Breaking into the IT field

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I've given a lot of consideration towards breaking into the IT field but I'm concerned by the same problems several of you mention in other topics....it's the same problem I face right now, the question of how to get work-related experience when no one will take you on board. My current education is in the humanities, so I haven no practical skills to speak of. I'm considering a Masters in Computer Science, so at least that way I can focus on one specific career path, and there are at least options out there (Securing one of those options, now that's a different story). The program I'm looking at is three years...one year for the remedial courses I need (I was not a CS major during my undergrad term) and two years for the Masters portion of the program. How would you guys recommend I spend my free time during this period? I know this will be a great opportunity to find some practical application for what I'm learning, something to flesh out my resume and prove that I'm not just a green recruit straight out of school. I haven't decided yet on programming or networking though, since I have doubts about my programming abilities since I strongly suspect I'm an NLD, and I'm not sure how that'll affect my ability to conceptualize everything. I took a graduate level logic course, though, and was totally excited about it. It was some hard stuff but I found it very interesting and very rewarding. Can you IT gurus offer me some advice? Thanks!

First of all, I would recommend getting a few old computers and learn how to install and uninstall programs such as antivirus and office software. I would then advise learning how to set up networks and interfacing these computers to printers, etc. After that, I would recommend learning a programming language such as C, C++, or Java. You may also want to try installing different operating system such as those made by Microsoft and different Linux distributions. Doing these things will give you some experience working on computers. After you do this for a few months, you might offer your assistance to friends in need of computer work.

You don't want to receive just "book" education when it comes to working on computers. You also want to have hands on practical experience so that you can deal with problems that are not in the "book" or whose solutions are different than those specified in the book. Doing these things will give you an idea on what to expect in the real world. In addition, you can pick up some good money by working on computers once you become proficient. I teach I.T. skills to students with Aspergers. My goal is for them to be able to pursue a career in I.T. and become competition to companies if they refuse to hire them (the students).

I would second that motion...

Obtain an old computer and install some flavour of Linux (or BSD/OpenSolaris) upon it. From there, you have a good base to start learning most of the most commonly used programming languages. In addition, several servers (HTTP, email, FTP, DNS, NTP, &c) may easily be set up. From there, you may also gain invaluable experience in server and network administration. Regardless of what aspects in "IT" excite you, it is good to have some knowledge of both.

You may PM me if you have need of direction to start.

Hey guys,

Thanks for the input. I'm actually pretty tech savvy, but most of what I know is self taught....I built both desktop computers that my wife and I currently use, and I've had a lot of experience with formatting computers, setting up Windows, different software programs, etc. I know about different networking concepts as well, thanks to my high school's computer classes. I even took one semester of Cisco's CCNA academy, though I never followed through with it. My problem is that most IT positions out there require a degree or some sort of formal credentials before they'll even consider you. I do some computer repair work on the side but nothing that employers would take seriously....especially not in today's market.

I do need to pick up some skills in formal programming languages and in working with Linux, since I've never even booted up a system that runs a Linux OS....I'll drop you a line, Quantum, as I certainly appreciate the offer for help. Thanks a million!

You sound like you are very well on your way. The college paper might be the work permit you need, but if I were you, I would not get any student loans to pay for it. You could end up with a very expensive degree and the job you are hoping for could move to India or China just as you graduate. I'm not saying that you shouldn't get the paper, but I am saying that you shouldn't go into debt doing so.

Another option is for you to set up a website or program that becomes widely used. Any code you write can become a part of your portfolio that may very well land you a job. The other option id to change your computer repair service from a side job to your main one. Repairing 3 computers a day can bring in quite a bit of money.
If you want to know how to set up shop for minimum investment send me a private message, and I will point you in the right direction.