Any advice for a Computer Science Major trying to get a job in IT?

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toasty8

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I'm a computer science major looking to get a job in IT, ideally as a network admin, when I graduate. I'm pretty decent at programming, but I don't see myself being very happy having a job where programming is the primary task. All the jobs I've seen for network admins require at least 3+ years of experience, which I do not have. If I have to take a lower paying position and <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:punctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc 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font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]-->work my way up, I don't mind. So, can anyone offer some advice for what positions I should apply for just coming out of college, or what things I should do while still in college?

Thank you in advance
 
I would suggest getting your Net+ or CCNA if you are wanting to get into networking.

Every job in IT requires experience, even the entry level jobs. It's stupid, but that's how it is. With a bachelors degree you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a job. Entry level is what you're most likely going to get. If you have your bachelors and CCNA you may be able to get into a junior network admin position or possibly even a network admin position with that.

While in college get a certification or two, and if possible try to get a part time job.
 
Agreed, it's difficult to swallow but sometimes even with a degree and NO experience. Definitely apply for those higher positions you want, but realize that you may have to settle for entry level help desk to get some experience. With that realize that you can move up pretty quick, even with only 1 year experience at a help deak you'd be amazed at how many doors will open.
 
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