No Entry-Level IT Job Without Experience First

“All I'm asking is if I can use certs and skills (I can learn everything) to bypass experience? Are companies or recruiters or hiring manager even gonna know about certifications in Atlanta or south, or the ones I mentioned? [re: I have a bachelor's degree. Can I get a sys admin job in Atlanta, Georgia in US, if I get more certifications and learn everything? I have a homelab, and can learn everything as senior SA. Should I get CompTIA Security+, "Microsoft Certified Windows Server Administra”

“Looking for ways on my résumé to professionally show off my skills better. I have an associates degree in cyber security currently working on a bachelors degree in cyber security and information assurance. I also have the A+ net+ and working on sec+ I worked helpdesk for a year, then was in a project/break fix position in healthcare for about three years where I started as a contractor got hired on with the company and then got promoted within the company after that. I was laid off due to a merg”

“Employer is paying for a cert so not worried about it being 'worth' it. . I have net+ and Sec+. I am a System Admin with about 6 years under my belt, basically I've just been stagnating and need to get another cert in the next year to renew my two certs, I don't want to let them lapse just yet. I've looked at CySa+ a bit last year but didn't find the material that interesting, not a big market for security in my area. I am thinking either Linux+ or Server+, but open to ot”

“Hi! I'm currently an IT doing sysadmin stuff, kinda. I have been working for a company for 1 year and I did like 3 years of intership as a low level IT. My job currently has no intune and their AD and GPOs are minimals, I'm planning on using intune soon and cleaning up said AD. I'm learning sysadmin stuff and I work with an external IT company. When I meet a problem I can't solve and I seem to not find the solution, I reach them and ask them to help me out while explaining me the”

“I have a bachelors in MIS, just got CompTia A+, and 4 years of customer service/fast food experience, what should i do next to land lvl 1 msp job? (Network+, AZ/MS certs, ITIL) submitted by /u/Odd_Expression_6924 [link] [comments]”

“I'm just starting my transition into IT and my goal is to get into help desk/IT Support and eventuantually to something higher eventually I'm looking at the Google IT Support Certificate and Microsoft IT Support Certificate. They're both $50/month, and I don't want to waste time because I'm in my mid 30s What does the path from beginner, Help Desk, SystemAdmin realistically look like? Would you recommend Google, Microsoft, CompTIA A+, or something else to start? I'm tryin”

“Been trying to find an IT related job while in school so I can have some experience before I graduate. The most I could find is being a sales rep for Xfinity. Any job IT related would be helpful, doesn't have to be a serious position . Preferably in states: Georgia and Utah . submitted by /u/Thisgirlemptyyeet [link] [comments]”

“I’m 25 and looking to change from career field from industrial maintenance to IT field but I want to get feedback from people’s experience and knowledge to get a better understanding of what should I do to be successful. Also I’m going to attach a link to the degrees/certs that my school offers and was also hoping to get feedback on that as well WSU TECH IT PROGRAM submitted by /u/EAGLETIAGO75 [link] [comments]”

“When it comes to software you can see if any of the common ones have certs you can take and put on your resume. Like quickbooks has certs and I think maybe net suite has one too. It could boost your resume. You could also look for volunteer tax work too. Just keep applying. Even if you’re not fully qualified for the job it doesn’t hurt to apply. It’s not a great economy rn so don’t get too down on yourself during your job hunt. It’s bad for everyone! But you’ll find something. And like you said”

“Have a BA in history, been a stay at home mom since college graduation and only have some admin work on my resume. Would getting some certifications in Data Entry, Microsoft/excel etc, HR, payroll etc help me land a job? I’m willing to get multiple certs if that would help submitted by /u/NegativeCheetah7502 [link] [comments]”

submitted by /u/Separate-Weight8730 [link] [comments]

“If you already have degrees and years of experience plus a strong professional network, then sure, certs won't add that much on top. Especially so in a good job market! But if your experience is weak? (or even nonexistent!) Or it is a tough job market? Then certs can help get you over the line.”

“Hi ya'll, I'm going to school for a degree in Cyber Security, and recently was given a test voucher for my Security+ from a class, after taking the test I passed it and for the past week or so I've been trying to apply for entry level help desk jobs but genuinely cannot land an interview. Now I understand (from what I've read online) that Security+ isn't really recommended as the first cert anybody should strive for, but do I really just need to get my A+ to land anything ent”

“I’m 27 and currently looking for another IT position, but I’ve been having a difficult time getting interviews/offers. I’m starting to wonder if I’m searching for the wrong job titles or if there’s something obvious missing from my experience. My background: Education AAS in Computer Information Systems (Cybersecurity), Magna Cum Laude Currently pursuing a BAS in Computer Information Systems (Cloud Administration), expected 2028 Certifications CompTIA A+ CompTIA Security+ Microsoft Azure Fundame”

“I could really use some advice from people who have been in the IT field longer than I have. I earned my CCNA about two weeks ago, I have my CompTIA Network+, an associate degree in Computer Networking, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. And yet, I’m struggling to even get interviews. I’ve been applying for entry-level Help Desk, NOC, network support, desktop support, and similar positions. I’m not expecting to walk into a high-level networking job because I have a CCNA. I know”

“Greetings! I’m looking to transition into the IT career and looking for suggestions on what certs and/or degrees are worth acquiring in the IT field when starting. I was told CompTIA Security+ and then CompTIA Network+ after. Any suggestions are appreciated! submitted by /u/Ok-Sir-4992 [link] [comments]”

“Little background, I once went to a networking bootcamp with no certs (although the entry exam was the network+ stuff) and got a CCNA. Got a job with Cisco first as a temp lol then Spectrum as an actual employee. Fiber Network engineer, mostly working with ADVA devices honestly, doing policer checks on bandwith, bit of stuff fixing ELAN/ELINE type stuff... bit of PRI/SIP Voip, lot of simply rebooting routers/switches That last job was 7 years ago; haven't done anything whatsoever IT related”

“I have been searching for a job for a year and a half. I have a Salesforce Admin certification, but there seem to be more qualified people looking than employers hiring. I am wondering about accessibility testing. I am blind, and I have my JFW and NVDA screen reader expert certifications. If I got my 508DHS Trusted Tester 508WCAG and CPACC certifications, would finding work be difficult? I have read that these are growing rolls because of changing accessibility laws here in the US but especially”

“Hi, I graduated with a degree in Information Systems recently and I'm having major difficulties finding work related to my major. I'm currently being considered for a contract to hire role where I will be trained for the SIE and Series 7 exams and go on to work a non-sales customer support specialist role at a fortune 100 bank. If I pass the exams FTE conversion is guaranteed, with 50-60k being the expected base pay. It's call center work essentially, I'm worried it isn't rel”

“I'm getting ahead of myself here because I'm still in the middle of getting the relevant certifications, but how do I make a resume that isn't half-blank? 27 years old and up to this point, only worked in restaurant and retail environments. Not my jam, finally decided to pursue my interest in tech. Working on the Google IT Certification first, next stop is the CompTIA+ Certification. From what I've seen, those are the fundamentals one needs to start applying and get considered- b”

“Background I have years of experience in customer service and sales, but no IT experience. I also have an AA degree in Liberal Arts. I want to apply for an Account Manager job at a local IT company, but I'm worried my lack of IT experience will hurt me. Based on this job description, what certifications could I earn to improve my chances? Duties & Responsibilities Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships Serve as the main point of contact for client inquiries and issu”

“Background I have years of experience in customer service and sales, but no IT experience. I also have an AA degree in Liberal Arts. I want to apply for an Account Manager job at a local IT company, but I'm worried my lack of IT experience will hurt me. Based on this job description, what certifications could I earn to improve my chances? Duties & Responsibilities Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships Serve as the main point of contact for client inquiries and issu”

“I am a recent Computer Science BSc Hons graduate and had no luck with graduate job applications for this years' intake. With them starting to release again for next years' intake, I want to do some certifications that I can put on my CV. I have mainly been looking at Data Engineering roles as that is what I am more confident in, I'm not that big on software engineering but will do it if necessary. I've looked at potentially doing an AWS certification, or a Google Cloud one? I&#39”

Well if you can take it take it but try whatever you can to get the CCNA

“Certs help compound experience. I’d view it almost like a triangle between certs, degree, and experience. If you have 2/3 any job interview becomes much easier to get in the door.”

“I have no certs. I outperformed many people with CS degrees and multiple certs. Certs are useful to get you through the resume mill. After you start your job, performance is what matters.”

“Hello everybody, Just passed my Network+ Exam and I also have my Security+ certificate. The current company that I work for reimburses me for exam fees and they encourage studying/obtaining IT certificates for our APR's. With this being said, what certificate do you guys recommend me going for next? Should I go for the A+ and finish the trifecta? I was told that getting all 3 Security+, Network+, and A+ has an added benefit? submitted by /u/Illustrious-Stay-938 [link] [comm”

“So I’m just about to start my journey into the IT field, I’m going for certifications first following core class after (just to get me into those internships while I study what I’m actually doing). My end goal is to go in to cloud data security / development. I’m currently 29 and a forklift operator I know the transition is a bit much however I enjoy the complex thinking and trying to figure out creative solutions. Is this the best course of approach? Or should I just save money and start a diff”

“Currently in school getting my cyber security degree. Half my classes are just the compTIA platform so I'll finish with a lot of certifications. I completed the Tech+ last semester and just passed the A+(both parts) and the Network+ yesterday. I already work in a K12 district as just a district level IT specialist but now I'm qualified. I am trying to move out of the field tech style of work where I go to classrooms and respond to tickets. What jobs were you able to get with network+ spe”

“I appreciate the advice, would you say CompTIA certs taught you what you needed to know in practice with networking, like being able to make an IP scheme and configure VLANs, or did you find other resources and hands on practice to be necessary to get the hang of it? I presume the latter. From what I’ve seen the CompTIA exams are easy to brain dump, but people who do those plus actually get hands on make the most of it. I’m fortunate I have a couple Cisco managed switches I could use to get fami”

“Just looking for some career advice with the current job market. I am currently working as a printer support installer, which is some light printer IT. I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Technology and Comptai A+ and Security+ certs. I've been trying to get another job that pays better than what I'm at now, but it's been basically impossible. Recently I saw that Humble Bundle put out a bundle for a bunch of cert training material. I'm wondering should buy at try to get th”

“i'm transitioning from a few years as a remote data annotator with no academic it/cs background to an entry-level it technician for a community college, and i'm very excited but also very nervous!! after the panel interview (which i thought i bombed so badly i cried in my car after lol), they told me they're a pretty laid back group, but i've been doing flexible remote work since i graduated. this is my first Real Adult Job where i'm not in charge of my working hours, and i d”

“I'm an incoming junior looking for my first cybersecurity role, and I'm genuinely confused about how people are supposed to get interviews. I only have a BSc CS as my degree, I don't have specific market recognized certificates for cybersecurity or pentester roles (because the fees are too expensive, average income in my country is $100/month) A lot of junior or entry-level job postings ask for things like Security+, CySA+, CEH, OSCP, etc. I do have experience with multiple tools use”

“Security+ and Network+ are excellent choices for moderately advanced IT knowledge that can get you into a couple branches of IT work. What is your IT degree? I assume Networking or cyber security if security and networking are on your list already? If Networking, you should look at specialized certs of hardware manufacturers like Juniper, Nokia, Cisco etc. Cisco is the most common beast you'll find in the wild and some logical commands transfer over, you just have to know the syntax in a dif”

“Hello, I've been looking for a Tier 1 Help Desk position for a bit now! For reference, I'm transitioning from a career in music and retail service. I have a few years Geek Squad experience, and have been a lifelong PC software and hardware tinkerer. I've got CompTIA A+, but no other certs at the moment. Application after application is being denied, and when I do get to interview, it often gets awkward when they ask about ticketing software. Two interviews I've had have gone cold”

“Yes thank you. I’m very close to getting both net+ and A+ After getting sec+ I did attempt to get a tier 1 tech role, but did not go so well in interviews. It was obvious that I needed real world experience, so I took a service coordinator role at an MSP after starting as an unpaid intern, asked to come back as paid intern, then straight into service coordinator role with zero days of a break between. 6 months into the salaried position, I have audited and reconfigured their entire inventory, pr”

“Just curious. I see some people say you need certs, others say just a degree, others say experience. I’m sure you need all three but I’m curious if anyone has a boat load of certs in any tech category and why. Also what salary you have. submitted by /u/TraditionalCry640 [link] [comments]”

“I’m currently getting certs is getting a degree really worth or needed? I can just learn everything online within a limit and still land the job? ( I also can’t afford any college) submitted by /u/mikeyy247 [link] [comments]”

“I don't want to do a 4 year degree. I want a job where I diagnose hardware issues, repair, install, and upgrade computers for people. What program can help with this? submitted by /u/BitterEbb8878 [link] [comments]”

“Hi guys, I'm posting this to see if anyone can offer insight on if it's going to be extremely urgent for me to rush into getting the another certification after the current cert I'm studying for to realistically have a good chance at landing any kind of superior role to what I previously had. I currently have 2.5 years of helpdesk experience(2 yrs tier 1 and 6 months tier 2), the A+ cert, the Network+ cert, an Associates degree in Cybersecurity, and am currently studying for the Secu”

“Currently studying for my CCNA. Then plan on getting my sec+ then cysa+ all while learning Linux/python at the same time. What are your thoughts on this plan? What else can I do alongside getting certs to land an internship? submitted by /u/kranjisMcBasketball2 [link] [comments]”

“I recently completed an internship at a bank where I worked mainly in a help desk/support role. It was a great opportunity to get hands-on experience with troubleshooting, users, systems, and day-to-day IT operations. I'm looking to progress my career towards system administration and eventually move deeper into infrastructure, cloud, and security. I'm trying to figure out which certifications are actually valuable in the industry and which ones are mostly just nice to have. I'm part”

“I’m trying to get into an IT role but I’m not sure what job titles to look for and what certs to get submitted by /u/Damiertsunami [link] [comments]”

“From 2023-2025 I worked as an IT Help Desk technician in the IT department of a university faculty in the Canadian city in which I lived. It was a great job and, in a way, I stumbled into it. I don't have any formal education in IT, I actually don't possess a university degree. After high school I started working in the Audiovisual/film production industry and that is more or less what I'd consider my "trade". I worked freelance for a number of years but eventually decided”

“I am looking into what are good intro level certificates and I have a good few in mind but as I look at entry level jobs they often require or ask for certs and a minimum of an associates in IT or something related. This has me wondering if I should spend the time grinding out some certificates or go to school and work towards an associates. I know, ideally, I should do both at the same time but I'm a young 30 something who works full-time and I do not believe I would be able to put that amo”

“I just passed my CCNA 200-301 , what do u think if my next cert is Linux+ . What position would be suitable for me if I have both of these skills? Are they conflicting, or should I focus directly on networking? I just love Linux but am not good at all . submitted by /u/PastChapter7279 [link] [comments]”

“I just passed my CCNA 200-301 , what do u think if my next cert is Linux+ . What position would be suitable for me if I have both of these skills? Are they conflicting, or should I focus directly on networking? I just love Linux but am not good at all . submitted by /u/PastChapter7279 [link] [comments]”

“Hello all, I am a recent graduate with a Master in Management Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity. Coming from a non-IT background, this is the first foray into the world of IT. With that being said, I have no experiences or certifications other than my master's degree. I've been applying for jobs the past two months (mainly IT support or Help Desk roles since I figure that is the best entry level positions to start). I've also been working on gaining my CompTIA”