I'm eager to jump into the IT field quickly, but I'm not sure where to start. Right now, I manage a fast-casual restaurant and have a basic understanding of Linux and networking. Should I apply for IT jobs with no experience and hope for some on-the-job training? What certifications should I focus on first? Unfortunately, I don't have any contacts in this industry who can guide me, so I'm reaching out for advice.
4 Answers
There are a lot of existing discussions around this, so be sure to do some research on similar posts. They can provide a wealth of information that could be useful for your journey.
As someone who runs an MSP, I can tell you that we frequently hire for entry-level roles, and we usually provide training. The key is finding an MSP that encourages growth and doesn't box you into one task. Highlight your experience in the restaurant industry—if you can handle fast-paced environments and customer service, that's a big plus!
Before jumping in, check out job postings in IT and see what skills are frequently required. It’s a good idea to focus on entry-level jobs like help desk or deskside support since they’ll make you more well-rounded when you move on to backend work.
Most likely, you'll want to start in a help desk position. In that kind of role, you'll get more experience and be closer to the networking work you want to do. Check for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in your area and start applying there; they often need entry-level help.
I took the same path: started at help desk, moved to the desktop team, then into server team, and now I'm in infrastructure engineering! It’s a solid route.