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Computer Hardware
Hey Im looking to get training a=maybe a Job in computer hardware
What would I be doing in the job
Is is worth it to get a degree here
where is the best area to go to?
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James’s Answer
In the beginning I would recommend Computer A+ courses and Network + as a good foundation to get started. My son did this with a vocational school and used it as a starting point. It's good way to start and if it turns out you want to redirect your choices it would still help in some other technologies.
I appreciate your support, James
Riley
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
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Dan’s Answer
You have a few choices and they will affect your decision.
Are you interested in repair/maintenance of hardware (technician) or design of hardware (engineer)?
In general, a technician will repair, install, or maintain hardware and will normally have anywhere from zero to two years of training (typically tech school or community college). An engineer will have four or more years of university classes (bachelor or master degree) which allows him/her to design and modify hardware. The engineering degree will pay more and, in general, will allow you more flexibility and choices throughout your career.
I believe it is always worth getting a degree if you are planning a career in electronics and actually, I think it is rare for a technician or engineer not to have a degree (an engineering degree requires a four-year college degree). The degree will allow you to earn a higher salary, better benefits, and provide better job security and flexibility. In general, an engineer will specify the tasks performed by a technician.
You may choose to work in the IT field (commercial businesses or banks) or in the engineering field (technical industries such as manufacturing or process control). The IT training/degrees are normally different from the engineering training/degrees.
Talk to your high school or college advisor about the different options. Once you better understand your options, you can narrow down your questions and seek out advisors who are more familiar with your interests. For example, a technical school advisor, an IT advisor, and an engineering advisor are likely to provide different answers to the same question and they may not know enough details about the others to allow them to provide an accurate answer. For example, I am an engineer and can explain in depth about the manufacturing industry however I am only familiar with the IT industry (never worked in the IT industry) and even less familiar with the work of hardware technicians (briefly worked with them). It is better to talk with someone who has actually experienced the work rather than someone who merely knows about it.
Are you interested in repair/maintenance of hardware (technician) or design of hardware (engineer)?
In general, a technician will repair, install, or maintain hardware and will normally have anywhere from zero to two years of training (typically tech school or community college). An engineer will have four or more years of university classes (bachelor or master degree) which allows him/her to design and modify hardware. The engineering degree will pay more and, in general, will allow you more flexibility and choices throughout your career.
I believe it is always worth getting a degree if you are planning a career in electronics and actually, I think it is rare for a technician or engineer not to have a degree (an engineering degree requires a four-year college degree). The degree will allow you to earn a higher salary, better benefits, and provide better job security and flexibility. In general, an engineer will specify the tasks performed by a technician.
You may choose to work in the IT field (commercial businesses or banks) or in the engineering field (technical industries such as manufacturing or process control). The IT training/degrees are normally different from the engineering training/degrees.
Talk to your high school or college advisor about the different options. Once you better understand your options, you can narrow down your questions and seek out advisors who are more familiar with your interests. For example, a technical school advisor, an IT advisor, and an engineering advisor are likely to provide different answers to the same question and they may not know enough details about the others to allow them to provide an accurate answer. For example, I am an engineer and can explain in depth about the manufacturing industry however I am only familiar with the IT industry (never worked in the IT industry) and even less familiar with the work of hardware technicians (briefly worked with them). It is better to talk with someone who has actually experienced the work rather than someone who merely knows about it.
Dan recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Getting into designing hardware can be pretty difficult. For example, if you're interested in Silicon design, you'd probably want a master's in Computer Engineering to be considered for the vast majority of roles. Some topics I'd recommend: ASIC Design, Digital Systems, and Microprocessor Systems. Good languages to learn include assembly, and verilog (hardware language, used for testing)
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad that you are interested in Computer Hardware.
There are different hardware.g. Desktop, Notebook, Servers, Storage, Router, etc. On the other hand, there are different vendors producing these hardware. Each of these may have different knowledge domain.
To work in the area, I would recommend you would take relevant courses, eg Computer Engineering in the college. The course would give an overview and fundamental knowledge of different hardware. Then, you may have on the job training.
On the other hand, you can also start to construct you own customise PC. This can help you to understand how different peripherals work.
Hope this helps!Good Luck!
There are different hardware.g. Desktop, Notebook, Servers, Storage, Router, etc. On the other hand, there are different vendors producing these hardware. Each of these may have different knowledge domain.
To work in the area, I would recommend you would take relevant courses, eg Computer Engineering in the college. The course would give an overview and fundamental knowledge of different hardware. Then, you may have on the job training.
On the other hand, you can also start to construct you own customise PC. This can help you to understand how different peripherals work.
Hope this helps!Good Luck!
Updated
Mary’s Answer
As a corporate employee for a global organization a degree is required. You should give thought to where in the IT community you might see yourself. Do some research, engage IT professionals in various roles and ask questions. You could explore Linkedin browse the careers and engage those that have provide a description of the roles.