breaking into the IT field
i am currently trying to break into the IT field and im am taking my A++ and Net+ certs in the next two months. i am doing this on my own and have no college education under my belt. i have also been working as a mechanic for the past seven years. is there any thing that i need to know about what it takes to break into this field???
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ASKED:
April 18, 2008 1:50 AM
UPDATED:
April 19, 2008 5:22 AM
Answer Wiki:
Hi and welcome to the IT community.
This is a frequently asked question. The IT discipline has many concentrations. My suggestion is to learn as much as possible about the different jobs, roles and responsibilities and decide what you would like to focus on. Taking and passing the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams is a good start on developing a good foundation of knowledge.
If one thing is true, there is certainly no shortage of certification exams in IT, so once you figure out what it is that you want to do, determining which ones to take should be relatively easy.
The best thing that you can do for yourself is to gain professional experience and network with other professionals, because certifications is one thing but there is no substitute for experience; however, this will come in time.
As I always say, don't allow your decisions to be driven by money. Dedicate yourself to your chosen craft and all the money and perks will also come in due time.
Good luck and keep us posted on your certification process.
-Wrobinson
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Wrobinson has some great points!
I would like to concur with the attitude of not just going for money. Better is the job where you have the chance to work with or around people that you can learn from, or a situation that gives you experience. Twice I have gone for the job that has the experience I have wanted or needed, and have taken a pay cut. Both times I have applied myself, and learned everything I could.
Also, I would say, gain all the experience you can off-work as well. Give your services away if you have to, just for the experience. If you really enjoy the field, it won’t be difficult.
When I was breaking into the IT field 5 years ago, I wasn’t getting the experience I wanted in my 9-5 job, that would take me into IT. So I took classes in Net+ and A+, took the exams. And to get experience, I set up a cheap linux computer in my house, and gave away free web-hosting to my friends from my cable modem. From that, I was able to gain the confidence to start charging people.
Now, I am transitioning away from my 9-5 job into my own IT support company.
Don’t let your current job, lack of experience, fear, or anything stop you from doing what you like to do.
Good luck, and enjoy!