Comment Re:Work for Free (if necessary) (Score 1) 178
I started my tech career this way. I happened to work a summer job across the street from a small ISP. I'd just gotten my first PC and figured I could use some Internet access, so I walked over to talk to them. This place was so small it was run from the basement of a comic book shop. Anyway, I got some Internet access and a month later asked them if I could hang around and help out with anything. They agreed and put me to answering phones during the evenings. At the end of the summer they offered to pay me per hour. It's the largest percentage raise I've ever received!
There were less than 10 employees in this place. What I found was that since it was such a small shop, everyone was very friendly and had more than enough time to help me learn. Not only did I learn about how to fix a PC, but they took time to show me networking and let me configure some equipment. Perhaps one of the best parts was they let me run my own server there. This is where I learned the basis for my career in being a unix admin.
My advice would be to seek out smaller businesses where people are more laid back and willing to help. Spend as much time learning as you can, which shouldn't be hard to do if it's something you really enjoy.
There were less than 10 employees in this place. What I found was that since it was such a small shop, everyone was very friendly and had more than enough time to help me learn. Not only did I learn about how to fix a PC, but they took time to show me networking and let me configure some equipment. Perhaps one of the best parts was they let me run my own server there. This is where I learned the basis for my career in being a unix admin.
My advice would be to seek out smaller businesses where people are more laid back and willing to help. Spend as much time learning as you can, which shouldn't be hard to do if it's something you really enjoy.
