Whats up people. I am seriously looking for a career change and am looking to get into the IT field. I need serious detailed direction, including what to do and what not to do. Yes, I do realize there is a thread explaining all of this at the top of this page, but its like stereo instructions to me. What I really need to know is what classes should I take to get me in the door of a job so that I can start to build experience. I hear that two years experience is the point I want to be at. Also I know I mentioned IT, but any other tech related job info would help as well. I also noticed that this board has over the years provided lots of certification advice, can I just study the downloaded material and test online or do I actually need to take classes? I know I hit you all with alot, but I'm in dire need because summer is approaching and I wanted to slide in to some summer classes if I could to get started. One more thing, I had planned on paying out of pocket for classes, but in the big thread, someone mentioned something about WIA, I plan on going all in on school if need be and by that notion, will be unemployed at the time of my schooling, so if someone could explain that as well. Oh and btw, I have no experience in the field, so I'm not even entry level. I have a government job that I'm trying to evolve from. Thanks dudes.
Thinking of getting into the IT Field. Need Help.
- Thread starter goldeneye
- Start date
I've been in the industry over 10 years. I took classes in the beginning to be exact A+ Certification related classes. In the class we built a computer from scratch and loaded the operating system and then the drivers. After building a complete system we tore it down and then built it again total of 3 times. That hands on along with reading is what got me my first certification. I would say do something along those lines in the beginning. The hands on along with reading the A+ manual really beat the material into my brain. Once you get familiar with all the basic stuff you can decide which road you want to travel (Cabling, Desktop Support, Networking, Cyber Security). Networking such as Cisco or Cyber Security are the big money makers, but this is down the line for you.
Thanks bro. i'll be enrolling by the weekend for summer classes. I'll look out for A+ certified courses. Thanks again. Just really wanna get my feet wet in this field and let it guide me where to go next. I just need that all important starting point. I should have been done this as a kid, but you know how it is, you get a great job and get comfortable just making good money. But better late than never I guess. Thanks again fam.
Tha technician is right, A+ is usually the first step in IT. I was the same as you, confused about where to go. But after acheiving A+, you start to branch out. Im currently taking Cisco classes, but im thinking about taking the MCTS:ASP.NET class. Its a big money cert, usually leading in the 100+ a year salary range, but it deals with code writing and apps.
In my opinion, the IT dept has mainly two routes, software or hardware. if youre good with code writing, software is the way to go. If hardware is your thing, then networking/cabling/desktop technician is for you.
In my opinion, the IT dept has mainly two routes, software or hardware. if youre good with code writing, software is the way to go. If hardware is your thing, then networking/cabling/desktop technician is for you.
Appreciate the advice bro. For sure I'm going to start off with the A+ first, then I'm thinking of going the hardware route. What kind of job would get me in the door with an A+ cert or is that just wishful thinking and if so, whats the next cert before I can get in on the ground floor?
Well honestly imo varies on what your comfortable with the A+ cert is a minimum requirement to a lot of places including the dod. Networking+ then ccna if you wanna shot at some good money. Here I got my A+ an my dcse and there isn't no one hiring in the IT field.
So...I was working on my security+ then switched gears to the h.I.t. an active directory windoes 2008 server since there's alot of hospitals and doctors office I could get in with implementation of the medical docx therefore creating a need for that particular IT assistance including server work.
If you are going in completely cold I would recomend getting into the A/V side of things first. A good certification is the CTS certification from infocomm. http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xchg/infocomm/hs.xsl/certification.htm
First, buy the training book from Amazon.com (they give great discounts), read it over and decide if this is the field for you. Next, take their class from one of their local schools (they have them all over the country). It's an expensive pain in the ass, but if you do these things you are almost garanteed to pass their test and get certified.
If that sounds like a hustle it is. That being said, I know three people who landed jobs earning $20-$30 an hour within weeks of getting this certification. It's a great way to get your foot in the door.
First, buy the training book from Amazon.com (they give great discounts), read it over and decide if this is the field for you. Next, take their class from one of their local schools (they have them all over the country). It's an expensive pain in the ass, but if you do these things you are almost garanteed to pass their test and get certified.
If that sounds like a hustle it is. That being said, I know three people who landed jobs earning $20-$30 an hour within weeks of getting this certification. It's a great way to get your foot in the door.
I got the A+ and a A.S degree but no jobs that will hire someone with just a A+. I've been applying to helpdesk, desktop support and montitor tech jobs and no luck. Do people hire permanent positions with just a A+ and 2 year?
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