Editing Openai/694b9641-6fa8-800e-a6e3-9f6d6072050e (section)

=== Assistant: Yes — absolutely, you can become an IT professional through digital courses, and the guy you met was not exaggerating. ===
Yes — absolutely, you can become an IT professional through digital courses, and the guy you met was not exaggerating. What does matter is what kind of IT, how you learn, and how consistently you apply it.

Let me ground this in reality (not hype).

==== Yes. Many people break into IT in 1–2 years using platforms like Udemy, Coursera, YouTube, free labs, and certifications, without a traditional degree. ====

But “IT” is a huge umbrella, and success depends on choosing a specific path.

==== Common entry-to-mid paths people learn at home: ====

===== - Troubleshooting computers =====
* Networking basics
* Operating systems (Windows, Linux)
* User support

Timeline: 6–12 months
Courses: CompTIA A+, Network+
Reality: Very achievable from home

===== - Routers, switches =====
* TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls
* Enterprise networks

Timeline: 1–2 years
Courses: Cisco CCNA, Network+
Reality: Harder, but very legit

===== - Linux, Windows Server =====
* AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
* Automation, scripting

Timeline: 1.5–3 years
Courses: AWS Cloud Practitioner → Solutions Architect
Reality: In-demand, higher pay

===== - Security fundamentals =====
* Ethical hacking
* Monitoring & incident response

Timeline: 2–3 years
Courses: Security+, CEH
Reality: Not beginner-friendly unless you already know IT basics

===== - Python, Bash =====
* CI/CD pipelines
* Infrastructure as code

Timeline: 2–3 years
Reality: Powerful combo skillset

==== What the guy you met likely did: ====
* Watched structured courses
* Practiced daily
* Built labs at home
* Followed certification paths
* Applied before he felt “ready”

IT is skill-based, not credential-based.

Employers care if you can:
* Fix problems
* Understand systems
* Learn quickly
* Communicate clearly

==== ❌ Watching videos alone is not enough ====
✅ Hands-on practice is what gets jobs

You need:
* Home lab (VMs, cloud free tiers)
* Practice tickets & scenarios
* Projects you can talk about

This is why many fail — they consume but don’t build.

==== Year 1 ====
* IT fundamentals (A+, Network+)
* Windows + Linux basics
* Home lab
* First help desk role (or internship)

Year 2
* Specialize (networking, cloud, security)
* One major certification
* Real-world projects
* Move into higher role

This is very doable.

==== You’ll do well if you: ====
* Prefer problem-solving
* Don’t mind Googling constantly
* Can self-motivate
* Are okay being confused for months
* Learn by doing, not memorizing

==== People who: ====
* Expect fast results
* Avoid hands-on work
* Need external structure
* Hate technical frustration

==== Yes — you can become IT with digital courses. ====
Thousands of people do it every year.
The timeline you heard (2 years) is completely realistic.

If you want, I can:
* Help you pick which IT path fits you
* Build a free or low-cost learning roadmap
* Tell you which courses actually work (and which are fluff)

Just tell me:
What attracts you to IT — money, flexibility, problem-solving, remote work, or something else?