I have always had a passion for technology/computers, but have never pursued it as a career choice, but would like to. My background has some basic management and strong sales, but I didn't end up finishing schooling due to financial strains.

To give you a little background: a friend of mine was a partner in a consulting/system admin company that did some locally contracted work for smaller companies (server admin hyperV, etc). He approached me, knowing that I had an interest in IT, asking me if I'd be interested in doing some training with him. We somehow ended up in India and completed some Cisco courses there (both because of cost and to have a little adventure). He really wanted to break into networking, but hadn't looked at anything Cisco oriented since he had passed his CCNA back in 1998 (he also was a certified MCSE, and that's the route he took in his career). We both took CCNA, CCNP, MCITP, Exchange, and Linux courses, then went on and completed a "CCIE" course and Ethical Hacking. It was a lot of fun, and I went from not knowing what a subnet mask was or how an IP address is constructed to learning about LSAs, MPLS, BGP4, etc. I quickly picked up my CCNA and CCNA Security certs after returning, and am going over the materiel to pursue a CCNP (hopefully within the next month or two).

I really enjoy networking, and am glad I went, but I'm not sure how to break into the field. Everywhere I look requires at least a year of experience, with most wanting multiple. If I have to start out at a help desk and then move over, that is fine, I'm single with minimal bills, and will put in some work if need be to move up into networking if that is what it takes. I'd obviously rather be doing something network oriented, but it isn't necessary if there's a pathway to get there.

Any advice on how to break into the field?

Start looking at the local ISPs and service providers for entry level NOC positions. Build a home lab of gear and work through your CCNP. Take your time and really learn the material.

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http://blog.movingonesandzeros.net/

The idea to hit up all the local ISP's is a great one, as starting at a NOC is probably the best thing you could go for. You should also contact all the local IT recruitment firms and see if they could get you a service desk or support staff position. If people notice that you know your stuff and are a quick learner, then you will be in a much better position to move into networking. All of us had to start somewhere.

Some colleges will give you the ability to work for them if you take their computer course. Get some training and some experience.

EDIT: Or do what I did (If you are in the USA). Join the military (Air Force) for the job you want and have them train you and give you experience. Guaranteed job for 4 years and you will end up with a couple certifications. The key is going in for the job you want and not some OPEN what ever... unless you want to be a master of the custodial arts or towel boy (services).

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Discipline

"The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience and ability" - Henry Ford

..or learn how to repair airplane engines in aircraft that no civilian airline owns...

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"If you're good at anticipating the human mind. It leaves nothing to chance."
-Jigsaw

look for suitable jobs and apply apply apply and be ready to move forward to another location
companies are looking for talents and professionals.
ntt for example is very open minded and they're hiring newcomers too if the certs fit(a friend of mine went this way).

but realise as bigger the company as less is your freedom. IBM for example is a bureaucracy mca.
It's a wonder they don't demand a changerequest for going to the toilet.

Thanks for the replies, they are very helpful.

The military isn't an option, unfortunately, I'm a little too seasoned for that route. I'll definitely look into the other options. Is starting as a regular help desk guy for a while a waste of time for someone completely new in the field, or would you recommend it for a bit? I have yet to see anyone hiring for anything networking related without including some experience in the field (IT in general) first. A few do state that part of the duties would be helping out the network admins with their various tasks, which is about the closest I've seen to the route I'd like to take that I'd qualify for without experience. A few friends that are in the industry (albeit in different areas of the country) have stated that I'd most likely end up working at a phone based tech support or help desk for the first six months to a year before I'd be able to move on. I'm alright with that, I just wanted to get a second opinion to make sure I maximized my potential before jumping into a dead end help desk run.

Thanks for the replies/advice, keep them coming!

Yeah help desk or NOC is gonna be your best bet unless you get really lucky and land an Admin job. If you want to focus on networking and not desktop/server then find a NOC position. This is really the only job out there that will throw you into networking without any experience. Your CCNA will help get you in the door as well.

Another option (if you can afford it) would be to get in with a church or non-profit for minimum pay or volunteer work. This will get you the hands on as well.

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http://blog.movingonesandzeros.net/

I was in the same position as you 4 months ago. I had my CCNA but no experience. If you know your stuff it'll show in the interviews and you'll get easily recruited. The problem is getting someone to actually interview you since a lot of employers trash your resume once they see no experience. It took me 5 months of searching and moving halfway across the country to find a job working in a NOC. And honestly it's damn worth it.

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Yo, —embriagado de mis penas,— me devoro,
Y mis miserias lloro,
Y buitre de mí mismo me levanto,
Y me hiero y me curo con mi canto
Buitre a la vez que altivo Prometeo.—