I have finally decided that I want to go into IT. I have always been very good at computers, and I can't think of anything else that will keep my interest on a regular basis. I love technology..

I am just not sure how to break into it. I have an economics background. There is a local school which offers a 1 semester course which will get me certified.
Any other tips suggestions on how to break into IT without going back and getting another formal degree?

I have finally decided that I want to go into IT. I have always been very good at computers, and I can't think of anything else that will keep my interest on a regular basis. I love technology..

I am just not sure how to break into it. I have an economics background. There is a local school which offers a 1 semester course which will get me certified.
Any other tips suggestions on how to break into IT without going back and getting another formal degree?

IT is a big world. Perhaps the best thing to do before getting any formal training is to do more research. Which specific area interests you? Sofware? Hardware? Etc.

Economics is a degree that is similar to business. Maybe you can enter the field from the business side. Whatever you do, my advice to you is to do thorough research of what's out there and what might interest you.

Well I am primarily interested in networking. I am not interested doing programming or anything of that sort.

I've made a webhosting bussiness, and I love it, IT is a big world, I'm interested in programming too, I really love it but I sometimes overfocus on such tasks and sometimes such concentration tasks make me hyperactive.. but a hosting company and taking care of all aspects of it is sth I'm already able to do without any med or aid..

Definitely take the certification courses. Not only will it help you decide if that's what you want to do, but recruiters tend to look for certifications, and if you don't have them, they stop looking at your resume. You can do certifications in just about anything in IT, even programming if that were what you wanted.

If you're interested in networking, I'd suggest maybe system administration might be something to look into, too, maybe as a future goal. (You're not going to get a sysadmin job with no CS degree and no experience.)

Definitely take the certification courses. Not only will it help you decide if that's what you want to do, but recruiters tend to look for certifications, and if you don't have them, they stop looking at your resume. You can do certifications in just about anything in IT, even programming if that were what you wanted.

If you're interested in networking, I'd suggest maybe system administration might be something to look into, too, maybe as a future goal. (You're not going to get a sysadmin job with no CS degree and no experience.)

I dont think so,, Many of the employers look for the sample work or portfolio (sample programs / websites made). The resume and cerifications are just small part..

As long as you proved that you have a talent. nothing is impossible

I dont think so,, Many of the employers look for the sample work or portfolio (sample programs / websites made). The resume and cerifications are just small part..

As long as you proved that you have a talent. nothing is impossible
For web development, a portfolio can work. For network or system administration, certifications are almost a necessity unless it's for a small business.

Get some study guides and try for some of the networking certifications. This will give you a good idea of whether or not it's up your alley. Personally, I like programming because it allowes a greater degree of creativity. Web site development also has some creative potential.

If you're getting into IT technical support, especially at the higher network levels, then get into the trenches and get your hands dirty by doing stuff. I work with people who have more certifications than I do, and yes, that may shine up their resumes, but when the rubber hits the road its the experience that counts -- at least once you get hired. And I find that as an ADHDer, you can greatly enhance your career by keeping copious notes. Technology is a chameleon and you can't possibly remember all that you know. Write it down in an orderly fashion. I use a free Windows program called KeyNote to do this.

And as with anything, don't be disgruntled when you encounter people who know more than you do or are able to grasp new things much easier than you. There's always somebody better at this or that, but you are the best at being you and that's what you have to focus on. Don't push yourself into corners that will become a torment for you because of your ADHD. For me, I desperately want to program but I just can't concentrate on it. But I'm great at writing tiny little scripts that do stuff and get the job done. I simply let go of the fact that I can't be a developer and it is a relief.

Good luck!

If you want to get into sysadmin work, understand that:

- It's a craft. You learn by doing stuff and making mistakes. Don't expect to be a competent admin by reading "Learn UNIX in 24 Hours".

- Certifications do help. Like on the show "The Apprentice", street smarts do matter on some tasks. Personally I'm more inclined to hire the super geek that has a kick-**** gaming LAN in his apartment over the paper MSCE who's in sysadmin for the career.

- I hire sysadmins with a fanatical passion for admin work. Because you have to love what you do. At times your job becomes your life: you eat, sleep, and drink it.

- Build and maintain your own servers at home. Muck around with just about any operating system you can get your hands on.

- Join the community of sysadmins. SAGE is a good organization to join.
http://www.sage.org/

More info: http://www.sage.org/field/