Get IT Employment, or certified first?

I have written about this because I participate in many computer forums and see people go certification crazy. They have a list of certifications they aim to do and then aim to get a job. You see their thinking is this:

"I will get certified in example, A+, Network+, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, and then look for the job of my dreams!"

If you are total newbie in IT, forget doing the higher certifications for now. Not that you can't study and sit for the exams if you want to, but do the basics first. Everything starts with the basics. Choose entry level certifications and then go find yourself a job. Start getting experience. Certifications without experience don't really mount to much.

And definitely don't go certification crazy

To become the best of the best, there are other things you will need to build in you. Besides getting certified, build soft skills. Build interview skills. Start reading books on the traits and thinking of successful people. Having technical knowledge and experience is only part of what it takes to be successful in IT (or anything else you choose).

So should you choose IT employment first?

Ummm yeah!

If you don't have experience in IT, then any certification you will do will only land you an entry level type of job. So don't waste time and money on high certification you won't be able to use for years anyway.