content: I am a DBA Manager (previously worked as sysadmin, then DBA), and we look for similar qualities honestly.  When I started this industry 20 years ago almost no one had a college degree in it. Getting through the door now is the hardest part. You need something that separates you from the hundreds of other applicants. A degree and/or certs gets you through the first filter. "Guys I am really good at IT" doesn't cut it anymore.  Go get a degree (2yr is perfectly fine for entry level), or go take a few certification tests in your chosen area. Anything to get through the first pass.                 490