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Great with computers but no money for college at all. What careers are out there?

I love building computers and just messing with this bios and settings randomly and seeing the results. I have a history of HVAC from my dad but we don’t have the money to get me to college and because I got sick my last two years of high school I didn’t qualify for enough scholarships even though I’m extremely smart in maths and sciences. I would like to know what kind of careers i can look for to get my life rolling since I am about to turn 19 and desperately need to move out of the house. #career #college #technology

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Jeremy’s Answer

Find an employer that will pay for your school. Many employers have tuition assistance programs that cover part or even all of your tuition (usually with an annual limit). Many/most larger employers have tuition programs as long as the degree is in some way related to a position within the company. I have coworkers who have gotten degrees in everything from business administration, marketing, human resources to electrical engineering that were all or mostly paid for by our company.
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Rachael’s Answer

If you are highly technical and computer savvy I would say try to get some certifications from Amazon, IBM, and Google under your belt and start a Linked In profile page. Most companies don't require you to have a degree now and if you are willing to get certificates prior (i.e. taking online courses offered from these companies). Secondarily, the military is also a great option, but it will require a large promise up front of how much time you are willing to give. Be sure to measure your immediate goals and long term goals and make sure they align with whatever decision you make.

Rachael recommends the following next steps:

Research the pre-requisites for Military Technical Jobs
Look up Google, IBM, and Amazon certificates that you can get online in your free time
Start a Linked In profile and start growing your network and research on that platform
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Kim’s Answer

Matthew,

I second the military., assuming your health problems are behind you. But. aside from that, would like to discuss the urgency in moving out of the house. Unless conditions are unlivable, I suggest you re-think that strategy. Reason? Because, even if you don't go to school or buy an expensive brand new car (please don't do that!), living at home from 18-25 gives you the opportunity to save up a bit of money. (or go crazy and spend spend spend, with no bills. . . .but please don't do that either!)

Financial advisors recommend having enough money set aside to cover 3-6 months of living expenses. They call it the "emergency fund." So, if you figure the cost of rent, utilities, phone, internet, car payment, car insurance, car repairs, gas, groceries, medical, etc., that is a pretty large sum of money. It is difficult to build up this fund while living paycheck to paycheck. If you start your adult/independent life with $10,000 set aside that you promise yourself not to touch, you will then be able to borrow from it in an emergency, and pay it back, rather than paying interest on a loan or credit card. (that would require saving $120/month over 7 years, not all that impossible to do!)

Learning to handle money is a big part of being an adult. And, with the cost of housing, cars, and schooling all rising way faster than wages, it's not going to be easy.

Another option is to get a job, anywhere, doing anything, with a company that has tuition assistance. I think Best Buy has that for full time employees. You would need to check. Or, any large hospital, school district, government agency, etc. Even if it is doing custodial work - the objective is to get someone else to pay for your schooling. You could take on-line classes, or commute to a nearby college. People who are working fulltime normally take 6-9 hours per semester. I recommend starting with 6. It would take about 7 years to get a 4 year degree.
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Lindsey’s Answer

Hi Matthew!

I would recommend learning to code on some of the free sites available. Data camp is a great app for that. Coding is an extremely high-demand skill and sometimes it can get you a job without having an actual degree!
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Steve’s Answer

Hi Matthew,

College doesn't have to expensive! Check out your local community colleges, they often offer technical training courses at VERY LOW cost, so this can be a great way to get started. Once you get a technical certificate or AA, look for a job at an employer with support for continuing education and/or educational reimbursement programs. Many larger companies will actually help you pay for a college degree!
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Judith’s Answer

Hi Matthew,
In addition to the advice provided, maybe working in the retail environment of a tech or entertainment stores such as Apple, Microsoft or AT&T would provide additional experience without requiring formal training, the ability to earn an income and tuition assistance. Good luck!
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Pete’s Answer

Hi Matthew - I do agree with Rachel here . I work for a major global IT company, based in the UK. What we are seeing today is a growth in hiring from military organisations globally, whether US, Dutch, UK, etc, as people coming from these organisations are highly trained, highly motivated and well-rounded. Check out the military option - whats better than being paid to get a uni degree plus having a load of job options placed in front of you while there??
Alternatively, do what I did - get a job for a few years, save some cash, figure some things out, have some fun, then head off to university - you are not in a race to get qualified in anything....just have fun.
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LaTonya M’s Answer

You sound like a great candidate for IBM. They have a wonderful "New Collar" program in which they bring in people from all walks of life to Upskill and many of them do not have degrees. If you are good at building computers, i'm sure there is a place for you. Please go to ibm.com and take a look at the careers. It's overwhelming because there are thousands of positions available but the "New Collar" program is excellent.
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Nicholas’s Answer

The military is always an option if you choose that route I would like at going in the IT field. If that is not for you a good starting point is just getting your foot in the door geek squad or something small like that. Also to be honest A+, NET+, SEC+ and on(certifications) are worth more in the IT/ Computer field then most degrees, especially if you can pair them with experience.
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