Computer Careers

[kenny57028]

Hey I just got out of high school recently and am gonna be lookin at going to a college. Theres a good computing school 30 mins from where I live, one of the best in the nations. So that works out good for me. I can't decide what I want to do with computers, and was wondering if anyone on the forum has a computer related job and could give me some insight.

[Tyler]

Do what ever you want as long as it's something you love!  Seriously!  Don't learn the hard way like most people in life.  You're young and have little to risk, so find what you love and find out how to make money doing it!

[Dr.Mr.Ed]

"Computer Careers" covers a lot of territory. That could mean pretty much anything in IT from running network cables to managing server rooms to technical support. It could also cover programming. So you'll want to narrow down what you're interested in and then flip through the course book and degree options for your local school. Do you want a steady 9-5 type job or do you want to be the on-call guy when the server crashes at 3 am?

Personally, I fell into the software industry. While I programmed has a hobby and had little IT jobs, engineering was my thing - but when a job for the NSA fell through, another option dropped into my lap. After being a traveling sales engineer for a few years for math software, I've since moved up into management. But this is such a technical field, my engineering background has really helped.

[kenny57028]

I was looking at this other school SouthEast Technical Institute, and ive always been into the computer technican side so I'ma be looking that up. Thanks Guys!

[Smooth_Operator]

As Tyler & Dr.Mr.Ed said, there are lots of opportunities and varieties of careers to choose from under the header "computers," so find what pulls at your interests and start exploring.  It's uncommon to be really, really good at something that you dislike doing... so start with whatever catches your eye and follow your gut.  I work in marketing (mostly online) which I enjoy, am good at and understand.  Don't underestimate the satisfaction of being able to pay your bills... it factors into the overall lifestyle that you want to maintain.  

Likewise, having a solid foundation in the basics is key... in fact, it's a core requirement: organization, focus, writing, timeliness, presentation skills, analytical ability, a good attitude, social interaction, etc. will allow you to excel in whatever you do, and to change course/change career if needed.  Good luck, bro!

[kenny57028]

Ya I agree on that part about being able to pay bills. Alot of my friends didn't go to college and our living paycheck-to-paycheck and they hate it. I wanna go to college and get a good job where I can live comfortably. I realize I pry wont make it rich, but I wanna live a good life as a middle-class american citizen.