Hello all need some help please!

**ghostface36** · September 28th, 2010, 10:02 PM

Hi everyone, i'm looking to start a career in the IT field mainly a consumer support technician. I'm 23, without a college degree and no certifications. What do i need to land a job in this field? any help would be much appreciated, thanks all in advance.

**KarmaKiller** · September 28th, 2010, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by ghostface36

Hi everyone, i'm looking to start a career in the IT field mainly a consumer support technician. I'm 23, without a college degree and no certifications. What do i need to land a job in this field? any help would be much appreciated, thanks all in advance.

Really, knowledge. Certs and degrees help lots, but really some real world knowledge of PC's and components, software, and networking will get you a long way.
I landed a job as the one and only IT guy at a small business, with no certs or even school in computers. I could prove though that I knew what I was talking about, so I got the job.
It really depends on what kind of business your applying at though..

**ghostface36** · September 28th, 2010, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by KarmaKiller

Really, knowledge. Certs and degrees help lots, but really some real world knowledge of PC's and components, software, and networking will get you a long way.
I landed a job as the one and only IT guy at a small business, with no certs or even school in computers. I could prove though that I knew what I was talking about, so I got the job.
It really depends on what kind of business your applying at though..

i live in the suburbs of chicago so theres all types of business's around here. What should i do to gain that real world knowledge? join a computer club at the library or local community college?
sorry if this is rehashing any previous threads folks im just confused on where to begin?

**KarmaKiller** · September 28th, 2010, 10:37 PM

Really anyway to gain the knowledge should be considered an option. I read TONS online, through forums and articles, reviews on hardware, etc etc. I also got lots of hands on experience with my own system. Building, repairs, trying out different setting in the OS. Same goes for networking. Read TONS online, and tried stuff first hand.
Any kind of computer club or classes you could take would help for sure.
Videos are another great option. Check youtube for various tutorial videos.

**huntert** · September 29th, 2010, 10:35 AM

Professor Messer's Free 220-70x CompTIA A+ Training Course | Professor Messer - CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Certification Training

this is a free site with a lot of info

**ghostface36** · September 29th, 2010, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by huntert

Professor Messer's Free 220-70x CompTIA A+ Training Course | Professor Messer - CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Certification Training

this is a free site with a lot of info

wow thank you very much the site seems very informative so far
and to expand on my original question and specify one thing, is a college degree (associates, bachelors) needed if you have certifications and some hands on experience?

**quickoldcar** · September 29th, 2010, 03:37 PM

My friend got a job as an IT at a local college with no background, he just had a strong interest and they hired him.

I guess some people get lucky while others have to work hard for it.

Location and demand would also be a major factor, your area have positions available currently?

**ghostface36** · September 29th, 2010, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by quickoldcar

Location and demand would also be a major factor, your area have positions available currently?

im sure their are, im a one hour train ride from chicago 1.5 hr drive to milwaukee
im going to submerge myself in learning the ins and outs of a computer for these next few months(probably even longer) and learn all about the certifications before i apply for a job

**jak** · September 29th, 2010, 10:46 PM

One of many good entry points into the industry are technical support jobs (IMO). Get a job in technical support at a large enough company and they will most likely help you in affording and obtaining certifications. Once you start learning some skills, you can move to a better position that would be good for a resume to get a proper IT job down the line.