Entry-level IT career

There is more than one way to enter the IT field.   Fortunately, because it is so vast, it has so many entry points.  But moreover, the journey you take can be varied.   

For instance here are 3 major approaches:

1. Formal education

2. Self-paced learning to certification

3. On-the-job apprentice

In my opinion (Steve, the Network Advisor), a combination of approaches 2 and 3 are the fastest and most affordable.  However, approach #1 would be good if your longer-term goal was management or executive-level (i.e. CTO, CIO).   

If you're not aware, "Certifications" are the industry-recognized programs where you study and master a body of knowledge, pass a test, and then receive a formal document that proves you've been CERTIFIED.    For example, a very common (and still valuable) certification is the Cisco CCNA.

There is probably an endless list of IT, Networking, Cyber Security certifications out there.   And, just as many varied ways to get them.  In some cases it can be as simple as taking a quick online course and passing a test.    Or, just getting a book and teaching yourself - then taking the test.

For many certifications, the test is not free.  They are often offered by companies such as Sylvan or Pearson VUE.   The typical test fee is $100 USD or more.

However, if you're on a really tight budget and you do some digging, you can find some places that offer more junior-level certifications for free.  A few can be found on IBM Skills Build.

Another good resource, that I've used in the past is udemy.com.   They have some very affordable self-paced courses.

If taking courses or reading books are not your thing, you can certainly take other approaches.   One of the quickest and easiest (but maybe not the most fun) is to start by doing grunt work for an IT or Telecommunications company.   Just do some searching to find those types of companies in your area.  

Now, getting this opportunity can be tricky if you have ZERO experience.   

You have to be a thoughtful about your approach.   Simply calling and asking for a job isn't going to work.   You want to find some way to offer to help in a non-obligatory approach.   For instance:  "Hi I'm looking for an intern opportunity to get into the _______ business and I am trying to find a company like yours that would allow me to do some some grunt work in exchange for exposure to the trade".     Or, come up with your own approach.   The trick here is to make an offer that they'd want to take advantage of  like "Free help" or "cheap labor".

Even if you do a little bit for free, once you've done some then it's not a lie to tell other companies "I'm experienced".   And that will get you in the door even faster at the next place. (And, hopefully in a paid capacity - not free!) 

Here's a video I made about breaking into the Tech business withe zero experience.