How can I get a career in IT with an Associate degree in Information technology with customer support specialization and no experience?

SGT James Hart (Retired) — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:23:09 -0500

I have an Associate degree in Information technology with customer support specialization. I took the entire degree online and feel very little confidence in my abilities due to that fact. How do I get a career in IT with no experience in the Kearney area?

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Feb 23 at 2018 12:29 PM

SPC Joseph Wojcik — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:29:44 -0500

I would say try networking on LinkedIn.
Do you have any certifications like Cisco or CompTIA?

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Feb 23 at 2018 1:35 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 13:35:32 -0500

SGT James Hart (Retired) I don't know much about your area, so I cannot offer much as far as finding a job. I will say that you should not feel a lack of confidence in your ability. I had that when I started in IT with my one certification. I have learned so much just from doing it, and growing my skills as the technology changes. The degree is the key to open the door, the job itself is a journey. It evolves, and so you evolve with it. I wish you the best of luck. PO3 Jacob Jenkins s I read this, I thought you would be a great person to offer insight.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2018 1:48 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 01:48:00 -0500

The world of Tech is a very, very broad umbrella. I.T. (Information Technology) is different from I.S. (Information Systems).
I.T. is more learning how to manage the different components of a Network (PC, WAP, Bridge, Switch, Router, Firewalls, Servers, etc.).
I.S. is more programming (C++, Java, Pearl, SQL, etc.).
Because the I.T. side is oriented to the specific Operating Systems for specific devices, these skills must be updated as new platforms come into production (XP, W7, W8, W10, Svr2000, Svr2003, Svr2008, Svr2008(r2), Svr2012, Svr2k16, etc.)
Language skills are not as perishable. Generally speaking, Programming requires a Bachelor's Degree and can be used for years.
If you are wanting to break into Tech. with "only an Associates Degree", I would recommend some industrially recognized Certifications (A+, Network+, Security+, CCENT/CCNA, MCSA/MCSE, GIAC, etc.). In leiu of years of experience, the certifications route demonstrates a reasonable expectation of practical knowledge.