Can I have some career advice for a friend?

One of my friends is feeling discouraged about her career. She’s REALLY computer-savvy- teaching herself to code, has built several custom computers, and does troubleshooting for all her friends and family. But right now she’s working at starbucks (and hates it there) and she has drifted around a couple similar jobs for the last few years.

A guy I know made an amazing career for himself after dropping out of college. He worked at radio shack for like five years, while teaching himself computer skills in his spare time. Then he worked nights at an IT help desk, and now he’s a high-level programmer for a government contractor. A bunch of his friends worked for the company, so he had some help. I’m picking his brain too, but it seemed worthwhile to ask you guys as well.

What can my friend do to get started? Most of the IT help jobs I’m finding require previous experience or at least an associate’s degree. She’s ready to leave starbucks and find a job that will start a career, as she works toward her degree. She knows so much, but all her work experience is food service related. Any advice?