How do I move from finance into IT?
I am a finance graduate who has worked in the financial sector
for seven years, but I want to move into IT. I have experience with
Excel macros and I am studying for
MCSE certification. I have applied for helpdesk positions, but
most companies want experienced applicants. I am concerned about
the outsourcing of IT jobs, and want to use my knowledge of finance
to help me get an IT role.
Get qualified and use your Excel skills
I would strongly advise you to continue studying to be an MCSE
(Microsoft certified systems engineer). This remains a valuable and
well-respected qualification within the IT industry.
I would not be too concerned about companies
outsourcing IT
roles we are in a very active, candidate-driven market at the
moment, and there are plenty of opportunities for first-, second-
and third-line support people with Microsoft certification.
I would suggest that you target accountancy firms for your first
IT role. There are IT recruitment firms that have specialist
professional services practices, and they will welcome your
combination of
Microsoft and accountancy experience.
Spend at least 12 months in your first IT role to build industry
experience and only then consider looking for another job.
You could use your knowledge of Excel in an IT support role, but
there are also great opportunities for Excel specialists at the
moment. On one of the leading job boards I found 87 pages of Excel
vacancies.
Next move >>
Should I study MCSE or Prince2 for a career in IT
projects? >>
Microsoft IT training: an expert view
>>
Microsoft Windows: an expert view >>
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