also meet citizenship requirements and cannot be in
default or owe a refund to any Student Financial Assistance (SFA) program.

It’s possible to borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial aid

awarded. In this case, the cost of education includes tuition and fees, room
and board, books and supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

PLUS loans are made to your parents and they are responsible for repay-

ment. They must have a good credit history; you must be their dependent
and be enrolled at least half-time.

The borrowing limit equals your cost of attendance (COA) minus all other

financial aid you’re receiving. The PLUS loan has a variable interest rate based
on the 91-day T-Bill + 3.1%, adjusted each July 1, with a cap of 9%. Effective

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July 1, 2000, PLUS loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 1998, have an inter-
est rate of 8.99%. The lender for these loans charges no fees; however, the bor-
rower is responsible for two other fees. The U.S. Department of Education
charges an origination fee of 3%, and the loan guarantor may charge up to 1%
for a guarantee fee. Your parents must begin repayment while you’re still in
school—generally 60 days after the final disbursement for the period of enroll-
ment under which the loan is borrowed. There is no grace period.

Consolidation loans

This is an umbrella term for merging all your loans into one easy monthly
payment. Details vary greatly, depending on your particular borrowing plans.
Consolidation loans also can be arranged on the school and private levels.

State loans

Many states have websites; you can find the same information by contacting
your state’s department of education. You can qualify for state loans based
on your residency, your parents’ residency, or the location of the school
you’re attending.

School loans

You can get information on these loans only through the financial aid office
at the school of your choice. Quickly become acquainted with the financial
aid administrators and stay in close touch. Their full-time job is to help you
with your financial aid questions.

Private loans

Check several banks, savings and loan institutions, and credit unions for
loan programs. If you are dependent, consult your parents about their finan-
cial institutions and ask them to do some footwork for you in researching
borrowing opportunities.

Grants and Scholarships: Federal, State, School, Private

This is the painless money—the kind you don’t have to pay back. Again,
don’t assume you don’t qualify simply because you think your finances are in

Financial Aid and Scholarships

pretty good shape, especially where scholarships are concerned. You won’t
know how much financial aid you qualify for unless you file the forms and
get the process started.

Federal grants and scholarships

Pell Grants

This program is one of the largest and provides a foundation of financial aid
upon which many students build. It is completely based on financial need.
You can even be enrolled less than half-time to qualify. If you already have
a bachelor’s degree, you can’t receive a Pell Grant. You will not be consid-
ered for certain other sources of financial aid if you haven’t first applied for
a Pell Grant.

To apply for student financial aid from the federal government, including

the Pell Grant, Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan and work-study, you will need
to submit the FAFSA discussed earlier in this chapter. There is no charge for
submitting this form. The FAFSA is also required by all state and many
school student-assistance programs.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs)

Priority is given to students receiving Pell Grants because the Pell Grant is
based on exceptional financial need. The FSEOG differs from the Pell
Grant in that it is not guaranteed that every student in need will receive one.
Each school has only a certain amount of funds to distribute among all stu-
dents with financial need.

National Merit Scholarships

About 5,000 students each year receive scholarships from the National
Merit Scholarship Corporation based solely on academic performance in
high school. If you are a high school senior with excellent grades and high
scores on tests such as the ACT and SAT, this scholarship could be for you.

State Grants and Scholarships

State grants and scholarships may be specific to the state in which you are
trained; the state in which you reside, even if you plan to attend another
school out of state; or even the state in which your parents reside. A hand-

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ful of states have websites about state grants; these include California, Idaho,
Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

School Grants and Scholarships

You need to know which school you’ll be attending in order to pursue a
school grant or scholarship. Once you’ve overcome that hurdle, immediate-
ly talk to the school’s financial aid administrator (FAA) to find out specific
details about school-based grants. The financial aid office offers a wealth of
information about all student aid programs, application requirements, and
eligibility; advice on financial planning and debt management; advice about
applying for a student loan and the associated interest rates and payment
schedules; and even help with short-term loans in a financial emergency.
Check it out!

Private Grants and Scholarships

It is always worthwhile to look into religious organizations, businesses, labor
unions, and community and professional groups for private grants and
scholarships. You can find highly specific sources of financial aid in the pri-
vate sector. For example, you can obtain a scholarship for being of a certain
gender in a certain field, of a particular ethnicity, an athlete, or a music lover.
Places to look for help include local community organizations, such as the
Rotary Club, American Legion, 4H Club, chamber of commerce,
PTA/PTSA, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Perhaps your parents’ compa-
nies offer financial aid to children of employees. Check with the personnel
office. Also check with your library for directories of professional, career,
and trade associations in the computer industry that offer scholarships and
loans, especially if you are specializing in a certain company’s software or
hardware. Also check computer-related magazines. You never know what
type of private aid you might dig up.

Work-Study

Your school’s student employment office is the place to head for more infor-
mation about work-study. Work options include on- or off-campus jobs,
part-time or almost full-time jobs, jobs in the computer field or just to pay

Financial Aid and Scholarships

the bills, jobs for money to repay student loans or to go directly toward edu-
cational expenses.

One advantage of working under the Federal Work-Study (FWS) pro-

gram is that your earnings are exempt from FICA taxes if you are enrolled
full-time and are working less than half-time. You will be paid by the hour,
at least minimum wage. For FWS, you must demonstrate financial need.
Usually you will be signed up for a community service or computer-related
job in a private nonprofit organization or a public agency. Some schools
have agreements with private for-profit companies, if the work demands
your computer technician skills. The total hourly wages you earn cannot
exceed your total FWS award. Your FAA or the direct employer must con-
sider your class schedule and your academic progress before assigning you
your job.

For more information about National Work-Study programs, visit the

Corporation for National Service website (www.cns.gov) and/or contact:

National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)
This AmeriCorps program is an 11-month residential national service
program intended for 18- to 24-year-olds. Participants receive $4,725
for college tuition or to help repay education loan debt. Contact the
National Civilian Community Corps, 1100 Vermont Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20525, 800-94-ACORPS.

VISTA Volunteers in Service to America
VISTA is part of ACTION, the federal domestic volunteer agency.
This program offers numerous benefits to college graduates with stu-
dent loans outstanding. Contact VISTA, Washington, DC 20525, 800-
424-8867.

AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, engages more than 40,000

Americans in intensive, results-driven service. Most AmeriCorps members
are selected by and serve with local and national organizations like Habitat
for Humanity, the American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Boys
and Girls Clubs. This is one example of how you can earn money for your
education through work-study. Another option is Learn and Serve America
(www.learnandserve.org). Throughout our nation, many schools are discov-
ering the value of service-learning through projects that link education and

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service. At the forefront of this movement is Learn and Serve America,
which helps support nearly one million students from kindergarten through
college who are meeting community needs while improving their academic
skills and learning the habits of good citizenship.

FILING YOUR FORMS

Start investigating financial aid as soon as possible. The FAFSA can be filed
anytime between January 1 and June 30; however, the closer to January 1,
the better. Do not file before January 1 of the year in which you want to
obtain financial aid, or your application will be discarded. You will need fed-
eral and state income tax information, but even if you or your parents
haven’t filed yet, you can submit the FAFSA with estimated income tax
information. You may wish to mail your application by certified mail.
Within four weeks after you mail the form, you should receive a Student Aid
Report (SAR) detailing your eligibility. Your SAR will also be forwarded for
Pell Grant evaluation and to up to six schools of your choice. If more than
four weeks go by and you don’t get the SAR, call the federal processor at
319-337-5665 to find out what happened. You will be asked for your Social
Security number and date of birth as verification.

Your application must be received by June 30 of the school year in which

you want to attend your school. The Student Aid Report (SAR) must be at
your school by August 31 or the last day of enrollment for that school year,
whichever is earlier.

Carefully meet any deadlines set by state, school, or private sources of

financial aid. Your FAA should make these clear to you.

If all goes well, you will receive financial assistance to become a comput-

er technician. If you get a loan, be sure you understand how the money will
pay your bills: Will it be paid directly to the school, deposited in your
account, or sent to you in check form? And just as important, be sure you
understand how you are to pay back the loan. Most loans require no pay-
ment until you have completed your training. However, there are rules
about staying enrolled, taking leaves of absence, grace periods after gradua-
tion, and so on. You need to investigate and take responsibility for loan
repayment once you accept financial aid. Also talk to the financial aid office

Financial Aid and Scholarships

about spreading your payments over the school year, rather than paying in
a lump sum, and consolidating more than one loan into one payment.

Note that you have to reapply for financial aid every year that you are in

school. Once you are started on financial aid, you should receive a renewal
FAFSA by January 15 each year. Probably 75% of the information will remain
the same from year to year, but you may need to report changes in your income,
how many of your family members are in college, or your family size. Always
have a copy of each year’s FAFSA sent to your school’s financial aid office.

FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST

1. Explore your options as soon as possible after you’ve decided to begin

a training program.

2. Find out what your school requires and what financial aid it offers.
3. Complete and mail the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.
4. Complete and mail other applications by the deadlines.
5. Gather loan application information and forms from your college

financial aid office. You must forward the certified loan application to a
participating lender: bank, savings and loan institution, or credit union.

6. Carefully read all letters and notices from your school, the federal

student aid processor, the need analysis service, and/or private schol-
arship organizations. Note whether financial aid will be sent before or
after you are notified about admission and how exactly you will
receive the money.

7. Report any changes in your financial resources or expenses to your

financial aid office so your award can be adjusted accordingly.

8. Reapply each year.

RESOURCES

Scholarship Search Services

If you find financial aid information overwhelming or if you simply don’t
have the time to do the footwork yourself, you may want to hire a scholar-

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ship search service. Be aware that a reasonable price for this service is $30 to
$50. If the service wants to charge more, investigate it carefully. Scholarship
search services usually only provide you with a list of six or so sources of
scholarships, which you then need to check out and apply for.

To find a scholarship search service, use any search engine on the Web

and enter the keyword or search phrase scholarship search. A rather long
directory of related websites will be displayed. Be sure to shop around for
the best deals in terms of locating a company or organization that will be the
most helpful in finding you scholarship opportunities based on your per-
sonal situation. Scholarships.com (www.scholarships.com) is just one such
online-based company that helps students pinpoint scholarship opportuni-
ties and apply for them.

If you’re still in high school and you haven’t yet filled out the ETS Student

Search Service form or the ACT Student Profile form, check “Yes” in the box
asking if you wish to release your information to scholarship programs.

Books and Pamphlets

Annual Register of Grant Support. Chicago: Marquis, Annual.

A’s and B’s of Academic Scholarships. Alexandria, VA: Octameron, Annual.

Chronicle Student Aid Annual. Moravia, NY: Chronicle Guidance,
Annual.

College Blue Book. Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants and Loans. New York:
Macmillan, Annual.

College Financial Aid Annual. New York: Prentice-Hall, Annual.

Directory of Financial Aids for Minorities and Directory of Financial Aids for
Women. San Carlos, CA: Reference Service Press, Biennial.

Financial Aid for the Disabled and Their Families. San Carlos, CA:
Reference Service Press, Biennial.

Financial Aids for Higher Education. Dubuque: Wm. C. Brown,
Biennial.

How Can I Receive Financial Aid for College? Published from the Parent
Brochures ACCESS ERIC website. Order a copy by calling 800-LET-
ERIC or writing to ACCESS ERIC, Research Blvd. MS 5F, Rockville,
MD 20850-3172.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Leider, Robert, and Ann Leider. Don’t Miss Out: The Ambitious Student’s
Guide to Financial Aid. Alexandria, VA: Octameron, Annual.

Looking for Student Aid. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of
Education, Annual. This is an overview of sources of information
about financial aid. To order a copy, call 800-4-FED-AID.

Paying Less for College. Princeton: Peterson’s Guides, Annual.

The Student Guide. Washington, DC: Department of Education,
Annual. This is the handbook about federal aid programs. To order a
copy, call 800-4-FED-AID.

Another method of finding books specifically about scholarships, finan-

cial aid, and/or student loans is to visit an online bookseller, such as Barnes
and Noble Online (www.bn.com) or Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) and
enter a search phrase that’s appropriate for what you’re looking for.

Telephone Numbers and Addresses

800-MIS-USED (800-647-8733) for suspicion of fraud, waste, or
abuse of federal aid

American College Testing (ACT) program, 916-361-0656, for forms
submitted to the need analysis servicer

AmeriCorps, 800-94-ACORPS

College Scholarship Service (CSS), 609-771-7725; TDD 609-883-
7051

FAFSA on the Web processing/software problems, 800-801-0576

Federal Student Aid Information Center, PO Box 84, Washington, DC
20044, 319-337-5665

Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), 415-705-4205

Internal Revenue Service (IRS), 800-829-1040

Need Access/Need Analysis Service, 800-282-1550

Selective Service, 847-688-6888

Social Security Administration, 800-772-1213

U.S. Department of Education hotline, 800-4-FED-AID (800-433-
3243)

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Websites

One of the most comprehensive financial aid websites is the federal
government’s www.finaid.org. It has many pages addressing special
issues, such as international students, bankruptcy, defaulting on stu-
dent loans, divorced parents, financially unsupportive parents, and
myths about financial aid.

Another equally excellent financial aid website is FastWEB, at www.fast-
web.com. If you answer a few simple questions (such as geographical
location and age), you will receive a list of scholarships for which you
might qualify. The database is updated regularly, and your list will be
updated when new scholarships that fit your profile are added. FastWEB
boasts that every day more than 20,000 students access the site.

The Student Guide (www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide/2000-
1/index.html) is one of the most comprehensive resources on student
financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Grants, loans,
and work-study are the three major forms of student financial aid avail-
able through the federal Student Financial Assistance Programs.

CollegeNET (www.collegenet.com/about/index.html) is a useful por-
tal for applying to college over the Web. It contains extensive infor-
mation about financial aid, student loans, and scholarships.
CollegeNET allows applicants to complete, file, and pay for their
admissions applications entirely through the Internet. Over 500 col-
leges and universities have contracted with CollegeNET to serve their
official Web-based admissions applications. However, these applica-
tions are also directly accessible from the university home pages.

Using any Web-based search engine, enter the search phrase financial
aid or scholarships to find other online resources.

Software for EFC calculators and financial aid planning and advice can
be found at www.finaid.org/calculators.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid Acronyms Key

COA

Cost of Attendance

CWS

College Work-Study

EFC

Expected Family Contribution

EFT

Electronic Funds Transfer

ESAR

Electronic Student Aid Report

ETS

Educational Testing Service

FAA

Financial Aid Administrator

FAF

Financial Aid Form

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FAO

Financial Aid Office

FDSLP

Federal Direct Student Loan Program

FFELP

Federal Family Education Loan Program

FSEOG

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

FWS

Federal Work-Study

GSL

Guaranteed Student Loan

Parent Contribution

PLUS

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students

SAP

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Student Contribution

SLS

Supplemental Loan for Students

USED

U.S. Department of Education

Having the desire to obtain additional training so that you can pursue a

career in the computer field is admirable, not to mention a smart career path
strategy. No matter what your personal financial situation is, chances are
you’ll be able to find the funds necessary to pay for the education and train-
ing you need. Make sure that you carefully explore all of your options,
including financial aid, scholarships, and various types of loans. A significant
financial investment in your future made right now will no doubt pay for
itself many times over once you land a high-paying job with limitless career
advancement potential.

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THE INSIDE TRACK

Who:

Peter Arnolds

What:

Computer Technician

Where:

MAA Inc.

Boston, MA

INSIDER’S STORY

Like many people in the computer field, my love for working with computers blossomed

when I was young, playing video games. I would sit in my bed at night dreaming up dif-

ferent ideas for games that I would create one day. I wasn’t content to just play on the com-

puters, after a while I started to investigate the programming of the games to see how they

were constructed. When I was 12, I taught myself Basic on my old Apple IIe, and as I got

older and even more interested, I broke into more complex programming languages. But

I kept it as a hobby—it wasn’t until my senior year at UMass, where I was studying psy-

chology, that I realized what my calling was. I was working part-time as a clerk in a pub-

lishing company, and the word quickly spread around the cubicles that if there was a prob-

lem with the one of the computers, I was the one who could fix it. There was a satisfaction

I received from diagnosing and fixing the problems that I never got from my schoolwork.

So, as soon as I graduated from UMass, I enrolled at the Chubb Institute and was on my

way. Now I work for a medium-sized company as a computer technician, and I’m respon-

sible for designing, maintaining, and supporting my company’s 15-station network.

INSIDER’S ADVICE

In addition to obtaining the necessary training to break into this field, I suggest pursu-

ing an internship so that you can obtain hands-on experience at the same time. This will

make you more marketable to potential employers once you’re done with your educa-

tion. Also, it’s critical as a computer technician that you stay up-to-date on the latest

technologies, software, product updates, and trends. There are many ways of doing this,

and based on my own experience, I recommend taking a multifaceted approach. Read

industry magazines, attend trade shows, join professional associations, participate in

online forums, and interact with as many other people in your field as possible. As I dis-

covered first hand, most jobs in the computer field have a never-ending learning curve.

In order to remain competitive and stay in-demand among employers, it’s critical to be

on the cutting-edge in terms of computer knowledge.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

ONCE YOU’VE

completed your training program and have a

degree or certification that’s in demand by employers, you’ll be ready to kick
off your job search. The good news is that there are a lot of jobs available in
the computer industry, because it’s a booming field. The bad news is that the
job search process can be a time-consuming and stressful one. But by taking
an organized approach and utilizing the resources available to you, such as
the Internet, the whole process can be extremely manageable.

This chapter explains how to find a job after you com-

plete your training. First you’ll learn how to conduct

your job search through networking, research, indus-

try publications, classified ads, online resources, job

fairs, and hotlines. Knowing how to find the best job

opportunities is the first part of the whole job search

process. In the next chapter, you’ll get tips on how to

write your resume. In Chapter 7, you’ll discover the

secrets of participating in a successful job interview

and learn how to ultimately land your first job in the

computer field.

HOW TO LAND YOUR FIRST JOB

CHAPTER

four

CONDUCTING YOUR JOB SEARCH

Finding the right job always begins with research. You need to know exact-
ly what computer-related jobs you’re qualified to fill, what jobs are available,
where the jobs can be found, and what it’ll take for you to land one of those
jobs.

Luckily, a lot of material is available to guide your search. By utilizing

techniques ranging from answering Help Wanted ads and networking to
attending job fairs and tapping the power of the Internet, you can confi-
dently land your first job in the computer field with confidence.

Taking a Deadline-Oriented Approach to
Your Job Search Efforts

Landing a job is often a confusing, stressful, and extremely time-consuming
task. You have to find job opportunities, create a resume, write cover letters,
schedule interviews, research companies, participate in interviews, make fol-
low-up calls, and keep track of all the potential employers you meet or cor-
respond with. One way to help take the stress out of this whole procedure is
to adopt an organized, deadline-oriented approach to finding yourself a job
in the computer field.

Begin by acquiring a personal planner, such as a Day-Timer, or a person-

al digital assistant (PDA), such as the Palm III™ or Palm V™
(www.palm.com). Before actually starting your job search, make a list of
everything you’ll have to accomplish in order to land a job. Break up the big
tasks into lots of smaller ones, which are easier to accomplish. If you have to
write or update your resume or get your resume printed, add that to your
list. If you need to buy outfits to wear to interviews, that too goes on your
list. Once your list is complete, write down how long you think each task
will take to accomplish.

Next, prioritize your list. Determine what tasks need to be done immedi-

ately and which ones can wait until later in the job search process. Now that
you know what needs to be done and approximately how long it will take to
accomplish each task, create a schedule for yourself and set deadlines.

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Using your personal planner, calendar, or PDA, start at today’s date and

enter each job-search-related task, one at a time. Under your list of tasks to
complete, add items like “Check the Help Wanted ads” and “Update
resume.” Leave yourself enough time to accomplish each task, and in your
planner, mark down the date when each task should be completed.

Keep meticulous notes in your planner or on your PDA. Write down

everything you do, whom you contact, the phone numbers and addresses of
your contacts, what is discussed on the phone or during interviews, what fol-
low-up actions need to be taken, and even what you wore to each interview.
Throughout your job search process, keep your planner or PDA with you at
all times. Refer to it and update it often to ensure that you remain on track.

To demonstrate that you are a well-organized person, refer to your planner

or PDA during job interviews, and don’t be afraid to jot down notes during
the interview. If a potential employer wants to schedule a second interview,
take out your planner or PDA and schedule an appointment on the spot.

Once you land a job, don’t toss out your personal planner or organizer.

You’ll find that writing out what you need to accomplish, prioritizing those
tasks, setting deadlines for yourself, and keeping this information with you
will help you stay focused, save time, and cut down procrastination in your
daily personal life and on the job. One of the keys to working successfully in
the computer field is being well-organized and having the ability to juggle
multiple tasks at the same time. Utilizing a personal planner or PDA will help
keep you organized, so important to-do items don’t fall through the cracks.

Playing the Field and Understanding What’s Out There

Many job seekers limit their potential success by limiting their job search.
Keep in mind that almost every industry requires skilled computer special-
ists, because virtually every industry now relies heavily on computers to keep
its businesses operating. Schools, hospitals, publishers, banks, retail shops,
accounting firms, and law firms, for example, all use computers and all hire
computer specialists. Furthermore, more and more companies are establish-
ing themselves on the World Wide Web, which has created a demand for
skilled Web technicians, website designers, and other people with a strong
knowledge of the Internet.

How to Land Your First Job

As you begin your job search, don’t restrict your search to companies

within the computer industry, such as Intel, IBM, Compaq, or Oracle. Sure,
the computer companies hire computer specialists, but so does virtually
every other company in existence, and you may find your dream job lies in
another field altogether. For example, it’s possible to be a computer techni-
cian and work for a major department store chain, retail shop, doctor’s
office, law firm, or even a car dealership, for example.

Start your job search by making a list of all the fields that interest you.

Then think carefully about the type of environment in which you might feel
most comfortable working. Some of your options are a large national com-
pany with a corporate environment, a small start-up company with a family
feel, or something in between. Refer to the questionnaire in Chapter 1 to
help you define your work-related interests.

FINDING THE JOBS AVAILABLE

If you’re wondering where to find the best job opportunities, the following
section will help you pinpoint what jobs are available. Keep in mind, how-
ever, that the majority of really good jobs are never formally advertised. To
find out about them, you’ll need to tap your networking skills.

Help Wanted Classified Ads

Classified ads are an easy and inexpensive way to job hunt; the newspaper
comes right to your doorstep, and it contains pages of job openings geared
to computer professionals. When you use the classified ads as a resource,
look in the computer section for jobs containing the words technician, sup-
port, repair, network, and desktop. You can also often search Help Wanted ads
online by visiting the website of your local major daily newspaper. For
example, in the Boston area, the Help Wanted ads published in The Boston
Herald newspaper can also be accessed online at www.jobfind.com.

The problem with relying solely on the classified ads for your job search

is that the same paper that comes to your doorstep also arrives at the
doorsteps of several thousand of your neighbors. For every job listed, dozens

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

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of applicants will send a resume to the employer, and you will be competing
with all of them. Don’t ignore the ads; just know that you need to use addi-
tional job search strategies to maximize your success. Also, don’t wait to
respond to an ad. If the an ad appears in the Sunday newspaper, for exam-
ple, respond to it first thing Monday morning. Don’t wait until the middle
or end of the week.

As you look for jobs, first make a list of all the different job titles you’d be

qualified to fill. After all, there is little continuity between job titles in the
various industries. Make sure you read the job requirements listed within
the Help Wanted ad or job description before determining whether or not
you’re qualified to fill the computer-related position.

Each type of job within the computer field requires different training.

Some popular job titles in the computer field that require training include:

Applications Developer

Database Administrator

Director of Information Technology

E-Commerce Applications Developer

Help Desk Specialist

Information Technology Specialist

Internet Solutions Leader

IT Client Systems Analyst

Network Architect

Network Specialist

Programmer Analyst

Software Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Engineer

Web Developer

S a m p l e H e l p W a n t e d A d s

Network Engineer

DESCRIPTION: Our client is looking for a Network Specialist able to work in a heteroge-

neous environment with several hundred machines. Must be proficient in maintenance and

fire fighting for a wide variety of problems. Skills needed are: routers, gateways, firewalls,

TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, POP, STMP, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, LINUX, BSDI,

How to Land Your First Job

Solaris, Mac OS. You will be required to carry a pager. REQUIREMENTS: Network

Engineer, Windows 95, CISCO Router, TCP/IP, Windows 98, Windows NT Server, LINUX.

Technical Support Engineer

[Company Name Deleted] is a leading provider of network-based platforms and inno-

vative enhanced service solutions such as prepaid calling, integrated voice/fax mes-

saging, and Internet-based personal communications. Many times awarded for excel-

lence, we are putting forth innovative solutions to meet the ever-growing demand for

advanced communications in today’s global marketplace. Recently ranked as the XXth

fastest-growing technology company in New England, [Company Name Deleted] is first

choice for those with extraordinary vision and an entreprenuerial spirit who are looking

to make a name for themselves. Responsibilities: Provide technical support in trou-

bleshooting and debugging hardware and software performance problems on our UNIX-

based intelligent telephony platform. Qualifications: Requires a bachelor’s degree in a

technical discipline or its equivalent and 2+ years of experience in customer support,

including knowledge of remote diagnostics, networking (TCP/IP), switching, transmis-

sion, and system configuration. Requires telecommunications experience.

Manager of Technical Support

The successful candidate will provide technical support for diverse energy operations.

Exp. required in most or all of these areas: Unisys Clearpath NX/LX, Windows NT/2000,

SQL Server, Windows Networking, IIS, C++, COM Novell NetWare 5.0, Oracle

Applications/Database. We offer a competitive starting salary and benefits package,

Including medical, dental, life and long-term disability, as well as 401(k) and pension

plans. Interested candidates should e-mail cover letter indicating salary requirements

along with resume.

Senior Software Engineer

This position is in the Boston Development Center, located in the suburbs south of

Boston, MA. This facility designs sophisticated products used in electronics manufac-

turing, including market-leading laser manufacturing systems for semiconductor yield

improvement, best-in-class production and test equipment for the manufacture of sur-

face mount ceramic capacitors, laser trim systems for precise electrical tuning of circuits,

high-speed precision laser and mechanical drilling systems for electronic interconnec-

tion, and machine vision systems for leading OEM semiconductor suppliers. This posi-

tion is responsible for coordinating and supporting software development for all future

software projects and high-tech robotic systems.

A candidate should have a minimum of a BSEE or BSCS and minimum eight years

of software design experience. This individual must have experience in Windows NT/95;

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UNIX experience is a plus. Programming experience with device drivers and real-time,

multithreaded operating systems is a must. This position requires a senior-level systems

architect with leadership capabilities.

School Career Placement Centers

Many colleges, universities, and technical schools have a career guidance
office that receives job openings from a variety of local employers. Many of
these guidance offices also offer resume-writing assistance and interview
skills training. If you have access to one of these offices, make use of it.

Career-Related Websites

On the World Wide Web, there are literally thousands of career-related
websites. Some of these sites offer how-to advice about landing a job. Others
offer a database of job listings that can be searched by region, industry, job
type, salary, position, job title, or almost any other criteria. There are also
resume databases allowing applicants to post their resume in hopes of its
being read by a recruiter. If you need assistance creating your resume, there
are professional resume writers whom you can hire directly off the Web;
many of them also have informative websites of interest to job seekers.

The Web is an extremely powerful job search tool that can not only help

you find exciting job opportunities but also enable you to research compa-
nies, network with other people in your field, and obtain valuable career-
related advice.

Using any Internet search engine or portal, you can enter a keyword such

as resume, job, career, job listings, or help wanted to find thousands of websites
of interest to you. The following is a listing of just some of the online
resources available to you. Many of these sites offer special areas focusing on
high-tech or computer-related jobs:

ABA Resume Writing—www.abastaff.com/career/resume/resume.htm

About.com—http://jobsearch.about.com/jobs/jobsearch/msubrespost.htm

Accent Resume Writing—www.accent-resume-writing.com/critiques

How to Land Your First Job

Advanced Career Systems—www.resumesystems.com/career/Default.htm

America’s Employers—www.americasemployers.com

America’s Job Bank—www.ajb.dni.us

Best Jobs USA—www.bestjobsusa.com

BrainBuzz—www.brainbuzz.com

The Boston Herald’s Job Find—www.jobfind.com

Career and Resume Management for the 21st Century—http://crm21.com

Career Builder—www.careerbuilder.com

Career Center—www.jobweb.org/catapult/guenov/res.html#explore

Career Creations—www.careercreations.com

Career Express—www.careerxpress.com

CareerMosaic—www.careermosaic.com

CareerNet—www.careers.org

CareerPath—www.careerpath.com

Career Spectrum—www.careerspectrum.com/dir-resume.htm

CareerWeb—www.cweb.com

Career.com—www.career.com

College Central Network—http://employercentral.com

Competitive Edge Career Service—www.acompetitiveedge.com

Computer Jobs—www.computerjobs.com

Computer Work—www.computerwork.com

The Confident Resume—www.tcresume.com

ConnectMe.com—http://connectme.com/advice/resume/index.html

Creative Keystrokes—www.creativekeystrokes.com

Creative Professional Resumes—www.resumesbycpr.com

Curriculum Vitae Tips—www.cvtips.com

Dice High Tech Jobs Online—www.dice.com

The Employment Guide’s Career Web—www.cweb.com/jobs/resume.html

First Impressions Career Site—www.1st-imp.com

First Job: The Web Site—www.firstjob.com

First Resume Store International—www.resumestore.com

Gary Will’s Worksearch—www.garywill.com/worksearch

IT Career Hub—www.itcareerhub.com

IT Jobs—www.internet-solutions.com/itjobs.htm

JobBank USA—www.jobbankusa.com

JobLynx—www.joblynx.com

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JobSource—www.jobsource.com

JobStar—http://jobsmart.org/tools/resume

JobTrack—www.jobtrack.com

Just Tech Jobs—www.justtechjobs.com

Kaplan Online Career Center—www.kaplan.com

The Monster Board—www.monster.com

My Job Coach—www.myjobcoach.com

National Business Employment Weekly Online—www.nbew.com

Occupational Outlook Handbook—http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocoiooo.htm

Professional Association of Resume Writers—www.parw.com/homes-
tart.html

Programming.com—www.programing.com

Proven Resumes—www.provenresumes.com, www.free-resume-tips.com

Quintessential Careers—www.quintcareers.com/resres.html

Rebecca Smith’s eResumes and Resources—www.eresumes.com

Resumania—www.resumania.com

The Resume—www.wm.edu/csrv/career/stualum/resmdir/contents.htm

Resume Broadcaster—www.resumebroadcaster.com

Resume Magic—www.liglobal.com/b_c/career/res.shtml

Resume Plus—www.resumepls.com

Resume.com—www.resume.com

Resumedotcom—www.resumedotcom.com

Salary.com—www.salary.com

Six-Figure Jobs—www.6figurejobs.com

Software Developer.com—www.softwaredeveloper.com

Taos Careers—www.taos.com/resumetips.html

Vault.com—www.vaultreports.com/jobBoard/SearchJobs.cfm

The Wall Street Journal Careers—www.careers.wsj.com

Yahoo Careers—www.careers.yahoo.com

Job Placement Firms

Generally speaking, two types of businesses specialize in job placement:
employment agencies and contract houses. Employment agencies search for
full-time employment opportunities for you. Sometimes you are required to

How to Land Your First Job

pay their fee; sometimes your new employer will pay it. Be sure to find out
who is responsible for paying the fee before you sign up with an agency. After
you are placed in a job, your relationship with the placement agency ends. A
contract house places you in short- or long-term contract positions for an
ongoing fee paid by the employer (e.g., the employer pays $20 per hour for
your skills; you make $15 per hour, and the contract house makes $5 per
hour). When your contract with a particular company is over, the contract
house finds another contract position for you. You are not an employee of the
companies with which you contract, and you do not receive benefits from
them. An advantage of contracting is that you get a variety of experiences.

Many temporary employment agencies offer job opportunities for people

with computer skills. If you’re having trouble landing a full-time job, you’re
looking to get your foot in the door with a specific employer, or you’re not
sure what area of the computer field you want to work in (so you decide to
experience a handful of jobs before making your decision), temporary
employment assignments offer a wide range of benefits.

By proving yourself to an employer during a temporary employment

assignment, your chances of being offered a full-time job with that employ-
er increase dramatically. Using the Web or any Yellow Pages, you can find
the names of temporary employment agencies in your area that cater to peo-
ple with computer-related skills. It’s important to understand that many
temporary employment agencies don’t specialize in just entry-level posi-
tions. Some cater primarily to temporarily filling highly technical, middle-
management, or even upper-management positions that have been created
due to a long-term illness or maternity leave, for example. The length of a
particular assignment or placement can be anywhere from one day to sever-
al months.

Job Fairs

Attending job fairs, or career fairs, is another way to find employment as a
computer technician. Held in most larger cities, job fairs bring a number of
employers together under one roof, usually at a hotel, convention center, or
civic center. These employers send representatives to the fair to inform
prospective employees about their company, to accept resumes, and occa-

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sionally, to conduct interviews for open positions. Most of these job fairs
also hold seminars for attendees, covering such topics as resume writing,
job-hunting strategies, and interviewing skills.

To find the next scheduled job fair in your area, contact the information

office of the convention center or civic center nearest you and ask if there’s
a job fair on their upcoming events calendar. If not, your local newspaper or
state unemployment office may have relevant information.

Attending a job fair can be an intimidating experience, but by taking time

to prepare in advance, you can often discover excellent job leads and learn
about a variety of different employment opportunities for which you’re
qualified that employers are looking to fill immediately.

While it’s true that you’ll most likely be competing with many other job

seekers at a job fair, your ability to impress an employer is far greater during
an in-person meeting than it is if you simply respond to a Help Wanted ad
by submitting your resume. By attending a job fair, you can use something
far more powerful than a resume to dazzle an employer—yourself. Your
appearance, level of preparation, what you say, how you say it, and your body
language can be used to help make an employer interested in hiring you.

Job fairs offer job seekers an opportunity to meet face-to-face with dozens

of potential employers looking to fill all types of positions. If you’re plan-
ning to attend a job fair with the ultimate goal of landing a new job, there
are several steps you can take to ensure that you’ll make the most positive
first impression possible and set yourself apart from the competition.

When attending a job fair, your goal should be to impress potential

employers so you ultimately get invited to come in later for a formal in-per-
son interview. Since you’ll have limited time with an employer at a job fair,
(typically between five and ten minutes) it’s very rare that an employer will
hire someone on the spot, but this does happen.

Martha Rodriguez, home office staffing specialist at TJX Companies,

says, “We use job fairs as a recruiting tool to fill openings we have at all lev-
els within our organization, ranging from file clerks in our home office to
retail store management positions. When a job seeker is attending a job fair,
the first impression they make is important and will play a major role in
determining any future they have with the company.”

In order to impress an employer, preparation on your part is vital. Before

actually attending a job fair, determine which employers will be there and

How to Land Your First Job

whether or not you have the qualifications to fill the job openings available.

Begin your research by visiting the website created to promote the job

fair you’re interested in attending. A job fair’s website typically lists detailed
information about the companies being represented and what types of jobs
participating employers are looking to fill. Once you pinpoint the employ-
ers you’re interested in, do research on those companies as if you were
preparing for an actual in-person job interview.

Part of your research should include determining exactly how your qualifica-

tions and skills meet the needs of the employer. Also, develop a list of questions
to ask the employer during your in-person meeting at the job fair. Showing a sin-
cere interest in working for an employer and asking questions that demonstrate
your interest will help set you apart from the competition in a positive way.

“During a meeting with a job seeker at a career fair, I always ask questions

like, ‘What are your goals?’, and ‘Where do you see yourself within our
organization?’ I try to learn something about a potential applicant’s goals
and qualifications based on their answers to these and other questions,” says
Rodriguez. “I expect people visiting us at a job fair to already know at least
something about TJX Companies based on their research.”

Make sure you bring plenty of copies of your resume. Begin your visit to

the job fair by finding the companies you’re most interested in working for.
It’s best to visit these companies as early in the day as possible, since as the
day goes on, the people working the job fair tend to get tired and may be
less responsive, especially if they’ve already met with several dozen potential
applicants.

Amy Lee, regional recruiter at Starbucks Coffee Company, states, “A

prepared candidate already knows what positions we’re trying to fill and has
a resume in hand that demonstrates their qualifications. If I ask someone if
they’re interested in working for Starbucks, I expect the answer to be ‘Yes. I
am a customer of Starbucks and I’ve learned about your company by visit-
ing your website.’ One answer I sometimes get that turns me off is, ‘I don’t
know anything about Starbucks. I’ve never been inside one of your loca-
tions. I don’t know if I’d be interested in working for your company.’ ”

When meeting with a potential employer for the first time at a career fair,

be prepared to answer questions about why you want to work for that com-
pany and how your skills and qualifications make you qualified to fill one of
the positions the employer has available.

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Lee believes anyone attending a job fair should be well dressed. She

states, “Wearing the very latest fashion or a designer outfit isn’t important.
I look to see if someone is wearing an outfit that’s appropriate. Having a
neat, clean, and well-kept appearance is very important. Whatever outfit
someone wears should be well fitting and wrinkle free.”

Tonda Lumley, manager of recruiting for Massport, adds, “Be prepared

to engage in a discussion with an employer at a job fair, not just drop off
your resume and answer one or two questions. How you present yourself
will be as important as the information your resume contains. People tend
to think a meeting with an employer at a job fair isn’t as important as a for-
mal job interview, so they dress in casual attire and don’t always act profes-
sionally. This is one of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make.”

Another common mistake job fair attendees often make is bringing up

topics such as salary, benefits, and vacation time during an initial meeting,
even before they’ve been invited for a formal interview. These topics
shouldn’t be brought up by job seekers at anytime during a job fair.

As you meet with people at a job fair, collect business cards and follow up

your meetings later that day with a short letter, e-mail, or fax thanking each
person with whom you met for his or her time. Use this correspondence to
reaffirm your interest in working for an employer.

“At TJX Companies, we often leave it up to potential applicants to follow

up with us after we meet at a job fair. This helps us gauge their true interest
in the job opportunities we’re offering,” says Rodriguez. “Either making a fol-
low-up phone call or sending some type of letter, fax, or e-mail is essential.”

Some job fairs cater specifically to computer-related jobs. Look for ads in

your local newspaper or surf the Web for listings of high-tech job fairs in
your area. TechExpo USA (www.techexpousa.com) is just one example of a
company that sponsors high-tech job fairs in the Northeast.

INDUSTRY NEWSLETTERS AND MAGAZINES

Knowing how to stay on top of changes in your field will help make you a more
attractive candidate for any job. One of the best ways to track industry changes
and identify industry trends is by reading newspapers and publications geared
toward that industry. These publications will announce breaking news for the

How to Land Your First Job

industry and explain its significance. Being up on industry news will help con-
vince potential employers that you will be a valuable asset to their company.

You need to watch two types of trends: those specific to the computer

industry and those specific to the company/industry you want to work in.
Articles in computer-related magazines, e-zines (online magazines), and jour-
nals can help you keep up with emerging trends in the computer industry.
Your knowledge of trends—the direction of future computer development—
will make you more noticeable as a prospective employee and more valuable
as a full-time employee. You will bring a strategic vision to your position based
on your informed insight about the trends of the future.

You also need to be aware of trends in the industry or company of your

choice (medical, state universities, banks, etc.). For instance, an article in the
business section of your local newspaper announcing a new vice president may
signal that the company is either expanding or changing direction and might
soon be hiring new employees. An article in your area’s business newspaper
describing the legislature’s plans to impose a new law that will affect local busi-
nesses might lead you to either approach or avoid those companies in your job
search. A series of articles in an industry publication about the future of busi-
ness in that industry should help you focus your job-hunting strategy.

Depending on what aspect of the computer industry you choose to work

in, chances are there’s an industry-oriented publication that caters to your
professional interests. One of the best ways to keep up on the latest news
and developments in your field is to read as many industry publications as
possible. Reading back issues of these magazines will also help bring you up
to speed on what’s happening in an industry.

A list of industry-specific magazines and newsletters, such as InfoWorld,

TechWeek and Internet World, is available at the end of this book. Using any
search engine (such as Yahoo), enter the search phrase Computer Trade
Magazines to learn more about other computer-specific publications.

NETWORKING

You’ve heard the expression, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” To
be honest, it’s both. What you know is vital to getting a job; who you know
can also help.

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

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What is networking?
Networking is simply getting to know people in your industry and maintain-

ing contact with them. Networking relationships can provide many benefits:

Mentoring

Contacts within a prospective employer’s company

Information about emerging technology

Cutting-edge training

Information about trends in the industry

Getting Good Contacts

How do you begin networking? You probably already have. Anytime you
talk to someone you meet about your mutual interests in the computer field
or emerging technology, you have made a contact. Of course, the contact
will be short-lived if the person walks away before you get a name and phone
number. Make a habit of exchanging business cards with people you meet in
your field. You can get your own business cards even before you land your
first job. Include your name, phone number, and a title, such as computer
technician or computer repair person.

However, you don’t want to exchange cards with everyone you meet. You’ll

run out of your own cards and places to store all the cards you collect. So whom
should you consider a contact? Mainly people you meet through family and
friends who work in the computer field, especially if they have experience you
can learn from. Exchange cards with people in a position to hire new comput-
er technicians. And don’t discount your peers—consider peers who are ener-
getic, personally motivated, and advancing in their field as good contacts too.

Expanding Your Contact List

If a computer professional speaks to one of your classes or you take a semi-
nar from a working professional, ask for his or her business card. Ask the
person a few questions, and then follow up the next day with a phone call or
e-mail, saying thank you or asking an additional question.

How to Land Your First Job

Also consider requesting informational interviews at companies that

interest you. An informational interview is one in which you meet with
someone to find out about the company—what it does and what sorts of
positions are available or may be in the future. An informational interview
is an excellent opportunity for you in many ways:

You learn more about how companies work

You gain interview experience

You gain a contact that might help you get a job in the future

Maintaining Your Contacts

It is important to maintain contacts once you have established them. Try to
contact people again within two weeks of meeting them. You can always
send a note of thanks, ask a question, or send a piece of information related
to your conversation with them. This contact cements your meeting in their
minds; they will remember you more readily when you contact them again.
If you haven’t been in contact with some people for a few months, you might
send them a note or e-mail about a relevant new technology or an article you
read. Keep your name fresh in their minds.

Organizing Your Contact List

Many software packages, such as Act! 2000 (www.act.com) can help you
maintain your contact list. The alternative is to use business cards on a
Rolodex or a list in your day planner. A PDA is also an excellent tool for
managing contacts electronically. The benefit to using a PDA is that the unit
is portable and can be taken with you when you leave your office. Try to
maintain the following pieces of information about each contact person:

Name

Address

E-mail address

Phone number(s)

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Fax number

Company

Position

First meeting (where, when, what topics did you discuss?)

Last contact (when, why, and how)

Now that you know where to find the best jobs and have the training to

fill one or more of the job openings you find, the next step in the job search
process is to create your resume and cover letter, then start applying for the
jobs that are of interest to you. The next chapter will walk you through the
resume creation process.

THE INSIDE TRACK

Who:

Patrick Dermott

What:

Helpdesk Technician

Where:

C3i Inc.

New York, NY

INSIDER’S STORY

Technology has interested me since I was a child, but not necessarily computers. As I got

older though, my interest naturally led me into the emerging field of computer technolo-

gy, and I started out as an Information Systems Analyst. Computers are indispensable in

today’s business environment, and the technology is constantly advancing; I knew there

would always be a demand for skilled computer professionals and the opportunity to grow

as long as I kept abreast of the new technology and developments in the field.

While I was working as an Information Systems Analyst, I would call helpdesk tech-

nicians for advice, and their job seemed appealing to me. A colleague of mine had an

interview with the company that I would call for support, so I figured I’d ring Human

Resources and ask a few questions about the position and any other available oppor-

tunities. I ended up landing an interview, and because of my tech background, I was

hired and trained without prior helpdesk experience.

Basically, my job is to provide phone support to customers calling with off-the-shelf

and proprietary software questions. I answer any queries customers may have regard-

ing printers, scanners, docking stations, Palm Pilots, and other relevant hardware. What

How to Land Your First Job

I like the most about being a helpdesk technician is being presented with complex prob-

lems or issues that seem almost impossible at first and then solving them. Unfortunately,

not every caller necessarily has a difficult problem for me, and part of the job is answer-

ing repetitive and basic computer operation problems.

INSIDER’S ADVICE

My advice for anyone interested in getting into the computer field is simple: Get as much

training as possible and stay committed to your goal. It’s funny, because I now work with

the people I used to call for support. That’s why it is always important to keep your eyes

open and follow your interests, because if you stay informed, job opportunities will pres-

ent themselves.

101

MOST POTENTIAL

employers want to know the same basic

things about you: your name/address, education/training, computer skills,
and work experience. You might also include information about your career
goal/objective, professional organizations to which you belong, publications
you read, and references. The rest of this chapter will explain how to organ-
ize and present all that information.

Even if you ultimately choose to hire a professional resume writer or

resume preparation service to create your resume, the majority of this infor-
mation will be needed in order to do a good job of creating a resume on your
behalf. The same holds true if you purchase off-the-shelf resume creation
software for your computer.

Once you’ve pinpointed what job opportunities you’re

interested in pursuing, you’ll need to use a resume

and cover letter to apply for those jobs. This chapter

walks you through the process of creating a resume.

Your resume and your cover letter are extremely

important tools for landing a job. Be sure you take

whatever time is necessary to create well-thought-out

documents that clearly represent who you are and

what qualifications you have.

WRITING YOUR RESUME

CHAPTER

five

Contact Information

Full name

Permanent street address

City, state, zip

Daytime telephone number

Evening telephone number

Pager/cell phone number (optional)

Fax number (optional)

E-mail address (optional, but recommended)

Personal website address (optional)

School address (if applicable)

Your phone number at school (if applicable)

While it’s not necessary to include an e-mail address on a resume, it’s

strongly recommended. Most people working in the computer field use e-mail
as a primary form of communication. Be sure to list an e-mail address on your
resume so you’re easily accessible. Listing a personal website address also
emphasizes the point that you’re computer literate and provides potential
employers with an additional way of learning more about you. Your website
can also be used to showcase your programming and website design skills.

If you don’t yet have an e-mail address, consider joining one of the pop-

ular online services, such as America Online (www.aol.com). Many other
companies, such as Yahoo! (www.yahoo.com), Hotmail (www.hotmail.com),
and Juno (www.juno.com) offer free personal and private e-mail accounts to
people who already have Internet access.

These free e-mail accounts can be accessed from any computer that’s connect-

ed to the Internet, which means you can send and receive messages from your per-
sonal e-mail address anytime from school, your home computer, your computer
at work (although this isn’t recommended), a public library, or a friend’s comput-
er. If you already have your own Internet account, chances are you have an e-mail
address through your ISP. Do not use your current work e-mail address, especial-
ly if you’re keeping your job search a secret from your current employer.

The following questions will help you pinpoint the specific types of infor-

mation that need to go into the various sections of your resume and/or cover

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letter. By answering these questions, you’ll also get to know yourself better,
so you can find the job opportunities where you’ll prosper and that you’ll
enjoy. For more information on creating your resume, be sure to read Great
Resumes, by Jason R. Rich (LearningExpress, 2000).

Job/Career Objective(s)

Write a short description of the job you’re seeking. Be sure to include as much
information as possible about how you can use your skills to the employer’s ben-
efit. Be sure to review several Help Wanted ads to determine what employers are
actually looking for. Later, you’ll condense this answer into one short sentence.
_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

What is the job title you’re looking to fill? _______________________________
What are alternate job titles you’re qualified to fill? _____________________

Educational Background

List the most recent college or university you’ve attended: ______________
City/state: __________________________________________________________________
What year did you start? __________________________________________________
Graduation month/year: __________________________________________________
Degree(s) and/or award(s) earned: ________________________________________
Your major: ________________________________________________________________
Your minor(s): _____________________________________________________________
List some of your most impressive accomplishments, extracurricular

activities, club affiliations, and so on:___________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Grade point average (GPA): ______________________________________________
Other college/university you’ve attended: ________________________________
City/state: __________________________________________________________________
What year did you start? __________________________________________________
Graduation month/year: ___________________________________________________

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Degree(s) and/or award(s) earned: ________________________________________
Your major: _________________________________________________________________
Your minor(s): ______________________________________________________________
List some of your most impressive accomplishments, extracurricular

activities, club affiliations, and so on:____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Grade point average (GPA): ________________________________________________
High school attended: ______________________________________________________
City/state: __________________________________________________________________
Graduation date: ___________________________________________________________
Grade point average (GPA): ________________________________________________
List the names and phone numbers of one or two current or past profes-

sors/teachers (or guidance counselors) you can contact about obtaining
letters of recommendation or list as references:

______________________________________________________________________________

List any computer-related degrees, certificates, or other accreditations

you’ve earned:____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Degree/Certificate/Accreditation

Date Completed

Educational
Institution

______________________________________________________________________________

On your actual resume, you probably don’t want to list your GPA or your

class ranking unless you graduated from the very top of your class. For now,
however, include the information within this questionnaire.

Personal Skills and Abilities

Your personal skill set (the combination of skills you possess) is something
that differentiates you from everyone else. Skills that are marketable in the
workplace aren’t always taught in school, however.

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Your ability to manage people, stay cool under pressure, remain organ-

ized, surf the Internet, use specific software applications (such as Microsoft
Office), program (using a language such as Java, Flash, HTML, C++, etc.),
speak in public, communicate well in writing, communicate in multiple lan-
guages, or perform research are all examples of marketable skills.

When reading job descriptions or Help Wanted ads, pay careful attention

to the wording used to describe what the employer is looking for. As you
customize your resume for a specific employer, you’ll want to match up your
own qualifications as closely as possible with what the employer is looking
for. Try to utilize the wording provided by the employer in the Help
Wanted ad or job description.

What do you believe is your most marketable skill? Why? (If you’re

applying for a computer-related job, list specific skills or knowledge
you have that makes you qualified, such as a working knowledge of
Flash or programming in HTML, for example.)

______________________________________________________________________________

List three or four specific examples of how you have used this skill in the

past while at work. What was accomplished as a result?
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________

What are keywords or buzzwords that can be used to describe your

skill?_____________________________________________________________________

What is another of your marketable skills? ________________________________
Provide at least three examples of how you’ve used this skill in the work-

place.
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________

What unusual or unique skills do you possess that help you stand out

from other applicants applying for the same type of position?________

______________________________________________________________________________

How have you already proven that these skills are useful in the work-

place?____________________________________________________________________

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What specific computer skills do you possess? ____________________________
What operating systems are you familiar with? (MS-DOS, Windows

98/2000/ME/NT, UNIX, etc.) __________________________________________

What computer software packages are you proficient at using (e.g.,

Microsoft Office—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)? ____________________

What programming languages are you proficient at using? ___________
Thinking carefully, what skills do you believe you currently lack? ________
______________________________________________________________________________
What skills do you have that need to be polished or enhanced in order to

make you a more appealing candidate?

What options are available to you to either obtain or brush up on the

skills you believe need improvement (e.g., evening/weekend classes at
a college or university, adult education classes, seminars, books, home
study courses, on-the-job-training, etc.)?

____________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

In what time frame could you realistically obtain this training? ________

Work/Employment History

Most recent employer: _____________________________________________________
City, state: ____________________________________________________
Year you began work: ___________________________________________
Year you stopped working (write “Present” if still employed): ___________
Job title: _____________________________________________________________________
Job description: _____________________________________________________________
Reason for leaving: _________________________________________________________
What were your three proudest accomplishments while holding this job?

1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________

Contact person at the company who can provide a reference: ___________
Contact person’s phone number: __________________________________________
Annual salary earned: _______________________________________________________
Previous employer: _________________________________________________________
City, state: __________________________________________________________________

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Year you began work: ______________________________________________________
Year you stopped working (write “Present” if still employed): ___________
Job title: _____________________________________________________________________
Job description: _____________________________________________________________
Reason for leaving: _________________________________________________________
What were your three proudest accomplishments while holding this job?

Complete these employment-related questions for all of your previous

employers, including part-time or summer jobs held while in school, as well
as temp jobs, internships, and so on.

When it actually comes time to communicate with potential employers,

you probably won’t want to reveal your past earning history. You will want
this information available to you as reference, however, when you begin
negotiating your future salary, benefits, and overall compensation package.

Military Service (if applicable)

Branch of service you served in: ___________________________________________
Years served: ________________________________________________________________
Highest rank achieved: _____________________________________________________
Decorations or awards earned: _____________________________________________
Special skills or training you obtained: ____________________________________

Professional Accreditations and Licenses

List any and all of the professional accreditations and/or licenses you have

earned thus far in your career. Be sure to highlight items that directly
relate to the job(s) you’ll be applying for. _______________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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Hobbies and Special Interests

List any hobbies or special interests you have that are not necessarily work-

related but that potentially could separate you from the competition. Can
any of the skills utilized in your hobby be adapted for the workplace?

____________________________________________________________________________

What nonprofessional clubs or organizations do you belong to or active-

ly participate in?

____________________________________________________________________________

Personal/Professional Ambitions

What are your long-term goals? Knowing what your long-term goals are
will help you choose the best possible job opportunity for yourself as you
consider various options. Long-term goals refer to what you’d like to
accomplish in the next five, ten, or fifteen years.

Personal goals: ______________________________________________________________
Professional goals: __________________________________________________________
Financial goals: _____________________________________________________________
Will the job(s) you’ll be applying for help you achieve your long-term

goals and objectives? If so, how? If not, why not? ______________________

Describe your personal, professional, and financial situation right now.__

____________________________________________________________________________

What would you most like to improve about your life overall? ________
What are a few things you can do, starting immediately, to bring about

positive changes in your personal, professional, or financial life? ______

____________________________________________________________________________

Where would you like to be personally, professionally, and financially five

and ten years down the road? ____________________________________________

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What needs to be done to achieve these long-term goals or objec-

tives?_______________________________________________________________________________________________

What are some of the qualities about yourself, your appearance, and your

personality of which you’re most proud?________________________________

What are some of the qualities about yourself, your appearance, and your

personality that you believe need improvement?________________________

What do others most like about you? _____________________________________
What do you think others least like about you? ___________________________
If you decided to pursue additional education, what would you study and

why? How would this help you professionally? _________________________

If you had more free time, what would you spend it doing? ______________
List several accomplishments in your personal and professional life of

which you’re proud. Why did you choose these things?
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________

What were your strongest and favorite subjects in school? Is there a way

to incorporate these interests into the job(s) or career path you’re pur-
suing? _____________________________________________________________________

What do you believe is your biggest weakness? Why wouldn’t an employ-

er hire you? _______________________________________________________________

What would be the ideal work atmosphere for you? Do you prefer a large

corporate atmosphere, working at home, or working in a small office?

____________________________________________________________________________

List five qualities about the new job you’re seeking that would make it the

ideal employment opportunity for you.
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________

What did you like most about the last place you worked? __________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

What did you like least about the last place you worked? ________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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What work-related tasks are you particularly good at? ___________________

____________________________________________________________________________

What type of coworkers would you prefer to have? ______________________

____________________________________________________________________________

When it comes to work-related benefits and perks, what’s most important to you?

____________________________________________________________________________

When you’re recognized for doing a good job at work, how do you like

to be rewarded? _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

If you were to write a Help Wanted ad describing your ideal dream job,

what would the ad say? _______________________________________

___________________________________________________________

PUTTING THE FACTS TOGETHER

Using the information in the previous questionnaire, you should be able to
begin piecing together content for your resume. In terms of choosing the
best possible wording to convey your information and then formatting your
resume, follow the guidelines in this book or purchase a good guide that
contains dozens of specific sample resumes from which you can obtain ideas.
Whatever you do, never simply copy your resume right out of a book. Use
the sample resumes provided in this book and elsewhere as guides, but be
sure the content is 100% accurate and customized to you.

About You

List your full name, your address, and a phone number. If you live at school
or if you are thinking of moving soon, include a permanent address as well
as your current one. That way a potential employer can find you next week
or in three months.

Do not include personal information such as your religion, marital status,

race, or other personal details in the resume. Because of equal employment
laws, you will endanger your chances if you do so.

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Education and Training

When listing your educational background, start with your most recent
training and work backward. List your most recent degree or certificate, the
name and location of the school that granted it, and the date you graduated.
Also include special programs or vendor training you have completed.

Computer Skills

Include names of software, hardware, networking protocols, and platforms
with which you have worked. Indicate your level of expertise (e.g., “familiar
with,” “experienced,” or “expert”).

Work Experience

List all your computer-related experience, even if it isn’t as a computer tech-
nician. Also list all customer service experience you have; every job requires
customer service skills. Summer employment or part-time work should be
labeled as such, and you will need to specify the months in the dates of
employment for positions you held for less than a year.

If you’ve just finished your training program, you might feel you don’t have

much experience to list in a resume. Not true! Think back to those grueling
school projects. Getting a grade on a project was only half the project’s value.
You can use it now in place of experience you have not yet gained in the work-
place. List special projects with their title, a description, and lessons learned.

Objective

Many resumes begin with a career goal or objective. It doesn’t have to be
profound or philosophical. Describe the job you want, the field in which you
want to work, whether you want full- or part-time work, and whether you

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want employment or contract work. The purpose of the objective is to
assure potential employers that they are about to read a relevant resume.

Professional Organizations

If you belong to any professional organizations and read professional/trade
publications, you can list them in a separate section of your resume.

References

Employers interested in hiring you may want speak to people who can accu-
rately (and favorably) present your ability to do the job; these people are called
references. Make a list of everyone you feel would be a good reference—people
who would highly recommend you to an employer. However, don’t include your
family members; this list should be made up of former supervisors, teachers, or
other adults you have worked or dealt with in the past and who know you well.
Make sure you get permission from your references before listing them.

You can include references with each resume you send out, or you can

simply state at the bottom of the resume that your references are available
upon request. If you are responding to an advertisement, read it carefully to
see if you are supposed to send references. If the ad does not mention them,
you probably don’t need to send them with your resume. List your refer-
ences on a sheet of paper separate from your resume, but remember to
include your name, address, and phone number on your reference list too.

HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR RESUME

What your resume says is important, but how it’s formatted and what it
looks like on the printed page are also critical. You can organize your resume
in several ways. The most common types are:

Chronological format

Skills format (also known as a functional resume)

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Combination of chronological and skills format

Electronically scannable format

The Chronological Resume

The most common resume format is chronological—you summarize your work
experience year by year, beginning with your current or most recent employment
experience and working backward. For each job, list the dates you were employed,
the name and location of the company for which you worked, and the position(s)
you held. (See the sample chronological resume at the end of this chapter.)

The Skills Resume

The skills resume (also known as the functional resume) emphasizes what you can
do rather than what you have done. It is useful if you have large gaps in your work
history or have relevant skills that would not be properly highlighted in a chrono-
logical listing of jobs. The skills resume concentrates on your skills and qualifica-
tions. Specific jobs you’ve held are listed, but they are not the primary focus of this
type of resume. (See the sample skills resume at the end of this chapter.)

The Combination Resume

You may decide a combination of the chronological and the skills resume
would be best to highlight your skills. A combination resume allows for a
mixture of your skills with a chronological list of jobs you’ve held. You get
the best of both resumes. This is an excellent choice for students who have
limited work experience and who want to highlight specific skills.

The Electronically Scannable Resume

At many large companies, all resumes from job applicants are scanned by
a computer software program with optical character recognition (OCR)

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systems and entered into a database. Also, if you apply for jobs over the
Internet via an e-mail attachment, your resume requires special formatting
so it can be read electronically.

Having access to the Internet offers job seekers a wide range of resources.

One of the biggest trends right now in terms of corporate recruiting is for
employers to accept resumes online via e-mail, through their own or one of
the career-related websites. If you’re going to be applying for jobs online or
submitting your resume via e-mail, you’ll need to create an electronic
resume (in addition to a traditional printed resume).

An electronic resume can be created and distributed in a variety of ways.

Keep in mind that there are no standard guidelines to follow when creating
an electronic resume, since employers use different computer systems and
software. Thus it’s important that you adhere to the individual requirements
of each employer in terms of formatting, saving, and sending your resume
electronically.

Some companies accept electronic resumes created using Microsoft

Word or WordPerfect. However, if you’ll be creating your electronic
resume using one of these software packages, pay careful attention to the
format in which the finished document needs to be saved before sending it
to an employer, as the majority of employers prefer to receive resumes in
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) or Rich Text
format.

An alternative to creating an electronic resume using a word processor (or

resume creation software) is to complete an online-based resume form while
visiting an employer’s website or a career-related site. In order to keep
incoming resumes consistent in terms of formatting, many websites
designed for recruiting insist that all electronic resumes be created using a
predefined template. Online job seekers complete a detailed form that
requests all pertinent resume information. The user is prompted for each
piece of information separately (the user fills in predefined fields). The web-
site then formats the information automatically to meet the employer’s
requirements.

When completing an online-based resume form, be sure you fill in all

fields with the appropriate information only. Be mindful of limitations for
each field. For example, a field that allows for a job description to be entered
may have space for a maximum of only 50 words, so the description you

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enter needs to provide all of the relevant information (using keywords), but
it must also be written concisely. Since an electronic resume is as important
as a traditional one, consider printing out the online form first and then
spending time thinking about how you’ll fill in each field (or answer each
question).

Don’t attempt to be clever and add information that wasn’t requested in

a specific field in order to provide more information about yourself to an
employer. For example, if you’re given space to enter only one phone num-
ber, but you want to provide both a home and a cell phone number, don’t
use the fields for your address to enter the second phone number.

In most situations, if an employer accepts electronic resumes, chances are

those resumes are imported directly into applicant-tracking software. Thus it
is important that the software used by the employer be able to extract the spe-
cific information it’s programmed to seek out in the resume document you
submit. If you don’t provide the resume file in the appropriate format, there’s
a strong change your resume will be ignored or not processed correctly.

The majority of online resume templates you’ll come across on the vari-

ous career-related websites and sites hosted by individual employers follow
the same basic format as a traditional chronological resume. However, you’ll
be prompted to enter each piece of information in a separate field, and you’ll
most likely be limited to the number of fields you can fill in to convey your
information.

Some employers give applicants the option of completing an online

resume form/template or sending an electronic resume via e-mail. Unless
your work history and other information fits nicely into the format the
online form/template follows, opt to send your own electronic resume via e-
mail. This will allow you to customize the format you use more easily so you
can best highlight your skills and abilities. For an electronic resume to do its
job correctly, it needs to be loaded with keywords that will result in your
resume being selected when processed by a potential employer using appli-
cant-tracking software.

When e-mailing your electronic resume directly to an employer, as a gen-

eral rule, the document should be saved in an ASCII, Rich Text or Plain Text
file and inserted into your e-mail message or attached to it. Contact the
employer directly to see which method is preferred. The benefit to using an
attached file is that all of the formatting you added to your electronic

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resume when you created it on your word processor (line spacing, tabs, bul-
lets, bold text, etc.) will remain intact. If the file is sent in the body of an e-
mail message, all formatting will be lost, so only the text will be received.

On the other hand, due to the threat of computer viruses, many employ-

ers refuse to accept e-mail messages with file attachments. Thus, if you send
your resume file attached to a standard e-mail message, the chances of that
message simply getting deleted is very high.

When sending a resume via e-mail, the message should begin as a cover

letter (and contain the same information as a cover letter). You can then
either attach the resume file to the e-mail message or paste the resume text
into the message. Be sure to include your e-mail address, as well as your reg-
ular mailing address and phone number(s), in all e-mail correspondence.
Never assume an employer will receive your message and simply hit
“Respond” to contact you.

No matter how you’re submitting your electronic resume, be sure to

proofread it carefully before hitting the “Send” button. Just as with a tradi-
tional resume, spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and providing false
information won’t be tolerated by employers.

When creating an electronic resume to be saved and submitted in an

ASCII format, follow these formatting guidelines:

Set the document’s left and right margins to 6.5 inches of text displayed
per line. This will insure that the text won’t automatically wrap to the
next line (unless you want it to).

Use a basic 12-point text font, such as Courier or Times Roman.

Avoid using bullets or other symbols. Instead of a bullet, use an aster-
isk (*) or a dash (—). Instead of using the percent sign (%), spell out the
word percent.

Use the spell-check feature of the software used to create your elec-
tronic resume and then proofread the document carefully. Just as appli-
cant-tracking software is designed to pick out keywords from your
resume that showcase you as a qualified applicant, these same software
packages used by employers can also instantly count the number of
typos and spelling errors in your document and report those to an
employer as well.

Avoid using multiple columns, tables, or charts within your document.

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Within the text, avoid abbreviations—spell everything out. For exam-
ple, use the word Director, not Dir. and Vice President as opposed to VP.
In terms of degrees, however, it’s acceptable to use terms like M.B.A.,
B.A., Ph.D., and so on.

Knowing how to properly create and submit an electronic resume

demonstrates at least some level of computer skill. If you have a personal
website you want potential employers to visit in hopes they’ll learn more
about you, be sure the site doesn’t contain personal information that you
don’t want the employer to discover or that is of no interest to the employ-
er. Posting your resume and support materials on a personal website can be
worthwhile, especially if you’re hoping to land a job in a computer-related
or high-tech field, but don’t include pictures from your last vacation or pho-
tos of your pet cat on your personal site.

Properly formatting your electronic resume is important; however, what

you say in your resume is what could ultimately get you hired. According to
Rebecca Smith’s eResumes and Resources website (www.eresumes.com),
“Keywords are the basis of the electronic search and retrieval process. They
provide the context from which to search for a resume in a database,
whether the database is a proprietary one that serves a specific purpose, or
whether it is a Web-based search engine that serves the general public.
Keywords are a tool to quickly browse without having to access the com-
plete text. Keywords are used to identify and retrieve resumes for the user.”

“Employers and recruiters generally search resume databases using key-

words: nouns and phrases that highlight technical and professional areas of
expertise, industry-related jargon, projects, achievements, special task
forces, and other distinctive features about a prospect’s work history.”

The emphasis is not on trying to second-guess every possible keyword a

recruiter may use to find your resume. Your focus is on selecting and organ-
izing your resume’s content in order to highlight keywords for a variety of
online situations. The idea is to identify all the possible keywords that are
appropriate to your skills and accomplishments and that support the kinds of
jobs you are looking for. But to do that, you must apply traditional resume-
writing principles to the concept of extracting keywords from a resume. Once
you have written your resume, then you can identify your strategic keywords
based on how you imagine people will search for your resume.

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The keywords you incorporate into your resume should support or be

relevant to your job objective. Some of the best places within your resume
to incorporate keywords are when listing:

Job titles

Responsibilities

Accomplishments

Skills

Industry-related buzzwords, job-related technical jargon, licenses, and degrees

are among the other opportunities you’ll have to come up with keywords to add
to your electronic resume.

Keywords are the backbone of any good electronic resume. If you don’t

incorporate keywords, your resume won’t be properly processed by the
employer’s computer system. Choosing the right keywords to incorporate
into your resume is a skill unto itself, one that takes some creativity and
plenty of thought. For example, each job title, job description, skill, degree,
license, or other piece of information you list within your resume should be
descriptive, self-explanatory, and among the keywords the potential employ-
er’s applicant-tracking software is on the lookout for as it evaluates your
resume. One excellent resource that can help you select the best keywords
to use in your electronic resume is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (pub-
lished by the U.S. Department of Labor). This publication is available free
of charge online (http://stats.bls.gov/oco/oco1000.htm); however, a printed
edition can also be found at most public libraries.

RESUME CREATION TIPS

Creating a resume that conveys the information you need to get across
quickly is a skill that every job seeker must master. Your resume has to be
powerful, positive, and attention-getting, yet truthful. It should shout out to
the employer, “Hire me!” not “File me!”

No matter what type of resume you’re putting together, here are some

useful tips and strategies to help ensure that your finished document has the
most impact possible when it’s read by a potential employer.

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In the heading, include your full name, address, telephone number(s),
fax number, pager number, and e-mail address. If you’re trying to keep
your job search a secret from your current employer, don’t list your
work telephone or fax number. Also make sure that there’s an answer-
ing machine connected to the telephone number that’s listed on your
resume, so a potential employer can reach you anytime. Missing a mes-
sage could result in a missed job opportunity.

When listing your education, don’t include your grades, class rank, or
overall average unless this information is extremely impressive and will
help to set you apart from other applicants. Obviously, graduating first
in your class with a solid 4.0 GPA (straight-A average) is worth men-
tioning. The first piece of information listed in the education section
of your resume should describe the highest degree you’ve earned or are
in the process of earning.

To decide what work experience to include on your resume, start by
listing all of your internships, after-school jobs, summer jobs, part-time
jobs, full-time jobs, and volunteer and charitable work. Be prepared to
provide specific dates of employment, job titles, responsibilities, and
accomplishments for each position. How you convey this information
in your resume will be critical. Ultimately, you may have to refrain
from including some of the less pertinent information in order to con-
serve space.

As you sit down to write your resume, use action words, which are usu-
ally verbs, that make your accomplishments sound even better (without
stretching the truth). What your resume says about you—and more
important, how it’s said—is what will make your resume a powerful job
search tool.

Keep your resume short and to the point. Make sure all of the infor-
mation is well organized and stated as succinctly as possible. Your sen-
tences should be under 20 words each, and all paragraphs should be ten
lines or less. Remove words and phrases that are redundant.

Before distributing your resume to potential employers, proofread it
carefully. Even the smallest spelling or grammatical error will not be
tolerated and could result in your missing out on a job opportunity.
Have at least two other people proofread your resume.

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Spending extra time on your resume is an excellent investment in your

future. Pay careful attention to detail, and make sure that your resume pro-
motes you in the best possible way. To assist in formatting and designing
your resume, consider using specialized resume creation software, such as
ResumeMaker Deluxe Edition (www.individualsoftware.com) for PC-based
computers. Since the design and formatting of a resume is so important,
check out one of the many books available that explain and demonstrate the
resume creation process.

Successful job seekers spend many hours creating multiple drafts of their

resume, fine-tuning each sentence to make sure every word makes a positive
impact. A resume is a one-page composition designed to sell your skills,
work experience, and educational background to a potential employer.
Taking shortcuts when creating this extremely important document can
have disastrous results.

To ensure your resume will be seriously considered by a potential

employer, avoid making these common errors:

Having a typo or grammatical error in a resume is one of the worst
mistakes you can make. If you refuse to take the time necessary to
proofread your resume, why should an employer assume you’ll take the
time needed to do your job properly if you’re hired?

Avoid stretching the truth. A growing number of employers are verify-
ing all resume information. If you’re caught lying, you won’t be offered
a job, or you could be fired later if it’s discovered that you weren’t
truthful.

Don’t forget to list your full name, address, and telephone number at
the top of your resume as part of the heading. A potential employer
must be able to contact you easily.

Don’t use multiple fonts or overuse bold and italic typestyles. Choose
one easy-to-read 12-point font, such as Times Roman or Courier.

If you’re applying for a traditional job, don’t include clip art or graph-
ic images in your resume. This is appropriate only if you’re hoping to
land a job as an artist or plan to work in an industry such as advertis-
ing, where employers are looking for creativity.

Refrain from including in your resume and cover letter any references
to past salary or how much you’re looking to earn.

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Never include the reasons why you stopped working for an employer,
switched jobs, or are currently looking for a new job. If necessary, this
information can be brought up later, during an interview. Likewise, do
not include a line in your resume saying, “Unemployed” or “Out of
work,” along with the corresponding dates, in order to fill a time gap.

Don’t use long paragraphs to describe past work experience. Instead, con-
sider using a bulleted list. Most employers will spend 30 seconds initially
reading a resume, so it’s critical that key information, such as work experi-
ence, be easy to find and described using punchy action words and phrases.
Avoid using too much technical jargon and too many industry buzzwords.

Avoid brightly colored paper and cheap 20-pound copy paper when
you print your resume and cover letter. Use the same type of paper for
both, along with matching envelopes to create synergy. Visit any sta-
tionery or office supply store to purchase quality resume paper. Be pre-
pared to spend between 25¢ and $1 per sheet of resume paper (a bit less
if you purchase packages of matching paper and envelopes).

Never photocopy your resume. Use a laser printer to generate resumes
from your computer or have your resume professionally typeset and
printed.

Submitting electronic resumes via e-mail and posting resumes to an

online database are becoming increasingly popular. Remember that the for-
mat for electronic resumes is different from that for traditional resumes, and
adjust your resume accordingly.

If you know the resume you’re sending to an employer will be scanned into

an automated applicant-tracking system and not initially read by a human, it
should be created as a keyword resume. Instead of using action verbs, use nouns
or adjectives to describe your skills, job responsibilities, and qualifications. For
example, instead of using the action word managed, use the word manager or
management. Also, be sure to use the keywords listed by an employer in the job
description or Help Wanted ad to which you’re responding.

One of the biggest complaints from human resource professionals is that

applicants often apply for jobs they’re not qualified to fill. Before submitting
your resume to a potential employer, read the job description carefully to
ensure that you have the skills, experience, and educational background the
employer is looking for.

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It’s an excellent strategy to customize your resume for each job you apply

for; however, padding your resume so you can apply for jobs you’re not
qualified to fill will often be a waste of your time as well as the employer’s.

Finally, virtually all employers like to see applicants who can work well

with others. Stress teamwork in your resume, and focus on leadership or
managerial positions you’ve had in order to demonstrate that you can take
charge of a situation or a group of people.

Creating a powerful resume will take time and effort. Don’t be afraid to

write and then rewrite your resume many times until you’re confident it has
the impact needed to set you apart from the competition.

KEEP YOUR RESUME CLUTTER FREE

As a job seeker, probably your most valuable job search tool is the resume.
Typically, it will be the information contained on this single sheet of paper
that determines whether or not you’re invited for an interview and ulti-
mately land the job you’re applying for.

That’s why the information offered in your resume should be totally accu-

rate, contain no spelling or grammatical errors, be easy to read and under-
stand, and contain all of the important information an employer needs to
know about you, the applicant. Knowing you’ll have the attention of the
person initially reading your resume for 30 seconds, you need to convey that
information succinctly.

Everything about the resume document itself, including the resume for-

mat you choose, the font the text is printed in, the style of your writing, the
wording you use, and the actual content will be evaluated. Next to being dis-
honest and listing false or exaggerated information, the biggest mistake
applicants make when creating a resume is including too much information
or information not directly relevant to the job they’re applying for.

To keep your resume short (no longer than one side of one 8 1/2-by-11-

inch page), it’s critical to avoid adding irrelevant information. Likewise, if
you’re trying to pad your resume to make it longer, don’t add fluff in order
to compensate for a lack of work experience.

Sue Nowacki is a professional resume writer and president of 1st Impact

Resume & Career Strategies (904-794-5807, www.1st-imp.com). She says,

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“What the employer is interested to read on a resume is information that is
totally relevant and valuable to the position you’re applying to fill.
Everything else they simply don’t care about.”

As you begin writing your resume, always be asking yourself if the infor-

mation is directly relevant. Does the information make you appear more
valuable to the employer and more qualified to fill the specific job you’re
applying for? If the information doesn’t apply, don’t include it. “The more
clutter you add to your resume, the lower the chances of the important
information actually being noticed and read,” says Nowaski.

It’s ultimately your responsibility to determine what information the

employer wants and needs to see on your resume and to offer only that
information. To help determine what information about yourself is essential,
think carefully about each specific job you’re applying for. What are the
education, skill, and work experience requirements the employer will be
looking for in attempting to fill the position? What specific information can
you provide in order to showcase your qualifications?

“As you list your previous work experience and the responsibilities you

had in each of your previous jobs, you also want to list major achievements
in order to give the reader a sense you were good at those past jobs. Thus,
you want to highlight specific achievements as well as the benefits and value
you offered to past employers,” says Nowaski.

The portion of your resume that lists your employment history might

have the heading “Employment,” “Work Experience,” “Job History,”
“Professional Experience,” or “Employers.” The information in this section
of your resume should list each employer, your job title, dates of employ-
ment, the city and state of the employer, one or two well-written sentences
about your key responsibilities, and then three or four short sentences or
bulleted items describing specific accomplishments.

Whenever possible, list quantitative data, such as “Managed over 200

accounts generating $1 million in annual sales,” “Developed 41 new accounts
in 18 months,” or “Achieved a 24% average increase in sales over an 11-
month period.” These statements demonstrate achievements and value to a
potential employer. If a bulleted item or descriptive sentence doesn’t show-
case your responsibilities and demonstrate positive results, don’t include it.

Never list personal information on your resume that’s not directly relat-

ed to the job you’re applying for. “Avoid listing hobbies. Also, refrain from

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including personal information the employer can’t legally ask, such as your
marital status, whether or not you have children, or your religion. I recom-
mend applicants list affiliations with professional associations as long as the
information relates to the job.

While it’s common for people to add a section to their resume listing

awards and accolades, Nowaski believes this information should be includ-
ed, when applicable, in conjunction with specific employment information,
not in a separate section of the resume. Thus, if you’ve been named
“Employee of the Month” for six months in a row while working for the
ABC Company, this piece of information should be included under the
“Employment” section of your resume where you list the ABC Company.

If you’re still employed but searching for a new job, refrain from listing

on your resume your current work phone number, fax number and/or e-mail
address unless you’re comfortable with your current employer knowing
about your job search efforts.

Finally, there’s no need to include a line at the bottom of your resume stat-

ing “References available upon request.” This is assumed. If, however, you have
specific and highly marketable skills, be sure they’re clearly listed. As you write,
edit, and proofread your resume, make an effort to keep all of the information
short, to the point, and totally relevant. Remember, any less important infor-
mation can be discussed during a job interview. The purpose of your resume is
to get an employer interested enough in you so you get invited for an interview.
There’s no need to convey your entire life story using just your resume.

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Chronological Resume Sample

CHRISTINE MCDONALD

5110 Appleview Road

Watertown, ND 50298

703-425-7322

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a contract position as a computer technician

WORK EXPERIENCE

OVEMBER

1997—

PRESENT

ROWN

UBLISHING

OMPANY

, W

ATERTOWN

, ND

Hardware and Software Technician

Performed software rollout of Microsoft Office to 300 employees.

Installed and supported Microsoft applications, hardware, and

software; helped users with hardware and software problems.

UNE

1995—N

OVEMBER

1997

ORRANCE

UPPLIES

, W

ATERTOWN

, ND

Hardware and Software Technician/Help Desk/Network Technician

Hardware and software installation, helped users with hardware

and software problems, repaired Banyan and Windows NT 4.0

problems on contract to Texaco E&P.

PRIL

1993—J

UNE

1995

DVERTISING

, W

ATERTOWN

, ND

Graphic Artist

Handled large volume of ad design, pasteup, and layout for

newsletters. Took on extra duties and became heavily involved in

desktop maintenance and troubleshooting.

CTOBER

1992—A

PRIL

1993

ROWN

RAVEL

, I

., W

ATERTOWN

, ND

Customer Service Agent/Manager on Duty

Consistently scored high on monitored calls providing customer

assistance in a call center. Promoted to Manager on Duty within

two months, serving as first line of technical support to cus-

tomers.

EDUCATION

Associate of Science, Midtown College, Watertown, ND, 1992

Microsoft Certified System Engineer, 1995

A+ Certification, 1997

SKILLS

Experienced with Windows 95, Windows 3.1 and 3.11, MS

Office 95 and 97, Harvard Graphics, WordPerfect, and Corel Draw

Familiar with Novell NetWare 3.12, Banyan Vines, MS FrontPage,

Doc-to-Help

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Skills Resume Sample

KEVIN SINGH

5110 Viewcrest Road

Mesa, AZ 11223

948-230-3843

OBJECTIVE

A position as a computer technician

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficient in all Windows and Macintosh platforms

• Proficient in TCP/IP, NetBeui, and IPX networking protocols

• Proficient in most office and publishing applications, including

Excel, Word, WordPerfect, PageMaker, and Photoshop

• Expert in hardware and software installation

• Expert in basic hardware maintenance and repair

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Assisted students with desktop needs and provided trouble-

shooting for student computer lab

• Developed online cataloging system for instructor materials

• Involved in the maintenance and expansion of campus-wide net-

work

• Assisted in the maintenance of over 1500 computers and data

terminals utilizing a wide variety of operating systems, including

Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX

• Advised customers on what hardware and software to buy to fit

their needs

• Performed small upgrades in shop on desktops and notebooks

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Computer Lab Technician, Mesa College—Mesa, AZ,

June 1995—present

Computer Sales, Office Supplies Unlimited—Mesa, AZ,

February 1993—June 1995

Computer Sales and Upgrades, Office Supplies Unlimited—Mesa, AZ,

August 1992—February 1993

EDUCATION

Associate degree in computer science, 1997

Pleasant Community College

Mesa, AZ 11226

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In the next chapter, you’ll learn how to complete your job search by cre-

ating cover letters to complement your resume. You’ll also discover the
importance of writing thank you notes and preparing for that all-important
job interview.

THE INSIDE TRACK

Who:

Duane Hinkson

What:

Cold Fusion Developer

Where:

LearningExpress

New York, NY

INSIDER’S STORY

Working with computers has allowed me to express my creativity in a functional way by

developing programs and applications that people all over will use to improve their work.

I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information

Systems. Keeping a high GPA and getting that degree was very important, but just as

important were the internships I held during my schooling. My first two internships were

at my college and at Loctite; I worked as help desk support for their information systems.

I also interned at IBM, performing queries on the mainframe. The diversity of the work I

did during those internships, coupled with my education, gave me a well-rounded knowl-

edge of the way different computer systems function, and the experience helped me

land my first job with Pratt & Whitney as a Cold Fusion developer.

I make it a point to learn as much as possible about the developments in my field. I

taught myself the basics of Cold Fusion in my spare time, and when Pratt & Whitney

hired me, I received a couple of days of training that helped me along even further. Cold

Fusion is a Web application utility, and I knew with the explosion of e-commerce my

skills would make me a commodity among employers. It’s very important not to limit

yourself; the opportunity for success increases with the more you know. Besides Cold

Fusion, I have the ability to program in numerous programming languages including

Active Server Pages, Visual Basic, and Cobol.

INSIDER’S ADVICE

I got my position at LearningExpress by conducting a search using the popular job sites

for the technology field: Monster.com, Nettemps.com, Dice.com, Computerjobs.com,

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etc. My postings on those sites led recruiters to me, and ultimately I found the right job

at the right company. I work under a more advanced programmer, so I’ve had the abili-

ty to learn new technology and techniques and expand my knowledge base even fur-

ther. If possible, finding a mentor is one of the best ways to learn.

Anyone starting out should make sure they are diversified in the many different pro-

gramming languages. You can only get better when you see how the different languages

interact with each other. It is also very important to have a very advanced knowledge of

most Microsoft products. It takes time to get to this level so don’t expect everything to

come to you at once; with patience and the right attitude, doors will open for you.

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129

THE PURPOSE

of a cover letter is to provide the reader (your

potential employer) with the following information at a glance:

Which job you are applying for

Where you heard about the opening

An overview of your qualifications

KEEP YOUR COVER LETTER SHORT

The average hiring manager reads a cover letter for approximately three
seconds, so you need to get the main point across in that time.

Now that you have pinpointed what type(s) of jobs you

plan to apply for and have a resume that clearly show-

cases your skills, work history, educational background,

and qualifications, you’re almost ready to begin actual-

ly applying for jobs. In this chapter, you’ll discover how

to complement your resume with a well-written cover

letter, and then you’ll discover some of the secrets of

participating in a successful job interview.

COVER LETTERS AND THE JOB INTERVIEW PROCESS

CHAPTER

six

A hiring manager may have several similar job openings at one time, so

you should clearly describe which job you are applying for. You can copy the
title directly from the advertisement; after all, the hiring manager probably
wrote the ad and is very familiar with the terminology. Many human
resources departments track the success of their ads, so name the source
where you saw the position advertised.

The cover letter is your opportunity to summarize your qualifications

effectively. While it may be impressive to list all the details of all the jobs
you have held, it’s better to limit your cover letter to powerful statements,
such as “I have six years’ experience in the customer service industry and
eight years’ experience repairing computers.”

Address your cover letter to someone in particular, if possible. Take the

time to do some investigating. Call the human resources department and ask
for the name of the hiring manager or the human resources representative.
If it is company policy not to give out names, at least get a formal title and
use that in place of the name. Try to avoid simply using Human Resources
Representative as a name.

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Sample Cover Letter

38320 Highway 66

Atlanta, GA 80293

January 31, 2001

CORRINE MICHAELS

Human Resources Manager

Medical Devices Company

99302 Oak Street

Naples, GA 90233

Dear Ms. Michaels:

Please accept my resume for the desktop computer technician position advertised in the Tribune

on Sunday, January 30.

As required, I have a two-year computer science degree and am certified through Microsoft. I have

six years of experience in the customer service industry and eight years of experience servicing

computers.

I am available for an interview immediately and available to begin work two weeks after I am hired.

I look forward to meeting you in the interview.

Regards,

Jana Polowski

Enclosure: resume

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PARTICIPATING IN SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS

While there are many computer-related jobs out there, the trick to landing
one of them is to sell yourself to a potential employer. While the goal of your
resume is to capture the attention of a human resources person, participating
in an in-person job interview will provide you with the ultimate opportunity
to sell yourself as the ideal candidate for the job you’re applying for.

The only way to ace an interview is by being prepared. Showing that you

understand the company’s needs and can fulfill them will help you convince
the interviewer that you are the right person for the job. Remember the
guidelines listed below as you prepare for upcoming interviews (for more
help, consult Great Interview by Vivian Eyre, LearningExpress, 2000).

Be Prepared

Research the company before your interview and be ready to demonstrate
your knowledge. Learn what the company does and try to read recent news
releases to find out where it is planning to go in the future. You can research
the company in many ways: look at its Internet website, read about it in
industry magazines and newspapers, and talk to people who are familiar with
it. At a minimum, you should know the size of the company, what it does,
and its main products or services.

Professionally

Take the interviewing process very seriously. You are entering the profes-
sional world, and you want to show that you will fit into that environment.
It is important to be on time for your interview. Allow extra time for traffic
and getting lost if the interview is in an unfamiliar location. Schedule your
travel time so that you are in the lobby ten minutes before your interview
starts. This will give you time to relax before you start the interview.

Although your interview is not a fashion show, take the time to dress

properly. Depending on the culture of the company, proper attire could be

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anything from a suit to khakis. Make sure that your clothes are free of stains
and wrinkles. If you must make a choice, it is better to be overdressed than
underdressed.

Speak Confidently

Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and an enthusiastic smile.
Speak with confidence throughout your interview and address your com-
ments as if you assume you will be getting the job. For example, phrase your
questions this way: “What would my typical day consist of?” “How many
people would be on my team, and what are their areas of expertise?” Answer
questions in complete sentences, not with just yes or no. However, don’t
ramble on too long answering any one question; try limiting your answers
to under two minutes each. Many hiring managers will ask questions that
don’t have a right or wrong answer; they ask such questions to evaluate your
problem-solving skills.

Ask Questions

You usually will be given the opportunity to ask the interviewer questions,
so be prepared. Have a list of questions ready in advance. There’s much you
need to know about the company and the hiring manager in order to deter-
mine if the company is a good fit for you. It’s not just a one-way street—
while you are being evaluated, you are also evaluating the company to see if
it’s a working environment you want. If you don’t ask any questions, the hir-
ing manager may think that you aren’t interested in the position. In addition
to asking specific technical questions that relate to the job you’re looking to
fill, here are some examples of the types of questions you might want to ask
in an interview:

What would my typical day consist of?

What would my level of responsibility be?

What are the work hours?

What is your management style? (directed to the interviewer)

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What is the possibility for promotion in the next two years?

What type of computer systems, network, software does the company use?

What’s the annual budget for keeping systems up-to-date with the lat-
est technology?

Know the Interview Format

Large companies usually expect formal attire and hold formal interviews.
You probably will have to interview with two to five people and may be
required to come back for two or three rounds of interviews. The longer the
hiring process takes, the less likely the company is to lay off its staff. It takes
great pains to hire only as many people as are needed and only those who
will grow with the company.

Smaller companies are the largest employers right now. They are hiring

more people more quickly than any other employers. The smaller compa-
nies usually require that you undergo only one or two interviews for a job.
Generally, your first interview will be with the person who will make the
final decision in this streamlined process.

Universities often require that computer personnel fill out a qualifica-

tions form along with the job application as a part of the screening process.
If your qualifications don’t measure up, you won’t get an interview. If you
pass the qualifications portion of the application, you will be contacted for
an interview and probably will have at least two interviews.

Government agencies test applicants to make sure they meet the job

requirements. They have regularly scheduled exam dates and will keep the
results on hand so you can refer to them if you find a job you’d like to apply
for. Contact your local state or city government to find out the testing dates;
you also can purchase a set of booklets called The Federal Job Winner’s Tips pub-
lished by the federal government to help job seekers obtain government jobs.

Anticipate Interview Questions

As part of your job interview preparation, determine the types of questions
the interviewer will ask. Obviously, if you’re applying for a job that requires

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specific computer-related skills, the employer is going to ask you detailed
questions about what skills you possess and what experience you have using
those skills.

Spend time developing well-thought-out, complete, and intelligent

answers to these questions. Thinking about answers or even writing out
answers on paper will be helpful, but what will benefit you the most is actu-
al practice answering interview questions out loud and having someone you
trust evaluate your responses honestly.

Most of the questions you’ll be asked will be pretty obvious; however, be

prepared for an interviewer to ask you a few questions that are unexpected.
By doing this, the interviewer can see how you react and how well you think
on your feet.

As you answer all of the interviewer’s questions:

Use complete sentences and proper English.

Don’t be evasive, especially if you’re asked about negative aspects of
your employment history.

Never imply that a question is stupid.

Don’t lie or stretch the truth.

Be prepared to answer the same questions multiple times. Make sure
your answers are consistent, and never reply “You already asked me
that.”

Never apologize for negative information regarding your past.

Avoid talking down to an interviewer or making him or her feel less
intelligent than you are.

The following are common interview questions and suggestions on how you
can best answer them:

What can you tell me about yourself? [Stress your skills and accomplish-
ments. Avoid talking about your family, hobbies, or topics not relevant to your
ability to do the job.]

Why have you chosen to pursue your current career path? [Give specif-
ic reasons and examples.]

In your personal or professional life, what has been your greatest fail-
ure? What did you learn from that experience? [Be open and honest.

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Everyone has had some type of failure. Focus on what you learned from the
experience and how it helped you to grow as a person.]

Why did you leave your previous job? [Try to put a positive spin on your
answer, especially if your were fired for negative reasons. Company downsiz-
ing, a company going out of business, or some other reason that was out of your
control is a perfectly acceptable answer. Remember, your answer will probably
be verified.]

What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishments at your
last job? [Talk about what made you a productive employee and a valuable
asset to your previous employer. Stress that teamwork was involved in achiev-
ing your success and that you work well with others.]

In college, I see you were a (insert subject) major. Why did you choose
(insert subject) as your major? [Explain your interest in the subject matter,
where that interest comes from, and how it relates to your current career-
related goals.]

What are your long-term goals? [Talk about how you have been following
a career path and where you think this preplanned career path will take you
in the future. Describe how you believe the job you’re applying for is a logical
step forward.]

Why do you think you’re the most qualified person to fill this job?
[Focus on the positive things that set you apart from the competition. What’s
unique about you, your skill set, and your past experiences? What work-relat-
ed experience do you have that relates directly to this job?]

What have you heard about this company that was of interest to you?
[Focus on the company’s reputation. Refer to positive publicity, media atten-
tion, or published information that caught your attention. This shows you’ve
done your research.]

What else can you tell me about yourself that isn’t listed in your
resume? [This is yet another opportunity for you to sell yourself to the employ-
er. Take advantage of the opportunity.]

Don’t Forget to Wow ’em!

The in-person job interview is your opportunity to sell yourself to a poten-
tial employer by demonstrating through your words, appearance, attitude

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and body language that you’re the very best candidate to fill the job open-
ing available.

Whether or not you receive a job offer after participating in one or more

interviews has nothing to do with luck. The employer’s decision will be
based on your skills, experience, education, and how well you present your-
self and perform during the interview.

The following are strategies to help you properly prepare for an interview

and make a positive first impression:

The most important thing to do prior to an interview is to prepare. Do
research about the company you’re interviewing with and the industry
you’ll be working in, and if possible, try to learn as much as possible
about the individual who will be conducting the interview. Failure to
prepare properly for each interview is a guaranteed way to stay unem-
ployed.

As part of your preparation, participate in mock interviews with a
friend, relative, or career counselor. Practice answering common inter-
view questions out loud, and compile a list of at least five intelligent
questions you can ask the employer during the interview.

Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before the interview. You want to
look and feel rested and be totally awake and alert.

Before your interview, take a shower, shampoo your hair, clean your
fingernails, brush your teeth, shave, and apply antiperspirant and
deodorant. Your appearance is the very first thing a potential employ-
er is going to notice when you arrive for an interview. Making a posi-
tive first impression is critical.

Make sure your interview outfit is clean and wrinkle free and fits you
perfectly. Also, be sure your shoes are shined and coordinate well with
your outfit.

Make several extra copies of your resume, letters of recommendation,
and list of references, and bring them to your interview. You’ll also
want to bring your daily planner, along with your research materials, a
pad, and a working pen. All of this paperwork will fit nicely into a brief-
case or portfolio. On your pad, write down the company’s name, inter-
viewer’s name, address, telephone number, and directions to the loca-
tion of the interview.

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The morning of your interview, read a local newspaper and watch a
morning news program so you’re aware of the day’s news events and
will be able to discuss them with the interviewer. Many interviewers
like to start off an interview with general chit-chat. You want to appear
knowledgeable about what’s happening in the world around you.

Arrive at your interview at least 10 minutes early and check in with the
receptionist. While it’s okay for an interviewer to keep you, the appli-
cant, waiting if he or she is running late, it is never appropriate for the
job seeker to show up for an interview even one minute late.

From the moment you arrive at the interview location and step in the
front door, be in interview mode. Act professionally and be polite to
everyone, including secretaries and receptionists.

When you’re introduced to the interviewer, stand up, smile, make
direct eye contact, and shake hands. Refer to the interviewer formally,
as Mr./Ms./Dr. (insert last name). When you’re invited to sit down, try
to sit down either at the same time or after the interviewer.

As the interview gets underway, sit up straight. Listen carefully to the
questions posed, take a moment or two to think about each of your
answers, and then answer using complete sentences. Words like,
yeah, nope, and umm should not be used as part of your professional
vocabulary.

Throughout the entire interview, in addition to what you say, you will
be evaluated based on how you conduct yourself and use body lan-
guage. Prior to your interview, spend the necessary amount of time
learning to control your nervous habits. If you know what your nerv-
ous habits are, they’ll be easier to control in stressful situations.

During the later part of your interview, make it a point to come right
out and ask for the job you’re applying for. Explain exactly why you
want the job, what you can offer to the company, and why you’re the
best candidate to fill the position.

No matter what questions are asked during the interview, what the
employer ultimately wants to know is if you’re the best person for the
job. Will you be an asset to the company if you’re hired? Do you have
the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to achieve the job’s
requirements successfully? Will you fit nicely into the corporate cul-
ture within the company? Are you a hard worker who is dedicated and

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honest? During an interview, it’s your job to convey whatever informa-
tion is necessary, using specific examples, and tell your story.

Job Interviews: What NOT To Do

Once you are invited by a potential employer to come in for an interview, to
maximize your chances of landing the job, it’s critical to do everything with-
in your power to prepare and avoid the common mistakes often made by
applicants. Remember, for every job you apply for, chances are there are
dozens of other applicants who’d also like to land that same job. The good
news for you, however, is that there’s currently a shortage of qualified peo-
ple with computer skills looking to fill computer-related positions.

The following are some of the most common mistakes applicants make

while preparing for or participating in job interviews, plus tips on how to
avoid making these mistakes.

Never lie on a resume. Don’t apply for jobs you’re not qualified for and
then lie in order to get invited for an interview.

Don’t skip steps in your interview preparation. Just because you’ve
been invited for an interview, you can’t afford to wing it once you get
there. Prior to the interview, spend time doing research on the compa-
ny, its products/services, and the people with whom you’ll be meeting.

Before an interview, avoid drinking any beverages containing caffeine.
Chances are you’ll already be nervous about the interview. Drinking
coffee or soda won’t calm you down.

Don’t go into the interview without any questions to ask. Prior to the
interview, use your research to compile a list of intelligent questions to
ask the employer. These questions can be about the company, it’s prod-
ucts/services, its methods of doing business, the job responsibilities of
the job you’re applying for, and so on. In turn, when it’s time for you
to answer questions, always use complete sentences.

Never bring up salary, benefits, or vacation time during the initial
interview. Instead, focus on how you (with all of your skills, experience,
and education) can become a valuable asset to the company. Allow the
employer to bring up the compensation package to be offered.

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Refrain from discussing your past earning history or what you’re hop-
ing to earn. An employer typically looks for the best possible employ-
ees for the lowest possible price. Let the employer make you an offer
first. If asked about your salary requirements, tell the interviewer
you’re looking for a salary/benefits package that’s in line with what’s
standard in the industry for someone with your qualifications and
experience. Try to avoid stating an actual dollar figure.

During the interview, avoid personal topics. There are questions that
an employer can’t legally ask during an interview situation (or on an
employment application). In addition to these topics, refrain from dis-
cussing sex, religion, politics, and any other highly personal topics.

Never insult the interviewer. It’s common for an interviewer to ask
what you might perceive to be a stupid or irrelevant question. In some
cases, the interviewer is simply testing you to see how you’ll respond.
Some questions are asked to test your morals or determine your level
of honesty. Other types of questions are used simply to see how you’ll
react in a tough situation. Try to avoid getting caught up in trick ques-
tions. Never tell an interviewer that a question is stupid or irrelevant.

If you’re a highly trained computer specialist, don’t get overly technical
with the person interviewing you unless that person is also a computer
specialist. If you’re interviewing with a human resources person, chances
are if you start using all sorts of technical lingo, the person conducting the
interview won’t understand what you’re talking about. If the person is the
vice president of computer operations for the company, however, it’s cer-
tainly appropriate to have a technical discussion during your interview.

Throughout the interview, avoid allowing your body language to get
out of control. For example, if you’re someone who taps your foot
when you’re nervous, make sure you’re aware of your habit so you can
control it in an interview situation.

Throughout any job interview, your primary objective should be to posi-

tion yourself as the ideal candidate for the job you’re applying for. By avoid-
ing the common mistakes made by many applicants, your chances of land-
ing a job increase dramatically. One of the best ways to prepare for an inter-
view is to participate in mock interviews with someone who will ask you
questions and then honestly critique your responses.

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Follow Up

After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note, e-mail, or voice mail
message to the interviewer. Following up lets interviewers know that you are
serious about the position and also helps them remember you better. Here
are some tips for following up:

Have plenty of notepaper and stamps available. A thank-you note is
most effective when it is written on the same day as your interview and
mailed right away.

Send a separate note to each person who interviewed you, and make
each one personal. Refer to something that happened during the inter-
view, such as a tour of the building or an introduction to the present
job holder.

Check your note for spelling and grammatical errors. You are trying to
reinforce the impression that you are the right candidate.

It’s a common belief that by conducting a job interview, the interviewer is

simply doing his or her job, which is to fill the position(s) the employer has
available. As a result of this belief, many job seekers show no gratitude to the
interviewer. Thus, a thank you note is never sent after a job interview—and
that’s a mistake.

Sending a personal and well-thought-out note immediately after an inter-

view is extremely beneficial. It will keep your name in the forefront of the
hiring manager’s mind. It will also show that you have good follow-up skills
and that you’re genuinely interested in the job opportunity. Individual and
personalized thank-you notes should be sent out within 24 hours of your
interview to everyone you met with when visiting a potential employer.
Send separate notes containing different messages to each person.

As you write each note, address it using the recipient’s full name and title.

Make sure you spell the person’s name correctly. The note can be typewrit-
ten on personal stationery. If you choose to type your note, follow a stan-
dard business letter format.

A much more personal alternative is to handwrite your thank-you note on

a professional-looking note card, which can be purchased at any stationery,

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greeting card, or office supply store. The personal touch will do a lot to fur-
ther a positive impression and help separate you from your competition.

Keep your message brief and to the point. Thank the interviewer for tak-

ing the time out of his or her busy schedule to meet with you and for con-
sidering you for the job opening available. Make sure to include the exact
job title or position you applied for.

In one or two sentences, highlight the important details discussed in your

interview. You want the interviewer to remember you. Finally, reaffirm your
interest in the position and invite further contact. Keep in mind that a
thank-you note is never the place to discuss issues under negotiation, such
as salary, benefits, concerns, work schedule, and so on.

It’s important to show your gratitude to everyone who helps you find and land

a job. This includes all the people you interview with as well as any networking
contacts that help you find job opportunities. If you demonstrate that you’re grate-
ful for someone’s help, that person is more apt to keep helping you in the future.
A thank-you note is a perfect and professional way to show your appreciation.

PARTICIPATING IN INTERNSHIPS

Most colleges do an excellent job of educating students, but it’s impossible
to teach something that all employers look for—real-world experience. If
you’re a college student, one of the best ways to jump-start your career while
still in school is to participate in an internship program, working in the
industry you hope to break into upon graduation.

Virtually all colleges offer structured internship programs that allow stu-

dents to work during their vacations or after classes (on a part-time basis),
earn college credits, and gain valuable real-world experience. Many compa-
nies, in all industries, offer paid or unpaid internship opportunities. Even if
a company you want to work for doesn’t offer a structured internship pro-
gram, if you have direct contact with an executive within the company, it’s
still possible to work there as an intern.

Even if participating in an internship program isn’t a requirement for

landing a job in the field you hope to break into, having real-world experi-
ence certainly makes you a stronger and more marketable job candidate
upon graduation. In addition, working as an intern provides you with

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incredible networking opportunities. It also gives you access to computer
equipment and software that you will need to be familiar with but that your
school or training facility might not provide hands-on training for.

Often, if you’re able to demonstrate your abilities as an intern, you can

easily parlay that into a full-time job upon graduating. Most employers pre-
fer to hire people who have already proven themselves to be competent and
who know their company.

The best time to begin looking for internship opportunities is several

months prior to when you hope to begin working. Companies with estab-
lished internship programs often have an application and interview process
that prospective interns must complete. This is very similar to applying for
a regular job and often requires submitting a resume and a cover letter along
with an application, followed by participation in an interview.

If you’re hoping to obtain college credit for your internship work, it’s best

to work through your college’s internship program coordinator or one of
the department heads at your school.

Most people have heard that interns are used and abused by employers.

In some cases this is true. Interns are used to complete repetitive and reme-
dial tasks that paid employees don’t want to do, for example, making copies,
getting coffee, or dropping off an executive’s dry cleaning. For those people
who do their research in advance and pinpoint the best opportunities, how-
ever, an internship can be a rewarding, fun, and educational experience that
leads to greater opportunities.

Before looking for an internship program, determine what your goals are.

Possible goals might be to get your foot in the door at a specific company, to
learn about a specific industry, to obtain real-world work experience doing
something that interests you, to master skills that can only be learned on the job
(as opposed to in a classroom), to earn college credit, and/or to earn a paycheck.

As you explore specific opportunities, some of the questions you’ll want

to ask include:

How many work hours are required to receive credit?

How much does the internship pay (if applicable)?

Will I be graded for my work? If so, will the grading be done by a col-
lege professor or the person I work under at the company where I
intern?

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Do I have to arrange my own internship with the company or will it be
arranged through my school?

Does the internship program at my school also require me to attend
classes, write a paper, or make a presentation to a faculty member in
order to receive credit?

What will my responsibilities be on a day-to-day basis?

Who within the company will I be working for?

Will the internship provide real-world work experience that’s directly
related to my chosen field?

Will my participation in the internship provide me with networking
opportunities?

Make sure the internship you’re looking to participate in will allow you

to utilize the computer skills and training you’ve already received and also
provide you with exposure to new areas of knowledge that will make you a
more valuable job applicant in the future. An internship should provide you
with a forum to showcase your established computer skills, but it should also
provide you with an opportunity to learn.

Once you land an internship, consider it an audition for ultimately

obtaining a full-time job. Always act professionally, ask questions, follow
directions, display plenty of enthusiasm, volunteer to take on additional
responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work closely with your boss/supervisor.
Upon graduating, make sure to highlight your internship work on your
resume.

One excellent resource for finding internship opportunities (aside from

personal contacts and your school) is the Internet. Vault.com Internships
(www.vault.com), for example, offers a listing of internships available
nationwide.

The following books are also excellent resources:

Anselmi, John. The Yale Daily News Guide to Internships 2000. (Kaplan,
$25.00)

Green, Marianne Ehrlich. Internship Success. (VGM Career Horizons,
$12.95)

Oldman, Mark. America’s Top Internships, 2000 Edition. (Princeton
Review, $21.00)

Peterson’s 2000 Internships (Peterson’s Guides, $24.95)

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As you can see from reading Chapters 5 and 6, there are many steps

involved in finding, applying for, and ultimately landing a job. Throughout
this entire process, make sure you keep a positive mental attitude, put in the
time necessary to complete each step of the process properly, and never lose
focus on what you’re trying to accomplish—finding the best possible job
opportunity for yourself. Once you have the necessary training in the com-
puter field, you’ll find that many exciting job opportunities will be open to
you. Your goal should be to find the job opportunity that meets your own
needs and desires. Don’t settle for the first job that comes along.

If a traditional or structured internship opportunity isn’t available and

coordinated through your school, you can still contact companies directly
and offer yourself as a paid or unpaid intern. In this situation, you’ll gain
valuable experience, but you might not earn school credit.

Another way to gain additional work experience is to work with a tempo-

rary employment agency and accept short-term job assignments with vari-
ous employers. This gives you the chance to meet people, establish net-
working contacts, be exposed to various work environments, and experience
various types of jobs. Check the Yellow Pages or the Internet to find tem-
porary employment agencies in your area that specialize in placing people in
technical or computer-related jobs.

THE INSIDE TRACK

Who:

Jason Luft

What:

Technical Analyst

Where:

American Express Tax and Business Services

New York, NY

INSIDER’S STORY

In college I was an anthropology and history double major. I loved learning about both

fields, but I wasn’t sure what I could do with them in terms of a job. But growing up, I

found computers fascinating; I taught myself most of what I know about computers tin-

kering around with my own computer. Once I started my job search after graduation, I

decided to try to work in the exploding technology industry. I got my foot in the door work-

ing as an intern at Netlan Inc., a networking company in midtown Manhattan. I didn’t like

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programming, so I decided to get a PC support/help desk job where I would be paid to

play with computers all day.

My typical day at the Help Desk involves rather basic duties: some phone answering,

software and hardware troubleshooting, software rollout and testing, and hardware and

software advising. I love the freedom of my current job. It is up to me to perform my day-

to-day duties, so once assignments are given, I can be my own boss. In addition, the

work atmosphere is very laid-back, my co-workers are young and fun, and I don’t have

to take work home with me, so my job doesn’t stress me out.

INSIDER’S ADVICE

This field is extremely collaborative; you often depend on each other for help, so it really

helps to like the people you work with. It also helps to be patient; it’s vital when you work

with non-tech colleagues. Make sure that you know how to tactfully say, “Is it plugged

in?” or “Try rebooting your machine.” You should also know what to say when they ask

where the “Any key” is.

Anyone considering a career in computer technology should make sure they get the

proper training and continue to learn. Keep up with new technologies—the field is con-

stantly changing. If you want to follow this career path, knowledge is vital. You’ll be an

even more valuable employee if you become an expert at something. By specializing in

a particular field you’ll fill an important niche that most people cannot.

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147

FROM THE

moment you began applying for jobs and participating in

job interviews, you began establishing and building upon your professional
reputation—what people think of you in terms of your personality, compe-
tence, and attitude. These qualities contribute greatly to what coworkers,
subordinates, superiors, clients, customers, and anyone else you come into
professional contact with say or think about you behind your back.

SURVIVING YOUR FIRST WEEKS AT A NEW JOB

For many job seekers, the stress involved with finding new job opportuni-
ties, sending out resumes, participating in interviews, and dealing with all of

By following the advice offered in the earlier chapters

of this book, you’ll be landing an exciting job in the

computer field soon. This job should be one that you’ll

thoroughly enjoy and that can lead you toward career

advancement in the future. In this chapter, you’ll dis-

cover some of the secrets of surviving and thriving in

your new career. You’ll learn about managing impor-

tant work relationships and how to better fit into the

workplace culture, manage your time, find a mentor,

and ultimately make your mark at work.

HOW TO SUCCEED ONCE YOU’VE LANDED THE JOB

CHAPTER

seven

the other hassles involved in finding employment can be emotionally drain-
ing. Thus it makes perfect sense that most people experience a huge sense
of relief once they’re actually offered a new job, conduct a successful salary
negotiation, and then accept the new position.

The problem is, as soon as some people show up for their first day of

work, the stress associated with beginning a new job kicks in, which could
make the first few weeks at a new job unpleasant. Stepping into a new job
situation can be difficult. It often involves a major change in your daily rou-
tine, getting to know an entirely new group of people, and learning the poli-
cies and procedures of your new employer.

You also need to learn about the underlying office politics that play a major

role in any work environment, and you need to determine exactly what is
expected of you in terms of job performance. It’s necessary to determine
exactly how your position fits into the overall operation of the company and
be willing to adapt your work habits to meet the needs of the employer.

Starting a new job may also require you to learn new skills or force you to

step into a high-pressure situation and immediately perform at your peak effi-
ciency, even before you’re given a proper new employee orientation. While
stepping into a new job means a major change in your life, it also impacts your
new coworkers, who might not immediately accept you as a peer. As you begin
your new job, don’t be surprised if it takes up to several weeks before you’re truly
accepted by your new coworkers, especially if you’ll be working with a close-knit
group of people who have a long history working together. Be patient. If you try
your best, you’ll start to feel comfortable, confident, and you will soon fit in.

Hopefully, before accepting a new job, you did the necessary research to

learn as much as you could about the company and the position you were
being hired to fill, and you’re now confident you’ve found a job that will
allow you to combine your interests, skills, and educational background. If
possible, try to schedule an appointment, in advance of actually starting the
job, to meet your immediate superiors and coworkers and receive a tour of
your work environment. If you go into a new job knowing there’s a good
chance you’re going to enjoy it, the stress associated with starting the job
will be greatly diminished, since much of the stress you’d typically feel
would be in anticipation of entering into an unknown situation.

Adapting to a new work situation happens instantaneously for some, but

for others it could take up to three or four weeks. During this time, be open-

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minded and try to maintain a positive attitude. Until some time has passed,
it’s difficult to tell if you simply accepted the wrong job, or if you’re experi-
encing the new job acclimation process, which is normal. Unless you’re
absolutely sure after a week or two that you’ve made the wrong job decision
by accepting your job, stick it out for at least a month before making the
decision to quit if you’re truly unhappy.

If your job requires you to learn new skills, understand that anytime

someone attempts to learn something new, it’ll take time, effort, and
patience. Even if you received top grades in school, putting your textbook
knowledge to work in the real world is a learning process unto itself. In
order to meet the expectations of your employer, be prepared to put in some
extra hours initially as you learn how to perform in your new job and mas-
ter the skills required to fulfill the job’s responsibilities.

Medium and large companies tend to hire groups of people at the same

time and put them through the same new employee orientation process and
training. As you meet new coworkers who are beginning their jobs at the
same time as you, keep in mind that they’re in the same situation as you are.
Try to develop a friendship with these people early on during your orienta-
tion and/or training so that when you actually begin working, you won’t be
entering a new job situation alone.

Always think of a new job as providing a new set of exciting opportunities

and a chance to start fresh. By taking control of your life, you can seek out
and pursue those opportunities that will lead to career advancement and sat-
isfaction. You must, however, face these opportunities with the proper
mind-set and be willing to work hard for what you want. Never allow the
fear of failing to hold you back as you begin to take advantage of the oppor-
tunities your new job has to offer.

If you begin your new job determined to be open-minded, professional,

friendly, persistent, and flexible, chances are you’ll adapt quickly and soon
be accepted by your new coworkers.

MANAGING WORK RELATIONSHIPS: BASIC RULES

No matter what type of career you choose to pursue, your success will depend
in large part on the business relationships you develop and cultivate, and how

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you get along with others, particularly those with whom you work. Making a
conscious effort to respect others, becoming a people person and making sure
you’re a team player on the job will help your career immensely.

When it comes to building and maintaining professional relationships,

some basic rules apply to any workplace. If you’re aware of them, they can
help get you out of a bind or even prevent you from getting into one.

1. Sometimes peace is better than justice

You may be right about a situation (and your boss or coworker may be
wrong). You may be absolutely, 100% sure you are right. Unfortunately,
you may have coworkers who doubt you or who flatly disagree with
you. This is a common occurrence in the workplace.

In some situations, you need to assert your position and convince

the disbelievers to trust your judgment. Your previous track record
and reputation will go a long way toward helping to convince people
to trust your opinions, ideas, and decisions. However, carefully con-
sider the gravity of the situation before you stick your neck out.

In other words, in a work environment, choose your battles wisely.

For instance, go ahead and argue your position if you can prevent a
catastrophe, such as a computer crash or a network failure. On the other
hand, if you are having a debate about an issue of taste, opinion, or pref-
erence, you may want to leave the situation alone or accept the decisions
of your superiors. Let your recommendation(s) be known, but do not
argue your point relentlessly. Sometimes you will be right and people
will not listen to you. That’s life; it will happen. Settle for peace to save
a work relationship or to save time. Always be open to compromise, and
be willing to listen to and consider the options and ideas of others.

2. Don’t burn any bridges

If you are in a disagreement, or if you are leaving one employment
situation for another, or if a project is ending, always leave the work
relationship on a good note. Remember, your professional reputation
will follow you throughout your career. It will take years to build a
positive reputation, but only one mistake could destroy it.

When changing jobs, don’t take the opportunity to speak your

mind in a ranting and raving manner before you leave. While it might

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make you feel good for about three minutes, it will have a lasting
effect on your career and on people’s perception of you. Someone you
told off could become your boss someday or might be able to help you
down the line. No matter what industry you work in, you’ll find that
it’s probably a close-knit community and that people know one anoth-
er, either in person or by reputation.

If you wind up acting unprofessional toward someone, even if you

don’t ever have contact with that person again, he or she will have
contact with many other people and possibly describe you as hard to
work with or downright rude. Your work reputation is very impor-
tant; don’t tarnish it by burning your bridges.

Likewise, when changing employment situations, do so in a pro-

fessional manner. There are countless reasons why someone leaves
one job to pursue a career with another company, but in order to
maintain a good reputation within an industry, it’s important to act
professionally when you actually quit a job. Getting into a fight with
your boss, shouting, “I quit!” and then stomping out of the building
forever is never the best way to handle things. Even if you think your
boss is an incompetent jerk, never let your negative feelings in the
heat of anger cause you to act unprofessionally.

If you get into a major disagreement with your employer, never

make a decision to quit impulsively. Spend a few days thinking about
your decision, and if you decide it’s time to move on, start looking for
a new job before actually tendering your resignation to your current
employer. As a general rule, even if you’re not getting along with your
boss or coworkers, it’s never a good idea to quit your current job until
you’ve lined up a new one.

Once you’ve actually landed that new job and are ready to quit your

current one, arrange a private meeting with your boss or with the
appropriate person within the company and offer your resignation in
person, following it up in writing with a friendly and professional let-
ter. Whether you’re leaving your full-time job or a temporary
employment position, never simply walk off the job, and always try to
give your current employer proper notice.

Two weeks’ notice is the traditional norm. Some people give notice

and then use their accumulated vacation or sick days to avoid showing

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up for work. This is not appropriate behavior. Even if your new
employer wants you to start work immediately, he or she will almost
always understand that, as a matter of loyalty and professional cour-
tesy, it is necessary for you to stay with your current employer for
those two weeks after giving your notice.

During those last two weeks on the job, offer to do whatever you

can, such as training your replacement, to maintain a positive rela-
tionship with your coworkers and boss. Make your exit from the com-
pany as smooth as possible. Purposely causing problems, stealing
from the employer, or sabotaging business deals are all actions that
are unethical and totally inappropriate. Some companies will request
your immediate departure when you quit and will cut off your com-
puter access and escort you out of the building, especially if you’re
leaving on a negative note. Prior to quitting, try to determine how
past coworkers were treated, so you’ll know what to expect.

As you actually leave the company for the last time, take with you

only your personal belongings and nothing that is considered the
company’s property. Make a point to return, directly to your boss,
your office keys and any company-owned equipment that was in your
possession. If possible, for your protection, obtain a written memo
stating that everything was returned promptly and in working order.

If you have a personal client list and are planning on taking a copy

of it with you, make sure you have the legal right to take this infor-
mation. Companies have different restrictions to which their employ-
ees are legally bound through non-compete agreements and employ-
ee contracts.

Down the road, you might need to use your current employer as a

reference. Simply walking off the job and leaving the company in a
bind is not the best way to maintain positive relationships. Lisa Elias,
a former branch operations manager for the Framingham, MA office
of Kelly Services, says, “It’s very important to never burn bridges.
Your actions with your employers will follow you throughout your
career, especially if you stay within one city and keep working in a
specific industry. You’ll find that most people within an industry know
each other, and your reputation will follow you from job to job.”

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3. Keep work and social life separate

You were hired to do a job, not to meet new friends and potential
dates. While it’s important to be friendly and form positive relation-
ships with the people with whom you work, beware of becoming too
chummy. Personal relationships can wreak havoc in the workplace,
especially if those relationships become romantic. Consider that you
might have to rate a friend’s job performance, take work direction
from a buddy, or fire someone you hang out with. While there are
challenges associated with working with friends, these can often be
dealt with. The challenges associated with at-work romances, howev-
er, more often than not lead to disaster.

There are many reasons to avoid romance at work. For example,

seeing your heartthrob around the office distracts you from your
work, romantic relationships spark rumors, breakups are hard enough
without seeing your ex in the office every day, and so on. It is wise to
keep your work relationships professional.

Managing Relationships with Your Customers

As a computer technician, you will be working in customer service. The cus-
tomers you’re working with might be clients for whom you do consulting,
other employees from various divisions of your company, or anyone else for
whom you’re hired to provide computer support or services. As a computer
technician, it’s your job to cater to the computing needs of those for whom
you work, whether you’re designing a network, maintaining a website, pro-
gramming applications, or using various off-the-shelf software packages and
making sure they run properly.

Unfortunately, your customers will often be panicked, stressed-out, or

extremely frustrated when they need you. When people call a computer
technician, it is usually because something is wrong with their computer or
network. They are upset, they are getting behind in their work, they are
frustrated, and they may be crabby. Never take their frustration personally;
it’s not about you. It’s about the job they can’t get done until you have done
yours. One of the most important skills you can have in the computer field
(aside from the core computer knowledge) is the ability to communicate and

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deal well with others. As a customer service expert, you need to be empa-
thetic. Try a little humor, a gentle smile, and offer assurance. Most impor-
tant, be friendly, and demonstrate that you have the situation under control
and that the disaster can be fixed.

Many of the people you may be forced to support will be far less com-

puter literate than you. While your overall job may be to keep a network
running, you may be called upon to deal with someone who has forgotten
his or her password or who has lost a file and didn’t make a backup. Working
as a computer technician will sometimes require tremendous patience and
the ability to be understanding of other people’s needs. Just because a com-
puter problem may seem trivial to you because you’re an expert in your
field, someone who knows little or nothing about computers may find the
most simple problems to be catastrophic. Avoid the temptation to act in a
condescending manner to others who have limited computer knowledge.
Remember that your coworkers were hired for their positions because of
their expertise. You are not an expert at what they do; they should not be
expected to be computer savvy.

Managing Relationships with Your Coworkers

You will meet many people in the course of your career. For your personal
development, you need to find a way to work well with them all, even if
they’re not your best friends. Acknowledging and accepting someone else’s
talents and expertise is very different from being that person’s close friend,
yet in the workplace, maintaining a professional respect for people you work
with will allow everyone to be more productive and successful.

Many companies have internal training departments or allow their employ-

ees to take external business classes and seminars. Either way, take advantage
of every opportunity you have to enroll in courses or workshops about human
relations, conflict resolution, and personal development. One of the top skills
that every successful business leader has, in every industry, is the ability to
maintain successful business relationships and work well with others.

Taking courses or reading books on positive conflict resolution can be

especially helpful if you work with highly confrontational people or if you’re
dealing with a stressful situation after some type of computer-related disas-

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ter takes place at work, for example. Taking such courses can help make you
better at customer service and increase your potential for moving into man-
agement positions.

The following are some fundamental rules for fostering positive working

relationships with your peers:

Don’t gossip about your boss, your coworkers, or anyone else. Gossip
hurts the person being talked about, will inevitably come back to haunt
you, and also can make you look as if you don’t have enough to do.

Foster sharing relationships instead of competitive relationships. If you
experiment with a great new piece of software or read an interesting
article in a computer magazine, share the information with your
coworkers. A group of people who help each other develop profes-
sionally will shine as a team and as individuals. On the other hand, if
you jockey for position and compete over everything, you will miss out
on the wealth that you could learn from your coworkers (and you’ll
have to live in a strained work environment).

Don’t become known as a backstabber, looking out only for yourself.
Especially when it comes time for employee evaluations or being con-
sidered for a raise or promotion, you want to be considered a hard-
working, sincere, honest team player who works best in the interests of
the company as a whole.

Managing Your Relationship with Your Boss

Depending on your boss, this relationship can be pleasurable or painful. In
any case, it’s important to keep the communication lines open. Talk to your
boss about his or her management style and adjust your expectations to work
within that style. For instance, your boss might to be a hands-on person and
like to help you troubleshoot problems. He or she might want to talk to you
at least once a day to hear about your activities. You need to understand that
this boss wants to empower you through a mentoring/teaching style. On the
other hand, your boss might want you to call him or her only if you have a
problem and otherwise simply submit a weekly status report on your proj-
ects. You need to understand that this boss wants to empower you through

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a hands-off style that lets you find your own solutions. Both bosses may be
good managers; they simply have different styles. Understand the value of
each style and get the most you can from it.

Also, talk to your boss about your career goals. Set goals for six months, one

year, three years, and five years. Based on your discussions, you and your boss
can create projects and strategies to lead you toward your goals. If you are a
people person and an organizer, you might want to move toward a manage-
ment position and set goals relevant to that objective. If you love the hands-on,
rapidly changing technical environment, you might choose to specialize in one
type of technical work or move toward another area such as database adminis-
tration or programming. No matter what you are interested in, make a plan,
share it with your boss, and get a few steps closer to achieving your goals.

Dealing with a Difficult Boss

Some people love them, some don’t mind dealing with them, but many
employees simply don’t get along with their boss, manager, or supervisor. If
you’re in a situation where you simply don’t see eye-to-eye with your boss,
you have several options. You can do nothing, live with the situation, hope
that it doesn’t get worse, and not let your relationship with your boss impact
you emotionally, or you can quit your job and seek employment elsewhere.
Either of these options might appear to be the easiest solution to your prob-
lem, but neither will most likely lead to long-term career fulfillment.

Another option is to evaluate your situation carefully and choose to alter

your attitude and behavior, doing whatever it takes to develop a relationship
with your boss that evolves around mutual respect. Developing this type of
professional relationship doesn’t mean you’ll become best friends with your
boss, but it does mean that you should find a way to work together so that
you’re both happy and productive.

When dealing with a difficult boss, use direct eye contact and confident

body language to convey your professional attitude. Don’t assume you can
work hard to change someone else, because you can’t. You’ll wind up wast-
ing your time and energy. If you choose to accept the situation, set bound-
aries, and then make it clear if your boss oversteps those boundaries. If a
particular situation becomes too intense, take a break, walk away, and let
yourself cool down. Often, if you can determine why your boss is acting the
way he or she is, you’ll be able to find easy ways to lighten the situation.

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William and Kathleen Lundin are the authors of When Smart People Work

for Dumb Bosses (McGraw-Hill). William explains, “Sometimes it’ll become
necessary to confront your boss and explain how you feel about a situation.
Never confront your boss in public or let your emotions get in the way of
explaining how you feel in a professional manner. Quitting or getting trans-
ferred is always an option, but if you’re willing to suggest some compromis-
es, chances are you’ll be able to find a way to work together. All it takes is
the guts to face your boss and confront him or her in a friendly and profes-
sional manner.” Prior to confronting your boss, make sure that your prob-
lems aren’t a result of your own attitude or behavior.

“Mustering up enough courage and using tact when approaching your

boss with a problem are the two ingredients that’ll help lead to a positive
solution. If you’re a good worker and you have skills and capabilities that
your employer needs, you’ll have more leverage than you think when it
comes to dealing with a difficult or uncomfortable situation that involves
your boss,” adds Kathleen.

William believes that executives don’t have to be smart from an emotion-

al standpoint in order to succeed in the business world, thus many bosses
don’t have the emotional intelligence to manage their employees properly.
“When applying for a job, the only way to avoid being hired by a bad boss
is to speak with other people already working for that person and learn as
much as possible about the boss before accepting the job,” he says.

Most people will have learned everything there is to learn about a specif-

ic job within two years. Thus, if a bad situation between yourself and your
boss doesn’t improve and your potential career advancement with your cur-
rent employer looks grim after two years despite your best efforts, it might
be time to seek out other employment opportunities.

Having an occasional disagreement with a superior is normal, but if your

life is being ruined by the actions of a mean or difficult boss, it’s up to you
to take action and find a solution that you can be happy with.

FITTING INTO THE WORKPLACE CULTURE

Workplace cultures can vary widely, even within the same industry. A com-
pany’s culture can be formal and stiff, relaxed and casual, or something in

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between. The three main types of corporate cultures are: entrepreneurial,
small business, and corporate.

An entrepreneurial culture emphasizes risk taking and working inde-

pendently. Employees tend to wear many hats and are given a wide range of
responsibilities. Entrepreneurial cultures often admire and reward a well-
presented (flashy and stylish) idea. You are selling your idea, and the sale
takes some pizzazz. Entrepreneurial cultures often are competitive; they are
frequently in quick, big-money fields and often pay on commission. The
advantage of entrepreneurial cultures, of course, is that they often pay well.
The disadvantage is their overly competitive and stressful atmosphere.

Despite the name, small-business cultures are not always found in small

companies. While entrepreneurial cultures are competitive, small-business
cultures are more relaxed and informal. They often nurture as many new
ideas as any other type of workplace, but they don’t have such a competitive
edge. The team culture is more of a cooperative, brainstorming, think tank
environment. If one person is successful, everyone shares the success. The
advantage of this type of culture is that it fosters a pleasant working envi-
ronment that promotes growth and cooperation. The disadvantage is that
jobs in this environment often do not pay as much as in other cultures.

The third workplace culture is corporate. This culture relies on a

reporting structure and hierarchy to accomplish defined goals. Many large
companies adopt this style simply because they have a large number of
people to deal with. One manager (or president or vice president) cannot
talk to everyone in the company all the time about his or her ideas.
Instead, there’s a functional reporting system. You might have a president
who has seven vice presidents, who have seven directors, who have seven
managers, one of whom has you and several coworkers in his or her
reporting chain. For employees, the advantage in this type of culture is
usually security—job security, the availability of additional training (often
company-paid), and a good, long-term salary. The disadvantage is that
employees do not have as much freedom as in other cultures and may have
to spend more time writing reports and filling out forms than do those in
other workplace cultures.

In a highly corporate culture, job titles are clearly defined, there is a pre-

defined path to follow for raises and promotions, and there is little oppor-
tunity for an employee to shine outside of his or her own defined job.

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There is no perfect workplace culture. You need to find one that suits

your needs. Do you want financial security and continued training? Then go
for a large corporate environment. Are you willing to put in a lot of hours
for quick money? Then pursue an entrepreneurial culture. Are you search-
ing for a cooperative, stable working environment? Then a small company
is probably right for you.

You may think you would not fit into certain cultures, but try not to dis-

count anything out of hand. Decide which you think will be the best fit and
try it, but remain willing to try another culture if a great opportunity arises.
In the first few chapters of this book, you were asked to answer a series of
questions about your goals, likes, and dislikes. Based on these answers (and
by combining them with the knowledge you have about yourself), you should
have a pretty good idea about the type of culture in which you’ll prosper best.

MANAGING YOUR TIME

You’ll most likely find that the workplace environment is more hectic than
school was, so you will need to manage your time effectively to make the
most of your workweek. Here are some tips for juggling your tasks and man-
aging your time.

Daily Work Activities

1. Know the requirements of your job and what your boss expects

of you.
Define your role and know what you are expected to deliver on a daily
basis.

Customer service
Are you supposed to be available for customer service at a moment’s
notice? If so, ensure that you are not overloaded with other tasks
that will get in the way of customer service. Do not agree to get
projects done by a certain deadline if you’re on call; you never know
when your customers will need you. Use time between customer

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service calls to learn new software, catch up on projects that aren’t
time sensitive, or read computer-related publications.

Defined deliverables
Are you given a defined set of tasks to accomplish within a defined
period of time? If you are at this end of the spectrum, don’t let
yourself get distracted from your tasks. Make a task list, or to-do
list, using a calendar. Estimate what you need to be doing every
hour of the day in order to accomplish your tasks and then stick as
closely as possible to your schedule.

Combination
Are you somewhere between the two, given a defined set of tasks
to accomplish whenever you have time but expected to be available
for customer service? If so, negotiate target deadlines with your
boss so the tasks don’t drag on forever, but make customer service
your top priority. If a deadline looks impossible to meet, see if you
can get an extension before it arrives. Use down time between serv-
ice calls to accomplish the activities on your task list.

2. Don’t get trapped by interruptions and time wasters.

Every job is subject to time wasters. Sometimes you may get caught
up by people who want to chat socially, or you may fall into the trap
of playing computer games or reading the news. It is important to
allow yourself a small amount of relaxation throughout the day, but
set limits for yourself—such as 15 minutes per day—so it doesn’t get
out of control. If you work with a social, chatty person, don’t let your-
self be distracted or interrupted. If you are working on something, let
your coworker know that you are busy and can perhaps talk later, dur-
ing lunch. If you do have time to talk to your coworker, try to steer
the conversation to computer-related topics. Use the time to learn
something new from your coworker rather than just chat.

3. Keep a day planner.

Identify one place where you write everything down, whether it is a
formal day planner or a spiral notebook.

Are you always running late for appointments? Do the items on

your daily to-do list never seem to get done fast enough? If there is

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never enough time in your day to meet your personal and profession-
al obligations, you could be lacking important time management skills.

Learning time management skills won’t add more hours to the

work day, but it will allow you to use all of your time more produc-
tively, reduce the stress in your life, better focus on what’s important,
and ultimately get more done faster.

Time management is easy to learn and requires just one basic tool—

a daily planner, PDA, or specialized scheduling software for your
computer.

It’s important to choose a time management tool with which you’re

comfortable, whether it’s a traditional planner, a high-tech device, or spe-
cialized software package. The tool you choose for yourself should easily
fit within your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, you’ll want a planner
or PDA that’s totally portable and can be carried with you. If most of your
time is spent working from a desk, a desktop planner or software package
for your desktop computer may be best suited to meet your needs.

As you examine how you spend your day, pinpoint the biggest time

wasters that are keeping your from getting your most important work
done. According to Day Timer’s 4-Dimensional Time Management
program, an audiocassette-, video- or CD-ROM-based course that
teaches time management skills in order to manage your time suc-
cessfully, you must learn how to:

Focus
Determine what’s really important and what duties you are respon-
sible to perform in a timely manner. Learn to differentiate between
what’s important and what’s not in terms of how you spend your
time.

Plan
Discover how to properly prioritize your work and the items on
your to-do list. Set goals based on your work objectives, and figure
out, in advance, how much time each task will take.

Act
Based on your planning, take an organized approach to completing
each of the high-priority tasks and items on your to-do list. Focus
on the less important items and tasks later.

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Every evening (after work) or first thing in the morning, take about 15

minutes to create a daily to-do list for yourself. After listing all of the
things that need to get done that day, determine approximately how long
each task will take. Now, set your priorities. On your to-do list, place an A
next to the items or tasks that will produce the most valuable results.
These are the items that must get done, no matter what.

Next, go back to the top of your list and place a B next to important

tasks that need to get done but aren’t as critical or time sensitive as your A
items. Finally, place a C next to items or tasks that should get done but
aren’t too important. During a given day or week, a task’s priority may
change.

Take major projects, goals, and objectives and divide them into smaller,

more manageable tasks. You’ll need to incorporate your to-do list into
your daily planner, allowing you to schedule your time. Make sure you
attempt to complete your high-priority items and tasks early in the day,
giving those items your full attention.

Make sure you list all of your prescheduled appointments in your daily

schedule, allowing ample time to get to and from the appointments, and if
necessary, prepare for them in advance.

Once you commit to using a time management tool, it’s important to

remain disciplined enough to use it continuously until it becomes second
nature. Initially, you may have to spend up to 30 minutes per day planning
your time and creating your to-do list, but ultimately you’ll begin saving
up to several hours per day.

Learning to manage your time better will boost your productivity,

which will ultimately make you more valuable to an employer, putting you
in a better position eventually to receive a raise or promotion.

Managing Life and a Job

When you are at work every day all week long, it becomes difficult to get
your life tasks done. Here are some tips to help you integrate your job with
your life.

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Make to-do lists of your life tasks and prioritize the tasks you need to
accomplish. Keep a list of things you need to do, buy, return, pick up,
and drop off. A day planner is the best place to keep such a list. If you
don’t have a day planner, carry a notebook with you from home to
work and back again. Organize your list according to places you will
stop. Keep grocery items on one list, pharmacy items on another, dry
cleaning on a third, and so on. Cross things off the lists when you have
finished them, so you can see what you still have to do at a glance.

Use your lunch hour to run errands at least once a week. Identify
resources that are close to your workplace for things you can do dur-
ing your lunch hour—doctor, dentist, dry cleaner, shoe repair, car
repair, hardware store, and so on.

Use the commute between home and work to take care of other
errands, such as stopping at day care and the grocery store.

Mastering the Working Mother’s Juggling Act

Ask a working mother what it takes to successfully juggle a career, a mar-
riage, and raising an infant, and you’ll receive a different answer from each
person you ask. All will agree, however, that mastering time management
skills and being able to go without sleep are absolute musts.

Pamela Kelly Boogar worked as the vice president of worldwide market-

ing for Barbie at Mattel Media. While working in this executive-level posi-
tion for one of the world’s most successful toy companies, she was required
to work long hours and travel extensively to meet the day-to-day responsi-
bilities of her job. Every morning, before her workday began, and then after
it ended, her role as a wife and mother of newborn twins took precedence.

Boogar found herself focusing on time management as she adjusted her

commuting times to and from work to avoid sitting in traffic. “I focused on
ways of saving time so I could be with my kids. Even finding an extra 15
minutes per day by maximizing my time became important because, as a
mother and career woman, there is always so much to do,” she said.

Mothers and fathers alike must juggle childcare along with their other

responsibilities. There are a variety of options available to parents in regards

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to day care for a child. Having friends, parents, or other relatives babysit is
sometimes a viable option. For others, independent day care centers or day
care programs sponsored by an employer better fit into the family’s lifestyle.
A more expensive option is hiring an in-home nanny to care for a newborn
while the mother is at work.

If you work for a medium or large company, and your employer offers an

in-house day care program, don’t assume you’ll be able to take advantage of
it. Some company-sponsored day care programs are at capacity and have a
waiting list. Even if you sign your child up for the program when you first
become pregnant, it could take years before your child is admitted into a
company-sponsored day care program. As early as possible, investigate what
your options are and determine what fits into your budget, lifestyle, and
schedule.

Women who want to stay home with their children yet don’t want to give up

working entirely have more options than ever before. A growing number of
companies offer family-friendly services that allow for telecommuting (working
from home part-time and from an office part-time) and/or job sharing (where
two people work together to fulfill the responsibilities of one full-time job).

Another option is for a mother to give up her traditional job and use her

expertise to launch a home-based business. Creating and managing an
online-based business from home using a computer is also a viable option
for mothers with computer skills.

Mompreneurs: A Mother’s Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Work-at-Home Success

(Berkley Publishing Group, $13) is an excellent resource for women interested
in launching any type of home-based business while raising children.

Having a career and being a mother are both extremely rewarding expe-

riences for most women. Every mother needs to be creative and find an
ongoing source of energy within herself that will allow her to achieve suc-
cess in whatever personal and employment situation she is in.

FINDING A MENTOR

A mentor is someone you identify as successful and with whom you create a
teacher-student relationship. Choose your mentor based on what is impor-
tant to you and on how you define success. Someone can be successful with-

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out having attained certain titles or positions, so keep an open mind when
you’re looking for a mentor. A mentor is someone you can learn from. Enter
into the relationship intending to observe your mentor carefully and ask
many questions.

There are two primary types of mentors: business mentors and technical

mentors. You will learn different things from each type of mentor. A busi-
ness mentor will provide guidance about how to be successful in the busi-
ness culture.

Although each mentoring situation is different, you often can learn the

following from a business mentor:

Customer service skills

Presentation skills

How to design a career plan

How to set incremental goals

What to expect in your business culture

How to communicate with your boss

How to gain sponsorship for your ideas

A technical mentor, on the other hand, is someone who has more techni-

cal knowledge than you do and can teach you those skills, direct your path
for ongoing learning, and help you develop technical problem-solving skills.
You often can learn the following from a technical mentor:

Problem-solving skills

In-depth knowledge about technology used by your company

Tricks and shortcuts for repair and maintenance

Trends in technology

Which computer magazines are best

Which conferences/seminars/classes you should attend

How to Connect with a Mentor

Don’t just wait for your fairy godmother to appear and provide you with a
mentor; actively search for one! A mentor can be anyone from a senior-level

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manager to one of your peers. Remember, finding a good mentor is not a mat-
ter of title, years in the business, or years with your company. A good mentor
is someone who is expert in a certain area and willing and able to teach you.

There are many ways to find a mentor. Since you probably will be look-

ing for a mentor when you start your new job, you won’t know many peo-
ple at the company. Try these techniques for identifying possible mentors:

Ask your boss to recommend someone. Let your supervisor know that
you are trying to improve yourself through a mentor. This actually
helps you in two ways. First, it helps you find an appropriate mentor
based on your boss’s experience at the company and in the industry.
Second, it lets your boss know that you are serious about your career
and your personal development.

Observe people. You can learn a lot this way. When asked a question,
do they take the time to help you find an answer or do they point you
toward someone else who can help you? The one who takes the time
to help you answer your question is the better choice for a mentor.
How does the potential mentor resolve problems? In a calm manner?
If so, you’ve found a good candidate.

Listen to people who admire your potential mentor. What qualities do
they admire? Do the admirable qualities coincide with your values and
goals? If you need to learn conflict-resolution skills, you probably
shouldn’t consider a mentor who is admired for having a forceful,
aggressive style. Instead, look for someone people describe as fair,
calm, and easy to work with.

PROMOTING YOURSELF

Once you have a job, you can promote yourself in many ways. No, you can’t
give yourself a raise or a better job title, but you can position yourself for suc-
cess. An excellent way to do that is by setting realistic, tangible career goals.
This shows that you take your job seriously and that you expect promotion.

Goals can be specific tasks you want to accomplish—for example, finish-

ing a comprehensive report about computer maintenance trends—or per-
sonality characteristics you want to improve—such as dealing with difficult

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people better. However, it’s not enough to set goals and keep them to your-
self. You need to share your goals with your managers, so they know when
you have achieved each goal; then they can reward you. Make an appoint-
ment to discuss your goals with your boss, and remember to be open to your
boss’s ideas for possible goals. You also can discuss your goals with a human
resources representative so your name will come to mind when a suitable job
opens up. Expand your contacts on the job and share your successes with
them to build a strong position for future growth.

A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS

From this book, you’ve discovered that the computer field offers a wide
range of career opportunities in virtually every industry. While there is an
abundance of jobs available in the United States for trained professionals
with the skills that are in demand, if you’re willing to work overseas, keep in
mind that the foreign job market offers even greater opportunities.

Once you’ve landed a job in the computer field, never stop pursuing new

knowledge and training. Keeping up with the latest technological develop-
ments, software, operating systems, and hardware will ensure that you con-
tinue to be a valuable asset to your employer. You’ll be worth more as an
employee, be more promotable, and have greater earning potential. Be sure
to take training courses, read technical manuals and computer magazines,
attend special interest group meetings and trade shows, and talk with other
people in your field as often as possible.

We’re at the dawn of the twenty-first century. Companies and individu-

als alike are becoming more and more dependant on computers and tech-
nology. This trend shows no signs of changing, which means the job oppor-
tunities for people who understand and can use technology will be plentiful
now and in the future.

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THE INSIDE TRACK

Who:

Brian Ledwith

What:

Head of Internet Development, Senior ColdFusion Engineer

Where:

LearnATest.com

New York

INSIDER’S STORY

I was introduced to computers during my early years of elementary school at the local

library, and developed a habit of wandering off into files and programs that I really

shouldn’t have been playing with. I quickly learned that you really can’t do permanent,

physical harm to a computer just by playing around with it, and that knowledge gave me

the confidence to really dive in and see how they worked.

When I got older, I realized that as the computer field kept expanding, there would

be a growing demand for specialized people. In addition to a highly specialized educa-

tion, my first career-related job was as an intern at a large corporation where there were

many entry-level positions to be filled. I spent time learning one role, and then moved

on to another, and yet another. I then took my accumulation of knowledge and my edu-

cation to the “real world.” In my current position, I oversee the development, enhance-

ment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of a large website. I also write much of the

code used on the website. I document the development, testing, and implementation

process. I meet with colleagues in other departments in order to turn their ideas and

needs into functional and [hopefully profitable] new branches of the site. Finally, I act as

the technical liaison between the corporate customers and the marketing and sales

departments.

I really enjoy the responsibility that comes with a growing company. No two days are

the same—some days seem to be spent entirely in meetings, others entirely spent with

customers, or developing and fixing things, and some days are spent doing a combina-

tion of everything. For me, learning something new every day is the biggest perk.

INSIDER’S ADVICE

Many of the current technologies didn’t even exist 5, 10, or even 20 years ago, so few

people can have decades of experience, making the chances for learning, improving,

and advancing in this career much more attainable for a younger person. As for finding

jobs, I’ve used a variety of methods. I just walked into the HR department of one com-

pany and asked for an application, not knowing what, if any, were available; the news-

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paper was the source of another job; a headhunter pointed me to yet another. Personal

networking has landed me more than one position. I’ve also attended meetings of sev-

eral local special interest groups in NYC, which has extended my networking circle. The

most important piece of advice I can give, however, is to work hard and be extremely

dedicated; remember that it takes time to learn and master new technologies.

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171

Computer-Related Associations

ONE OF

the best ways of meeting new people who work in your field

and staying on top of the latest trends in your industry is to join an indus-
try-oriented or professional association. One excellent way of learning about
job opportunities in a particular field or industry is to contact an industry
association, read its newsletters or magazines, and participate in meetings,
seminars, or trade shows that the group hosts. The following is a sampling
of the associations that relate to the computer field.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Advanced Computing Systems Association (USENIX)

Since 1975, USENIX has brought together the community of engineers,
system administrators, scientists, and technicians working on the cutting
edge of the computing world.

The USENIX conferences have become the essential meeting ground for

the presentation and discussion of the most advanced information on the
developments of all aspects of computing systems.

The USENIX Association and its members are dedicated to:

Problem-solving with a practical bias

Fostering innovation and research that works

Rapidly communicating the results of both research and innovation

Providing a neutral forum for the exercise of critical thought and the
airing of technical issues

Appendix A

CONTACT INFORMATION

The USENIX Association
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 215
Berkeley, CA 94710
510-528-8649
www.usenix.org

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Founded in 1947, ACM is the world’s first educational and scientific com-
puting society. Today, its members include over 80,000 computing profes-
sionals and students worldwide. ACM boasts that it offers authoritative pub-
lications, pioneering conferences, and visionary leadership for the new mil-
lennium.

CONTACT INFORMATION

ACM
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
800-342-6626
www.acm.org

Association for Women in Computing (AWC)

A non-profit professional organization for individuals with an interest in
information technology, AWC is dedicated to the advancement of women in
the computing field, in business, industry, science, education, government,
and technology.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Association for Women in Computing
41 Sutter Street, Suite 1006
San Francisco, CA 94104
www.awc-hq.org

172

Appendix A

173

Appendix A

AWC Chapters

CALIFORNIA

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

41 Sutter Street, Suite 1044

San Francisco, CA 94104

415-979-8450

awc-sf@pobox.com

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

National Capital Chapter

PO Box 5781

Bethesda, MD 20824-5781

202-452-5557

president@awcncc.org

FLORIDA

Central Florida Chapter

PO Box 160366

Altamonte Springs, FL 32716-0366

kaulich@att.com

(website is temporarily unavailable)

Florida Space Coast Chapter

Crawford Building, 2nd Floor

150 West University Boulevard

Melborne, FL 32901

becker@se.fit.edu

MARYLAND

Baltimore Chapter

PO Box 20327

Baltimore, MD 21284

baltimore@awc-hq.org

MASSACHUSETTS

Greater Boston Chapter

PO Box 68

Newton Upper Falls, MA 02164

awcgbc@tiac.net

MICHIGAN

Ann Arbor Chapter

PO Box 1864

Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1864

lisal@ix.netcom.com

MINNESOTA

Twin Cities Chapter

PO Box 131022

Saint Paul, MN 55113

612-729-7582

info@awctc.org

MONTANA

Montana State University Chapter

EPS 357

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT 59717

awc@cs.montana.edu

NEW JERSEY

Northern New Jersey Chapter

c/o Deb Smith

11 Lincoln Road

Kinnelon, NJ 07405

dnscom@aol.com

NEW YORK

New York City Chapter

PO Box 1503

Grand Central Station

New York, NY 10163-1503

awcnyc@dorsai.org

Upstate New York Chapter

PO Box 23041

Rochester, NY 14692

joan.c.gaylord@us.arthurandersen.com

shelvis@wildmail.com

174

Appendix A

OHIO

Miami University of Ohio Chapter

230 J Kreger Hall

Miami University

Oxford, OH 45056

awc-hq@muohio.edu

TEXAS

Dallas Chapter

PO Box 800886

Dallas, TX 75380

president@awc-dallas.org

Houston Chapter

PO Box 6613

Houston, TX 77265-6613

mail@awchouston.org

VIRGINIA

Virginia Tech Chapter

Department of Computer Science

60 McBryde Hall, Mail Stop 0106

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA 24061

KateAWC@vt.edu

TingVT@vt.edu

WASHINGTON

Puget Sound Chapter

PO Box 179

Seattle, WA 98111

206-781-7315

awc@scn.org

NOT NEAR A CHAPTER?

Independents

41 Sutter Street, Suite 1006

San Francisco, CA 94104

415-905-4663

independents@awc-hq.org

Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)

The AITP offers its members opportunities for professional and personal
growth, helping them to achieve career objectives and meet the challenges
of the information systems profession.

CONTACT INFORMATION

AITP
505 Busse Highway
Park Ridge, IL 60068
800-224-9371 x242
www.aitp.org

Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR)

CPSR is a public-interest alliance of computer scientists and others con-
cerned about the impact of computer technology on society. The group
works to influence decisions regarding the development and use of comput-
ers, because those decisions have far-reaching consequences and reflect our
basic values and priorities.

As technical experts, CPSR members provide the public and policy mak-

ers with realistic assessments of the power, promise, and limitations of com-
puter technology. As concerned citizens, members help to direct public
attention to critical choices concerning the applications of computing and
how those choices affect society.

Every project CPSR undertakes is based on five principles:

It fosters and supports public discussion of and public responsibility for
decisions involving the use of computers in systems critical to society.

It works to dispel popular myths about the infallibility of technological
systems.

It challenges the assumption that technology alone can solve political
and social problems.

It critically examines social and technical issues within the computer
profession, both nationally and internationally.

It encourages the use of information technology to improve the quali-
ty of life.

CPSR is a democratically organized membership organization. Its

accomplishments result from the active involvement of members, support-
ed by the CPSR staff and computer professionals across the country.

CONTACT INFORMATION

CPSR
P.O. Box 717
Palo Alto, CA 94302
650-322-3778
Fax: 650-322-4748
www.cpsr.org/dox/home.html

175

Appendix A

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

The IEEE (“eye-triple-E”) helps advance global prosperity by promoting the
engineering process of creating, developing, integrating, sharing, and apply-
ing knowledge about electrical and information technologies and sciences for
the benefit of humanity and the profession. Today, the IEEE includes mem-
bers who conduct and participate in its activities in 147 countries.

Membership in the IEEE is open to professionals with varying amounts of

education and work experience. Member, Senior Member, and Fellow grades
are limited to those who have achieved professional competence and recog-
nition, as demonstrated by their degrees and their work experience. Associate
grade is open to certain technical and nontechnical applicants who may ben-
efit from membership and participation in the IEEE and also to those pro-
gressing through education and work experience toward Member grade.

CONTACT INFORMATION

IEEE Admission and Advancement Department
445 Hoes Lane
PO Box 459
Piscataway, NJ 08855-0459
800-678-IEEE
www.ieee.org

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE)
Computer Society

With nearly 100,000 members, the IEEE Computer Society claims to be the
world’s leading organization of computer professionals. Founded in 1946, it
is the largest of the 35 societies organized under the umbrella of the IEEE.

The IEEE Computer Society’s vision is to be the leading provider of

technical information and services to the world’s computing professionals.

The society is dedicated to advancing the theory, practice, and applica-

tion of computer and information-processing technology. Through its
conferences and tutorials, applications- and research-oriented journals,

176

Appendix A

local and student branch chapters, technical committees, and standards
working groups, the society promotes an active exchange of information,
ideas, and technological innovation among its members. In addition, it
accredits collegiate programs of computer science and engineering in the
United States.

With nearly a third of its members living and working outside the United

States, the IEEE Computer Society fosters international communication,
cooperation, and information exchange. To meet the needs of its members
conveniently and efficiently, the society maintains service center in Brussels
and Tokyo in addition to its publications office in Los Alamitos, CA and its
headquarters in Washington, DC.

Members may join the Computer Society by itself or in conjunction with

joining the IEEE.

CONTACT INFORMATION

IEEE Computer Society
Attn: Membership
10662 Los Vaqueros Circle
P.O. Box 3014
Los Alamitos, CA 90720-1314
714-821-8380
Fax: 714-821-4641
www.computer.org
e-mail: membership@computer.org

Internet Society (ISOC)

The mission of the ISOC is to assure the beneficial, open evolution of the
global Internet and its related internetworking technologies through lead-
ership in standards, issues, and education.

In addition to the technological, educational, and standards issues, ISOC

is involved in a variety of initiatives stemming from social, economic, polit-
ical, ethical, and legal sources that can and do exert influence on the direc-
tion of the Internet.

The organization’s current programs include the following:

177

Appendix A

Legal defense of the term Internet
ISOC has taken action to ensure that the term Internet is accepted as
generic or descriptive, and not as a term that can be trademarked, to
protect and free the term from ownership.

Internet industry self-governance
The Internet Society is active in a variety of issues, such as global elec-
tronic commerce, encryption, censorship, privacy, and many more.

Internet standards development
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Engineering
Steering Group (IESG), and the Internet Architecture Board (IAB),
responsible for the technical underpinnings of the Internet, including
standards and protocols, operate under the auspices of ISOC.

Conferences
The Internet Society sponsors two annual conferences: INET focuses
on the worldwide issues of the Internet by bringing together people
developing and implementing Internet networks, applications, and
policies for the worldwide infrastructure.

The Internet Society is partnered with Advanced Network and Services

to assist in the judging of ThinkQuest, an international educational contest
that provides $1 million in scholarships for secondary school students who
develop innovative Web-based educational tools.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Internet Society
11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 100
Reston, VA 20190-5321
703-326-9880
Fax: 703-326-9881
www.isoc.org

Network Professional Association (NPA)

The NPA is a nonprofit organization for networking professionals who
design, implement, and maintain computer networks. The NPA’s mission is

178

Appendix A

179

Appendix A

to advance the network computing profession by educating and providing
resources for its members. The NPA accepts and encourages multivendor
certification and education on the part of its nearly 7,000 members in 100
chapters worldwide.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Network Professional Association
401 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-4255
888-379-0910
www.npa.org/about/membership.htm

ACCREDITING ASSOCIATIONS

National Accrediting Agencies

Accrediting Commission of Career

Schools and Colleges of Technology

750 First Street NE, Suite 905

Washington, DC 20002-4242

202-336-6850

Fax: 202-842-2585

Accrediting Commission of Distance

Education and Training Council

1601 18th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20009-2529

202-234-5100

Fax: 202-332-1386

Accrediting Council for Independent

Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

750 First Street NE, Suite 980

Washington, DC 20002-4242

202-336-6780

Fax: 202-842-2593

Computing Sciences Accreditation

Board (CSAB)

Two Landmark Square, Suite 209

Stamford, CT 06901

203-975-1117

Fax: 203-975-1222

National Association of Trade and

Technical Schools (NATTS)

2251 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20009

202-333-1021

National Home Study Council (NHSC)

1601 Eighteenth Street, NW

Washington, DC 20009

202-234-5100

180

Appendix A

Regional Accreditation Agencies

Accrediting Agencies Responsible for Each State

State

Regional

State

Regional

Accrediting Agency

Alabama

SACS

Nebraska

NCACS

Alaska

NASS

Nevada

NASC

American Samoa

WASC

New Hampshire

NEASC

Arizona

NCACS

New Jersey

MSACS

Arkansas

NCACS

New Mexico

NCACS

California

WASC

New York

MSACS

Colorado

NCACS

North Carolina

SACS

Connecticut

NEASC

North Dakota

NCACS

Delaware

MSACS

Northern Marianas

WASC

District of Columbia

MSACS

Ohio

NCACS

Florida

SACS

Oklahoma

NCACS

Middle States Association of Colleges

and Schools (MSACS)

3624 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680

215-662-5606

Fax: 215-662-5501

New England Association of Schools

and Colleges (NEASC)

209 Burlington Road

Bedford, MA 01730-1433

617-271-0022

Fax: 617-271-0950

North Central Association of Colleges

and Schools (NCACS)

159 North Dearborn Street

Chicago, IL 60601

312-263-0456

Fax: 312-263-7462

Northwest Association of Schools and

Colleges (NASC)

Boise State University

1910 University Drive

Boise, ID 83725

208-334-3226

Fax: 208-334-3228

Southern Association of Colleges and

Schools (SACS)

1866 Southern Lane

Decatur, GA 30033-4097

404-679-4500

Fax: 404-679-4558

Western Association of Schools and

Colleges (WASC)

533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200

Burlingame, CA 94010

415-375-7711

Fax: 415-375-7790

State

Regional

State

Regional

Accrediting Agency

Georgia

SACS

Oregon

NASC

Guam

WASC

Pacific Islands

WASC

Hawaii

WASC

Pennsylvania

MSACS

Idaho

NASC

Puerto Rico

MSACS

Illinois

NCACS

Republic of Panama

MSACS

Indiana

NCACS

Rhode Island

NEASC

Iowa

NCACS

South Dakota

NCACS

Kansas

NCACS

Tennessee

SACS

Kentucky

SACS

Texas

SACS

Louisiana

SACS

U.S. Virgin Islands

MSACS

Maine

NEASC

Utah

NASC

Maryland

MSACS

Vermont

NEASC

Massachusetts

NEASC

Virginia

SACS

Michigan

NCACS

Washington

NASC

Minnesota

NCACS

West Virginia

NCACS

Mississippi

SACS

Wisconsin

NCACS

Missouri

NCACS

Wyoming

NCACS

Montana

NASC

181

Appendix A

183

Additional Resources

FOR ADDITIONAL

information on the topics discussed in this

book, refer to the following reading list of books organized by subject fol-
lowed by a list of online resources, job hotlines, computer-related magazines,
and related computer jobs.

BOOKS

Finding the Right College and Paying for It

Best 331 Colleges: 2001 Edition. Princeton Review, 2001.
Cassidy, Daniel J., The Scholarship Book 2001: The Complete Guide to Private-

Sector Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loans for the Undergraduate.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2000.

The College Board College Cost & Financial Aid Handbook 2001. College

Entrance Examination Board, 2000.

The College Board Index of Majors and Graduate Degrees 2001. College

Entrance Examination Board, 2000.

Kaplan Guide to the Best Colleges in the U.S. 2001. Kaplan Publishing, 2000.
Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor, 2000.
Peterson’s Guide to Colleges for Careers in Computing. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s

Guides, 1996.

Peterson’s Guide to Two-Year Colleges 1998: The Only Guide to More Than 1,500

Community and Junior Colleges. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s, 1998.

Appendix B

Finding Certification

There are literally dozens, perhaps hundreds of study guides and books focus-
ing on how to obtain specific computer-related certifications. To find titles that
cater specifically to your area of interest, visit Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble
Online. Do a keyword search for your area of interest. For example, if you’re
looking for books or training materials about Novell CNE Certification, type
Novell Certification as your search phrase. Books can then be ordered online
using any major credit card. Just a sampling of the books available include:

Anderson, Duncan. CNE NetWare 5 Test Yourself Practice Exams, Core 5 + 1.

McGraw-Hill, 1999.

Meyers, Michael J. A+ All-In-One Certification Exam Guide. McGraw-Hill

Professional Publishing, 1999.

Microsoft Corporation. A+ Certification Training Kit. Microsoft Press, 2000.
Mueler, John P. All-In-One Novell 5 CNA/CNE Exam Guide. McGraw-Hill,

1999.

Career and Job-Hunting Guidance

Your local library and chamber of commerce maintain directories of employ-
ers in your area. Two excellent sources organized specifically for job hunters
are The World Almanac National Job Finder’s Guide (St. Martin’s Press) and the
Job Bank series (Adams, Inc.). There are brief job descriptions and online
resources in the Job Finder’s Guide; the Job Bank books are published by geo-
graphic region and contain a section profiling specific companies, with con-
tact information for major employers in your region sorted by industry. Once
you’ve identified companies in your area of interest, use the resources at your
local library to learn more about them. Your librarian can help you find pub-
lic information about local firms, including the names of all the company’s
officers, the number of employees, a brief description of the company, and
contact information. Also, be sure to tap the Internet as a research tool for
finding job opportunities and learning about potential employers.

There are many career-related books available that will walk you through

the entire job search process. Here are just a sampling of the books you’ll
find at your local bookstore:

184

Appendix B

Blackett, Thomas F. Adams Electronic Job Search Almanac 2000. Adams Media

Corporation, 1999.

Bolles, Richard Nelson. What Color Is Your Parachute? 2001: A Practical

Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. Ten Speed Press, 2000.

Cabbege, Sue and Marcie Willians. National Job Hotline Directory: The Job

Finder’s Hot List, Planning Communication, 1999.

Dikel, Margaret. Guide to Internet Job Searching. 2000-01 ed. NTC/

Contemporary Publishing Co., 2000.

Eyre, Vivian. Great Interview: Successful Strategies for Getting Hired.

LearningExpress, 2000.

Rich, Jason R. Great Resume. LearningExpress, 2000.
———. Job Hunting For The Utterly Confused. McGraw-Hill, 1998.
———. The Unofficial Guide To Earning What You Deserve. Macmillan, 1999.
Smith, Rebecca. Electronic Resumes and Online Networking: How to Use the

Internet to Do a Better Job Search, Including a Complete, Up-To-Date Resource
Guide. Career Press, 1999.

Yonge, Katherine K. 110 Best Job Search Sites on the Internet. Linx Education

Publications, Inc., 1998.

ONLINE RESOURCES

One of the fastest-growing resources for job searching is the Internet.
Companies of all sizes now have websites that describe their business and list
job openings. In addition, the federal government, many state and local gov-
ernments, and several national job banks have websites with thousands of
job listings all over the country. Most libraries and many schools allow free
Internet access to their patrons. In fact, the Public Library Association has
published its own Guide to Internet Job Searching.

This book contains an entire section devoted to Internet search tech-

niques that will help you find exactly what you are looking for. If you are
interested in working for a particular company, use the Internet, search for
its website and see if it posts job openings.

If you are looking for a government job, check out www.jobsfed.com.

This site lists over 10,000 federal jobs. Also search the Internet to see if your
state’s placement office has a website.

185

Appendix B

JOB HOTLINES

Many companies maintain a list of job openings through telephone hotlines.
These job hotlines are a great way to find jobs with specific companies with-
out having to contact the human resources department directly. Using a
Touch-Tone telephone, you can listen to a company’s list of available jobs
and requirements. Job hotlines usually are not found in the phone book, but
The National Job Hotline Directory, updated every year, lists thousands of job
hotlines all over the country, including those for the federal and state gov-
ernments. It is available at most local libraries and bookstores.

MAGAZINES

Here are the names of just some of the many consumer and industry-ori-
ented computer-related magazines and their Web addresses. From these
sites, you can often read the online editions of the printed publications.
Newsstands and libraries are where you can find actual printed copies of the
majority of these publications.

Reading some of these publications will help you keep up-to-date with cur-

rent and emerging computer technology trends. Also, be sure to read industry-
oriented publications that target the specific industry you choose to work in.

Publication Title

URL

BigPipe/Cable Today

www.cabletoday.com

Byte.com

www.byte.com

C/Net

www.cnet.com

CIO Magazine

www.cio.com/CIO

CIO WebBusiness

http://webbusiness.cio.com

ClieNT Server News

www.computerwire.com

Computer Reseller News

www.crn.com

Computer Retail Week

www.crn.com

Computer Shopper

www5.zdnet.com/cshopper

Computer User

www.computeruser.com

Computerworld

http://208.184.36.144

186

Appendix B

The CPA Software News

www.softwarenews.net

Crossroads: The International ACM Student Magazine

http://info.acm.org/crossroads

Federal Computer Week

www.fcw.com

HotWired Online Magazine

www.wired.com

InformationWeek

www.informationweek.com

InfoWorld

www.infoworld.com

Internet Week

www.phillips.com/iw

Internet World

www.internetworld.com

IT Support News

www.itsupportnews.com

LAN Magazine

www.lanmag.com

Microsoft Magazine

www.microsoft.com/insider/default.htm

Microsoft Systems Journal

www.microsoft.com/msj/default.asp

PC Week

www.pcweek.com

PC World

www.pcworld.com

Silicon Valley Daily

www.svdaily.com

TechWeb

www.techweb.com

TechWeek

www.techweek.com

Time Digital

www.time.com/time/digital

VAR Business

www.varbusiness.com

Washington Technology Online

www.wtonline.com

Web Week/Internet World

www.webweek.com

WebServer Online

www.cpg.com/ws

Windows Magazine

www.winmag.com

Windows Sources

www.zdnet.com/wsources

Wireless Week

www.wirelessweek.com

ZD Smart Business

www.zdnet.com/pccomp

RELATED COMPUTER JOBS

In addition to all of the computer-related jobs described in this book, be sure
to investigate related jobs in the following fields. Take advantage of an online
career-related website, such as the Monster Board (www.monster.com), to
learn about the following jobs and other areas that are available in the
United States and around the world.

187

Appendix B

Computer Programming

Computer Support

Computer Systems Administrator

Database Management/Administration

E-Commerce

Graphic Design/Computer Aided Design

Multimedia Producer

Network Design/Maintenance

Website Design, Creation, Programming, and Maintenance

188

Appendix B

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