Transitioning to PvP in EVE

Incarna has dragged me back into EVE from a long hiatus. When I played before, I was a total carebear miner. I want to start fresh and get into the world of PvP, but I'm unsure of where to start.

I've tried some of the combat mission lines, but they're geared towards completely new players. I just park my cruiser and wait for my drones to take out the enemies while I get a snack. Needless to say, this is extremely boring. It's just as bad as the high-sec mining I used to do!

I feel as if I'm "supposed" to join a corporation to get trained somehow, but I would really rather be a solo pilot. I don't think most corporations will take very kindly to me joining just to get some free tips and tricks, and then promptly leaving.

Charging into low-sec with a cheap ship feels like a suicide run, and I don't think I'll actually learn anything from it.

In short, what's the best way for a long-time EVE player to get into PvP?

Solution 1:

If you don't want to join a PvP corporation that teaches newbies, such as Agony Unleashed, then take courses from them. They offer excellent training courses for non-members (for a fee), highly recommended.

Alternately, join Eve University, and take PvP courses, both from E-Uni, and Agony. There's no skill requirement for E-Uni, it's for training total newcomers. (Minor note, they are frequently at war, when recruiting is closed, so it may take time to join - but it's worth it). The Uni is generally considered a transitional corporation, most people leave it after they feel they're proficient, for other corps.

Update: R.I.P, Agony Unleashed. I can't find any articles on why, but they have disbanded.