[JasonCSU]

IT is a very broad field as raging clue stated, so there are many paths you can go down. Since you will be starting college and seem to enjoy programming, then a Computer Science major may be what you are looking for as it focuses much more on coding. I wasn't big on heavy coding, so I chose to be a Computer Information Systems major which allowed me to learn an array of things including networks, databases, systems analysis and design, project management, and some programming. This major was part of the business school, so I also had to take accounting, finance, economics, and statistics classes which I found to be interesting and useful as well. If you decide you don't want to be coding all day, then this major may be better suited to point you in a direction you want to focus on.

While I did learn a lot in school, it was real world, on the job experience where I learned most about systems, database, and network administration that I do today. Certifications are useful as well, but it depends on the employer if they are interested in you having them. From what I have seen, most employers seem to prefer experience. That said, see if you can find a job or internship related to your major while in school. This will certainly help to start building your experience. For example, I worked in computer labs on campus setting up systems and helping students with their problems. Dealing with end-users may not always be fun, but it can be a good way to work on troubleshooting skills which is very useful in IT. Another bonus was that I could work on homework when the lab wasn't busy.

Also with IT being so broad, you can choose to focus on one area becoming very specialized. Depending what you specialize in, you could end up being in very high demand and command quite a salary. The downside is that what you specialize in could also easily become obsolete. The route I took was to be a jack-of-all-trades type, dabbling in many things and being adaptable. One thing to keep in mind with IT is that there is always something new to learn. Good luck and enjoy being in college.