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Jade

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May 25, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/25/99
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I need a new job - I hate my current job. anyone in Dallas know of a job
that doesn't require programming or any sort or the wearing of a hair net
and a name tag, please drop me line. oh yeah, no retail either.

thanks
jade :)

Violet Tigress

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May 25, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/25/99
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In article <7if6mr$64p$1...@news.onramp.net>, "Jade"
<ja...@outsourcestrategies.com> wrote:

***************
um....research assistant for the computer illiterate.


Miss Kitty (BrassKitty)
--
Violet Tigress
Official RenGeek
Miss Kitty of Amblefolke...that's Mistress Kitty to you
Reality is the hairball in the catnap of life

Liz /cozit

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
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Jade wrote:
>
> I need a new job - I hate my current job. anyone in Dallas know of a job
> that doesn't require programming or any sort or the wearing of a hair net
> and a name tag, please drop me line. oh yeah, no retail either.
>

Is this a *real* hate of the job, or just a "so sick of this, gotta have
a break" type hate? If it's the second, you could always do some
relatively mindless temping...typing/mass mailings...type stuff for a
bit. I've lucked out, every time I've gotten sick of a job, it was
about time to move on, anyway...or it was near the summer when that job
came to a halt for a bit, so temping was good. (ie, I was a substitute
teacher for several years)

It's amazing how fun those jobs are, and how relaxing (I even pulled an
all-nighter for one, just for the heck of it...they asked, and I got
overtime) as long as you know you won't be doing it forever. I've
noticed my brain "falls asleep" if I do clerical stuff too long, but
it's a great change of pace, for me!


Good Luck!
-Elisabeth

Fondor

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
to
Hi Jade,
RadioShack is currently implementing a new online presence and may need folk
to help with it (I know the mis department is overworked). If you can do good
documentation you may want to talk to them. Also good benefits (including a
stock purchase program, woohoo the stock split again yesterday). Stop by Tandy
Center in Fort Worth.
Jay
Knightly Endeavors-If you can imagine it, we can do it
There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast.
www.knightly.com

Jade

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
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Nope - I have been in the corporate world for 15 years now (shudder). I
don't like recruiting, I would like to go back to school and finish my
degree but I don't have the funds, not even for night school at a community
college.

Jade

Liz /cozit wrote in message <374B691D...@home.com>...

BlueFaille

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
to
On the subject of needing a job, is anyone, preferably in Florida, an undergrad
majoring in history looking for an internship? I have two nine-week
internships available this Fall:

Digital Archives Project - basicly scanning historical photos and documents all
day long so they can be put online, indexing them and coordinating commentary
by local historians. A good opportunity to handle documents and photos of
historical significance. May also be good for a Library Science major.

Costume Collection Stabilization Project - Florida's weather isn't kind to
textiles. Our collection of costumes from the 1860s through 1940s needs to be
stabilized, photographed, cataloged and properly stored. A good opportunity to
handle historic costumes. There is a possibility that we may receive funding
to reproduce several garments for display. May also be good for a design
major.

Stipend, 12 credits through a Florida public institution, housing, letters of
reference and a really fun boss ;-)

E-mail me if you're interested!

Heather

Locklyn

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
to
>On the subject of needing a job, is anyone, preferably in Florida, an
>undergrad
>majoring in history looking for an internship? I have two nine-week
>internships available this Fall:

(sigh) Undergrad... :( I just graduated, but it sounds spiffy! (Especially
the costume one!)

Anyone got anything for a recent college grad with a concentration in Medieval/
Renaissance Studies? I don't mind name tags, really, but I would like an
actual living wage (How can anyone figure that minimum wage is sufficient???)
and I'd like regular working hours if at all possible...

Would you like fries with that?

Locklyn (Sanna)
***Delete the "edy" to email***

NORMTUBA

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
to
Locklyn posts:

>Anyone got anything for a recent college grad with a concentration
in>Medieval/
>Renaissance Studies? I don't mind name tags, really, but I would like
an>actual living wage (How can anyone figure that minimum wage
is>sufficient???)>and I'd like regular working hours if at all possible...
>
>Would you like fries with that?
>
>Locklyn (Sanna)

This is not directed just at Locklyn. There are others of you in her
situation, or maybe thinking of doing what she did. This is my 2 cents; you
may find it useful.

If this sounds mean--it isn't meant to be. The last line of your post sums up
your situation beautifully. I am really sorry to say this, but history just
isn't a good major for anyone unless they are using it as a foundation for
later degree work--say as pre-law--or unless it is one of a double major where
one of the majors has a possibility of getting you a job that pays a living
wage. I say this as a professional historian by training, with a Ph.D. I
have worked professionally in a very closely related field (military history
museum curator) for 25 years and get paid well. I got lucky. Just about the
time the history field job market began to dry up in a big way I stumbled into
a good job. But over the past 25 years, and particularly in the past ten, I
have seen many young people with history degrees go begging for related jobs.
It is not easy to get a job in the history profession.

My suggestion, Locklyn--either go back to school and get a good course
background in something readily employable that pays relatively decently, or go
on and get a Master's in something like Library Science, Information
Management, or Museum Studies. Not that any of these pay a fortune, but you
will have much more of a chance getting a decent job with these degrees than
you will with either a MA or a Ph.D in history.
If you would like to discuss this further, E-Mail me.

HawkwoodGM

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
to
"Jade" writes:

>I need a new job - I hate my current job.

I thought you were going to go on circuit. What ever happened to that?

James Echols
General Manager (Vice-President of Operations)
Hawkwood Medieval Fantasy Faire
http://members.aol.com/hawkwoodgg/hawkwood.htm
Keeper of the Day of Off

Locklyn

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
to
>If this sounds mean--it isn't meant to be. The last line of your post sums
>up
>your situation beautifully. I am really sorry to say this, but history
>just
>isn't a good major for anyone unless they are using it as a foundation for
>later degree work--say as pre-law--or unless it is one of a double major
>where
>one of the majors has a possibility of getting you a job that pays a living
>wage.

Yep- I know... Not mean at all- very true. I'm planning on going back to
school eventually- either to get a teaching certification and more history,
pre-law, or... heck, maybe even collect other degrees... Psych has always been
interesting, as is a fine arts degree (not that that will get me too much
further...) but for right now, I'm thinking that staying away from college for
a little while might be healthy. The museum studies could be interesting too..
I have t othink about that one.. (I've done a bit of art history, but my prof
wasn't that great, so I'm not too confidant in my knowledge of the subject.)
Thanks for the input!

BlueFaille

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May 26, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/26/99
to
NORMTUBA wrote:

(much snipped)

>go on and get a Master's in something like Library Science, Information
Management, or Museum Studies. Not that any of these pay a fortune, but you
will have much more of a chance getting a decent job with these degrees than
you will with either a MA or a Ph.D in history<

I have to (sadly) agree with this. While I believe history to be a
surpurlative undergrad major as a foundation for furthur studies, a "straight"
history degree definately isn't something you want to pursue if you need to
make a living right away.

I was fortunate in the fact that my undergrad school offered a minor in public
history/museum studies and that I landed a string of short-term positions in
the museum field (such as those I'm offering) which exposed me to a wide
variety of historic sites, museums and libraries that helped me to focus my
far-reaching historical interests and meet people that would eventually offer
me "real" jobs. YMMV, of course :-)

So... If you find yourself with a "useless" history degree, don't underestimate
the value of internships and volunteer work. Consider pumping up your
curriculum vitae with additional coursework (I chose non-profit administration
and historic preservation) even if you can't embark on grad school full-time.
Join the National Society for Fund Raising Executives and take their
grantwriting course, because fundraising is a great way to break in to museum
employment... And those who do it well are some of the most respected and
highly paid people in the museum field.

I could go on and on... E-mail me if you want to ;-)

Cheers!
Heather

Trong

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May 27, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/27/99
to
In article <19990526165117...@ng-ce1.aol.com>,

norm...@aol.com (NORMTUBA) wrote:
> Locklyn posts:
>
> >Anyone got anything for a recent college grad with a concentration
> in>Medieval/
> >Renaissance Studies? I don't mind name tags, really, but I would
like
> an>actual living wage (How can anyone figure that minimum wage
> is>sufficient???)>and I'd like regular working hours if at all
possible...
> >
> >Would you like fries with that?
> >
> >Locklyn (Sanna)
>
> This is not directed just at Locklyn. There are others of you in her
> situation, or maybe thinking of doing what she did. This is my 2
cents; you
> may find it useful.
>
> If this sounds mean--it isn't meant to be. The last line of your
post sums up
> your situation beautifully. I am really sorry to say this, but
history just
> isn't a good major for anyone unless they are using it as a
foundation for
> later degree work--say as pre-law--or unless it is one of a double
major where
> one of the majors has a possibility of getting you a job that pays a
living
> wage. I say this as a professional historian by training, with a
Ph.D. I
> have worked professionally in a very closely related field (military
history
> museum curator) for 25 years and get paid well. I got lucky. Just
about the
> time the history field job market began to dry up in a big way I
stumbled into
> a good job. But over the past 25 years, and particularly in the
past ten, I
> have seen many young people with history degrees go begging for
related jobs.
> It is not easy to get a job in the history profession.
>
> My suggestion, Locklyn--either go back to school and get a good course
> background in something readily employable that pays relatively
decently, or go

> on and get a Master's in something like Library Science, Information
> Management, or Museum Studies. Not that any of these pay a
fortune, but you
> will have much more of a chance getting a decent job with these
degrees than
> you will with either a MA or a Ph.D in history.
> If you would like to discuss this further, E-Mail me.
>

History isn't the only field where this is a problem. Part of the
problem stems from the question, "why do we go to college?". Colleges
want to think of themselves as places where people are educated and
prepared for life. Many of of us think of them as a Tech school, where
we learn a skill or trade to enable us to make a reasonable living.
There are certain fields like History, Music, Biology, that for the
most part are what i call "self perpetuating fields" in that all an
undergraduate degree in them prepares you to do is teach that field. I
know of one lady i went to college with who not only had undergraduate
in Biology but went on to get her Masters in Animal Behaviorism. She
ended up working the counter in a drug store, because she didn't live
near a major Zoo. I knew another biology major who ended up in the
Insurance industry becuase LabTechs weren't being paid enuff. I've
encountered several Music Majors in computer support departments
filling nondegreed positions because there is very little work for
professionaly muscians. I'm not trying to imply that these are bad
degrees, just that some of us persue a living, and some persue our
dreams. Unfortunately persuing dreams tends to involve great sacrifice.

--
Trong Trongersoll, Hermit from the Hills,
Ogre Extrodinaire, Bount. Bod. Guild, Supporter #3
RenGeek NJ:NYRF


--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--
---Share what you know. Learn what you don't.---

Jade

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May 27, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/27/99
to
SO decided that I wouldn't make it and he was right (but don't let him know
that I said that). No seriously, too many bills to pay for me to go circuit
just yet. Maybe next year.

Jade

PS - James - do you still need hammer slingers at Hawkwood?


HawkwoodGM wrote in message
<19990526170805...@ngol03.aol.com>...

Trong

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May 27, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/27/99
to
In article <7iji8q$9ad$1...@news.onramp.net>,

"Jade" <ja...@outsourcestrategies.com> wrote:
> SO decided that I wouldn't make it and he was right (but don't let
him know
> that I said that). No seriously, too many bills to pay for me to go
circuit
> just yet. Maybe next year.
>
> Jade
>
>

I can't help but cringe at the irony here, the headhunter can't find
herself a better job.

Aredhel

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May 28, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/28/99
to

Trong wrote in message <7ijgsf$ka0$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>...

>History isn't the only field where this is a problem. Part of the
>problem stems from the question, "why do we go to college?". Colleges
>want to think of themselves as places where people are educated and
>prepared for life. Many of of us think of them as a Tech school, where
>we learn a skill or trade to enable us to make a reasonable living.


<snipped>

On a different note, I've seen places that don't care what your degree is
in, as long as you have one. There are employers who feel that the
discipline it takes to get a degree in whatever gives you what it takes to
succeed. I guess it may depend on what you want to do in the long run. My
major was Mass Communicatons and my minor was Geology. Now I'm a computer
tech.... go figure.....

Aredhel
Madame Strawberricus Majesticus of the Royal Order of Silver Otters
Amethyst MacDobhran
Wench #599
http://www.geocities.com/~missbhave
ICQ #35993511 (this time around)


Eloise Beltz-Decker

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May 28, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/28/99
to
On Fri, 28 May 1999, Aredhel wrote:
>
> Trong wrote in message <7ijgsf$ka0$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>...
>
> >History isn't the only field where this is a problem. Part of the
> >problem stems from the question, "why do we go to college?". Colleges
> >want to think of themselves as places where people are educated and
> >prepared for life. Many of of us think of them as a Tech school, where
> >we learn a skill or trade to enable us to make a reasonable living.
>
> <snipped>
>
> On a different note, I've seen places that don't care what your degree is
> in, as long as you have one. There are employers who feel that the
> discipline it takes to get a degree in whatever gives you what it takes to
> succeed. I guess it may depend on what you want to do in the long run. My
> major was Mass Communicatons and my minor was Geology. Now I'm a computer
> tech.... go figure.....

The home decor/dishes/other store known as Crate & Barrel is one
of these. I know because I was looking for a job after I failed to
graduate from college, and they won't even give you an application unless
you have a bachelor's in *something*. The form doesn't even ask what your
major/minor was, unles you want to put it in the comments field. :->

Eloise, who ended up in tech support anyway
--
Eloise Beltz-Decker elo...@ripco.com
http://pages.ripco.com:8080/~eloise/

It will be a great day when our schools have
all of the money they need and the air force
has to hold a bake sale to buy bombs.


Violet Tigress

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May 28, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/28/99
to
In article <7il6de$pmm$1...@bgtnsc03.worldnet.att.net>, "Aredhel"
<amet...@toast.removethis.net> wrote:

>Trong wrote in message <7ijgsf$ka0$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>...
>
>>History isn't the only field where this is a problem. Part of the
>>problem stems from the question, "why do we go to college?". Colleges
>>want to think of themselves as places where people are educated and
>>prepared for life. Many of of us think of them as a Tech school, where
>>we learn a skill or trade to enable us to make a reasonable living.

*****************
I've often wondered the same thing Maybe it's to continue the grade
school brainwashing.


Miss Kitty (Brass Kitty)

BlueFaille

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May 28, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/28/99
to
Why do we go to college? For many, it seems, the answer is "because it's
expected". When I was a junior in high school, no one ever asked me *if* I was
going to college... They asked me *where* I was going. For some reason, the
prevailing attitude in the US today is that one must earn at least a bachelors
degree in order to be successful.

I'm not a sociologist, and I don't know how or why this idea developed, but I
*do* have a theory. We've lost confidence in the high school education. I
know there are some fabulous teachers and schools out there, so don't claim I
said teachers are failing and flame my butt. Next to parenting, it's the most
important and difficult job in the world, IMO, and I have a deep respect for
those who make teaching their career. Still, as director of a field trip venue
that hosts some 20,000 K-8 students each year, I see things that anger and
discourage me every day:

Teachers who have so little respect for the program presenters that they make
cell phone calls, read unrelated material or *sleep* during programs.

Teachers who have so little respect for their students that they don't bother
to learn their names, call them "animals" and use profanity.

Teachers whose grasp of English grammar, current events and American history is
tenuous at best.

Students who willfully destroy museum property.

Students who assault their teachers, other students, parent chaperones and
program presenters.

Students who threaten to accuse teachers of (unfounded) racism or sexual
misconduct when disciplined.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea... There's a whole lot of mutual
disrespect going on in schools... At least in south Florida. And again, I'm no
sociologist, but it could have something to do with the overcrowding, the
underfunding, the parents who are too busy to discipline their children, let
alone spend time with them or get involved in their schools, couldn't it?

<shrug> All I know is that my staff and I work damn hard to provide a living
history experience that might just turn a kid on to learning about the past.

Alright, I've tangented a bit. Your turn.

Heather

Locklyn

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May 29, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/29/99
to
>Why do we go to college? For many, it seems, the answer is "because it's
>expected". When I was a junior in high school, no one ever asked me *if* I
>was
>going to college... They asked me *where* I was going.

yep- same here... I went to college bacause it was just something I was
expected to do... I probably should have waited a while to go, maybe not even
have gone. Oh well.. got my degree now- and I'm certainly not upset that I
went- I'm glad I did... but I probably would have benefitted from waiting a
while. --Known a bit more what I want, you know? So, for now, I'll probably
end up working in a fabric store or a bookstore... taking a few programming
classes or something and getting into the computer industry... The only people
that I know getting "real" jobs now after we've graduated are going into the
computer industry, regardless or their actual majors.

Soon to be a more well- rounded geek,

Bevin & Andre

unread,
May 30, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/30/99
to
Locklyn <loc...@aol.comedy> wrote in message
news:19990529133836...@ng-cp1.aol.com...

> >Why do we go to college? For many, it seems, the answer is "because it's
> >expected". When I was a junior in high school, no one ever asked me *if*
I
> >was
> >going to college... They asked me *where* I was going.

Then there are those of us who never got to really go to college...did my
time in Uncle Sam's canoe club, learned all kinds of stuff, did college
classes on the ship and whenever I could in port, and it all adds up to
mush. I have about 200 hours of credit, but you can't make a degree like
you can make a quilt. Piece meal don't cut it. Gotta contribute
appropriately to the alumni a$$ociation. I have checked out New York
Regents, etc. but still nothing to show on a sheepskin. With all that I
make good money, but I'm stifled by the lack of a diploma. So many
opportunities for advancement begin with "the successful candidate will
possess a degree in...". Yes, it's an expectation...just be glad you've had
the opportunity, it will help later on.

Andre

--
Bevin O'Kenney, Herbalist Supreme, Wench # Applied For
Wife, Mother, Purveyor of Beauty and Justice in a household of men
Andre Bois L'eau, Shipwright to Henri, Rogue # Applied For
Father, Husband, and oft Fool
Master Reed Bois L'eau,
Sir Sullen, Master of the Scowl, Gruff
Master Rhett Bois L'eau,
Nemesis of all Things Breakable, Lord Loud Howler

Bevin...@NOSPAMhotmail.com


Morghana

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May 31, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/31/99
to
In article <92811580...@news.remarQ.com>, "Bevin & Andre"
<Bevin...@hotmail.com> writes:

> I have checked out New York
>Regents, etc. but still nothing to show on a sheepskin. With all that I
>make good money, but I'm stifled by the lack of a diploma. So many
>opportunities for advancement begin with "the successful candidate will
>possess a degree in...". Yes, it's an expectation...just be glad you've had
>the opportunity, it will help later on.

While I've seen this too, in the high tech field, they're finally beginning to
realize that many of the top-notch geeks DON'T have degrees, let alone degrees
in computer science.

Yeah, my lack of a four-year degree may prevent me from getting some jobs, but
at this stage in my life and career, I'll be damned if I'll quit a reasonably
high-paying job to go back to school to take classes in some facet of
technology that is basically obsolete, just to satisfy a checkbox on an HR
departments' forms. While some jobs still cling to it, more and more list ("4
year degree required, or equivalent work experience"). I think reality is
finally seeping into the cracks in the HR departments' armor........

When I've been in a position to making hiring decisions, the fact that someone
went to college was WAY down my list of things I was looking for. Granted: It
IS important if you're a doctor, a lawyer, CPA or a professional engineer, but
certainly means much less than if you can actually do the job in *many* other
fields. If going to college is something you personally want... more power to
you. I may still take the occasional class here and there, but it'll be
because I want to...

~Morghana
Queen of the AFR Goddesses
Builder of Costumes (and splendid Wulfie tights)
Goddess of 'Puters
Wench #666..... "the mark of the breast"
Battle Bytch
RenMerc
Owned by Cats
oh, and professional computer geek, too.....


Trask

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May 31, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/31/99
to
>Then there are those of us who never got to really go to college...did my
>time in Uncle Sam's canoe club, learned all kinds of stuff, did college

Spent time with Uncle Sam's Misguided Children <g>...

>make good money, but I'm stifled by the lack of a diploma. So many
>opportunities for advancement begin with "the successful candidate will
>possess a degree in...". Yes, it's an expectation...just be glad you've had
>the opportunity, it will help later on.

<rant>
Same here... Some college, 21 years experience in the computer field (will be 38
in July!) but no degree. Talked to 2 of the local college but even if I tested out
there still want me to take 2 years work more of actual classes. As to the job
requirements have you ever wanted to take them to court based on some type of
educational-discrimination ???
</rant>

Trask


Lady Isabel

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May 31, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/31/99
to
That happened to my dad too. TONS of experience (about 25 years) but no bachelors
degree in anything. He eventually did get a really good job after he was laid off, but
it took awhile.

Then there are others, like my husband, who have the bachelor's degree (albeit in
Theater and English) and who has taken many classes to become a certified networking
engineer. His problem? NO EXPERIENCE.

Gee, if he can't get a job because he has no experience but he needs experience to get
a job, how's that supposed to work?

Sorry about ranting...just a tad bit frustrated here...

Lady Isabel

Morghana

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Jun 1, 1999, 3:00:00 AM6/1/99
to
In article <37533A1A...@netscape.net>, Lady Isabel
<sioc...@netscape.net> writes:

>Then there are others, like my husband, who have the bachelor's degree
>(albeit in
>Theater and English) and who has taken many classes to become a certified
>networking
>engineer. His problem? NO EXPERIENCE.
>
>Gee, if he can't get a job because he has no experience but he needs
>experience to get
>a job, how's that supposed to work?

Okay, here's one way. Have him volunteer to network and/or support
something.... churches, local SPCA... anything.... that experience does and
will count on a resume.... plus you get the added warm fuzzies of helping
computerize/modernize or save the sanity of an organization who generally can't
afford to pay for what it desperately needs. It gets a foot in the door.

The other bloodshot-eyes reality is this: you have to start at the bottom for
at least a few months and demonstrate you learn quick, you're reliable and you
really DO know what's going on. If an entry-level salary isn't gonna make the
mortagage payments and put food on the table, something ELSE has to give.
Spouse has to work, get a second mortgage, loan from parents....something. You
can't expect to parlay zero experience into the kind of salary that training
centers and colleges are waving around to lure people into signing up. Yeah a
few people get those... the larger majority don't. You pays your dues when you
start in this field and once you have some sort of track record, you can start
writing your own ticket......

...having said that.... I think that the networking/computer field is the most
exciting place to be right now...... it's frustrating, tense, hard work ....
moments of total chaos interspersed with jolts of pure terror..... and days
sometimes of seemingly mundane tasks.... I wouldn't trade it for the
world......(oh and the re-orgs can drive you crazy too.....). Once you get on
this tiger, you can't get off.... and you don't dare stop learning lest the
world leave you in the dust..... it's a rush.

Eloise Beltz-Decker

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Jun 1, 1999, 3:00:00 AM6/1/99
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On Mon, 31 May 1999, Lady Isabel wrote:

>Then there are others, like my husband, who have the bachelor's degree
>(albeit in Theater and English) and who has taken many classes to become a
>certified networking engineer. His problem? NO EXPERIENCE.

> Gee, if he can't get a job because he has no experience but he needs
> experience to get a job, how's that supposed to work?

He can do what I did, and search till he finds a company
willing-to-train, as it were. Stick with them for a year or so and then
you have experience, voila!

Eloise, who loves her current job.

Morghana

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Jun 1, 1999, 3:00:00 AM6/1/99
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In article <37542CF0...@netscape.net>, Lady Isabel
<sioc...@netscape.net> writes:

>However, we've discovered from various sources that the average CNE in the
>midwest
>makes 58k a year. Maybe I'm just naive, but I don't think that 28k-30k for
>entry
>level is so much to ask. My father, who is a MCNE, agrees. Perhaps we'd be
>able
>to guage it better if he could find an entry level position to apply for.
>We'd
>deal with less for awhile just so he could get the experience.

The "average CNE" salary figure is probably obtained including places like
Chicago, Minneapolis and suchlike. I know that when I left Minneapolis last
fall, the figure you're quoting is quite realistic for CNEs with experience
under their belts (not entry level).

However, where do YOU live? If it's not in one of the major technology areas
in Iowa, that salary number will not be representative. Law of supply and
demand is a harsh mistress. If there's no demand, it doesn't really matter
what the mythical "average CNE" makes....let alone one with no experience. Are
you seriously saying there is no organization or church in your town/city that
can't use some free technological expertise? IF that is truly so, you might
have to bite the bullet and move somewhere that there ARE jobs......

I can tell you from what I'm hearing from friends in the Twin Cities, jobs are
most certainly there.... and out here (I'm now in the DC area), the
unemployment rate is BELOW 1%... and tech jobs are going begging.

What sort of job search methods are you using? Recruiters? The web? Whoever
he took classes from? Word of mouth? How about your father being able to get
him at least a few names and a "foot in the door"?

Lady Isabel

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Jun 1, 1999, 3:00:00 AM6/1/99
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Let me first start off by saying that you're so kind to offer your advice!

Yes, I do realize the 58k a year is not entry-level--I was just using it as a
reference point.

We live just outside of Des Moines--that's about as metropolitan as you can get
here! Cedar Rapids is also being considered--the commute is about 1hr 20min.

We're using everything we can think of: recruiters, temp agencies, Help Desk
(that's where he took his classes, but they seem to be pretty clueless about where
he should apply), the internet, etc, etc. Dad's trying to help, asking his
contacts and stuff, but everyone is looking for people with experience. He's even
tried to get him in down where he works. My husband would be working with a team
of CNEs, which would be just perfect for a beginner. However, the company, even
though they have openings to be filled, is still refusing anybody wihout
experience.

And unfortunately, moving is not an option. Our college debt is absolutely huge,
especially now with the loan for the CNE classes. We will not be financially ready
to leave my parents house until about 14 months from the time he finds a permanent
position. Therefore, we are stuck with the Des Moines area. With our car loan on
top of our student loans we were literally drowning before we moved in with my
parents, even when I was working. If we can't get rid of some of this debt before
we leave we are screwed.

We live in a tiny town, so there's not much networking stuff going on here for him
to volunteer his services. Churches don't have computers here! :) There are some
small businesses but only two or three really have computers and my dad is
currently being paid on contract for their upkeep. My husband has little time as
it is between commuting and working, so driving back and forth to another little
town during business hours isn't really an option either.

Thanks for trying to help though. Our situation is pretty unique, so we're kind of
stuck working with what we've got. But it's kind of you nonetheless! :)

Lady Isabel

cher...@webtv.net

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Jun 2, 1999, 3:00:00 AM6/2/99
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Love this thread. I have a degree in art. I pretty much knew this was
not going to get me a job in a small midwestern town when I went to
college so I tacked on education. Did not care for the politics of
teaching and ended up with a job that required a degree but didn't care
what kind. I have enjoyed the job and it pays the bills even though I'm
not getting rich yet. I'm a sales rep for a music and book co. I did
have to relocate for the job, it was one of the requirements. The move
was a good one and I've been very happy.


CatheB

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Jun 2, 1999, 3:00:00 AM6/2/99
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ME? I have a BFA in Interrelated Media, An MFA in Experimental Animation,
an MA in Music, and an MA in Computer Science..student loans? 825 a
month..woohooo.

What did I do?
Special EFx animation, 40k every 3 months, left for Professorship, 28, 500
a year. Left for another teaching gig, 40k a year....left for an artist
job, 46k a year, left for a multimedia internet job...57k a year.... now
I'm starting to pay off the loans.

all along..??? stand up..2k a year..MAYBE

CatheB

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