Call centre would be an easier path while you keep looking. But move out as fast as you possibly can, and I'm saying this as someone who's in this env. for the past 4 years. It's not where you start but how alert you are about where you want to move eventually and go for it. That's what I observe from my peers (mine is not a good example): - One started off as a call centre agent fresh out from high school. The pay was low but she performed very well and was promoted. She eventual got a CC manager post from another company where she deals with biz./process/budget. She's now half-way in getting her biz. degree. - Same call centre colleague who got his degree while working as an agent for the 1st 2 years and as an onsite engineer in his 3rd. With his newly-obtained degree and work experience, he got a system administrator job from a Japanese co. with much better package. - One studied civil engineering but noticed the positions were not in demand during then. He quickly joined a very small IT vendor (<10 ppl) but obtained his CISCO certs through self-study and eventually joined an MNC as a network consultant. - One joined a small IT company (< 20) as db administrator/programmer but was seconded to a customer to help with their DB. He eventually was hired by the customer's IT dpt. He self-studied for his Oracle certs which are more in demand than the platform he's supporting. He's since joined several banks in a DB support role. - Another joined the same IT company as a VB programmer since he studied programming before in university. He's smart and was very much involved in customers' biz. process and now he's worked his way to become an SAP consultant. Whatever you do, make use of the time to get some certs. in the area that you really prefer (MS is hot IMHO) or if you don't get a good start (no co. sponsor). It might be expensive but think of it as an investment. Get to know a few more vendors as they might have vacancies. Attend free seminars to learn more things and people about the industry. Know some business processes to give you an edge. Hope it helps.
My old company, Percento Technologies is desperately looking for someone to work as an IT consultant. From what I recollect, they're happy to take in someone fresh and train them. You can check out their website here, http://www.percentotech.com. The pay isn't so great at the start, but you're guaranteed to learn a lot because you'll get a lot of field experience. If you interview, make sure to wear a suit and tie. The bosses are very high into etiquette. I've seen them turn down some great people just because they were dressing down.
My first IT job was as a 'consultant', which basicly meant I was a contractor. I did desktop refreshes for the Dow/Union Carbide merger. Not very stimulating, but it was experience, which is the name of the game in IT. Look on the internet for headhunters and let them do the job hunting for you.
I'm CS undergrad, and I never had any trouble finding a part-time job here in Dallas. As long as you know how to program (C#/ C++/ PHP/ ASP.NET) and have some background in Unix/ Linux, you can easily find a job here.
They let you work with their computers? Don't they know who you are? Do you write the code? Do you translate it 4-5 in every language?
Actually, someone put me in contact with a recruiter a while back. He got me a spot with Verizon's call center last month, but I ended up not passing their test which has started me wondering if I should find another career.