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There is no definitive way to break into IT as it can be a different journey for each individual person, however I’ve put together this article based on my own experiences and experiences of those within my network.

Getting started in IT can feel overwhelming. Certifications, degrees, labs, job listings asking for “3+ years of experience” — it can be a lot to take in. But here’s the truth: you can break into this field with the right mix of learning, hands-on practice, and persistence.

Certifications vs. College Courses — Opening the Door

Certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft Fundamentals are some of the best first steps for anyone new to IT.

Why? Because they show employers that you’ve taken the time to understand the essentials — from troubleshooting and networking basics to operating systems and security hygiene.

These certs open doors. They help you get your foot in the industry, especially for help desk, junior technician, or support roles.

Myself, I originally attended university for computer science prior to obtaining my CompTia A+ certification. While I did learn a lot in the courses I took, very little was transferable to the day to day tasks that I currently do on the job. Additionally, most companies don’t know the value of “College Certification X” but most know recognize certifications like A+ due to it’s industry recognition.

When deciding on what sort of certification you should obtain, refer to the job listings around you, see what sort of certifications they highlight and think of what sort of work you’d like to do. No point in obtaining a software development certification if you want to work on hardware.

💡 Tip: Think of certs as your “ticket in.” Once you’re inside, your curiosity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills will carry you much further than memorized exam material.

The Power of a Homelab — Learning by Doing

You don’t need enterprise-grade gear to start experimenting.

A homelab can be as simple as a single laptop running a few virtual machines in VirtualBox, Hyper-V, or VMware Workstation.

With that setup, you can simulate the same kinds of systems used in real businesses:

• Active Directory (AD) – create users, manage permissions, and learn about domains.
• Microsoft 365 & Azure – explore identity management, Exchange Online, and virtual networking.
• Networking Tools – build small topologies with routers and switches using Cisco Packet Tracer

A homelab lets you learn by doing, learn how things connect, and develop the “muscle memory” that makes troubleshooting second nature. It can be incredibly valuable in gaining hands on experience with services like M365 and Active Directory, which most employers would look for.
If you’re unsure of what to learn in your homelab, refer to job postings in your area for entry level roles and see what sort of experience employers are looking for. Are companies in your area looking for technicians that understand and know Windows or Linux? Do they want a technician that knows M365 or Google Workspace?

Think of it as your sandbox — a place where theory turns into experience.

Experience vs. Exposure — Bridging the Gap

Many people often hit a common roadblock: job postings that ask for “2 years of experience.”

That’s where your homelab, certifications, and side projects bridge the gap. They are experience — just not formal employment.

Document your setups, share your configurations, and write about what you’re learning. That visibility not only reinforces your knowledge but also helps potential employers see your initiative.

If you can talk through how you deployed Active Directory, configured DHCP, or secured a small network, you’re already showing real-world skills.

Resume Optimization — Getting Past the ATS

Before a human even sees your resume, it usually goes through Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). These systems filter resumes based on keywords and formatting — and they’re notorious for rejecting perfectly good candidates.

Tools like Overleaf can help you create ATS-friendly resumes that are both clean and professional.

Stick to:

• Simple formatting (no tables or columns)
• Standard fonts
• Keywords from the job description
• Clear sections: Summary, Skills, Certifications, Projects, Experience

If you’re interested in using Overleaf, this a template you can utilize: ATS Friendly Technical Resume

Bonus: if you list your homelab projects under “Projects,” you can demonstrate technical ability even before your first IT job.

Share What You’re Learning — Build in Public

Whether it’s LinkedIn, a personal blog, or even a GitHub repo, sharing what you’re learning helps you stand out.

Post about the lab you just built. Reflect on what went wrong and how you fixed it. Talk about the certification you’re studying for, or what you found interesting about Azure AD roles.

Why it matters:

• It builds your online presence (and future employers do check).
• It connects you with other learners and professionals(Networking can be an incredibly valuable thing) .
• It reinforces your learning through teaching and reflection.

Even short posts go a long way. Over time, your feed becomes a living portfolio of your growth.

Keep Building Momentum

Breaking into IT isn’t a straight line. It’s a mix of structured learning, trial and error, and curiosity.

Start small:

1. Earn a foundational cert (Highly recommend A+ as a starting point).
2. Build a simple homelab.
3. Share what you’re doing.
4. Keep learning and tweaking as you go.

You’ll be surprised how fast things start to click — and how much employers value people who take the initiative to learn on their own.