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What should I know about the tech field?
What type of things/ skills should I know or have that are useful in this industry? #technology
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Nicole’s Answer
Hi Paco X. Thanks so much for your interesting question.
I have to admit that there probably isn't enough space in this answer box to tell you all that you should know about the tech field :). But I can share a little bit about where you could start.
There are a few "hard" skills that will be helpful in the tech field. They include a good level of comfort using technology and/or training others on how to best use technology. Also helpful could be knowing how to use different programming languages. In other words, how to code. Another hard skill could also include either a degree or certification from a reputable school/program that shows a level of proficiency in a tech-related field.
There are also a few "soft" skills that will be helpful. They include being detail-oriented ie checking and sometimes re-checking your work, being a good listener so that when the team members you work with share what is needed, you can give them what is needed (and maybe a bit more :)) and having a focus on your goal especially when the project or task is new or hard.
What I am sharing here is just scratching the surface but I hope it will be helpful to you as you continue to research the best path for you.
Best of luck!
I have to admit that there probably isn't enough space in this answer box to tell you all that you should know about the tech field :). But I can share a little bit about where you could start.
There are a few "hard" skills that will be helpful in the tech field. They include a good level of comfort using technology and/or training others on how to best use technology. Also helpful could be knowing how to use different programming languages. In other words, how to code. Another hard skill could also include either a degree or certification from a reputable school/program that shows a level of proficiency in a tech-related field.
There are also a few "soft" skills that will be helpful. They include being detail-oriented ie checking and sometimes re-checking your work, being a good listener so that when the team members you work with share what is needed, you can give them what is needed (and maybe a bit more :)) and having a focus on your goal especially when the project or task is new or hard.
What I am sharing here is just scratching the surface but I hope it will be helpful to you as you continue to research the best path for you.
Best of luck!
Updated
Bruce’s Answer
Hi Paco - I decided on CS when I was at school because I enjoyed the first introductory programming class very much and knew that there would always be many jobs in many locations with good pay to do something I enjoy.
That was decades ago and in my career I have:
Done full on coding translating one language to another
- Written fresh code
- Designed and implemented databases and applications
- Worked in IT maintaining large computer system and writing many scripts
- Designed and implemented web pages and sites
- Worked in Customer Support configurating database setup specializing in automation solutions (scripts, formulas)
There are lots & lots of other options at huge international corporations (lots of opportunity for job changes once you're in the door) and tiny companies with no other tech knowledge, and startups, school districts, manufacturing, shipping, public sector (government, etc), non-profits, and on and on.
I also love the diversity I've always worked with people from all parts of the world, races, religions, languages, ages, genders & associations. Everyone can contribute and be respected and appreciated. Really truly love that.
If you enjoy your CS program, you will find many job opportunities. Like other occupations, there will be lots of other qualified candidates each time you apply for a job. One person will get selected each time. It won't be you every time, but it will be eventually, so hang in there!
That was decades ago and in my career I have:
Done full on coding translating one language to another
- Written fresh code
- Designed and implemented databases and applications
- Worked in IT maintaining large computer system and writing many scripts
- Designed and implemented web pages and sites
- Worked in Customer Support configurating database setup specializing in automation solutions (scripts, formulas)
There are lots & lots of other options at huge international corporations (lots of opportunity for job changes once you're in the door) and tiny companies with no other tech knowledge, and startups, school districts, manufacturing, shipping, public sector (government, etc), non-profits, and on and on.
I also love the diversity I've always worked with people from all parts of the world, races, religions, languages, ages, genders & associations. Everyone can contribute and be respected and appreciated. Really truly love that.
If you enjoy your CS program, you will find many job opportunities. Like other occupations, there will be lots of other qualified candidates each time you apply for a job. One person will get selected each time. It won't be you every time, but it will be eventually, so hang in there!
Updated
Sing Fung’s Answer
Hi Paco!
Having a math/science background sure helps in the technology industry. It also helps a lot to keep up with news about technology and their applications (e.g. blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, reusable rockets, etc). Frankly, you don't need a CS degree to learn how to code on your own, but of course it would be helpful to get a degree in that field if that's what you're interested in. But I think getting a good foundational knowledge about math/science is a good way to start to get a comprehensive understanding in the technology field.
Having a math/science background sure helps in the technology industry. It also helps a lot to keep up with news about technology and their applications (e.g. blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, reusable rockets, etc). Frankly, you don't need a CS degree to learn how to code on your own, but of course it would be helpful to get a degree in that field if that's what you're interested in. But I think getting a good foundational knowledge about math/science is a good way to start to get a comprehensive understanding in the technology field.
Bob Moore
Supply Chain, Energy. Oil & Gas, Leadership, Management, Careers Overseas
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Bob’s Answer
Year on year the human race looks to automate all that we do - to drive efficiencies, quality, performance, schedule adherence and cost management. As such there is not one industry that we are not automating in one form or another.
Automation and technology is designed, built and maintained by engineers, technologists and technicians - and this can be summarized as the tech field
Graduates across these areas typically study the sciences for skills- but good education in English, Math, Physics, Chemistry and Programming are usually pre-requisite's.
Review those tech fields that you would like to work in - e.g. medical, aviation, auto, oil and gas - and match your education goals to allow you to compete for jobs.
I started off my career as an engineer and the early skills I worked on included - scheduling, benchmarking, project management, communication/listening, attention to detail - as you find your way and industry you will be pushed to certify in those areas to allow you to enhance your skills.
Hope this helps
Automation and technology is designed, built and maintained by engineers, technologists and technicians - and this can be summarized as the tech field
Graduates across these areas typically study the sciences for skills- but good education in English, Math, Physics, Chemistry and Programming are usually pre-requisite's.
Review those tech fields that you would like to work in - e.g. medical, aviation, auto, oil and gas - and match your education goals to allow you to compete for jobs.
I started off my career as an engineer and the early skills I worked on included - scheduling, benchmarking, project management, communication/listening, attention to detail - as you find your way and industry you will be pushed to certify in those areas to allow you to enhance your skills.
Hope this helps