The real guide to finding a job in IT with no experience.

Dieg0M

I keep hearing this question over and over again formulated in different ways:
How do I get a job in IT if I don't have experience?
or
How do I break into IT, I can't seem to land an entry level job?

The common answer seems to be... get an entry level position... work on your resume… work on your interviewing skills... get some certs... really these are not a guaranteed shot into IT. What I am about to tell you is the secret to getting an IT job and accelerate your career in IT without any certs, without any resume and most importantly, without any experience! I will warn you before I say this, if you choose this option you will have a job guaranteed but it won't be easy. In fact, it might be the hardest thing you ever do in your life but it I promise you, it will pay off in the end.

I guess if you read so far you really want to know what is this incredible way to get into IT... Without further waiting… here it is…

Join the military!

That’s right I said it. Join the armed forces in an IT role. I know… it’s crazy but this is your best shot to getting an IT job fast and to gain accelerated experience. In the military, people move between roles very quickly so this leaves a lot of room for growth. Not only that but they will train you on everything and you might even end up with a degree once you are done. If you prove yourself and are good, you will improve rapidly. To add on that, you will gain a bunch of other skills like self-discipline, tenacity, leadership, teamwork and working under stress. These are all very important skills that you will need in your IT career.

So again, here are the steps to finding a job in IT with no experience:
1. Join the Military and while serving get a degree (optional), free training and experience
2. Leave the military and get a few certs before you leave
3. Get a job in the civilian world and work towards higher level certifications
4. Change jobs each 1-2 years and next thing you know, you will be making 200k+

There you go guys, it is easy. I was able to do it, a bunch of people I know did it and so can you. No more excuses, no more procrastination. You want to get into IT? Just sign up and get it done.

networker050184

Same route I took, but it's certainly not for everyone. There is much more to being in the military than learning technology. Understand what you are getting into and it can be a very rewarding path. It's no where close to the only option though.

Bchen2

When I was in college I must have gotten lucky because I got a computer lab job at my university and took an unpaid internship as a desktop support tech at a children's hospital.
The computer lab job was my very first IT job with no experience and i did basic tech support for 8.50 an hour.

Part time jobs and unpaid internships are how I got started I didn't get paid a lot at first but weekends off and building work experience while going to school was well worth it.

ImThe0ne

Dieg0M wrote: »

4. Change jobs each 1-2 years and next thing you know, you will be making 200k+

I think this might be a little "out there" unless they are moving into management, consulting, or a very high level InfoSec analyst, etc. I haven't seen any of the typical "Engineering" roles that a lot of us hold go into the 200s. Most of them top out shortly over 100k + bonuses.

However, if you have a secret to "200k+" I am all ears lol

VinnyCisco

This is what I did. Joined the Navy back in 1997 hoping to get in on tech sklls since I am a Commodore kid and loved computers. I was an Operations Specialist, but 2 years in, got in with the IT Team and supported the LAN on our ship. The rest is history.

HOWEVER, the military is not for everyone, and it is not guarenteed you will get into IT if you join.

bpenn

Here is how I got my start:

In 2011, I joined the Air Force Reserve as Client Systems Administrator (help desk) and got A+ and a security clearance. I worked on active duty for 3 months for training and went above and beyond, doing more than they had asked for. I went everywhere and even fixed stuff that I wasnt responsible for. This got the attention of a contractor and he thought my skillset would be perfect for a job on base here. The hiring manager interviewed me and agreed and here I am, 3 years into IT.

I wouldnt be in the position I am at if it wasnt for the military.

hiddenknight821

The military is not for everyone, especially if you have a disability. I find the overstatement a bit offensive.

Codyy

This is the route I took, separate in 3 months. Not sure I'd recommend this if you're purely doing it for IT experience, there is a lot more to serving than just going to work every day and doing your IT job as we all know. I know people that barely even know their job because they've been assigned to other positions most of their career that have nothing to do with their job. Also, the majority of positions aren't very technical and if you're looking for some serious technical experience you're going to be highly disappointed, civilian's do most of the technical stuff. Again, depends on where you are, I'm in an extremely technical position now but it's one of the few from my experience.

Now if you're wanting a free degree, certs, a clearance, and some decent experience ..all of those combined, I say go for it. But experience alone, nah. Army's commitment for IT is 5 years 33 weeks, you should be able to easily get your foot in the door somewhere and gain experience within the 5 years you would've served.

InfoTech92

This is definitely false, no offense. There's no way you're going to the military, getting out, working for 4 years, and making 200K a year. hell, 4 years in IT is considered "entry level" to some companies.

Dieg0M

InfoTech92 wrote: »

This is definitely false, no offense. There's no way you're going to the military, getting out, working for 4 years, and making 200K a year. hell, 4 years in IT is considered "entry level" to some companies.

I never said you would be making 200k after 4 years or after you left the military. Also, 200k is not that high depending in what area of the US you live in.

Mitechniq

As a Cyber Operations Officer in the Air National Guard, I am obliged to say YES! This is a perfect path to an IT Career, if you fully don't want to go active duty. The Guard and Reserve is the way to go, current funding for Cyber, is at the top of DOD's priority and every branch wants to rain in this cash. Unlike other careers, this career field is closely aligned throughout each branch so don't hesitate to join the Army or Marines 'as long as it is CYBER'....

I have 3 core enlisted careers:

3D1X2 (My Enlisted Career): Spend 7 months training on Cisco Switches/Routers/Call Mangers/Load Balancer and some Misc network equipment. You receive a Top-Secret clearance and a wealth of Experience. Most of my guys make more money then I do as CISCO engineers through out Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.

3D0X2: Another 6-8 Months training on Windows Servers/VMWare/Exchange/HBSS/Anti-Viruse and other Core Server Equipment. These guys also receive a Top-Secret clearance and are making really good money on the outside.

1B4: When you become an expert in the 2 career fields above, then your commander can request for you to become a 1B4 which is another 6 months of training. Are you interested in the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) Certification then you will love our 1B4 training. These are the Air Force's Cyber Defense/Offense guys.. can't talk too much about them but they have the 'COOL' job..


Note: This does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force, I am not a recruiter...just a fellow TechExam guy..

NetworkNewb

I'd pass. Possibility of being sent over to some foreign country where people want to kill me? no thanks. I'll stick here with my family Anyone is able to very successful in IT if they work hard imo. You don't need to be in the military to get your CCIE and make 6 figures. Can do that in a short amount of time if you work hard enough here.

markulous

It's a good idea of you are young and don't mind being deployed. Just make sure you get your MOS in writing before you sign anything. It's not for everyone, especially if you are already established and have a family.

InfoTech92

Dieg0M wrote: »

I never said you would be making 200k after 4 years or after you left the military. Also, 200k is not that high depending in what area of the US you live in.

I apologize, I read number 4 wrong. 200K is pretty high man, lol.

gespenstern

I would... but I'm too old for that.

10Linefigure

Did that route. Would of preferred 4 years at University by far. Thats okay, doing it now! You are right, it did work and I did land a sweet job right after, in a town of my choice. With them (along with the military) paying my way through college. So it can work. But is that really what you want to do?

Here is why it helps:

Education
Experience
Public perception
Tax breaks for employer


@Codyy "Army's commitment for IT is 5 years 33 weeks". No, it's not. That depends on the MOS you pick, and what they need at the time. Most everyone has the option for the simple 4 year (and 4 IRR) contract. So 4 years minus a lot of your saved leave = a clean getaway.

Dakinggamer87

I think the military is a great choice but as others have echoed it's not the only method to have a successful IT career. I got my start doing an internship while going to school. I also was working on additional certs/training to keep pushing my skills and marketing myself. I also did contract work to build out my resume with work experience as well.

On a side note I have much respect for our military troops who fight and protect our freedom and liberties!!

Mooseboost

Military is a option, but it is not for everyone. I enjoyed my time in service but I met a lot of folks who came in on a dream set by a recruiter only to find out its not all the shine they make it to be.

cowill

this is far from the truth......very far

First of all, you may not even score high enough on the asvab to qualify for an IT job....

two.....the military is trying to unload a GANG of people now that the wars are cooling down....they may not even need you unless you would be of great use to the forces.....

Seeing as you get in...you have all sorts of problems that may arise.....You could fail/injure yourself out of Basic, out of AIT....get relcassed.....etc...

Honestly, I would only recommend going in the military for IT if somebody who wants to strengthen their IT career (in the reserves) or some who scores high enough on an asvab to where they have their pick of jobs....other wise....you shouldnt even try....too much of a risk.....

If somebody wants a quick way into IT......get a contracting gig with a cable company (Comcast..Cox...etc) and parlay those skills into IT.......the turnover rate is VERY high in the contracting side of cable.....or at least it used to be....they always need people in cable.....

koz24

Dieg0M is Canadian. So there is probably a difference between the Canadian and USA Military. Either way, it looks like the dude started from rock bottom and worked his way up to CCIE, so I for one am intrigued to hear his insights.

nanochillbot

Cool site you got.
As a vet, I'm pro-military however; if anyone is going that route for IT, I say get it in writing.
Class A schools in my time, required lengthier stays. I'd guess that is true in the current military.
The training is NOT cheap, and not for everybody (although i think everybody should do 2 year stint, that's my thinking).

LA2

I'm actually surprised to see so many vets on this board. I agree with the OP in that the military can accelerate your career. However, its not for everyone and like others have mentioned there are risks all along the way (injury, deployments, extra duties). I went the military route via the US Army gaining free certifications, a masters degree, and a clearance just to name a few. I would like to add that if one does decide to join the military I highly suggest that they do a substantial amount of research for their branch of service and occupation.

tpatt100

I went this route by accident.... I joined the Marines when I graduated high school, did four years as a Combat Engineer. When I got out I joined the National Guard as a Signal Operator, had to retrain for the new MOS. Years later Signal went digital and slowly became more IT related. The .com boom started and I slowly became the "IT" guy for the company, decided to go to school, etc.

mistabrumley89

I got into IT with the military by accident. I got lucky with my first duty station and I hit the ground running. I get out next month, and I get more job offers than I can sort through. It all depends how much effort you put into it. A fancy clearance doesn't hurt either. I'll be going along my CCIE journey when I start my new job. As long as you are different than the 90% of lazy soldiers/airmen/seamen/marines that join because they have nothing going on, then you should be fine. Many of the people surrounding you are happy to be stagnant and getting a consistent paycheck. Plus, if you aren't a complete **** up, then they can't really fire you. SO, if you can deal with being super diligent, and doing ALL of the work while everyone else sits on their ass, then you might be pretty successful.