How to get started in IT

[xtremeclowny]

Hello, I've been working different jobs for a while, mostly dead ends. Finally decided to quit and give IT a try, however, I can't seem to know how or where to get started.

I have a B.S. In Biology which won't really help. I've been using different OS and troubleshooting my own computers since 2004. Also know some assembly since I've been building my own systems for a while now. Also know some html and css which I learned back in 2004. The problem is that most of that stuff doesn't count as professional experience.

Been looking around for certs but word is that they are only of use if you already have experience on the field. I could go learn a language but I am not sure if simply saying I know X language will land me a job.

Read online that a good way to gain experience is to volunteer but I am not sure how that would work.

The main problem is that I don't have a job right now which means I have to move fast. I'm thinking of picking up a job at microcenter and trying the volunteer thing but I don't know where to do the volunteerting. Also, assuming I can get a job at microcenter, will that count as IT experience?

I could really use some insights on this, any help will be appreciated, thanks!

 

[ToineF]

I wouldn't wait to apply for a help desk position, there are a lot of companies that dont expect you to have much knowldge or experience and will still start you off around $15 an hour. The worst they can do is pass you over, so better to try and maybe get lucky!

Any suggestions for companies to apply for?

For the companies I have no idea. I am not sure the country you live in.

In general terms I think you should look for your local internet service providers. You will learn tons and they might actually give you free training.

Also any IT company is logical, otherwise look for banks. You might have some luck there.

 

[xtremeclowny]

I wouldn't wait to apply for a help desk position, there are a lot of companies that dont expect you to have much knowldge or experience and will still start you off around $15 an hour. The worst they can do is pass you over, so better to try and maybe get lucky!

Any suggestions for companies to apply for?

What area are you in, who is around you? Just as an example, I'm in the Omaha area and there are tons of companies that could have positions available like Yahoo, Conagra, PayPal, Gallup, Mutual of Omaha... the list goes on from there. With the Air Force base in the area, there are a lot of contract positions such as Locheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Bluecross has a large office here and there are a large number of top hospitals in the area (ie:UNMC and Creighton) which would all need IT support. Like I said, take a look at Dice.com and get a resume up there. Browse through there and other help wanted sites to see what companies are hiring in the area. Maybe you have a Microsoft store near by or even a local newspaper that has a small support team of their own. If you're near a major city, chances are there's a data farm somewhere that might have some support openings.

Truth be told, I had my resume up on Dice for about 3 months with a few calls from third party staffing agencies, and nothing panned out (would have been temp to hire/contract work), but then I got a call from a recruiter for my current company. 2.5 weeks later I was starting here and I'll have been at this job for a year Oct 26th.

I'm in Houston, Texas. There is a medical center with 4+ hospitals, I'll have a look around there to see what I can find. I'll also have google do some work for me to see what I can find. Thanks for the info!

 

[xtremeclowny]

I wouldn't wait to apply for a help desk position, there are a lot of companies that dont expect you to have much knowldge or experience and will still start you off around $15 an hour. The worst they can do is pass you over, so better to try and maybe get lucky!

Any suggestions for companies to apply for?

For the companies I have no idea. I am not sure the country you live in.

In general terms I think you should look for your local internet service providers. You will learn tons and they might actually give you free training.

Also any IT company is logical, otherwise look for banks. You might have some luck there.

I haven't really thought about ISP's being it related but I'll give it a try. I'll have a look around banks and the such. Thanks!

 

[xtremeclowny]

I've decided to apply for a few deskhelp positions while studying to get the A+ and other minor certs. Will also try to learn bash and powershell if possible. Also want to take a minute to thank every single one of you for your input. I know the information provided by all of you will be of use to many others looking to get into IT. Therefore, thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us!!!

 

[mudpuppet]

Powershell is pretty good to pick up. Throwing it out there as well, schools also have IT support, so it might be something to consider if you end up taking a class or two, there could be work at the University. Huston should have quite a bit to offer and while it's not you're current location, Austin has a plethora of IT related jobs as well... just something to keep in mind.