Looking to transition into IT, from a Non-IT Career/Background

CCIE Wanna Be

A little about myself, I current work in the public sector I've been in it for about 5 years and it just doesn't interest me anymore. I have always enjoyed working with technology, building computers, programming, etc. I am not jaded, I get my work done, I just want a change.


Why IT, well it interest me, I like studying for it when I'm not at work, I prefer to read a CCENT Study Guide rather than watch TV, it seems fun, constant room for growth, and it challenges me mentally (which is the big driver). I recently completed a Certificate program at the local CC in Local Area Network Administration and fell in love with configuring Cisco routers and switches, and to me it feels like something that I would really like to do as a career, specifically becoming a Network Engineer specializing in Voice. I am working on a few certs, primarily CCENT, CCNA, and MCSA 2008 right now and I will be starting at WGU for BS-IT-NA in July.

One of the issues I am having is that I have absolutely IT work experience.


My questions:

1). I do I reflect the knowledge I have in IT, when I don't have a job title to match it?


2). What else can I do to make me more marketable to break into this (although denied most of the time) mysterious world of IT?

3). Like most of you, I work full-time, can't really afford to take an internship to get experience, yet most entry level postings require 1 -2 years of experience, how do I get this or reflect that level of knowledge other than through education and certification (within reason of course, i.e I will stop at CCNA or CCNA-Voice until I actually get a job that I can apply those skills in and then progress to higher level certs)

I have looked at helpdesk, NOC, junior sys and net admin jobs and have never got called for an interview, I know I must be doing something wrong. My hope is you experienced TE professionals can help me out.



Thanks,


CCIE Wanna Be


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My username also serves as an accurate statement of my future career goals

GAngel

It depends on if you're looking to be hands on or not.

Project Management or project coordinator based on what you described would probably be your easiest entry point. Agile, PMP six sigma, ITIL are all great skills to have on your resume regardless of if you're in IT.