Where do I start in an IT Career?

So, currently I'm 15, and interested in IT.

I've decided this would be my ideal career path, and ideally, I'd like to get started as soon as possible, as I'm lacking a job and in need to money more and more at the moment.

I've dabbled in web design, and it wasn't the sort of thing for me. I have a friend who's started, and has actually made a reasonable amount of money, but this wouldn't be an option for me, I don't have the knack required.

I also looked into programming, however, I found this a little tedious, and never got much further than the very basics.

My main area of interest is hardware and networking, however, I know I'll have trouble on this front. I've built computers in the past, and fixed many too, but being the age I am, I don't think anyone would be in a position to want to trust me, especially those knowing what a large portion of the people my age are like in my town.

I was talking to my IT teacher today, and she said her husband works in networking, and that sort of area, and that is another section of IT that has interested me for a while now, but I have no idea where would the best place to be getting started.

I'm not really in the financial position to delve into additional education at the moment, but I am good at teaching myself on issues that interest me.

Could anyone give me any suggestions as to what would be the best option for me to take?

Thanks in advance,

Tim

asked Sep 23 '11 at 16:39

Tim Fontana
15.5k●136●202●377

4 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

If networking is your thing, go for the Cisco certification program, you can prepare yourself with a small investmentment in books and 2nd hand Hardware. Start with the entry level certificaion CCENT and go further if you find it interesting... Cisco professionals can make some good money... Good luck! @intracndnt

answered Sep 23 '11 at 17:14

Intracndnt
31●1

Thanks, I'll look into it, but I have a tiny budget. Thanks :)

(Sep 23 '11 at 17:28) Tim Fontana

I'm doing the same and I'm the same age. My boss gave me a Cisco Networking Essentials set to read.

(Sep 23 '11 at 17:55) applegeek

The hardware part was optional; you can find some emulators online as well as reading material... Prepare yourself with those, so you'd only pay for the exam... Search for keywords CCENT or CCNA

(Sep 24 '11 at 07:20) Intracndnt

Start with A+, Net+ and Security+. You can get those certifications for less than $7000, and it will make you someone worth hiring. Choose your employer carefully, many will pay for your continued education. If you can get Cisco certifed as a Network Technician they can make upwards of $40k a year. A Cisco Network Administrator can make over $100k a year. It's worth the money to get those COMPtia certifications first though because it's the basics. If you have A+ NET and Security+ employers know you have the basic knowledge required to learn the more complicated and specialized tasks. You can't change out a hard-drive if you don't know what it looks like, and if you can't do those simple tasks you won't keep an IT job for very long. With that said, if you're really serious about IT, and you have the means, pursue college level computer science classes, go get C++ and write code. IT's where the big money is. I know, because I'm the guy with the A+ and etc. while all my bosses and superiors are computer science majors. Good Luck, It's a great field to get into, espacially if you're a computer geek like me.

answered Sep 24 '11 at 13:47

MacManDerek
801●16●20●27

edited Sep 24 '11 at 13:48

USA rules,in my country with my knowledge i'm still unemployed and as freelancer make barely 200$ a month. :(

(Sep 24 '11 at 14:33) Ivan Tomica

first place you Should start if you really want the career stop listing things you dis like thast are not for you because bottom line is may of the items you listed are going to be more then nessary to learn to get into the IT field starting with programming, Electronic, design and more..

stop worrying about budgets and such look at accredited schools student loans ans government grants,if ya want to make a real living at this settle in for the long haul this is going to take you some time many technician engineers are in school studying up to 10 years depending on what you are looking to do and where you want to go you can learn enough to work at geek squad in a few month make the money to pay for it pitching pennys so to speak ..

I dont know where you are located but here is a great place to get a start in IT feild and they will help you every step of the way more then just computers ..

http://www.thenewschool.us/

this is in the US but they help qualifide people any where outside the US get there student visa's for study they even help you get settled and find a place to live you must how ever demontrait you have the abilty to pay while you study so finding them goverment grants for study will be a pluss

answered May 30 '12 at 09:31

jadtechnic
2.0k●5●18

edited May 30 '12 at 09:39

If you are interested in system administration and stuff, knowledge of linux (LIP-1,2,3, RH-CE etc.) is very important nowdays so you should consider to learn that if you have interest for it. Also programming jobs are decently payed and if you have interest you can take that path.

answered May 30 '12 at 10:03

Ivan Tomica
1.3k●27●33●52

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