James Matthews

Age: 22

Current Employer: Self employed InnovationITSupport.com

Bagged this job by: I started working in the IT industry as a 'Saturday Lad' while I was still at school, for a local IT company. When I left school I went full time and went on from there. I did A-Levels in the evening while still working full time and got Microsoft qualifications to become Microsoft Certified. However, most of what I know was self taught. I then followed my passion for working with PCs by leaving my full time job and setting up my own business offering IT support. 

Other ways in: There are various Comp TIA which can be a good start or some people opt for doing a degree. But if you want to set up your own business you need to build up your experience first while working for other companies, and then plan things carefully and just go for it really.

Hunt out similar posts: You can send your CV to local IT companies, or most towns often have an agency that specialises in IT recruitment.       

Highs: Every single day really when fixing people's problems and giving reassuring help to people when they are in a panic about their PC. Also the feeling you get when your customers tell you: 'I am so glad I found you, I now have someone to call on whenever I am having PC troubles.'

Lows: Slow weeks and having to do things like the books when you would rather be getting stuck in to a PC.

Happiness rating (out of 10): 10+

Qualifications: Microsoft Certified Professional, Member of BCS     

Path trodden:

• 2002-2009 - Various positions in my time with a local IT company
• 2009-Present - Innovation IT Support

Career mantra: To be happy, love what you do and get your job done to the best of your abilities.

Currently working on: Onsite IT support for small businesses and residential users.  

What I do: This varies really on a day to day basis; I spend most of my time onsite at the customer’s premises. I look after a mixture of residential and business clients, this can range from repairing a PC, removing a virus to setting up a network or installing a server in a business. While not working onsite I get on with workshop repairs and carry out some remote support work in-between catching up on paper work and planning new ways to market my business.

Week at a glance:

• Admin: 15 hours
• Workshop Repairs: 15 hours
• Onsite Support: 20 hours
• Networking with other business people: 4 hours

Working hours: This really varies, normally 9.00 - 19.00

Options ahead: Carry on building and expanding my business.