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While experience is the best tool for getting a job in the IT field, certifications in specific hardware and or software will help you get in the door. A general degree in computer science is meaningless to an IT manager going through resumes.

If your young enough, you should think about joining the military for tech training and experience. The Navy now has an IT rate that might be perfect for you to get the desired experience and training (you might even get professional certifications out of it).

It worked for me...

I joined the Navy after getting married at age 18 (wife was 17 , child on the way). Became an ET (Electronics Tech), went to multiple "c" schools for communication, navigation, radar and computers. The most important thing I learned during those classes was how to troubleshoot complex systems.

Got a lucky break at a duty station and had the opportunity to get my Novell CNE classes and tests paid for by the Navy (professional certification). So I walked out of the Navy with a great certification and the skills to troubleshoot extremely complex systems. BAM! 8 years later, Im doing better than I had ever dreamed possible.

I know this sounds like a commercial but its all fact. The only caveat to keep in mind, is that you will have to work harder than you have ever worked in your life to make it. You will have to motivate yourself to keep achieving the next goal. If someone else has to motivate you, your screwed.

Think about it...

BTW, dont let the other branches fool you, the Navy will give you the best training on equipment and software that is easily transferable to the civilian world. Dont be suckered into anything other than what you want either. If you want the IT rate then dont settle for anything else. NEVER NEVER NEVER let them talk you into being an EM (Electricians Mate) thats just basic electricity. If they try to talk you into BM or BT.... RUN! =)

Thanks for the advice, but at 49, I'm a bit too old for military service. Oddly enough, I'm young enough to have living parents who do value my computer expertise, now that they've decided to join the 21st Century!

Your advice about the military is good for younger folks, I had way too much revulsion towards the military back when I was in high school to have considered it. It's one of my regrets in life that I listened to a bunch of McGovernites who just simply hated this country and everything it stood for, rather than look out after my own future, and my country's freedom.