Another Update - What's new?

Written on 11:18 AM by Robert

I keep saying this is my final post on this blog, but here I am writing another one! lol

So what have I been up to since my last posting?  That's a good question.  My newer blog never got off the ground after my second or third posting because I just never had the time to research topics to teach about.  I was continuously trying to get that ever-elusive job offer.  Then I got a call to interview for a position I had applied to months earlier.

The position was for an IT Support Assistant for a 3 month contract in a local college here in Brooklyn.  The pay was horrible, but I was willing to break my long streak of being unemployed with anything I can add to my resume.  The interview went incredible smoothly and I had the immediate feeling that the job was mine.  A day later, I received the phone call that I can start on the next Monday.

The job was super-light compared to what I was used to working in the Manufacturing industry.  All I had to do was answer the phones and provide level 1 support for a college web application.  I also helped out with technical support in the computer lab, but the problems were very few.  I gave myself the added responsibility of creating a VB.NET / ASP.NET application for them in the ample spare time I had and added that fact to my resume.

The application was basically a combination of an inventory listing of every PC in their main computer lab, as well as a troubleshooting log.  The log showed the trouble history each PC had and how the problem was resolved (and by who).  The list was sorted by "Station Number", but behind the scenes (using SQL Server Express), the data was linked by MAC Address.  It was a simple application that gave me some more hands-on experience with ASP.NET.

When that assignment was over, it took about 2 weeks for me to land my latest venture.  I'm now an intern for a major New York City government agency's IT department.  It does pay something (even though its a small salary) and the experience gained from this position will elevate me to the big leagues in no time.  The shop uses all sorts of technology, including VB.NET, C#, ASP.NET, SQL Server, and Oracle.  I know I have tons to learn, but that's why I'm here!

So, while I sit here on my first week of my new job, my only advice to any of you still trying is to NOT give up, and to try any job (including internships) to get your foot in the door at a great company. 

Good luck, and let me know about your IT job-hunting stories you might have! Edit

Journey Into Programming

Written on 4:01 PM by Robert

I am happy to announce that I have created a new Wordpress-based blog named Journey Into Programming.  This new site will explore all sorts of programming techniques, but it will be geared towards the absolute beginner.

I will feature programming languages such as HTML, Visual Basic, and ASP.NET.  Later on, I will feature languages I will be learning along with you.  Hopefully, you would be willing to take this journey with me.

I'd just like to thank everyone who's been following this blog since I started it over a year ago.  Stick with me - the best is yet to come! Edit

My First Business Site / Future Plans

Written on 9:50 AM by Robert

I know I've been out of the loop from the blogging world for a while, but I've been trying to concentrate on finding work.  I've also started a refresher course on ASP.NET in order to compete with today's programming environment.

I created a new business site for a friend.  He is running a Cleaning and Restoration business and needed a web site.  The name of his company is Strictly Cleaning Restoration and is based in Brooklyn, NY.  During this time, I learned a lot about SEO rules, GoDaddy.com requirements, as well as sharpened my skills in CSS, HTML, and ASP.NET.  The web site still has a little work left on it, but I hope to hear from some of you about any tips or suggestions, even some criticism.

As far as blogging is concerned, I think I will be wrapping up this blog very soon.  I plan to create a new one for developers starting out with ASP.NET for the very first time.  I'm still thinking of a UNIQUE name for the blog.  I hear "Adventures in Programming" is already taken, so once I think of a good name, I'll get to work on that.  I may use WordPress for that one, just to be familiar with it.

So I'd love to hear from you about any of these topics!  Just send me a message! Edit

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