How do you get into the IT field?

[celi]

... but IT can be such a broad range of things.  Different fields can have different entry level points, know what I mean?  Starting at the bottom of the totem pole is hardware... no degree required as long as you're interested in tinkering around with computer parts.  Easiest route for someone off the street without any IT knowledge or experience. 

However, I agree that it's all about networking.  Difference between you and 50 other applicants for that one cushy job is who you know.   

Very true that the IT field has different entry level points depending on the job you want.

I'm not into the networking-hardware-admin side of IT however i do know of a few network admin's who got into the field without a college degree through good networking buddies like August Night mentioned and they just work their way up --again this is possible because of "who you know" -AN   

Just make sure you talk the talk and walk the walk because some hiring managers will put your skills/knowledge to test before you move onto the next interview/hiring stage.

[dianahmuas]

A lot of good replies were posted.  I agree that it is the experience and a great network that will get you in.

My husband's emphasis in college was IT Security and after graduation he couldn't get a job.  At the time, he had 2 years of experience and his network were his classmates and some professors but that was about it and he couldn't find a job.  He was an officer in the Computer Club and a 3.7 GPA student.  He also did an IT internship his last semester.  He wasn't willing to relocate to another state but I think if he did, I'm sure he would have found an IT job.  But, things turned out great anyhow.  He left the IT world and went into medical. 

I think you have to be flexible with relocation as well.

it's funny how i find that there are many people who began in the IT field and went into the medical vice versa...

[tetrapod]

i think 8v10un30sun has the best answer so far.

here's my experience getting into the IT field.

it's tough and tougher if you're a petite asian female *seriously*!! I was in this situation once with ZERO experience and just a HS diploma.  

My resume was alright I think cuz i'll get interviews for the IT jobs I'd applied for (I guess in some sense I've got the knowledge/skills through personal passion) to bullshit my way in passing phone interviews, the first and second interviews, however without a college degree or any certs after 2nd interviews, i was very UNfortunate cuz I was never picked.  i'm assuming it's because i have zero experience and zero college degree/zero certz for the companies I'd applied for and like 8v10un30sun stated there's those who does have all that I didn't.

anyhow, once I got my foot back in college (tell you truth i was not the smartest student) but while still attending college I kept in touch with my networking IT gurus i've connected with through my non-technical-jobs throughout my working years...cuz while working dead end jobs, i knew IT guys were my strongest link so I befriended with IT people most and it's how I got into the IT field while still in college.

right now, IT is a very competitive field. just NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK and network.

my two cents: "build your bridge, don't ever burn it"-celi

good luck.

I was at Google for four days.  There were a lot of pretty Asian women there. 

[mrhmoobportland]

For some, it's hard to get an IT position even after the IT degree. I know someone who got out w/an IT degree, but couldn't find a company willing to hire him, even though he had the grades, so he just stuck with sells. This guy should have networked.

I got in without an IT or any other degree.  I'm working with people with Associates and Bachelors degrees in IT and making more than them in a lead position.

It takes a long time to work your way up, unless you make powerful friends.  I moved up fast, but that's because I have good technical, people, and inter-office skills.  When people hire you, they want to know that you have the skills or can learn the skills, but also that you can get along with other people.  Simply having a degree or a piece of paper that says you did good in school means nothing, except for low entry level positions, and even those are rare these days.

I have a friend who was graduating from college soon, too, and he asked the same question.  I brought him to my office and gave him a job shadow day to see how things work.  He liked it very much, but was impatient and didn't want to listen to my advice.  You see, even with a degree I still wouldn't hire you (I'm on the hiring committee, haha) if you didn't have the experience or the right personality.  We look for education, experience, and people skills, but if you have enough experience or if you can WOW us (I will put your ass on the spot), I'll hire you on.  We're looking for three long term contractors right now with potential to transfer over into hire after a year as positions open.  Terms are 1 year with option to renew, unless you apply for a full-time employee opening as it comes up and you get it.  This is IT work supporting a large West Coast healthcare organization.  Range is in the $43k/year to start.

If you don't have experience, there are three ways you can get experience.

• Start at the bottom in an entry level position or contract IT jobs and accept the low pay/odd hours.  You'll need 3-5 years of experience to move up into junior level positions or even entry level positions with better pay.  Unfortunately, the economy has dried up right now in the U.S. and most of the world, so many formerly mid level jobs are now being posted as entry level jobs, so you're facing a stiff competition against experienced people.
• Network!  Find friends/families who can help you find jobs through referral and recommendation s.  Utilize sites like linkedin.com.
• Volunteer! Find a non-profit organization and volunteer your services.  If you're going to unemployed anyway, might as well volunteer your services and gain some experience to bring to the table when the next job interview rolls around.