3 answers
kendalle
Student
Crest Hill, Illinois
3
Questions
Updated
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What steps should I take to become involved in this field?
I would like to know what my expectations should be so I can make it in this field.
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3 answers
Ruth Klepfer
Scientist
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
To be successful in this field requires some very specific schooling and training. Entry level positions expect an ability to code in multiple programming languages. Math expertise is not usually required but it usually very helpful. A four-year degree, again, is not always necessary but it is helpful. Some of what you need to be successful depends on what part of the field of computer science and technology it is that you are interested in. Do you want to be able to build and fix computers? Do you want to be able to help people work with their computers? Do you want to use computers to solve business problems? technical problems? Medical problems? The basic understanding of programming and how computers work is fundamental to all of these fields. And then if you have an interest in one of these areas, you can learn more about how to apply programming to that specific area. For the basics, you should expect to need to learn at least one programming language really well and a second one to a moderate degree.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
kendalle
Han u
9
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Han’s Answer
Hi Kendalle,
Glad to see your enthusiasm and the practical approach you're taking to pursuing computers, computer science, and information technology. Here're some broad steps you can follow:
1. Determine what you like doing with computers. Do you like the hardware or software side of computers? Do you like solving difficult computational problems and writing algorithms? What about troubleshooting technical issues?
2. Depending on your answer to step one. Pursue additional training and education to get more involved with the particular interest you have in computers. There are plenty of open resources to get started with, and if you find that you want to take a different direction in terms of computers, then it's relatively quick to switch the training and education at this stage.
3. Take advanced courses and classes related to your interest, and build out a resume based on the materials you've learned. By the time you reach this step, you're likely ready to begin finding work experiences using the knowledge you've gained from step two.
4. Continue to pursue education and training. Using your earlier work experience, transition to other positions that interest you and never stop learning!
Hope this helps, and provides general guidance to pursue your passion with computers!
Glad to see your enthusiasm and the practical approach you're taking to pursuing computers, computer science, and information technology. Here're some broad steps you can follow:
1. Determine what you like doing with computers. Do you like the hardware or software side of computers? Do you like solving difficult computational problems and writing algorithms? What about troubleshooting technical issues?
2. Depending on your answer to step one. Pursue additional training and education to get more involved with the particular interest you have in computers. There are plenty of open resources to get started with, and if you find that you want to take a different direction in terms of computers, then it's relatively quick to switch the training and education at this stage.
3. Take advanced courses and classes related to your interest, and build out a resume based on the materials you've learned. By the time you reach this step, you're likely ready to begin finding work experiences using the knowledge you've gained from step two.
4. Continue to pursue education and training. Using your earlier work experience, transition to other positions that interest you and never stop learning!
Hope this helps, and provides general guidance to pursue your passion with computers!
Ojal Mapuskar
6
Answers
Updated
Ojal’s Answer
Hello! I am glad that you are starting to think about your future and career choices. Technology plays a big role in our lives and wanting to get involved is a great idea. I think that if you are interested in computers it is important to understand what part specifically appeals to you. Is it creating games? Or designing? Or perhaps building websites? There are unique ways to combine your hobbies with Computers which is what makes this field amazing. A couple of examples I can think of include electronic music software, or software for genetics. The huge advantage of a Computer is that you can apply to many fields.
To get started I would recommend taking some foundational programming classes and even math classes to see if this is a viable career path. I got interested in Computer Science after taking an AP Computer Science class offered at my high school. After taking some classes you can gauge how much you like the field and enjoy working on the laptop. Figuring this out early on can help. To "make it in the field" you just need to be innovative and willing to learn new tools and technologies. There is no golden rule on how to be successful, but it helps to make the most of the elective classes offered in college, doing research in labs, or some work experience. I hope that this post encourages you to explore Computer Science !
To get started I would recommend taking some foundational programming classes and even math classes to see if this is a viable career path. I got interested in Computer Science after taking an AP Computer Science class offered at my high school. After taking some classes you can gauge how much you like the field and enjoy working on the laptop. Figuring this out early on can help. To "make it in the field" you just need to be innovative and willing to learn new tools and technologies. There is no golden rule on how to be successful, but it helps to make the most of the elective classes offered in college, doing research in labs, or some work experience. I hope that this post encourages you to explore Computer Science !