The Fastest Way to Break into IT in 2025

If there is one question I hear almost every day, it is this:
“Imran, how can I break into IT quickly and start a real career?”

Many people think they need a degree, years of experience, or advanced skills.
None of that is true.

What you really need is a clear roadmap, the right beginner-friendly skills, and the discipline to take small steps consistently.

After training more than a million students worldwide, I’ve seen exactly what works.
Here is the fastest and most realistic way to break into IT in 2025.

Before you dive into Linux, cloud, or cybersecurity, you need a basic understanding of core IT concepts.
This is where most beginners struggle later because they skipped the fundamentals.

This includes:

To make this simple, I wrote a beginner-friendly book:
IT Fundamentals – Everything You Need to Know About IT
It explains everything in plain language and real examples.

This foundation will make every next step much easier.

Linux is one of the most important skills in IT.
Almost every company uses it in some form — servers, cloud, DevOps, cybersecurity, containers, and more.

If you want a solid IT career, Linux is a must.

To help you learn Linux from scratch, step by step, you can take my bestselling course:
Complete Linux Training Course to Get Your Dream IT Job
It covers everything from basic commands to real-world server administration and troubleshooting.

Once you understand Linux, your confidence will increase and you will be ready for real IT roles.

You do NOT need expensive hardware.
A laptop is enough.

Use either:

Then:

A home lab is what makes you stand out.
Interviewers love when you can explain what you practiced with your own hands.

Almost every company has moved to the cloud.
You do not need to be an expert — just learn the basics:

With AWS Free Tier, you can practice without spending money.

This will make your resume stand out instantly.

Projects prove your skills better than anything else.

Here are some great beginner-friendly ideas:

Even two strong projects can change your resume completely.

Real IT jobs are all about solving problems.
Practice:

These skills come naturally as you work more in your home lab.

Once you have:
✔ IT fundamentals
✔ Linux knowledge
✔ A working home lab
✔ Cloud basics
✔ Real projects
✔ Troubleshooting skills

You are ready to apply.

Look for titles like:

These roles help you gain real experience and move into higher-paying jobs quickly.

Breaking into IT is not about perfection.
It is about following the right steps, in the right order, with the right mindset.

Start with fundamentals, learn Linux, build your home lab, learn cloud basics, complete real projects, and apply with confidence.
This roadmap has worked for thousands of my students — and it will work for you too.

Thanks and let’s keep learning together

Imran Afzal

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