Eric, How old are you? And what are your two associate degrees in? Rich -----Original Message----- From: g4-bounces at listserver.themacintoshguy.com [mailto:g4-bounces at listserver.themacintoshguy.com] On Behalf Of Eric Buczynski Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2007 7:21 AM To: g4 at listserver.themacintoshguy.com Subject: [G4] Getting a job / career Hello all, and thank you for your time. I've been unemployed for a while, but have come across opportunities to work with Macs on a few occasions. One place was well established and dealt with nothing but Macs while another was a computer shop that covered Macs and PCs. Both places wanted someone who had their certification or was working toward it. The trouble is, how does one get this type of certification without having to pay for Apple's courses? The PC platform has various certifications, and one does not have to go through Microsoft to get it, so what gives? As I said I'm unemployed right now, and living in the Pittsburgh PA area I don't know of any colleges that give Apple certifications. I graduated from Computer Tech in 1999, which is now known by a different name and focuses on design rather than computer programming and platform knowledge. I've worked on various Macs from the Classic, to laptops, to four models in between to my current G4 Digital Audio, and even replaced the battery on my iPod. I've disassembled and repaired two digital cameras as well. When the Apple Store first opened in the area I was one of the few to get the first phone call but not the second. After applying in December I didn't get a call back from them despite having more experience than the last time. I'm also a writer and Volunteer Coordinator for Macinstruct.com. So what does it take? I'm not going back to school because I already have two associates degrees, and I'm not working again while going to school only because my grades weren't the best because of having to split the time. I believe that my Mac hardware troubleshooting will only be a hobby and not a career because I don't have the certification. Sometimes I even regret choosing the Mac solely based on the lack of opportunities out there. So what does it take? This, by all means, is not a cry for help. I want to get a job based on merit and experience, not because i know someone in the industry. Can anyone please give me pointers? I appreciate everyone's time and input. Eric Buczynski _______________________________________________ G4 mailing list G4 at listserver.themacintoshguy.com http://listserver.themacintoshguy.com/mailman/listinfo/g4 Listmom is trying to clean out his closets! Vintage Mac and random stuff: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmacguy1984 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/714 - Release Date: 3/8/2007 10:58 AM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/714 - Release Date: 3/8/2007 10:58 AM