I'll be 16 in a few months and I really want to get started learning skills necessary for a job in IT. Though I'm not sure exactly what kind of IT I'll be getting into eventually, I'd like to be doing hands on work with hardware and database management. What degrees (if any) do I need? I'm assuming a CCNA cert is practically a requirement in this general field. Can a cert be a substitute for a degree? Should I stay in the US? If so, where in the US? Do I need knowledge of a specific programming language or multiple languages? What kind of stuff should I be testing at home with servers? I have a test bench and a bunch of drives lying around but would it be worth it to invest in some hardware to practice with?
Thanks, Zypher (zai-fur, lookin at you Logan and Pistol)
Speaking from the IT support side of the table, experience is paramount but certifications will help too. Microsoft, Cisco and CompTia all offer many flavours of qualification/certification.
Some tech companies just wont hire folks unless you have a 4-year degree as well as certs. If you find yourself in that boat and have the ability to head to college, you might see if any universities or community colleges near you have information systems curriculum. I work in the tech sector and most folks in IT that I know have MIS degrees. Usually these education tracks focus on systems analysis and design, so you can be prepped for a job as a sys admin or network admin or a systems analyst who works as a contractor and travels around to various companies and helps the implement changes to their current systems or entire new systems.
Also make sure to look for internships! They are a great way to get your foot in the door in the tech world. If you do head to college, make friends with the admissions/student services department - they usually have information on businesses that are offering internships to students in various areas.