How to jump start your IT career - or any career! Searching for a job in IT? Visit throttlenet.com

1. STARTING A
CAREER IN IT?
Expert advice from industry professionals

2. Welcome to the ultra-competitive field of IT.
Today's graduates need to go above and beyond
to jump-start their career after graduation.
The experts at ThrottleNet have put together a
list of things for recent college graduates to be
aware of when beginning their journey as an IT
professional.
CONGRATS,
GRADUATES!
SECTION ONE

3. FIND YOUR
PASION
You don't want to be stuck in a boring career!
Explore the different areas of IT.
Find what you like.
Be an Intern.
Volunteer.
Take a Contracting Position.
You may think you don't like coding but if you
try it you may like it.

4. GET CERTIFIED
You can't go wrong with a Microsoft
Certification.
Certifications can give you a leg up over other
recent graduates who don't have any
applicable lines on their resume.
Explore certifications like Cisco's CCNA,
CompTIA, CISSP & Network +.
You may get sticker shock from some of these
certifications, but they more than pay for
themselves in the long run.

5. NETWORK!
Like any industry, networking is crucial in IT.
Get to know other IT professionals in person
and on LinkedIn.

6. BE WILLING TO
WORK YOUR
WAY UP
It's very rare to jump straight from college
into a 6-figure IT position.
While it does happen that shouldn't be your
starting expectation.
Working the help desk is a great way to get
exposed to a lot of IT problems and solutions,
but isn't a glorified role.
Pay your dues and work the ladder -
constantly learning and evolving as a
professional.

7. DRESS TO
IMPRESS
Even if the company you're interviewing at
has a casual dress code ALWAYS wear a suit
to your interview.
Your appearance may not be a reflection of
your work ethic but first impressions count -
and your potential new boss doesn't know
you yet. Be safe. Wear a suit.

8. UNDERSTAND
THIS ISN'T A 9-5
Networks don't take any time off.
Caring for a broken network is a lot like
caring for a sick kid. It can strike at any time
and if you're in charge it's your responsibility.
Understand that most jobs in the IT field
require a lot of time - and weekend and
evening hours aren't rare.

9. CONSIDER A
MANAGED
NETWORK
COMPANY
Working at a Managed Network firm exposes
employees to a wide range of networks,
issues and solutions in a variety of industries.
At these companies, new employees learn a
lot - and learn it fast.
Want to find out more about what we're
currently looking for?
Learn about available positions at
ThrottleNet.com/about/join-the-team!