Step 1: Teach yourself how to code. This can only help and there is plenty of resources. Kahnacademy, MIT's Opencourse ware, Python the hard way. The key to getting any IT job is the ability to develop the skills required.
Step 2: Work on the cheap and be humble. There's plenty of non IT shops in dire need of a little bit of HTML, a little bit of maintenance, a little bit of what have you. Offer to be paid in beer and you will not only develop real world skills, you will make connections.
Step 3: Specialize. A college degree in X and the ability to do the requisite skills should be able land you a junior role / internship. The work may not be glorious, but you will be able to get a job, get the experience, get the certs and grow professionally.
Step 4: Don't settle. Don't try to promote your way up through an organization until you have chosen your path. Do good work and pursue new opportunities. If you don't see an opening, move on. IT, more than most careers, values diverse experience and self-development
As an English major from Podunkvilles who works in SF, I can attest to this path. Your desire will get your skills, your skills at any level will be invaluable and you will be able to make a career out it.
Slashdot Mirror
Step 1: Teach yourself how to code. This can only help and there is plenty of resources. Kahnacademy, MIT's Opencourse ware, Python the hard way. The key to getting any IT job is the ability to develop the skills required.
Step 2: Work on the cheap and be humble. There's plenty of non IT shops in dire need of a little bit of HTML, a little bit of maintenance, a little bit of what have you. Offer to be paid in beer and you will not only develop real world skills, you will make connections.
Step 3: Specialize. A college degree in X and the ability to do the requisite skills should be able land you a junior role / internship. The work may not be glorious, but you will be able to get a job, get the experience, get the certs and grow professionally.
Step 4: Don't settle. Don't try to promote your way up through an organization until you have chosen your path. Do good work and pursue new opportunities. If you don't see an opening, move on. IT, more than most careers, values diverse experience and self-development
As an English major from Podunkvilles who works in SF, I can attest to this path. Your desire will get your skills, your skills at any level will be invaluable and you will be able to make a career out it.