How do I get into the IT field while studying for CCNA

I have been in the IT field for about 5 years, but directly or completely IT. I mean I have had, Project management, Sarbanes-Oxley(SOX), and analyst roles but nothing directly IT. I know with Y2K the market was saturated with IT guys, but am I wasting my time. How do I break into an IT position prior to getting my CCNA which I am school now to get. I live in California and by the time I get my CCNA I may be on the verge of starving. PLEASE are there any IT managers or IT people that can help?
Thanks