I want to work in IT. Need advice on how to take advantage of my current position.
I currently work as a graphic designer in a small company (about 20 people).
We're running on a tight budget and are generally understaffed. We get by but there are many things that are just never taken care of. This combined with a very relaxed atmosphere means if someone wants to help out with anything they're generally allowed to do so regardless of their field.
This means I've basically become the IT guy (I even posted in r/talesfromtechsupport). For now I've mostly been doing stuff to help myself (Cut my workload by 30% in the last year - pretty much the reason I have time for this as I have to be on site 37 hours a week), and fix stuff that was broken, but I thought there must be more I could do.
My contract expires in september and I don't know if it'll be renewed. If not I'll probably study IT - an education that requires a 4 year (paid) internship in my country. At least the route I plan on going.
What can I do in my current workplace that would make me an a desirable intern?
There is much to do here. Wonky computers, wifi, printers, a local server that could use some cleaning up. It sounds like a shitty place I know but the staff and the products are really awesome.
Posted May 7, 2015, 8:47 AM UTC
It doesn't sound like a shitty place at all. Just a small business keeping their costs really low.
Just keep doing what you are doing. Fix computers, troubleshoot issues, keep mental tabs on what type software you are resolving issues with and just provide value. That is all most people want from an intern is someone who is willing to learn and be valuable during their time with the company.
Thank you! I will continue to do so. Maybe figure out why the wifi dies once a week. I should definitely keep tabs on the things I do.
Remember sometimes it is a simple solution! We had people with monitors failing constantly and after three new monitors we finally discovered it was the back of their chair hitting the power button when they spun the chair around and answered the phone.
When the day comes where it's not a simple solution I don't know what I'm going to do. I only know what I've learned here and there.