New here, first question...

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Kilhd

New Member
[Mods - sorry if this is under wrong topic]

Hello all,
I have been dealing with computers since I was about 12 or so (31 now). I have never had a job working with computers but lately have been thinking about getting a couple of certifications to get my foot in the door to the IT work force. For me, they have always been a hobby type thing and never worked with them as a job or career fearing I wouldn't like them anymore if it was my "job". I have been doing manual labor for many years and I think I need a change. I was always the guy the family, friends, and neighbors called to fix their PCs. I know hardware, and software pretty well. I know how to setup and run a linux machine and limited unix experience. My question is though.. from all the system administrators and IT administrators point of view what would be a good cert to start studying for and take? I have been doing some practice exams of A+ and pass most of the times. I am looking to get into a mid-level position with emphasis on network admin/security. Is this a silly dream, or is there some cert that could possibly open up a door? I know I could be an asset in the IT world with my current knowledge I just don't have a way to prove to companies I know computers. Any information given is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance for reading this.
 
I'll tell ya, I've got a friend. He worked at a gas station til one day he got fired. Best thing that ever happened to him. Keep in mind at the time, this guy was fresh out of high school. He talked around and found himself a networking solutions job paying around 25k a year, with promise of more pay if he would take some classes and certifications.

The moral of this story: The best way to prove you can do something, is to show them you can, not get a bunch of certs saying you studied for these specific things enough that you could pass a test. Though, go for the A+ and some other one just to help you get an interview. From there just put on a good show, displaying just how much you really know.
 
I'm currently studying to become a Network Administrator, and yes - you can prove them you know what you're doing without getting certs, but I would advise you to try and get a few under your belt. At least Network + , your server cert, and of course A +. Those are the first three i'll be tackling.
 
Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to go for A+ and CCNA. Hopefully that will land me something decent to start out with.
 
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