Future Plans..

jwreeves88

Greetings,

I am coming here today cause of a recommendation by a friend of mine from a gaming clan I am in, I have been planning on advancing myself self in the IT field, but me being dang near clueless, I never pursued it.

I have been tinkering with computers for a good 13 years now((24 as of this post)) starting with 95 and 98 working my way through *Shudder*, 2000/ME, and then into XP, Vista and 7, not yet 8 though. I have no professional experience except for what I teach my self and learn through exploring each system in and out. It doesn't really mean much, but I have a good understanding of a computers layout per se. This had lead me to do Freelance computer TSing/Repair/Building, but its not getting me anywhere. The knowledge of computers did not really start sinking in until I hit around 16 which was when I started my freelance thing.

After getting fed up of maybe making 0 to 100 a month.. I decided to ask the clan forum I was on about suggestions and one friend of mine suggested that I start looking into certifications((Starting with A+)), and thus..here I am.

Now, I know there are many specializations in the IT field, and that is always the fun thing, deciding which path I'd like to take. I am learning towards Networking/Server Administration type thing, but as I have not explored it in depth nor have I looked very in-depth to others.

Sorry for rambling. Basically I am asking, is there any certifications I should look into as a baseline for getting started in the IT field that would be helpful all around?

ptilsen

A+. With what you know now, it should be a breeze to pass it. Buy a book, ready it, take a couple practice exams and schedule the test.

If you put your resume together right, you should be able to pick up a full-time job in the field.

From there, you will want to think more about where your career will go. However, based on what you've found, I find it highly likely you'll want to pursue a traditional helpdesk/desktop support/sysadmin path. This means CompTIA A+, possibly Network+ and Security+, and Microsoft certs, such as MCSA on Windows 7. A+ should really be your starting point, however. Net+ is a great follow-up, and if you decide you're really interesting in network specifically (not networked computers, per se, but the devices and protocols that make a network function), you can look at studying for CCNA.

For the record, I had a very similar path to you. I started getting heavy into tinkering around the same time, and started doing freelance work at 15. The difference is, I decided then and there this was what I wanted to do. I went and got my A+ at 16 or 17, and got employed from there. A+ and just those basic PC skills got me my first job, before I was out of high school.

jwreeves88

Thank you for replying,

I will definitely be looking into getting certified in A+, just have to look into a book for it as well as practice exam(s) and whatnot as well.. As for Testing Location, I know the CompTIA rigamaroo is at Global Horizons, LLC in Birmingham I just have yet to request info and what not. Alot to plot and plan for. Next infusion of funds I get I will look into getting a A+ book to study up on.

Once I feel alittle more comfortable I will look into getting a Voucher for the exam. I want to make sure I am ready for it.

Once/if I get A+ certified I will look into broadening myself then. Int he mean time though I will do research on other things pertaining to the IT field.

Iristheangel

Hello there, Jwreeves, and welcome to the forums. A+ will get you some foundational hardware troubleshooting knowledge. IT is a huge field with many different specializations: Virtualization, networking, database, systems, security, project management, etc. Part of the excitement (and confusion) of being new to the field is finding out what specialization is fun to you or if you just want to stay a generalist. Each specialization has it's pros and cons and it really depends on the person since networking might excite some people and bore others to tears.

A lot of people here usually get their CCENT/CCNA and MCSE in order to figure out what they want to do. CCENT/CCNA will give you foundational and practical knowledge of networking theory and Cisco equipment which MCSE will give you systems knowledge and dabble into the world of virtualization. Both should set you on the path for getting a good entry level job and help you figure out what you want to do. Good luck and feel free to ask any questions!