How do I get into the I.T. field?!

DaBeginner

Hello everyone,

Briefly said, I have an A.S. in Computer Information Systems with only one year of experience as a computer lab tutor there all the way back in 1999. I am about to finish a B.S. in Business Management this July. I have NO prior I.T. work experience and nothing related or transferrable.

I was laid off in January from my previous job working in Mental Health as a case manager (totally unrelated). My wife was laid off 2 months before that (yeah, unfortunately this is now a typical story). I've been looking for work even a month before I was laid off. However, I was grateful to have the time out to focus and realize that the career I want to pursue is in I.T.; I want to provide for my family for the rest of their lives by working for an industry that will never die (unless iRobot takes over one day!). Now I'm only searching for ways to get into some company that is willing to hire me as an entry-level I.T. employee (Visalia, Tulare, Delano, etc., area).

So how does a guy like me who loves both computers and people get into I.T.? What is the best way?

Should I attend a school like WGU (Western Governors University) through which I can obtain a B.S. in I.T. preparing me for the CompTIA A+ cert and other exams, of which the cost is included in the tuition (less than $3,000 per term of 6 months)-I pay almost $2,000 per class at my current school! So this is definitely cheaper, but I'm just questioning the quality of the instruction since it is online.

Should I get a B.S. or go through some type of training program or study on my own? What does a guy like me who is a "Beginner" do, who a long time ago was learning to ride a bike, got on a tricycle, got off, and now is trying to jump on a motorcycle? (Does that make sense?)

I just have no networking right now. No one that I can even speak to in order to ask them what I should do. I need help! Please offer me some guidance or your opinion of what I should do now.

Sorry about the long message but I am pleading for help of what next step to take.

Thank you for your time

undomiel

A+ is a good cert to kick of entry level work. It is very doable with self study. I'd recommend getting to work on that one. Check your local book store if you need some reading. Experience is definitely what you need though, as I'm sure you're well aware. Start looking around for help desk or desktop support types of jobs. Don't see any available or not getting any calls? Get on the phone and start beating down some doors. You'll start to get noticed if you're persistent. Even check with places that don't have a position posted but you know would employ a help desk. Definitely work on that A+ though and continually study and learn. You'll be jumping up the ladder in no time.

ULWiz

Yeah i would either say A+ or Net+ for a start. Either one with your work experience should qualify you for a helpdesk job. Then pick your route either Cisco, Juniper or MS. And go from there.

Best of Luck

JoJoCal19

Hey DaBeginner, here is what I would recommend. You already have the degree so that part is taken care of. Also having your Bachelors in Business is helpful too even though its not IT, it does help in getting any job. Heres the plan, you need to get your foot in the door. Thats the whole key to IT, is getting your foot in the door, because once you do and start gaining experience you open up new doors.

So heres what you do, you need to apply for Help Desk or Desktop Support jobs. Depending on how bad you want in even applying at a Best Buy or other place where you could be a computer tech is an option. Like I said just get into an IT job. Also start knocking off certs. Start with A+ and Network+. That will set a solid cert foundation where you can then decide where you want to go. I would even say go ahead and knock out the A+ and Network+ now and you should be able to pull a Help Desk job fairly easy. Once youve got the Help Desk or other entry level IT job then you start on more advanced certs like CCENT/CCNA and also MCSA/MCSE tracks. Now while youre doing that and working, try to job shadow with more advanced IT departments. Try to get some hands on experience doing new things. Once you've got some more advanced certs and maybe some new experience you can try to get into a more advanced role or something like a Assistant Network Admin or maybe a server support or AD Admin role. From there the possibilities are endless as you obtain more experience and more advanced certs.

markk2008

Hi,

I also want to further my career and knowledge and after doing some research I have found out the A+ and N+ are definitely the best options to get a good start, so I would recommend getting those done first, whilst applying for jobs.

jryantech

A+, N+ and maybe Security+.

No brainer on this one. Go for the basic "lifetime certs" first.

If you have your Comptia A+, Network+ and A.S. in Computer Information Sytems. The only thing that will stop you from getting an entry level job is this economy.

Good luck!!!

rwwest7

DaBeginner wrote: »

Should I get a B.S. or go through some type of training program or study on my own?

The beauty of this field is you can learn anything on your own. You already have a degree, don't worry about getting more. Certs are held in higher regard then degrees usually, except for management positions. Things evolve and change so quickly, by the time you graduate what you've learned is old technology. And whatever you do, DO NOT spend $2,000 on any class for A+ prep. Definately self study for that one. You're way better off spending that money on a lab setup for your home, picking up some CBT Nuggets videos, then locking yourself in your office/lab for a couple hours a day.

Good luck, this is a very rough time for us all.

WillTech105

jryantech wrote: »

A+, N+ and maybe Security+.

No brainer on this one. Go for the basic "lifetime certs" first.

If you have your Comptia A+, Network+ and A.S. in Computer Information Sytems. The only thing that will stop you from getting an entry level job is this economy.

Good luck!!!

Couldn't have said it better myself.
The key in IT is to just GET IN. Once in your set as long as you keep your skills updated.

NOCup

I really wish you luck. This economy really hits hard on lot of families. Why you decided to change your professional field now? To be honest with you, this is the worst time to think about changing field. If this question posted 10 tens years ago I would definitely encourage you to change. But now, you are competing with people who are experienced, knowledgeable and desperate. If you change field now, you start from the lowest level of food chain to compete. I apologize for those words that may sound negative to you, but it is the truth.

If you have can spend some time and money to study, great! All advices on the top are excellent for you to kick it off.

Forsaken_GA

If you think you're even remotely interested in going the network route, go for the A+ and skip the Net+ entirely. The CCNA supersedes it in it's entirety. I honestly regret taking the Net+, as it really is nothing more than resume filler.

DaBeginner

To ALL users who have posted replies to my question:

I sincerely wanted to thank all of you for helping me with my confusion and lack of knowledge about which road to pursue in my desire for entering the I.T. field.

Every single one of your suggestions and advice are excellent and well taken. I went to a bookstore and looked at a few ComptTIA A+ books and they were so exciting! I can't wait to read them (I did not buy them yet because we don't have the money, but soon enough, hopefully when something comes in, then I will buy them and start studying right away!)

I'm very happy about all the responses I received, showing your character as people who care for the life of others and take the time to give the best advice...note that what you told me has, in time, changed my life, the life of my wife, and the life of the children we will one day have. They may have been just suggestions/opinions/words, but they have steered me in the direction that will shape our family's future, and for that I thank you.

Have a great week everyone!

Sincerely,
Leo

undomiel

When looking for study materials don't forget the TechNotes here as well as your local library. That could save you a good bundle of money in your studies!

jryantech

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

If you think you're even remotely interested in going the network route, go for the A+ and skip the Net+ entirely. The CCNA supersedes it in it's entirety. I honestly regret taking the Net+, as it really is nothing more than resume filler.

I am sorry but I have to completely disagree with this...

Network+ is a lifetime cert that lays the foundations of Networking as we know it.
If you can pass the CCNA exam you should have no problem passing a cert that will stay on your resume during your career.

No reason not to start from the bottom and work your way up.

brad-

If you want to make this a career for you and your family, tell them it'll take a few years to get there.

If you're already computer savvy, IMHO the A+ material is irrelevant and not a good test of your working knowledge. Consider for yourself if the $500+ is worth the ROI, versus say the $125 for an MCP exam. I would say try to start with the 70-290 MS test for Server 2003, or with the CCENT.

As an employer, I would rather see an MCP with 290 than someone with A+. Unless your employer specifically mentions a comptia requirement, I wouldnt worry about those until you get settled in somewhere and you just have some coin you want to throw away.

BradleyHU

by saying you want to get into IT is kinda vague. IT is so broad an area, that its not even funny. what is it that you want to do or are interested in doin? there's Technical/Help Desk/Desktop Support, Database Admin, Systems/Network Admin/Engineering, Software Dev, Application Dev, etc....too much to name. Thats the first thing you need to do, then after, do you have any knowledge in what you've decided on, if not, then certifications might help, also goin back to school could possibly help, and since you already have ya bach, getting another bach isnt goin to take as long since you have the general courses done already, you just have to take the core(major) classes. Or you could just teach yourself what it is you want to learn. There's always a ton of books out there to do that.

Big Jizay

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

If you think you're even remotely interested in going the network route, go for the A+ and skip the Net+ entirely. The CCNA supersedes it in it's entirety. I honestly regret taking the Net+, as it really is nothing more than resume filler.

I disagree with this also. Studying for the Net+ is great for entry level knowledge regarding networking. Skipping the Net+ and going straight to CCNA is a bit extreme. Also, if you decide to pursue Microsoft certs in the future, the combo of the A+ and Net+ can be used towards an elective for your MCSA cert.

Kasor

I don't thint it is good time be in the IT as beginner. Market is tough and very difficult to find a entry level job.

rocalien81

I agree with Big Jizay comment, going straight into CCNA will be a huge jump, N+ will be good as a stepping stone into CCNA along with some real work experience. Also like he said A+/N+ counts as elective for the Microsoft path. Look at all your options and work towards what you would like to specialise and good luck, this is a great site and very helpful so you have come to the right place for advise :)

BigTex71

Network+ is a great start.

Also, try to network (no, not the IT type- the social type) as much as you can. This is one of the best ways of getting your foot in the door somewhere. It really pays to know someone currently working at a place you would like to apply with.

Also, volunteer to do IT work at a local charity, community center, or other similar place. The benefits of volunteering is two-fold: you show the potential employer that you are active in your community and you get IT experience.

tnelson6429

Hey there...if you can contact me directly, I can probably help with some books and study materials for A+, Net+ and Sec+. I understand $ is tight and I would not charge you at all. People have helped me and it is my time to give back.

laptop

Big Jizay wrote: »

I disagree with this also. Studying for the Net+ is great for entry level knowledge regarding networking. Skipping the Net+ and going straight to CCNA is a bit extreme. Also, if you decide to pursue Microsoft certs in the future, the combo of the A+ and Net+ can be used towards an elective for your MCSA cert.

Agree. +1
I'm a student...Learned Net+ before in College. Forgot everything. I tried to jump right to CCNA...it's easy to understand but the weekly module tests were quite hard. Need to select multiple answers.

Start with Net+ before CCNA

itdaddy

you don't


haah just kidding ..ahahhahah messing with you man!
just jump in!

phantasm

Not to dampen your outlook but it took me 4 yrs to get my first entry lvl job. If you're going to do this... then prepare for the long haul.

Milad71

tnelson6429 wrote: »

Hey there...if you can contact me directly, I can probably help with some books and study materials for A+, Net+ and Sec+. I understand $ is tight and I would not charge you at all. People have helped me and it is my time to give back.

Hi,

I'd like to have them please...

Thanks

YuckTheFankees

I do not think he will respond, this thread was 3 years old before you made your comment.