I Want to pursue an IT career

I would love to pursue a career as an It but Where should I get started, I am 17 and am going to college next year as a major in Computer Technology.

What should I do to get started?

Thank you.

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Comments

crrussell3

Your best bet will to be start by getting a few certifications under your belt. I would suggest getting one or more of the following: A+, Network+, or a MS Client Exam (Windows 7).

During that time, if you can get a job doing entry level IT work, that is your best route. If not, find someplace you can volunteer your services at. Or see if you can Intern during the summer.

Best thing is just to get as much exposure as possible and start working on your degree and certifications.

PhaktZ

Where do I get these certs, I did some research and I have no clue.

pennystrader

Hi PhaktZ. That is a hard question to answer and everyone can answer it differently. I would first look at it through your eyes and think to myself what am I interested in and what would be a job I would want to get up in the morning and do that I would have a passion for and want to pursue? There are different fields in IT and think about what computer skills you have and what you may want to learn and focus on. Here are just a few IT fields to think about.

networking
database
security
servers - operating systems
programming

Now of course that list is not comprehensive at all and they all have alot of jobs that fall into those general realms of expertise.

I would think about what you are good at or what is sparking your interest in IT. Read about these fields a bit on the Internet and see what really interests you. Taking some general IT classes might also steer you toward a specific direction as well. You may find you love database work in SQL or Oracle for example. You may find you want to learn networking as it all depends on that or maybe the OS is interesting or coding applications and making things work.

Welcome to TechExams and there are alot of gifted people here that are hard working and talented. Let us know how we can help.

Bl8ckr0uter

PhaktZ wrote: »

Where do I get these certs, I did some research and I have no clue.

From various *vendors*

Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/default.aspx

Cisco https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/index.jspa?ciscoHome=true

*Comptia* CompTIA

Red Hat redhat.com | Training

Sun Sun Microsystems Training Course Catalog

Oracle Oracle University

Check out some of these sites. Do you have any idea as to what you want to do?

*Comptia* is not a vender, they are a company that makes vender neutral certifications.

PhaktZ

I would honestly like to just fix computers intill I die, lol. What path shall I take?

steve13ad

I'd start off with Comptia's A+, and then start looking at the Microsoft certs.

PhaktZ

How long does it take to get a A+ cert?

PhaktZ

bump for response

crrussell3

PhaktZ wrote: »

How long does it take to get a A+ cert?

That depends on you. If you choose to self study for the exam, you will most likely need to purchase new/used copies of the exam preparation materials. Then when you feel you are ready, purchase the exam vouchers and sit the exam.

If you choose to go to a school and take courses for it, it will take as long as the course takes and however long after that tell you feel you are ready to sit the exam.

unsupported

You are young and just starting out. There is no need for you to buy anything now. Go to your local library and find as much as you can for the CompTIA A+ exam. You should be able to put your hands on either the All-In-One, Exam Cram, or Sybex. I would stay away from the Dummies series. You may even be able to score some DVD lessons or CBT (computer based training) courses.

There is also a section in this forum dedicated specifically to A+. Go check it out.

Do not overlook the need for experience! Do whatever you can to get your foot in the door somewhere to start learning. If you have to volunteer somewhere, get a part time job at a local computer shop, or just go to a local computer group (like Windows User Groups - Computing Tips, Support and Windows Industry News).

Nobody can tell you how long it will take to get the certification. It all depends on how you learn and how much you are willing to work. Nobody is ever going to give you all the answers. You should always have the desire to learn and grow, be like an IT shark. If you stop swimming you die.

Oh, yeah, stay in school, eat your vitimans, say your prayers, and be a good little Hulk-a-maniac!

bellhead

Ever thought about the military????

PhaktZ

bellhead wrote: »

Ever thought about the military????

No, So im guessing I should hit up my borders for some reading on the subject?

VAHokie56

PhaktZ wrote: »

How long does it take to get a A+ cert?

Purchase and read the following and you will well on your way to a fancy A+ cert

Amazon.com: A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (0783254042490): Michael Meyers, Scott Jernigan: Books

kellyjohn

If you are a total newbie go for the A+ Cert - actually most professional’s get this regardless of experience. Also it depends on what kind of work you want to do in future, where you want your career to go, and on what products you want to focus. There are certifications for platforms, certifications for network technology, certifications for platforms, and others. When you've refined your decision to this level you start looking at openings and the companies that you would like to work for. The job openings or IT staffing will tell you the certifications required for each position and you will then know exactly which certifications are required.

ElvisG

CompTIA certs are not worth it now since the policy change. If I was starting out, I would look toward MCP, MCTS, or CCNA cert. The Vista exam is the easiest test of all the test I've taken. I think the Vista or Windows 7 exam would be my first test.

If you do decide to take the A+ or Network+ then please pick up an Exam Cram book. Some of the questions at the end of the chapters are in your test. So if you go look at the questions and can answer them correctly then you are ready for the test.

sambuca69

ElvisG wrote: »

CompTIA certs are not worth it now since the policy change.

What policy change is that?

ULWiz

CompTIA certs now expire. There are a few topics going on about this right now.

Search for Class Action Lawsuit

veritas_libertas

ULWiz wrote: »

Search for Class Action Lawsuit

Nice...

Rep given!