IT hopefuls struggle to find entry-level jobs without experience
Recent computer science graduates are having difficulty securing help desk positions despite their degrees. They're debating between continuing with a CS degree or switching to computer information systems, highlighting the challenge of breaking into IT without prior work history.
SOURCES (60)
“I am currently studying a HNC in Administration & IT and I am looking for some advice on which the best routes/s are to go down to secure a job after I leave college. I will be leaving college after I finish my HNC. I…”
“skip the "google cyber security" cert. in this market, it's basically a participation trophy that recruiters filter out instantly. if you actually want a shot: Get Network+ or Security+ just to clear HR filters. Keep breaking/fixing that Rocky laptop (bonus points if you host DNS, SSH, and docker containers locally). Apply for every Helpdesk / Desktop Support role you find. almost nobody skips helpdesk to become a sysadmin anymore, especially with an AA degree and no experience. gr”
“Hi Reddit, Just wanted some advice from you guys as to whether to continue my education. To give some context, I have a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Computer Science that I got ~4 years ago, however, I failed to find any kind of entry level job in Computer Science. Since I couldn’t find any jobs in the field I studied for, I’ve just been working wagie jobs for the past years. Having been fed up with shit wagie jobs, I started to pursue a diploma at my city’s polytechnic institution called I”
“Title, just finished up my second week of community college. Ideally id like to become a software engineer or work in cybersecurity, but I wouldn’t mind something like an it job either, I just want to be working in tech. Every single time I open this sub or see it online it is always people either absolutely catastrophizing everything or saying that everything is fine and people are being dumb. Can someone with genuine experience weigh in? How bad is it actually and is it just general economy/jo”
“any advice for a soon to be graduate looking for a tech job submitted by /u/Murky-University-394 [link] [comments]”
“I'm a 22M living in the US and I am frustrated with trying to get my foot in the door into IT. I have no prior IT experience other than a few projects that I have created and 3 IT certs which are the CompTIA A+, Network+ and the Google Cybersecurity Cert. The only "valid" work experience that I have is working for a big insurance company as a claims rep, all other experience that I have is working for a damn coffee shop and grocery store. I don't know how to obtain an entry lev”
“If you’re only thinking about internships with 2 semesters left you’re not in good shape, tbh. There 2-3 years of experience for entry level companies look for is internships.”
“Valid, honestly I've struggled to find a role in cyber for about a 1.5 years so I figured it's time for a change. I don't mind the pre-reqs as long as it'll help me in the long run”
“Honestly switching to CpE at the masters level with just a CS bachelors sounds rough. Those prereqs can pile up fast and you'd basically be catching up for a while. But if you genuinely enjoyed the architecture stuff that's not nothing”
“Hey all! I graduated back in 2025 with a B.S. in Comp Sci, and since then I've been trying pretty hard to get into cyber just because I thought it caught my interest while I was in undergrad. Since then, I've worked in a IT/helpdesk and after having a lot of pushback trying to break into the cyber industry over a year, I decided to enroll and get my masters in cyber. But now that my classes finally started, I'm starting to consider another route in CpE instead. I've taken some Co”
“You like computers and everyone tells you that you can make six figures in IT. So easy! So how do you do it? Is your degree the right path? Can you just YouTube it? How do you get the experience when every job wants experience? So many questions and this is the weekly post for them! WIKI : /r/ITCareerQuestions Wiki /r/CSCareerQuestions Wiki /r/Sysadmin Wiki /r/Networking Wiki /r/NetSec Wiki /r/NetSecStudents Wiki /r/SecurityCareerAdvice/ /r/CompTIA Wiki /r/Linux4Noobs Wiki Essential Blogs for Ea”
“Hello, I am a 22 year old student, graduating in December of 2026 with a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity. Am both Network+ and Security+ Certified, but I can't seem to get opportunities at all, I apply and apply and apply, and being unable to relocate at the moment, remote oppurtunities are the only ones I can take at the moment, or local stuff, which there are none. The only professional experience I have was an internship that lasted a 4 months, and no one else will seem to give me”
“Yes I found a passion for CS and knew it was what I wanted to do. I have never worked an IE job”
“Yes this is good advice. Enroll in as many programming and cs related classes as you can this semester and next. Math classes too, although these aren't as directly transferrable. Try not to use ai as much as you can for the first year or two. This will be your opportunity to see if you like the process of solving problems in a swe type career. If you're not fascinated with the topics you learn this year, then pivot. Find what classes you DO like, and aim for those type of fields.”
“Resume: https://imgur.com/a/wOOpjpY Hey, I’m trying to get back into tech after several years in hospitality. I have a CS degree and worked as a web programmer from 2018–2021, primarily developing and supporting web applications for government clients. Since then I’ve worked in hospitality and moved into banquet management. I’m currently targeting application support/product support/technical support roles, something that is technical but includes contact with people. I’ve started applying but h”
“Hey everyone, just looking for a bit of advice and guidance. I'm graduating late this year with my bachelor's in IT from an online college. As part of my course work, I've gotten my A+ and I'll be getting my Network+ before graduation. I've built and maintained computers and repaired phones, and have little experience with networks but learn quickly on the job. Once I graduate, I want to move my career into the field as quickly as possible. I'm currently in an overnight j”
“Hello, for the past couple years I’ve been working towards starting in IT, I’ve gotten an associates in information technology, gotten the tech+ and A+ certifications, I have a background in automotive technical work so I know how to diagnose, repair, ticket…. But I can’t even get an interview for a helpdesk job, and everything is so messed up k don’t know if I should dedicate more time and money into IT or if i should just look elsewhere Can anyone give me some advice? submitted by”
“I recently graduated with an associates degree in compsci and start my bachelor's soon. For the past few months now I been applying for remote help desk and tech support jobs, but had no luck. Are there any ways I can improve my chances? Is it because I have no certifications? submitted by /u/ConnorMcgarret [link] [comments]”
“I'm a graduating CS senior with no luck getting any internships in my 2 years here but one of the departments in my state posted an IT security volunteer position that I signed up for this morning, but I wanted to know if anyone else has done volunteer tech work that got them an entry level role in the future? I'm doing it for the experience since security is my primary focus and I'll be working under state employees which I hope will make said experience valuable, but I'm just a”
“Should that be enough? Any advice from you guys would be greatly appreciated. submitted by /u/Haunting_Drama8204 [link] [comments]”
“I'm tired. I have a cs bachelor's, internship experience, projects, the whole shebang. Wasn't able to get any tech interviews for the longest time. I have no skills outside of tech, and I can't afford to go back to school. Literally making under $20/hour in retail now in a hcol. Trades are the new learn to code fad; I'm not falling for that rush a second time. So I'm working with what I have. What type of job can I get, if any, outside of tech? I'd appreciate some spe”
“I'm tired. I have a cs bachelor's, internship experience, projects, the whole shebang. Wasn't able to get any tech interviews for the longest time. I have no skills outside of tech, and I can't afford to go back to school. Literally making under $20/hour in retail now in a hcol. Trades are the new learn to code fad; I'm not falling for that rush a second time. So I'm working with what I have. What type of job can I get, if any, outside of tech? I'd appreciate some spe”
“I am an out-of-work web developer and data analyst who is doing some volunteering (web development) for a local charity while looking for my next role. No university education, and no vendor certs (including CompTIA and CCNA), but have some UK-specific BTEC IT diplomas at Level 3 (similar to Advanced Placement, for those of you who are US based). More skilled in Linux, although am a very good Windows power user with extensive PowerShell experience, and some SQL Server experience. I live near Cov”
“What strategies might work? submitted by /u/_nowhere_man__ [link] [comments]”
“First Job (pay) - Next Job (pay) - Current Job ( pay). When and where you start ? What helps you get to where you are now? How many years does it take? Thanks in advance. submitted by /u/Jacksparrowl03 [link] [comments]”
“I went to a fairly well-respected engineering / science school and thought that comp sci was what I wanted... until about a semester or two in (and a C++ class and then a C non-++ class that was a nightmare) when I realized CS is a programming/development degree and I didn't want to write code for a living. I changed majors to a management degree, with a "concentration" in information systems. The management degree was mostly useless (statistics class, HR class, organizational beha”
“So I am finishing up getting my associates degree in IT and while I was working towards it I was gaining some experience (at a small company with not a lot of work) and applying to other positions with no luck only one final round interview and nothing came of it and was wondering what I should look out for in terms of descriptions and the like and what potential recruitment companies that you guys have had good luck with in the past. I’m in the US submitted by /u/Overall_Beat_5726 [”
“Hi. Is it possible to get a job in computer science or it or cyber security without a degree? I know I would need a portfolio. But other than that is it possible and if so what kind of positions are there submitted by /u/Lastmochi [link] [comments]”
“What are the skills and certifications that are required to get that job? submitted by /u/Legitimate-Dingo824 [link] [comments]”
“What are the skills and certifications that are required to get that job? submitted by /u/Legitimate-Dingo824 [link] [comments]”
“I’m 27 with a 1 year old living in California and tech is something that has always interested me. I jumped into other professions here and there to try to get in, but it never clicked with me. I took a core 1 test about 2 years ago and failed it. 675 was passing and I got 650. I was discouraged for a while, but I recently got back into it a few weeks ago. I’ve been studying to get my A+ certification. Eventually I want to get into security+. How is this field though? Is it worth it? I always re”
“Hello everyone, due to me being a low income and having zero support system I went to WGU and did computer science. I finished a year ago and I had no internships (I was working 2 part time ). I’ve applied to hundreds and hundreds of jobs and it was a waste of time tbh. I then realized that maybe it’s my lack of connections and not having a brand name university in this job market although I’ve seen people from bigger universities struggle as well. I don’t know what it is about this job market b”
“Finishing my CS Degree only because its my last term, it would be stupid to quit. Honestly kinda hate tech by the end of this thing. Like are there certs/licenses/small programs in OTHER industries that pair well or stack well with a CS Degree? Mom, I just want off this ride. Had an internship and realized actually staring at a screen for 8H + the stress of a boss is a recipe for back pain and poor health and throw in the sword of Damocles that is AI + Offshoring constantly looming all the time”
“i’ve been reading a lot of posts online, and it seems that the best way to get into IT is help desk. i have no prior experience in IT, and i have a degree in the arts. i currently have my back against the wall, and i’m prepared to grind/study as much as it takes to break into the field. i’m willing to work from the bottom up and complete as many certs as possible. i’m also willing to work as an intern to get my foot in the door. with my prior job, i had a lot of experience with customer service,”
“Do you have the option for BAS in CIS? That is what I have and it was perfect for sysadmin”
“This isn't 1991 anymore dude, you can't just enter the IT with 0 experience, 0 education, and 0 connections and get hired. The world isnt the same as when you entered the workforce, employers wont even glance at you unless you have spent thousands on education”
“imagine getting a degree to work in IT field, bud you dont need that really and if sysadmin is your passiok go for it, lots of big enterprise comoanies use the basics which is sysadmin”
“Absolutely not. As someone who hires Sysadmins, you want a degree in actual "Information Technology" or "Information Systems" Comp Sci is programming, it's software engineering. You will learn next to nothing about what sysadmins actually do day in and day out and your resume will end up at the bottom of every pile.”
“I had a grand total of probably 12 credits when I got into IT. Chugged away at a degree for 20 years getting oddball certs along the way. Advanced in career faster than degree.”
“I'm currently studying a 2-year, 120 ECTS Associate Degree in ICT/Cyber Security at Fontys in the Netherlands. I'm in my third semester right now and expect to graduate around August 2027. I'm trying to figure out what I'd personally do after graduating, and I'm honestly pretty undecided. My main priority is moving back to Italy as soon as possible. I'm an Italian citizen, my family is there, and worst case I can live with them while I get established. My goal would be to”
“Currently working on the Google IT Certification by Coursera. Next on the to-do list is the CompTIA+ Certification. I have no degree, only rocking with certifications and whatever experience I can get along the way. Currently got nothing planned after that besides developing a new resume and starting to apply for IT jobs as my foot in the door. Anyone got tips for other useful certifications? Also, anyone got any tips on formatting a resume after a career change? I've got 10+ years”
“Currently working on the Google IT Certification by Coursera. Next on the to-do list is the CompTIA+ Certification. I have no degree, only rocking with certifications and whatever experience I can get along the way. Currently got nothing planned after that besides developing a new resume and starting to apply for IT jobs as my foot in the door. Anyone got tips for other useful certifications? Also, anyone got any tips on formatting a resume after a career change? I've got 10+ years in restau”
“Since I left highschool, I have just been working the same shitty minimum wage job. I want to get into the IT industry, but I genuinely have no idea how I'm even supposed to get in. I've always been super into computers since I was a kid. I learned to code when I was ~11 so I could make unity games. Since then I have done a lot of pretty technical projects. Not to be super full of myself but I did a lot of low level and cybersecurity stuff, which I feel would be pretty impressive. I even”
“Would it be worth it to get a two year degree or entry level certifications (A+) to get my foot in the door? submitted by /u/ChallengeFriendly214 [link] [comments]”
“You like computers and everyone tells you that you can make six figures in IT. So easy! So how do you do it? Is your degree the right path? Can you just YouTube it? How do you get the experience when every job wants experience? So many questions and this is the weekly post for them! WIKI : /r/ITCareerQuestions Wiki /r/CSCareerQuestions Wiki /r/Sysadmin Wiki /r/Networking Wiki /r/NetSec Wiki /r/NetSecStudents Wiki /r/SecurityCareerAdvice/ /r/CompTIA Wiki /r/Linux4Noobs Wiki Essential Blogs for Ea”
“I'mgetring into college next year and I'm planning on getting into Computer Engineering (5 year bachelor's career), I've been around computers my whole life and I want to get into the IT world as the main thing in my life, but everytime I check the news about the IT job market it keeps getting worse and at this point i don't know what to do or if I should totally rearrange my life plans. I'm not interested in this field becouse of the money or working in my house, it'”
Yes, there is a huge demand, but also pursue cyber security.
“Has anyone successfully done a cyber security training or coding classes and been able to successfully get a decent paying job after? Is this something even worth considering? submitted by /u/Agitated_Donut3962 [link] [comments]”
“Hello I'm 21( yes I know Im going in later than most) and getting ready to enter community college for business, I'll be taking classes that work towards a business information sytems degree. Then Ill transfer to an actual university. I wanted to know what you all think of a BIS degree in 2026 and beyond, I really love tech and I also like business so I want to major in something that is best of both worlds. Any recommendations? submitted by /u/Not_Allthere0 [link] [com”
“I made this post because the same questions keep coming up. There is no degree, certification, or combination of credentials that guarantees an IT job. The IT market is crowded, especially at the entry level. Every year, new graduates, career changers, bootcamp students, and certification holders enter the job market, creating more competition than available positions in many areas. That doesn't mean degrees or certifications are useless. They can absolutely help and may be the reason you ge”
“Hey everyone, I’m 24, currently working as a waiter, and I’m looking to make a career change into IT. I don’t have a college degree, but I’ve always been interested in computers and consider myself fairly computer-literate. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about computers on my own, but I don’t have any professional IT experience yet. My plan is to get an entry-level help desk/IT support job first, build up my experience and knowledge, and hopefully transition into cybersecurity within around 5”
“I know this has been asked to death but some guidance on what to do or what jobs to look for would really mean A lot any job recommendation that gives experience would help my only job so far has been retail with customer service submitted by /u/Express_Chef_3186 [link] [comments]”
“I'm 24 and haven't done anything with my life tbh. I don't have a degree and have a 3 year resume gap. I was studying for IT certifications and have one (CompTIA A+) but haven't been able to find a job there and worried about AI, figured job security, etc. don't really know what industry to try and go into, everything seems bad idk. Thanks submitted by /u/Dry_Walk_2065 [link] [comments]”
“I have had a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity for almost 2 years now (if I could do it again I'd have probably chosen comp sci or IT). To say breaking into IT has been difficult for me would be an understatement. I revised my resume countless times, sent out 600 applications, landed a help desk job, only to be let go within a week. Now I work in security just to pay the bills, and that's what I've done for the past year now. The volume of applications has dropped off significan”
“I'm about to enter my junior year of college as a cs major and recently I've been looking into IT as a field to go into rather than SWE. More specifically, Network Engineering or some other infrastructure type of tech roles. I understand those jobs require a few years of experience in IT to even break into them. As for my experience, I'm currently working on getting my Network+ and I have been tinkering with a VM homelab to practice IT skills. I also work as a student IT consultant f”