For those who have no degree but work in IT, where did you get your start?

[Nocturnal]

What was it like? How hard did you have to work? What was the first job that lead to your network admin or sys admin position? How long did that take you? What knowledge did you have of computers/networks prior to starting your first step in the process of becoming a network admin/sys admin etc?

 

[Steve]

When I started college, I had little to no knowledge computers, I had more of a fear-based hate to them. But I had one there, and over the years I ended up learning how to tweak the OS and upgrade hardware and reformat/reinstall, etc.

After college (I didn't finish my BA in English, yet), I was a decently skilled hobbyist, and I emailed resumes out on the web for PC Tech jobs. Eventually (the next day) a temp agency specializing in tech staff called me up. I started with them the following week, and now I've had this job (helpdesk) for almost a year, and only temped at it for a little while before getting hired.

 

[necine]

I was hired at an ISP for 5 an hour when I was 14 for tech support, completely under the table. I'm in college ATM.

 

[five40]

Street corner suckin on nobs. $15/session.

 

[manlymatt83]

Steve, you're still up?

 

[necine]

Originally posted by: mjuszczak
Steve, you're still up?

Yeah man, I told you I dont really sleep that much.

 

[Kibbo86]

Dude,

Hadn't touched a computer since Win 3.1 until two years ago.

Found out it was fun to break my computer and figure out how to fix it. Workin' tech support for an ISP now (for less than two months), already it seems I'm on the fast track for more senior positions. Got an 80% discount on CISCO certification courses at the local college, C/O my work. I don't know where this can lead, but I figure that a couple of ++s by my name can only be a good thing.

If you can combine real-world with a bit of school, you can get by without a degree.

Of course, if you're looking to net 60k+, pick up those books, man.

 

[FoBoT]

i have a degree, it just isn't computer related

i got a 6 month contract job to get my toe in the door, then with that experience, i got a full time job (travelling/support) and then applied for a better position with the same company

 

[Nocturnal]

ttt