[–] Space_Liger ago (edited ago)
I will second the GI Bill. A professional degree isn't necessary, but if you have to tools to get it, get it. There is no sense in letting it go to waste. I'm working on my Electrical Engineering degree. I am a BAH bum and it's great. It pays my rent and I have spending money. Since you're a vet (assuming you're probably early to mid 20's like myself) you can declare independent on your FAFSA and get all the other financial aid too. You may not have gained a lot of professional skills, but you have gained a ton of resources to help you succeed. Utilize every single one. I'm available for PM if you want to know the ins and outs of using your GI Bill.
Construction + Tech + Military. It's the same boat I'm in.
I'm currently doing low-voltage wiring installs and attempting to get into a factory for a maintenance postilion again. That said, it's considerably less competitive area doing high tech from atop of a ladder. I can configure a router, run the wire, install it all 30ft in the air in a warehouse. Best yet, I almost charge whatever I'd like, since nobody else is doing it.
[–] bitslammer ago
"IT" has grown so large saying you want to start in "IT" is like saying you want to go into medicine. Do you want to be a dentist, heart surgeon, brain surgeon, physical therapist or someting else. There are about as many fields in IT.
You can do:
And a few dozen other niches. Take some basic courses, PC, OS, networking, basic coding and see if any of those are something you really like and are good at. Also poke around sites like Glassdoor.com and the like and see what skills are in demand. There are a few areas where pay is insanely good, but you have to learn a lot and be at the top of your game. Do some basic classes and certs. and that should help you get a toe in the door somewhere. After that grow with on the job training because that's where you will really learn.
[–] Brianbrain ago
Fake it until you make it. Also apply for service desk jobs, that's how you get your foot in the door
[–] g33k3ss 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago (edited ago)
I started my IT career a bit later than others as well. If you can afford it, I recommend seeking out a good two-year trade school. They really aren't that expensive, and the one I went to also threw in vouchers for a couple of class-complimentary cert tests. You'll also get a lot more hands on, employment useful, knowledge than you can get by persuing a 4-year CS degree. Additionally, most good schools will assist you in locating a starting position once you're done. Here, a lot of local businesses recruited heavily from the graduates. I myself ended up going for 3 years since I was having so much fun, I decided to get an AS in both Systems and Network Management. Best of luck!
[–] elysianreaper 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Some rambling thoughts from a sysadmin that dropped out of college. There's the two main steps to getting hired, being selected for an interview and passing the interview. The first is really the biggest hurdle, as you're really limited without paper to prove you know IT. Trying to get a certification or two wouldn't hurt here. Doing some volunteer computer work for a church or non profit might be another way to show experience.
For the interview, I can tell you that paper credentials means next to nothing to me. If it does matter to the person on the far side of the table, it may be a warning sign that you may not want to work their, or at least not for very long.
I tend to look for three things when interviewing. Is the person going to fit in with the existing group? Can the person be counted on to show up on time everyday? Does the person live and breathe tech? The best people I've worked with are people who build their own PCs, are into PC gaming, experiment with media PCs, and tinker all the time. Jobs in IT change overtime and it's important to have someone who can grow and develop as their job changes.
If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to help.
[–] Firevine 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
You wouldn't happen to be in Georgia would you? I don't have that paper, but I've got all that other stuff down pat. I got into tech thanks to EverQuest. When I first started playing, it was on a rinky dink HP back in 2002 that was low spec even then. I learned my way around by trying to squeeze every bit of power out of that system that I could. I've since built my own PC's, tooled around with Linux, got into media PC's what my budget has allowed, done everything I could think of with Android devices, including a physical repair here and there. LOTS of rooting, trying new roms, fixing boot problems for other people.
The bug bit me, I just don't have any certifications. Working on A+ now though. I passed practice exams right off, though networking is my weakness. I've been throwing myself out there in the meantime though. All it takes is someone like you to give me a shot.
[–] Ncdale 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
I am a DBA Manager (previously worked as sysadmin, then DBA), and we look for similar qualities honestly. When I started this industry 20 years ago almost no one had a college degree in it. Getting through the door now is the hardest part. You need something that separates you from the hundreds of other applicants. A degree and/or certs gets you through the first filter.
"Guys I am really good at IT" doesn't cut it anymore. Go get a degree (2yr is perfectly fine for entry level), or go take a few certification tests in your chosen area. Anything to get through the first pass.
[–] Ncdale 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
Do you have GI bill money for college? Look into it. Go get an IT degree!
Generally a local community college or state college is a better choice than the 'for profit' IT schools like ITT, Devry etc. I live not to far from Camp Lejuene and the local Community College here is full of ex marines using their GI Bill to get on a career path they will enjoy.
[–] undeadbill ago
Go to college. No, more importantly, go to a college that has a real certification (like WASC). Most trade schools are diploma mills. Even most "good" colleges offer a very limited program outside of CS for IT related degrees.
I'm saying go to college and get a four year degree because you have yet to mention anything about technology in your past history. Most people who don't need the degree to get hired have extensive home labs and maybe a side business before they ever get picked up for an IT job. You don't seem to be that guy.
So, go get a degree. Get it from a reputable college, because having a pedigree is going to be what gets you your first job at this point.
If you decide to ignore my advice about which college to go to, and pick some trade school calling itself a college, then make sure you will have at least one vendor certification outside of anything CompTIA. A Cisco cert, MCSA, something. Otherwise, you just wasted your GI Bill.