Fouad Malik ⋅ Los Angeles , CA ⋅ 7 years experience

Apart from actual hands-on experience you may also need IT certifications to enter above-mentioned occupations. These certifications are fast becoming industry standard and you will see them as essential requirements or qualification in job descriptions. These certifications also align to DoD Directive 8570.

http://www.techexams.net/blogs/jdmurray/13-certifications-dod-directive-8570-01-m.html

The following certifications will prepare you for occupations you mentioned (listed in order):

1. CompTIA A +
2. CompTIA Network +
3. CompTIA Security +
4. SSCP or CISSP (This is very advanced)

Additionally, MCITP Win 7 or 8 (Operating System) will be very helpful.

You may be able to get these certifications through Syracuse University.

http://vets.syr.edu/employment/vctp-certification-paths/

Jason Elix ⋅ Killeen , TX U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 11 years served

I was going to check the school I am going to next week. I am going to Central Texas College down here in Killeen, Texas. I am in the Army on terminal leave right now because I got medically discharge from the service back in May. My last day of leave is July 7th. I wam willing to get any kind of hands on training for IT so I can get some experience.

The only training I have in IT field is the basic excel spreadsheet. All I did for my platoon was add information into excel and that is it. I also was my company Unit Prevention Leader and had to upload the company rosters from spreadsheet to a program so they can get tested.

The classes I have taken so far are Integr/Software Applications I, Introduction to Computing, and Introduction to the Internet. The classes I am in right now are Introduction to Word Processing and Introduction to Spreadsheets. I envisions myself doing Network System Admistrator, Informations Security or Information Security Management.

Fouad Malik ⋅ Los Angeles , CA ⋅ 7 years experience

In that case, you will have to get some actual hands-on experience. Some internships are paid while others are unpaid (or volunteer). If you are flexible enough to get even an unpaid internship for few months then chances are good that you can transition into a full time IT position. IT is a field where actual hands-on experience is very important in beginning. Did you check you school to see whether they have paid or unpaid IT Internships.

IT is a very broad field so before you start looking for appropriate internship you have to know more about your strengths and your interests.

What kind of IT work you think you were trained to do in school?

What kind of IT work you envision yourself doing?

Please feel free to share your resume and list of courses you completed as a part of IT Degree. Send me a private message.

Jason Elix ⋅ Killeen , TX U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 11 years served

No I do not. The only thing I did on the computer were spreadsheets and excel a little bit. This whole job field is new to me. That is why I was hoping to get hands on experience as well.

Fouad Malik ⋅ Los Angeles , CA ⋅ 7 years experience

Do you have prior IT work experience or actual hands-on experience?