Beta 218 results are out, I passed :)

plucky duck · January 18th, 2002, 06:15 PM

Only needed this one to get my MCSA

It feels so fuzzy good inside, hehe. Doesn't mean jack though really, without experience in the IT work field, I understand that.

I'm soon to be on internship. But I do have a little dilemna. I've already been to two companies for internship interviews. One's a small, but growing company. The other is a big company. The IT in the small company consists of two people really. For the big company if I do get chosen I will prolly be put on projects. Opportunity for advancements and wages is much better at the big company. I've already heard back from the small company that I was the chosen one, out of two classmates.

I've yet to hear back from the bigger company come Monday. They're interviewing 5 people, but only choosing two. Not sure if I got chosen yet.

I'm also supposed to be going for an interview at another big name financial company this Monday. Its a two-part interview, first interview is just general with the HR person. If I pass the 1st interview, the 2nd one will be with the IT personnel. The chances of getting into this company is bleak. Too many unknowns at the moment.

I don't want to wait too long to respond to this small company, yet I still wanna wait till I hear a response from my 2nd interview.

The thing is I'm not sure whether I can learn more at the 1st or 2nd place. Any thoughts?

My explanation is weak I know, so if you want me to clarify anything, please ask

Plucky

DVNT1 · January 19th, 2002, 01:41 AM

That's a tough call. It could be that the small company would offer a broader range of hands on IT work since everything is only done by a few people. On the other hand they may outsource some of the work. I personally like the broad range of IT work and more personal recognition over potentially higher wages that have even more red tape and politics.

A small company *seems* less likely to layoff personel in tough times. A large company seems the opposite.

It may pay off to find out more details about the potential scope of work done by IT at the smaller company.

JacobM5727 · January 19th, 2002, 02:10 AM

the smaller company would be a better learning experience i think
instead of just being another tech guy, you would be "one" of the tech guys..

plucky duck · January 20th, 2002, 10:00 PM

I wish to learn and get experience, that comes first. Money, although important, can take a sidestep for the moment. Once you have the proper experience, the money will naturally flow. So no worries there.

I guess what I'm really wishing for is to choose the right company that WILL hire at the end of the internship. You guys are correct that things are dealt on a much personal level with a smaller company.

The other thing is I'm not exactly sure what my position will be during the internship. The HR lady prolly has an outline of duties given to her by that company now. I should ask her and see what it looks like before I decide...

Thx fellas,
Plucky

vass0922 · January 20th, 2002, 10:09 PM

I started out with a small company
Kind of co. you can go right up and say "Hey Chip" (chip was the pres's name) first name basis, no prob.

I did get a broad range of experience. Started out on the networking side, ended up on the programming side

(small company of 50-60 people (sidenote about 25 people now grrr)).

On the other hand however, I've worked networking jobs, and programming jobs. My current job is some network support plus doing programming. The problem is I dont have a lot of experience in either one. "Jack of all trades, but master of none" if you will. Yeah it works nice later in the years, but right now it gets tough trying to find a job. My point is, even if you do choose the smaller company, try not to spread your wings TOO far!

Not to mention in corp world, the more you CAN do the more you WILL do ... that can backlash LOL

plucky duck · January 21st, 2002, 09:01 PM

What a dilemna, I've heard back from the other company now. Both are willing to take me in. I'm still 50/50 as to which ship to jump onto. Guess I better make up my mind quick before both ships sail out eh :P

Here's the duties planned by the 2nd company:

----

On-Site Support:
On-site support and troubleshooting (this includes but is not
limited to application, operating system, device and desktop hardware troubleshooting).
Support of Network Servers and devices (troubleshooting in
conjunction with ESM hubs, switches, routers, printers, scanners, servers, tape backup units, UPS, etc).
Installation and Integration of Hardware, Software and PDA's as per client request.

TFS hotline:
Provides Network Support and Administration for all on-site
technicians providing support to Manitoba. (Includes but is not limited to providing temporary rights and permissions to clients and field service technicians, creation and removal of Network Print Queue's, 3rd level over the shoulder support for clients and field service tech's requiring assistance, provide Senior technical support for TFS staff and other Network Admin duties as assigned).

They may also be exposed to a rotation on our Help Desk, where we support Office 97 applications.

----

plucky duck · January 22nd, 2002, 10:06 PM

Finally made up my mind, going with the bigger company. Reasoning behind that decision is mainly because they have a more solid foot in the industry, have WAY more contracts, better benefits, and will not go flip flop anytime soon. They're biggest contracts comes from the government. They seem to be recruiting amass MCSE 2000 employees, prolly going to do a migration from NT 4 soon, so I do stand a good chance of hitting a job with them after internship. Of course, not expecting that to happen, but it'll be nice if that does become reality.

Even if it doesn't work out, I'm sure I end up with a pleasant experience about the corporate world and end up with one great reference

This has got to be one of the more difficult decisions I have had to make to date.

*fingers crossed*
Plucky

DVNT1 · January 22nd, 2002, 11:31 PM

Good luck plucky duck.

Job stability is a very important factor IMO.

willy_ph · January 23rd, 2002, 12:04 AM

Where have you been studying Plucky?

University or college?

plucky duck · January 23rd, 2002, 12:10 AM

Thx DVNT1. Yes, job security is also another factor I considered. With the smaller company, they've already laid off 7 employees since September, although they are rated as the 50 fastest growing companies in my location. Job stability is more of an unknown at this place.

willy_ph - I've been studying at a local technical college in a 19 month program. University is definitely not an option for me, never considered it, never will. Its just not me. Works for some, but not for me.