With a twist, as always.
I am 23yrs old, I have no college under my belt, I have no IT experience… I’m not even ‘that good’ with computers. I love math, I love understanding things and i’m a fairly quick learner. I’m extremely dedicated and haven’t work a job under a 60hr/wk in my life. Right now I’m work full time as a bookkeeper. I catch on fast and am good at researching, so I can always figure out a computer problem. Anyways, my dilemma:
1) Certs vs. Degrees. Can this question really be answered?
2) What are the most valued ‘items’ in the IT field. If they are certs, which certs are they? If they are degrees + certs, which ones? Or is the answer a Masters Degree in X?
3) I know I need experience, but how? Where? Who’s going to hire a newbie? Where are the good jumping platforms, or are there any?
4) If the answer to #1 is Certs, can I be self-taught? If the answer to #3 is intern, can I intern while i’m reading a 1,200p book about networking? To best fit #3 will I need to be in college in order to get a good intern?
I know a lot more research on my part is required. I have a very long list to go through. School counselors, lots of research to find out who’s hiring in my area and what they’re looking for (If that’s possible to determine i.e. finding any patterns). Online vs. classroom, loans, etc.
As you can see I’m literally as green as they come… so any advice would be helpful, even if it’s somewhat off-topic or you’re just answering one of the questions.
Thank’s in advance.