Member Avatar for melissa_83

I've graduated with an undergraduate degree in MIS from the University of Arizona. Unfortunetly I've made the mistake of returning home to the United Arab Emirates thinking that a US degree would prove fruitful but so far not a bite. It's been since July that I've been job hunting, I resorted to a temporary job for a month as an admin. asst. to earn some money while I look for a permanet job but so far nothing. Usually jobs here require experience or certifications.

I have no idea what certifications would be good to start of with considering I have none. I've attached my resume if anybody can give me feedback on that.

I've always thought the ideal job right out of college would be a consulting position as I can learn as I progress to different projects and gain training and learn the most while I can but unfortunately they reserve those jobs here for expereinced professional.

How can I entice employers here with my qualifications and what more can I do to get the job ?

Thanks in advance to those who reply

DeSouza_Melissa_Resume.pdf (29.8 KB)
  • 8 Contributors
  • 8 Replies
  • 345 Views
  • 5 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by MyMISDegree

Dani AI

Generated

A short, practical roadmap to turn an MIS degree into hireable skills (builds on comments from , , , and ).

First, pick one role to target (help‑desk/desktop support, network/sysadmin, cloud/devops, CRM/admin, data/BI, or junior developer). Narrowing focus makes every resume and interview stronger. Certifications help open doors, but they work best when paired with a short, demonstrable project or paid/volunteer experience — as noted, certs alone rarely prove on‑the‑job ability.

If you want entry credentials, choose one path and one vendor to start: hardware/support -> CompTIA A+; general networking -> CompTIA Network+; deeper networking -> Cisco CCNA; cloud fundamentals -> Microsoft Azure Fundamentals; CRM/business roles -> Salesforce Administrator. These are designed for early career hires and widely referenced by employers as baseline qualifications. (comptia.org)

While studying, build concrete evidence: a help‑desk lab and documented ticket log, a small home network diagram and test cases, a Salesforce Trailhead project, or a data cleanup + dashboard portfolio. Use short online courses or professional certificates to structure learning. Also apply for temporary/contract help‑desk work or internships to convert theory into experience. These tactics are standard steps for first hires without years of employment. (indeed.com)

Concrete 90‑day plan: 1) pick your role and one cert; 2) finish one guided course and one applied project; 3) list the project on your CV and LinkedIn; 4) apply to 15–25 targeted roles weekly (local banks, consultancies, multinationals) and use UAE/MENA job boards like Bayt and GulfTalent to find openings and internships. Keep followups short and regular. Persisting with small wins typically beats waiting for a “perfect” opening. (bayt.com)

Practical caution: track exam costs and realistic preparation time, and avoid “pay-to-get-job” schemes. Focus on building a few real examples you can talk through in interviews; that combination (cert + demonstrable work + targeted applications) is what gets graduates past the “needs experience” filter.

Recommended Answers

All 8 Replies

Member Avatar for jbennet

qualifications are everything, even here in england
if your into networking get a network+, mcse or a cisco certification

Member Avatar for amithasija

come to india u'll will have lots of option to chose from or apply directly to it giants in india and all types of software companies u'll deinately get job here,

bye tc

Member Avatar for Duki

My mom was telling me a similar story... I have attened 4 semesters of vocational classes (during highschool) through which I studied for my A+. I'm only 19, but am working at the IT manager at an engineering company... It was the cert that raised an eyebrow when I was first interviewed.

My mom works with a lady who's relative graduated college with a BS (I think) computer degree of some sort, but couldn't get a job because of no certifications. He's now attending classes I think to start working on some.

for a good idea on certs in your industry goto http://www.cramsession.com

they have tons of info

Member Avatar for Pink-Lipz

My mom was telling me a similar story... I have attened 4 semesters of vocational classes (during highschool) through which I studied for my A+. I'm only 19, but am working at the IT manager at an engineering company... It was the cert that raised an eyebrow when I was first interviewed.

My mom works with a lady who's relative graduated college with a BS (I think) computer degree of some sort, but couldn't get a job because of no certifications. He's now attending classes I think to start working on some.

for a good idea on certs in your industry goto http://www.cramsession.com

they have tons of info

Well I must say that you are certainly encouraging for someone of your age who is also pursuing a career in IT. Like you, during high school I attended vocational courses, but it was for Cisco semesters 1 & 2. I'm currently attending a community college for an A.A.S. in IT, and also plan on getting an A+ cert before the fall semester and my 20th birthday. Keep up the good work.

To the threadstarter...I have been lurking this forum as well as thoroughly researching what is the best way to get into the IT field. Without certifications, I'll say you and I both might face challenges. I suggest pursuing an MSCE since you have already recieved a degree in MIS...there's no need in starting from the very bottom. Its necessary with your degree to implement all of your abilities, technical skills and business wise. Good luck to you. It seems requirements are stiff in the United Arab Emirates....don't cringe at any entry-level help desk support opportunities.:eek:

Member Avatar for Duki

Well I must say that you are certainly encouraging for someone of your age who is also pursuing a career in IT. Like you, during high school I attended vocational courses, but it was for Cisco semesters 1 & 2. I'm currently attending a community college for an A.A.S. in IT, and also plan on getting an A+ cert before the fall semester and my 20th birthday. Keep up the good work.

I wish we had had cisco netacad at my highschool... that would have been swell. :)

Member Avatar for theshark

what i recommend you to do is try to get experience at any organizations or banks
hope you will accomplish your dream
theshark

Member Avatar for mackone

Certifications are good depending on the area you're concentrating on. However, without real world experience, they don't really validate competency in a discipline.

Member Avatar for MyMISDegree

Hey,

First, good luck on finding that first job... that's the tough part. Stay motivated, later career earnings potential can be great. I recommend thinking about what you are interested in and gaining experience in that area. Having some sort of technical skill set that you can provide your organization like... programming, networking, design etc. will help you get entry level positions. It doesn't seem like new grads snag managerial jobs unless they had an internship or are well connected.

Good luck!

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.