Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Who are TechAgents?

TechAgents are students, college graduates, and IT professionals who volunteer, intern, or work for small businesses and non-profit groups. TechAgents are ranked into one of three categories: Basic TechAgent, Senior TechAgent, and Expert TechAgent.

Who are Members?

Members are small businesses and non-profit organizations who have registered with WebServesUs and have paid a membership fee. They are typically financially challenged and seek technology support including tech-skilled individuals to supplement their staffs. With small businesses, priority will be given to minority and woman-owned enterprises.

What is TechInterchange?

TechInterchange is a web portal created by WebServesUs, which allows Members to post their projects and position criteria into a database that is searchable by TechAgents. An interested TechAgent will be able to apply for an open position listed in the database.

For Members

Why should I register as a Member?

By registering as a Member non-profit or small business, your group receives low-cost Information Technology and Internet Technology services. Your technology needs are assessed and matched up with technicians who are qualified to help you. You are also given access to TechInterchange, a searchable database that directly connects you to TechAgents who are looking for jobs, internships, or volunteering positions.

What benefits do you offer Members?

  • Use of our web portal, TechInterchange, to post job descriptions and fill jobs from our database of skilled interns and volunteers – a way to complete small tasks or get the extra IT staff your office needs.
  • Opportunity to hire temporary staff at discounted rates for à la carte projects.
  • Ability to undertake larger projects with the full support of the WebServesUs team – including consultation, personalized needs assessment, project action plan, implementation, and follow-up.

What is the difference between posting a job on TechInterchange and hiring WebServesUs?

When you use TechInterchange, you post whatever position you believe needs to be filled, whether as an internship, volunteer position, part-time, or full-time job. With that information posted, applicants may apply for available positions. When you hire WebServesUs, we provide in-depth consulting services and provide you with a TechAgent or a team of TechAgents, thus fulfilling your staff or project needs. WebServesUs also provides project oversight for the Member group.

How do I know when to directly hire TechAgents from the web portal and when to contact WebServesUs?

Small jobs or minimal staffing needs may be posted on TechInterchange from which TechAgents may be hired. Bigger projects or staffing needs on a larger scale, however, need to be overseen by a professional. WebServesUs will take care of this and also perform a needs assessment to find out what services would truly benefit your group.

We periodically monitor the job descriptions being posted on TechInterchange. If we feel that a group is advertising for a position or project that requires more organization and planning than others, we may contact the posting group to see if they would like to have WebServesUs do a needs assessment and develop an action plan for that particular project or job.

Who administers the needs assessment? Is it reviewed by WebServesUs staff or only the TechAgents hired for the project?

WebServesUs develops the needs assessment in consultation with the Member representative(s). WebServesUs then creates and administers action plans that spell out what types of skills, equipment, software, etc. are required to fulfill the particular action plan. The TechAgents are the skilled staff or consultants who help execute the project plan under the supervision of WebServesUs.

Am I obligated to follow through with an action plan or the recommendations from a needs assessment?

No, you have the right to halt an engagement with WebServesUs at any point. Although we generally recommend following through with the action plans designed by our agents, we realize that priorities shift and that action plans may not be able to be implemented and that projects may have to be put on hold once started. However, once you agree to have us staff and implement a project, you are responsible for any expenses incurred while implementing it, even if you decide to back out afterward. Expenses could include charges for billable hours if paid consultants are used for your project, and any purchases of equipment or software.

Do you guarantee any software or equipment my group may have to purchase?

WebServesUs is not a vendor for software or hardware equipment. It warrants that its recommendations will produce the stated results if executed under the membership agreement.

Who decides what to buy and from whom?

WebServesUs makes recommendations as part of its action plans, and will, if requested, make suggestions as to where to purchase the required items. The Member group makes the final decision.

Who has the final approval of needs assessments and action plans?

WebServesUs makes recommendations to its Members, but it is the Member who has the final say as to what is to be done. The Member may opt not to proceed with the recommendations.

For TechAgents

Why should I register as a TechAgent?

If you are a college or graduate student, being a TechAgent could help you advance your skills in the technology field, build your resume, and give you a valuable experience in working with a team led by professionals or independently on smaller projects.

If you are a professional in Information Technology or Internet Technology, being a TechAgent will give you an opportunity to work in positions that can provide you creative control and freedom over your work activity. You may have the chance to lead a team of workers in a positive environment and to mentor less experienced TechAgents. Registering as a TechAgent offers the prospect of a rewarding experience that will benefit both you and the tech-challenged groups who are in need of your skills.

What types of assignments/jobs are available to me after I sign up as a TechAgent?

As a TechAgent, you can browse the postings of available positions and your resume is on file for review by companies looking for staffing. In addition, when a Member group decides to undertake a larger project, you may be selected/qualified to be part of the team which works under an IT supervisor to complete a range of duties such as needs assessment, planning, input on solution design, and solution implementation.

Are TechAgents obligated to take an assignment?

No. After a Member decides they need work done, the necessary positions are posted on the TechInterchange and TechAgents are free to apply for whatever positions suit their needs. Or, WebServesUs will contact you if you fit the profile needed by the members and let you know a position is open. You always reserve the right not to participate in a project without affecting your candidacy for future assignments.

If I see a job posting I like, do I contact WebServesUs or the Member group?

Job postings will not contain contact information for the Member group. TechAgents send WebServesUs a notice of their interest in a posting. WebServesUs will respond with a confirmation of placement or with a notice that the position is not available to the TechAgent.

Where do I report for an assignment, WebServesUs or the group offering the position?

That will depend on the assignment. Some projects will require orientation and advance preparation, in which case the TechAgent would meet with WebServesUs staff. If the project can be jump-started, then the TechAgent may report directly to the Member location.

When I register as a TechAgent who am I really interning for: WebServesUs or a different company?

This depends on the project or position. Most internships, however, are with the Member group (company, foundation, etc.).

Do you provide semester long internships or do I have to register for multiple internships in order to gain the credits I need?

Students in degree programs that offer credit internships will need to be placed in positions/projects that have timeframes that match the academic calendars. In these cases, each internship will be managed on a semester basis. In some cases, it will be possible to arrange an internship with WebServesUs that allows the intern to have multiple assignments under one umbrella internship.

What is the minimum skill level and work experience required to be a TechAgent?

TechAgents are ranked into one of three categories: TechAgent, Senior TechAgent, and Expert TechAgent. To qualify as a TechAgent, you must have basic technical knowledge, have taken one or more class in the subject area, and have had fewer than 2 years of work experience in the subject/skill area.

How do I qualify for a paid position?

TechAgents with well-developed skills in key technology areas may qualify for placement with a Member group, if the Member has a budget for the position. A TechAgent may also qualify for a paid position if the skills possessed are a part of an à la carte list of skills that a Member may want to purchase. The skills profile that TechAgents will be asked to create is reviewed regularly to determine the skill levels available to Members.

Does WebServesUs assign TechAgent(s) to Member groups?

Yes. If WebServesUs is requested to proceed with an action plan by the member group we will contact the TechAgent(s) who are qualified to meet the needs of the Member group and notify them of the open position. Member groups will also be able to search the TechInterchange for qualified TechAgents to staff positions that they have defined.

Is there a way TechAgents can directly look up prospective Member groups and contact them directly?

No. TechInterchange, WebservesUs’ own web portal, enables TechAgents to post their resumes and search through a database of positions directly posted by a Member group. Agents may search for open positions in the database and apply for a given position. However, this is done via TechInterchange. The TechAgent does not contact the Member group directly. If the Member is interested in the TechAgent, they will contact them and arrange an interview/meeting.

What is the TechAgent rating system?

Ranking

Basic TechAgent criteria:
  • Follow directions from a senior person
  • Basic technical knowledge
  • Limited experience in specific tech area
  • Right out of school
  • Took one or more class in the subject area
  • 2 years or less work experience
Senior TechAgent criteria:
  • Can work independently without direction
  • Wide range of technical knowledge and experience
  • Prior work experience for the job in hand
  • 3 to 5 years of work experience
  • 2 years or more work experience in the work area he/she is hired
Expert TechAgent criteria:
  • Can manage 2 or more people
  • Expert knowledge and work experience in the technical area the project is based
  • 5 or more years of work experience
  • 3 years or more work experience in the subject area he/she is hired