What to do with myself

[sir_scutter]

I think I may want to finally start my career in technology. Probably computers. Maybe even tech support to start off. I don't know, I'm not good at much. But I do have an aptitude for computers and technology.. and have some decent people skills. (I'm a geek... I know computers and can really get into them.. figuratively)

I really hated the idea of college at first but now I'm pretty determined in finding out what I need to learn and where I need to go to get that piece of paper saying I'm good enough for a job.

Problem is, I hate deciding things like this and want to know if anyone else has any thoughts or experiences on where I should go. College? Certification? Tech Institution? ...Location matters? Or do most places have the same stuff?

Should I just not do any of this and become carny trash like I've always wanted?

Any input would be appreciated.

[phatlip12]

I think I may want to finally start my career in technology. Probably computers. Maybe even tech support to start off. I don't know, I'm not good at much. But I do have an aptitude for computers and technology.. and have some decent people skills. (I'm a geek... I know computers and can really get into them.. figuratively)

I really hated the idea of college at first but now I'm pretty determined in finding out what I need to learn and where I need to go to get that piece of paper saying I'm good enough for a job.

Problem is, I hate deciding things like this and want to know if anyone else has any thoughts or experiences on where I should go. College? Certification? Tech Institution? ...Location matters? Or do most places have the same stuff?

Should I just not do any of this and become carny trash like I've always wanted?

Any input would be appreciated.

Can you possibly be a little more specific? What area of technology draws your interest? Are you interested in photography, graphic design, audio/video, programming, building computers...

[electricalburn]

i have found that the schools that have those 7 month programs arent always the best, and should be used only as a last resort.

I know someone who came out of devry.edu and he is very successful its like a faster pased techy school.

I am a computer programmer with no formal education and know first hand that it is very very hard to get a job when there is no school on your resume

[ariastar]

Ironically I was talking to my boss about this today for a long time. There are so damned many specialties that it's overwhelming. Do you have an idea of the general field you'd like to go in? What experience do you already have? What draws you to it?

[sir_scutter]

I just turned 20, so I've been slacking for a few years, just taking dead-end jobs trying to figure out what I want to do.

I've grown up with computers my whole life. Started out PC, now more drawn towards Macs, but my interest lies in both.

I'm familiar more with the software side of things than the hardware, but I've built a few, know how to swap various insides. I'm also very good at helping people fix their Windows issues, simply because I've ran into a fair share of them myself. I could definitely build computers, troubleshoot, ... pfft, I'm lost.

I can sit in front of a program for ages figuring it out. I enjoy diving into programs such as Photoshop and Flash and other programs that involve video/audio editing, can become completely familiar with them, but I'm not very creative or artistic so I think I'd suck at graphic design... Don't think I'd have enough patience for coding, HTML is pretty much as far as that goes.
I'm also quite good at networking and troubleshooting that.

But that's the thing, I don't know what I want to go into specifically. I think my strengths lie in helping people out or .... ? I'm not sure of everything that is a possibility. Anything that I don't see here?

[chuckles]

I just turned 20, so I've been slacking for a few years, just taking dead-end jobs trying to figure out what I want to do.

I've grown up with computers my whole life. Started out PC, now more drawn towards Macs, but my interest lies in both.

I'm familiar more with the software side of things than the hardware, but I've built a few, know how to swap various insides. I'm also very good at helping people fix their Windows issues, simply because I've ran into a fair share of them myself. I could definitely build computers, troubleshoot, ... pfft, I'm lost.

I can sit in front of a program for ages figuring it out. I enjoy diving into programs such as Photoshop and Flash and other programs that involve video/audio editing, can become completely familiar with them, but I'm not very creative or artistic so I think I'd suck at graphic design... Don't think I'd have enough patience for coding, HTML is pretty much as far as that goes.

But that's the thing, I don't know what I want to go into specifically. I think my strengths lie in helping people out or .... ? I'm not sure of everything that is a possibility. Anything that I don't see here?

If you enjoy video/audio editing, you might want to play around with Final Cut Pro. It is a good skill to have if that is where your interest lies. It is awfully expensive, but you could probably get a very good student discount if you are/will be a student. I know someone who locked himself up for a weekend to learn it and ended up getting started in the business that way. The fact that he is also quite intelligent certainly didn't hurt. :)

-chuckles-

[njshadow]

I was kinda in your shoes about a year ago. I had no idea what i wanted to do with my life, he, I even started a thread and Phatlip gave some advice but I loved computers and wasn't really sure what I wanted to get into. (I really wanted to get into gaming but that's a bit risky) Now, I'm going to college in the fall for my first year and am going for a Computer Science degree. From what I hear Computer Science covers a lot of things in the computer world and I thought that may be what I wanted to explore. BTW, go to college. It will help you A LOT in life. Hope this helped. :D

[tokenuser]

Only thing better than a BCompSc, is a BCompSc plus experience.

Certifications? Everyone has them. Noone hiring cares.

Having a degree says more than just that you have a formal education, it shows you have the capacity to learn at an advanced level ... and to an employer that is crucial, because it means that you can learn things THEIR way.

The only other advice I'd give you is the advice I also gave Phatty - try to pick up as many business courses as possible, double major if possible. A lot of entry level jobs are now being outsourced and are getting harder and harder to find, so having business skills can at least get you in at the ground level as a BA (Business Analyst) while you build up other skills.

BTW - I am biased. I am a people person. My degree is a Bachelor of Computer Science majoring in Software Engineering, but I have also done a lot of computer networking design and analysis along the way. But, what was I doing today? Working the floor at a tradeshow (I was a booth b1tch - no spandex, but man I look good in a skirt ;) ). Over the next two days, it is back to back meetings with clients. I also received 2 RFP (tech response docs) I need to respond to ... it never stops. Been doing this for 20 years, working for 3 different companies - a 60,000 employee multinational, a 6 person startup, and now a 350 person software development company. Never boring :)

[lsman11]

i'd strongly recommend not to do CS if you havent done it already. Most degree programs involve 2 physics and 2 calculus classes too, which can be deal breakers for most people.

(i have a BS in CS). Anyway, i'd suggest doing something with computers and business, usually thats wrapped up as MIS (management information systems), basically you get the CS/programming experience, minus the 'turn-off' classes, and get to have classes with both CS geeks and business savy people....

best of both worlds?

[phatlip12]

I'm doing Computer Information Systems with a focus in Programming. I'm working towards an associates degree now at my community college but an associates degree doesn't get you very far in this business. After I get my associates I'm going to transfer to a school that specializes in Business/Computer Sciences and finish my education with at least a Bachelors (the school also offers masters degrees so I'm considering getting one). Because the school focuses on business/computer sciences I'll probably do a minor in business (the schools kind of pricey though which sucks).

It seems like you are interested in some sort of technical support job. Have you considered getting various certifications? A few you may want to look into:

A +
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Certified Wireless Network Associate (CWNA)
Linux +

[ariastar]

Certifications? Everyone has them. Noone hiring cares.

My boss pretty much said this earlier.


Having a degree says more than just that you have a formal education, it shows you have the capacity to learn at an advanced level ... and to an employer that is crucial, because it means that you can learn things THEIR way.

Leon also said that he's more interested in someone's experience when hiring rather than education, but the problem is getting the experience without the education. I got fucking lucky.


The only other advice I'd give you is the advice I also gave Phatty - try to pick up as many business courses as possible, double major if possible. A lot of entry level jobs are now being outsourced and are getting harder and harder to find, so having business skills can at least get you in at the ground level as a BA (Business Analyst) while you build up other skills.

Not only entry level jobs are going overseas. I don't know if this is the same to you as outsourcing, but we have managers who have moved overseas, from Israel to Australia, and they're still managing for us.


BTW - I am biased. I am a people person. My degree is a Bachelor of Computer Science majoring in Software Engineering

This sounds pretty good. I'm considered a software engineer (though I don't really mess around with coding) and am currently in charge of building up the spam feeds and overseeing the guys we hired in Russia (we want people running one of our programs around the clock, and not many people want to work graveyard here). But how did you decide EXACTLY what you wanted to specialize in?

[ariastar]

i'd strongly recommend not to do CS if you havent done it already. Most degree programs involve 2 physics and 2 calculus classes too, which can be deal breakers for most people.

(i have a BS in CS). Anyway, i'd suggest doing something with computers and business, usually thats wrapped up as MIS (management information systems), basically you get the CS/programming experience, minus the 'turn-off' classes, and get to have classes with both CS geeks and business savy people....

best of both worlds?

Other than the "turn-off" classes (the only thing that turns me off about them is that they're required - much as I bitched about it, I LOVE math), what would be other benefits to going the route you suggest?

[ariastar]

I'm doing Computer Information Systems with a focus in Programming. I'm working towards an associates degree now at my community college but an associates degree doesn't get you very far in this business. After I get my associates I'm going to transfer to a school that specializes in Business/Computer Sciences and finish my education with at least a Bachelors (the school also offers masters degrees so I'm considering getting one). Because the school focuses on business/computer sciences I'll probably do a minor in business (the schools kind of pricey though which sucks).

I've heard conflicting info, so am asking as many people as possible. The difference between CIS and CS, and which can go further and is more versatile?

Also, have you considered skipping the AS and going for the BS?

[ariastar]

I've got to say I'm happy this was brought up, about college and all. After losing motivation last semester (remember the dumbass counselor who told me I'm too old to want to go to school - at 26?!), I'm wanting to do it again, and am currently enrolled at a community college. The path I want to take is to take the courses necessary to transfer to a university, bypassing the Associates. I was talking to my manager today and he mentioned the UC Santa Cruz extension nearby. How nearby? It would be quicker to walk there from work than to drive. I swear to [insert deity of your choice here], it's on the other wide of the parking lot from my office building. Ironic because I was considering UC Santa Cruz for the BS part.

But now the tricky part is figuring out exactly which degree, which major, which minor, etc..

[phatlip12]

I've heard conflicting info, so am asking as many people as possible. The difference between CIS and CS, and which can go further and is more versatile?

Also, have you considered skipping the AS and going for the BS?

To my understanding, a degree in CS is better then one in CIS. The CIS degree just seems better for me.

As far as skipping the AS and going for the BS. My college has transfer agreements with several schools in my state. The school I am interested in transferring too (Strayer University) has the following agreement:

CCC students who graduate with an Associate's Degree, have at least 24 semester hours of transferable coursework, and have a curriculum GPA of at least 2.0 are guaranteed admission to Strayer University.
This agreement applies to students who graduate with an associates degree in Business, Information Technology, or Accounting. The application fee will be waived.


Here is the curriculum I have for my AS:

http://www.cecilcc.edu/programs/programs-05-07/information-technology/programming.asp

There are a lot of CIS/Data Processing Programming electives I need to take (I start those next semester with the C Programming Language).

After I get my AS I want to transfer to Strayer University. Here is the curriculum for a BS:

http://www.strayer.edu/BSIS (http://www.strayer.edu/BSIS)
(Concentration in Programming)

And If I decide to go as far as a masters (which I am really considering):

http://www.strayer.edu/MSIS
(Concentration in Software Engineering)

[ariastar]

To my understanding, a degree in CS is better then one in CIS. The CIS degree just seems better for me.

As far as skipping the AS and going for the BS. My college has transfer agreements with several schools in my state. The school I am interested in transferring too (Strayer University) has the following agreement:


Here is the curriculum I have for my AS:

http://www.cecilcc.edu/programs/programs-05-07/information-technology/programming.asp

There are a lot of CIS/Data Processing Programming electives I need to take (I start those next semester with the C Programming Language).

After I get my AS I want to transfer to Strayer University. Here is the curriculum for a BS:

http://www.strayer.edu/BSIS (http://www.strayer.edu/BSIS)
(Concentration in Programming)

And If I decide to go as far as a masters (which I am really considering):

http://www.strayer.edu/MSIS
(Concentration in Software Engineering)

So it sounds like you pretty much have to have the AS. For the UC system (you've heard of UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc.), to establish eligibility:

California Residents
To be eligible for admission to UC as a transfer student, you must fulfill both of the following criteria. Keep in mind that meeting these requirements may not be sufficient to gain admission to the campus or to the major of your choice.

1. Complete at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of UC-transferable college credit with a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.40. No more than 14 semester/21 quarter units may be taken on a pass/not pass basis.

2. Complete the following course pattern requirements, earning a grade of C or better in each course:

* Two UC-transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English composition; and
* One UC-transferable college course (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units) in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning; and
* Four UC-transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) chosen from at least two of the following subject areas: the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the physical and biological sciences.


And then:

Selection Criteria
Once they have established eligibility for admission, students will be selected primarily on the basis of academic performance and preparation, as assessed by a thorough review of the following: GPA in all UC-transferable courses; completion of and performance in lower-division prerequisite courses in the applicant's proposed major; completion of a specified pattern of courses that meet general education requirements; participation in academically selective honors programs and performance in honors courses.

Other factors that may be assessed include outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas, special projects, or programs; talents, achievements, experiences, or interests that will contribute to the vitality and educational environment of the campus; and special circumstances or personal challenges, especially as they relate to the social or educational environment(s), that have affected a student's life experience.



I'm never going to get in.

[sir_scutter]

Alright, so it's obvious I go to college. But what then? I hate looking at these college websites and I hate not knowing what stuff is. to be honest, I don't even know what masters degree means or what a bachelors degree is!

So what do I do. Do I just go to some university with my parent's money and say put me in the generic Computer Science courses? Is that even an option? Or would it be better to know what I'm doing, know what I want, and take time to pick and choose my courses and plan it out so I'm getting the most for me. Is that even possible?!

I hate the idea of college. Maybe just ignorance. I'm a silly goose, guys, help me out.

[phatlip12]

Alright, so it's obvious I go to college. But what then? I hate looking at these college websites and I hate not knowing what stuff is. to be honest, I don't even know what masters degree means or what a bachelors degree is!

So what do I do. Do I just go to some university with my parent's money and say put me in the generic Computer Science courses? Is that even an option? Or would it be better to know what I'm doing, know what I want, and take time to pick and choose my courses and plan it out so I'm getting the most for me. Is that even possible?!

I hate the idea of college. Maybe just ignorance. I'm a silly goose, guys, help me out.

You could always enroll under a general studies degree. You'll get all the general ed credits you need for any other degree and this will give you the opportunity to try out various classes. You may take a CS course, find you hate it but really like a class in photography.

This is great for the "undecided" students.

[ariastar]

Alright, so it's obvious I go to college. But what then? I hate looking at these college websites and I hate not knowing what stuff is. to be honest, I don't even know what masters degree means or what a bachelors degree is!

So what do I do. Do I just go to some university with my parent's money and say put me in the generic Computer Science courses? Is that even an option? Or would it be better to know what I'm doing, know what I want, and take time to pick and choose my courses and plan it out so I'm getting the most for me. Is that even possible?!

I hate the idea of college. Maybe just ignorance. I'm a silly goose, guys, help me out.

Silly goose? :)

By any chance, are you still in high school? Are you planning to go to college locally or does location matter little?

I wish I could go to school on someone else's money.

[phatlip12]

Silly goose? :)

By any chance, are you still in high school? Are you planning to go to college locally or does location matter little?

I wish I could go to school on someone else's money.

He said he's 20, so I'm thinking no...

;)

[lsman11]

sure,

higher probability he will actually finish and obtain the degree

:cool:

Other than the "turn-off" classes (the only thing that turns me off about them is that they're required - much as I bitched about it, I LOVE math), what would be other benefits to going the route you suggest?

[sir_scutter]

Yes, I am out of high school. Yes, I graduated 2 years ago. No I haven't done anything with myself besides work up some cash. Yes, I am a loser. No, location doesn't matter... The farther the better :D