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

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Why Should I Work For The Government?

Written on 11:12 AM by Robert

GovernmentMost employed people that I know work for a private company and are fairly familiar with that environment. However, many people have never held a government job. What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of holding a government position?



Here are some of the advantages:
1. A pension. This is arguably better than a traditional 401k plan.
2. The financial services of a credit union or similar institution. Mortgages and other loans with great interest rates are always a welcome perk.
3. Your position is a measure of company status. Raises come at regular intervals (based on the economy, of course).
4. The higher your position, the more administrative power you hold - not always true in the private sector.
5. It is much harder for a government employee to be let go than a similar job in the private sector.
6. Some government agencies encourage hiring your relatives.
7. A more relaxed working environment.
8. A great benefits package.


Here are some of the disadvantages:
1. Government jobs offer a lower starting salary.
2. Promotions are few and far between.
3. Pay increases are smaller than they would be in the private sector.
4. Regulations. Government jobs come with tons of rules to follow.

If you had a choice between pubic and private sector jobs, do your research. Find out what would be a deal-breaker for you.

Anyone working for the government who wants to add something to this list? Any comments? Edit

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