Definitely agree with DimaYasny, but it's a catch-22. You can't get "formal" experience without a job in that field and you often can't get the job without the experience. I had been trying for a long time to get into the networking field. I had A+ and had taken the CCNA Cisco Academy courses (didn't take the exam until after I found a job that would pay for it), but wasn't considered for any networking jobs with the book knowledge and limited formal experience I had.
I had done PC repair/support for almost 10 years before I landed the job I'm in now (Waco ISD's Network Administrator). I lived in Dallas, TX for all my life until I moved here and with that kind of competition you have to have a specialized edge or at least a couple of years exp. to get an interview for a lead network role.
I was fortunate to be able show the people that I work with what I know; and when an opening came up, I was promoted even with limited experience. This is one way but it takes too much time and patience.
Definitely, spring for the CCNA cert. I wish I did. I was poor and otherwise lazy. That is the entry level cert for network personnel IMO. Much like the A+ is for PC support. If you pass that, might as well go ahead and take the Net+ (if you've got the green) since a lot of …