Calling for help!

[hongman]

Hi all

Like many that have taken on the challenge of breaking into the IT world for a career, I would like to ask for some general opinions and help.

I have taken the first steps: Level 2 NVQ for IT Install & Support. I currently have 2 more months to go, then I will embark on Level 3.

Note: NVQ = National Vocational Qualification)

My main question is: What is the average wage for someone with these qualifications?

I understand that this is a difficult question to answer, but hear me out. Is there a website that can give 'average' wages for people with certain qualifications? There must be some statistics somewhere?!

By the end of Level 3 I will have:

2.5-3 yrs of work experience of working as a computer technician.
A+
N+
MCP (various MCSE & MCSA Modules)
Level 2 NVQ
Level 3 NVQ

Other rumours i would like answered are:

How much more appealing does having a full MSCE/MCSA qualification make me?

What other Qualifications are desireable?

Personal experiences, general opinions and wise words very mcuh appreciated!

Thanks

Hong

[hongman]

<bump>

;)

[Steve R Jones]

Check out www.Monster.com . They are a great source for employment info.

[P3-450]

There are also salary checkers you can do

TotalJobs (http://www.totaljobs.com/salary_checker/salary_checker.asp) for example.

[hongman]

Thanks for the links, I'm checking them out now.

Any personal opinions?

[P3-450]

Depens on which area of IT support you enter.

Helpdesk/1st line support you are looking at around £12000-£14500

Field pc engineer, around £15000-£20000+

As always it depends on your experience.

Ive been seeing more and more employers that are wanting MCSE certified people. That with a few years experience would set you up at the £20K +.

These are basic figures that ive seen around, over a period of time.

[hongman]

Thanks P3.

£20k is where I am aiming at, obviously wont say no to more!!!!

[TJolly]

Originally posted by hongman
Thanks P3.

£20k is where I am aiming at, obviously wont say no to more!!!!

God that's cheap

[hongman]

God that's cheap

Maybe for seanoned pro's like yourself, but i'm still on the bottom rung!

[P3-450]

We all have to start some place.

[hongman]

Vicious loop here, in all areas of jobs.

Employers want experience to hire you, yet they wont hire you so you can get experience...

[TJolly]

Very true, just bide your time, it will come.

[P3-450]

Its not an easy task, but it can be done.

[hongman]

Yep, I have all the confidence in the world ;)

Thanks, I think I know how much to expect now.

Hong

:D

[P3-450]

Good Luck:)

[hongman]

Thank you, I've got a feeling I'm gonna need as much luck (if not more) as qualifications to make it in IT!!

[Nix]

I started off as a trainee programmer (COBOL) in September 1985 and was on a salary of AU$15,000 (About £6000 or US$10,500) at the age of 18.

19 years on and I have learned various skills, had various roles and am now on a base salary that is just below 6 figures AU$.

So stick at it, it's worth it.

EDIT

Forgot to mention I have no qualifications other than finishing high school.

I got into programming through a government sponsorhsip scheme and have never looked back.

P.P.S - The Lounge, where did that suddenly spring from ?

[hongman]

Thanks Nix, its really helps when someone reassures you it WILL work out in the end with their own personal success story!

Hopefully this will also help others just starting out in IT as well.

Hong