Computer Related Jobs?

[AdaAC]

Hello Community!

Hope everyone is OK. I just wanted to ask a question or two and see your opinions about it.

I am a 25 year old who works as a Cook as my profession, however even though I love it this is not what fills me, I share most of my hours in front of a computer, whether it's gaming or googling information of what I want my future computer to be and stuff. I am currently having thoughts as to what kind of career I would want in the future that might please me more than what I do right now. I love computers, I love looking and working with them (even though I do not have much knowledge of building a computer but enough to understand what to do in the moment) I love every aspect of working in front of a computer; Now, I originally stupied to be a Graphic Designer, which has been OK the first year or two I've started it, then I turned to Cooking cause well Graphic Designing didn't just cut it economically, and everyone always eats so cook jobs are out there always.

All I want to know is what types of jobs are out there that require computer work, I am not talking about a desk job and answering calls or secretary work. I want to truly get out there and work with computers, now I've read around here people saying that building computers should be seen as a hobby because building computers is not as common as it was 5-10 years ago. So maybe not exactly into computer building, what other options are there out there for things relating to it?

Do you work with computers daily? what do you? why do you do it? Tell me everything!


Sorry I am just curious, looking at options and I love reading stories and stuff.

 

[Chugalug_]

Look into an undergrad in information technology, I did an honors undergrad course and am currently towards the end of an 18 month Uni work placement in sales consultancy for SAP Aus looking to extend into a masters potentially if its in the cards. Hoping I get the job when the placement ends since a full time job in that position earns around 200k + Bonus, but then again tax is 50% for that price bracket in Aus.
Or you can run a small business, I co-own a franchise of a regional PC store with a buddy and manage what products we sell etc. from at home and excel spreadsheets/budgeting etc.
Also helps for getting hardware discounts.

I major in Business information systems, which I find interesting, but again, it's mostly management oriented with an IT focus. Economics is also a good thing to pair with it. Nearly all IT jobs require quite a bit of work to get into, competition is huge, and it's a growing industry which means demand is high and pay is pretty good. Even in just PC store positions, most positions, even just a store consultant require some sort of experience in the field, and a degree. And as mentioned, economics plays a big part since 90% of it is heavily business and industry focused.
Personally I hated coding; found it tedious and repetitive, didn't want to be stuck behind a desk making software forever, so I chose something that paired with economics and other IT skills.

All depends on what you like in the field, I believe there are week long courses or the like for this kind of thing which help you get into IT and find out what you like, another option is to learn something like Ruby on rails or HTML to get into that. Given you did design, web designing might be an entry point for you.
Building computers is a hobby though, most of the consumer market just want a box that does what they want.
I co-bought into a PC franchise because I wanted to run an honest business after seeing how the big monopoly chains ripped people off or lied just to make a sale.
Imo much better to have a smaller, loyal base of customers rather than a mass of those who will read a review from a newspaper and make a decision based on that. Small business is good if you have a fair amount of savings and someone who wants to get into business with you. Doesn't necessarily have to be IT, you could always open a cafe or restaurant if you're feeling adventurous and want to give it a shot, can be very risky with stuff like that though.

21 here, never too late to start!
My dad was into PCs and stuff and taught me from a relatively young age how to get your head around it and how everything worked, helps to have a background or a strong interest, gets you motivated.


Edit: Sorry if I rambled on a bit, got caught up in writing an essay!

 

[g-unit1111]

I'm 37, I have been building and maintaining computers since the early 90's. I got my first Windows based PC in 1994 and I remember tinkering with it and upgrading the parts as I could. I work at my parents' business and run Autodesk and Adobe programs in addition to maintaining PCs and the printer network, and I also run VMs and help deploy and maintain software. I do also assist with building and maintaining the network infrastructure and we also do build most of our PCs in house. In case you're wondering what my credentials are.

 

[Chugalug_]

Specialising in networks like g-unit is also very high in demand especially in private businesses, pretty tough stuff too!

 

[g-unit1111]

Specialising in networks like g-unit is also very high in demand especially in private businesses, pretty tough stuff too!

Oh I wouldn't say I'm a network specialist. I do have a lot of experience in networking but I'm far from a specialist. :lol:

 

[AdaAC]

Look into an undergrad in information technology, I did an honors undergrad course and am currently towards the end of an 18 month Uni work placement in sales consultancy for SAP Aus looking to extend into a masters potentially if its in the cards. Hoping I get the job when the placement ends since a full time job in that position earns around 200k + Bonus, but then again tax is 50% for that price bracket in Aus.
Or you can run a small business, I co-own a franchise of a regional PC store with a buddy and manage what products we sell etc. from at home and excel spreadsheets/budgeting etc.
Also helps for getting hardware discounts.

I major in Business information systems, which I find interesting, but again, it's mostly management oriented with an IT focus. Economics is also a good thing to pair with it. Nearly all IT jobs require quite a bit of work to get into, competition is huge, and it's a growing industry which means demand is high and pay is pretty good. Even in just PC store positions, most positions, even just a store consultant require some sort of experience in the field, and a degree. And as mentioned, economics plays a big part since 90% of it is heavily business and industry focused.
Personally I hated coding; found it tedious and repetitive, didn't want to be stuck behind a desk making software forever, so I chose something that paired with economics and other IT skills.

All depends on what you like in the field, I believe there are week long courses or the like for this kind of thing which help you get into IT and find out what you like, another option is to learn something like Ruby on rails or HTML to get into that. Given you did design, web designing might be an entry point for you.
Building computers is a hobby though, most of the consumer market just want a box that does what they want.
I co-bought into a PC franchise because I wanted to run an honest business after seeing how the big monopoly chains ripped people off or lied just to make a sale.
Imo much better to have a smaller, loyal base of customers rather than a mass of those who will read a review from a newspaper and make a decision based on that. Small business is good if you have a fair amount of savings and someone who wants to get into business with you. Doesn't necessarily have to be IT, you could always open a cafe or restaurant if you're feeling adventurous and want to give it a shot, can be very risky with stuff like that though.

21 here, never too late to start!
My dad was into PCs and stuff and taught me from a relatively young age how to get your head around it and how everything worked, helps to have a background or a strong interest, gets you motivated.


Edit: Sorry if I rambled on a bit, got caught up in writing an essay!

Don't be sorry, I love reading these kind of things

That's pretty cool your story here, I'll see around my area for those type of courses, I live in Puerto rico and almost every college has computer related works but not full focus on that subject only.

 

[AdaAC]

I'm 37, I have been building and maintaining computers since the early 90's. I got my first Windows based PC in 1994 and I remember tinkering with it and upgrading the parts as I could. I work at my parents' business and run Autodesk and Adobe programs in addition to maintaining PCs and the printer network, and I also run VMs and help deploy and maintain software. I do also assist with building and maintaining the network infrastructure and we also do build most of our PCs in house. In case you're wondering what my credentials are.

So your knowledge has been from working with them since a young age? or did you later on took classes to get certifications and stuff?

 

[g-unit1111]

So your knowledge has been from working with them since a young age? or did you later on took classes to get certifications and stuff?

No I'm mainly a hobbyist / enthusiast. I'm hoping to take some classes and get some certifications.

 

[Ralston18]

My generic suggestion is to start reading the employement ads in your area.

Look for IT related jobs and the corresponding job descriptions. Learn what skills are being sought along with other educational and experience requirements. Many job descriptions are very comprehensive which is a way of helping to screen out applicants.

Titles vary and in many cases you are all too likely to end up doing "something else" for awhile....

And you most likely will need to start "at the bottom" and work your way up. Part of the process unless you can bring some much desired and needed specific skill set to the employer's work environment. Then you may jump ahead some.

Suggested reading (since you "love reading stories and stuff....").

https://www.amazon.com/Cybersecurity-Leadership-Powering-Modern-Organization/dp/1502312115

Overall being in IT requires a much broader and stronger skill set - especially at management levels.

 

[AdaAC]

My generic suggestion is to start reading the employement ads in your area.

Look for IT related jobs and the corresponding job descriptions. Learn what skills are being sought along with other educational and experience requirements. Many job descriptions are very comprehensive which is a way of helping to screen out applicants.

Titles vary and in many cases you are all too likely to end up doing "something else" for awhile....

And you most likely will need to start "at the bottom" and work your way up. Part of the process unless you can bring some much desired and needed specific skill set to the employer's work environment. Then you may jump ahead some.

Suggested reading (since you "love reading stories and stuff....").

https://www.amazon.com/Cybersecurity-Leadership-Powering-Modern-Organization/dp/1502312115

Overall being in IT requires a much broader and stronger skill set - especially at management levels.

Thank you, I'll surely check it out.