Any advice for an IT novice?

[EagerAmoeba]

I'm new to the IT world and was wondering what are some areas or key concepts a novice, such as myself, should consider learning along side the fundamentals of IT?

I am currently enrolled in a software development certification course in Java programming at my local community college. My ambition for learning to code comes from my interest in mobile application development, as such I've been practicing a bit using Android Studio and have created a couple simple practice apps such as a dice roll app, and a quiz game app.

Along with taking classes, In may I enrolled in Google's IT Support Specialist certification course on Coursera. I just completed the first course, IT Fundamentals, out of five. I also began to dabble in VirtualBox to learn Linux because I wanted to learn to use the command terminal, and just generally familiarize myself with the operating system through day-to-day use.

My question to you all is, what other areas or concepts of IT should I look into in regards to, not just furthering my own knowledge, but also when applying for entry-level positions? I'm curious about help desk roles or systems/network administration roles but I'm still not entirely sure what area of IT I want to focus and seek employment in. What other job roles are available for entry-level? I don't have any IT work experience, so I'm thinking of taking the A+ certification early next year once I'm finished with college, and Google's IT course.

 

[Benwalker]

The best way to learn is through a project that you love, not through classes. Just get started, even if you know nothing.

 

[EagerAmoeba]

The best way to learn is through a project that you love, not through classes. Just get started, even if you know nothing.

Thank you for your reply. Do you mind going into more deail regarding projects? What were some of the first projects you began with? Which was your favorite?

 

[DelJo63]

not through classes

humbug. There's lots of technology and terms to be understood and working in a vacuum is insane. The synergic of the classroom will accelerate your understanding and avoid the wasted time and effort of "false starts"

 

[candle_86]

Honestly look for a windows 7 to migration project, you will gain experience, it's easy work 99% of the time you follow a checklist, and you will gain exposer to a wide range of corporate software that needs to be deployed and checked that it installed right post imaging. Other than that you can also get a job at a computer shop, you will learn a wide variety of skills and this experience will help your troubleshooting skills in ways you can't imagine.

I got my start at a store then started working on migration projects from XP to 7 in 2010.