I am currenty thinking of taking computer courses at my technical college. And I was wondering what the pay would be like in the computer field? What are the best jobs? Worst jobs? If you work with computers, how do you like it? What's it's ups and downs? Any responses are welcome. Thanks.

 

You can really make good money with computers. Don't listen to all the ads on the radio about trade schools or technical college classes. Unlike most fields, companies do not worry about your education as much as your experience. With IT, 4 years of experience is almost as good as a 4 year degree.

Just get started with a basic hardware/software job, and go from there. You will learn what area you like best, and just start getting certified in all of those products. You may like programming, or network infrastructure, or maybe just break/fix pc work.

Whatever the case, go get a job asap! The sooner you do the better. The IT field is not great right now for new hires, but you need to get your foot in the door. Let the company you work for pay for your education.

Oh yeah, get your A+ and you can find easy work with PC repair.

 

Thanks for the info Audio18. Around where I live, I can take 4 years of college computer courses in 2 years time. And it's free. I can get federal pell grants that'll take care of the $$ for me. I just want to get a job as soon as possible, so 2 years should'nt be that long. I was just wondering if it's all it's cracked up to be.

 

It will be all that it is cracked out to be once you find you niche in the business.

There are so many aspects to the computer biz that until you don't get into it and actually work in the biz will you find out what interests you most.

I started with basic computer repair and now I am doing some programming with VB , ASP, SQL for our e-commerce client, network installations with most of Microsoft’s server applications and some other document management software from a company named KOFAX and LEGATO <- really interesting and allot of $$$.

Listen to audio18, get a job even an internship regardless if you go to school or not. It will make a huge difference...

 

This is all my opinion, formed from my experiences, my friends experiences and work observations in NJ:

Computer jobs are not all they cracked up to be, especially during this wonderfull economy:

• the money is decent to great
• the job security is about as bad as christmas temps in retail , don't think they won't can you because they can hire someone halfway around the world for half the price (mostly programming types of jobs)
• everyone wants in the field, many of the different aspects are so flooded with applicants that it's like throwing a slab of meat to a pack of wolves.

Other then that, good luck!
While trade schools do help, that is the best suggestion you could be given.

 

It depends on what kind of computer job you want and with what type of company. I recruited for IBM on college campuses for 3 years. In this area, the unemployed are numerous... some for 18 months or more... and the bay area is worse. You won't need a college degree to get a job. But the more education (college degree) the better the starting pay and better the pay ranges and more opportunities are available. In this market, it is difficult to differentiate yourself, but you better believe that a 4 yr degree with a great GPA, internship with a reputable company will help differentiate. I would emphasize the internship, and do more than one in different computer fields. It will give you a better idea of what you like to do. Internship, Internship, Internship.....

 

Just started classes and starting to get worried. I might be able to find a job when i get out of school. The school is easy and hope pays just about everything for you. I took a plus prep classes in high school. Is it a good idea and go on and take the a plus test and try to get on at a place working on computers. I mean my classes are in the morning so after lunch i have nothing to do. Anyone know of a good place that hires people who can repair computers. I hate wasting to years of my life to know i might not be able to find a job in my area when i get out of school. Any info is very appreciated.

 

Don't get the assumption that you will not be likely to get a job after you complete school, for you will obviously be better off than starting from scratch. School is extremely important, and will pay off many times over down the road.

I just tell people not to get c0cky when they graduate, and think they will make all the money that their instructors promise. Start small and learn what you need to, and then move into the particular field that interest you the most.

If you are in school, then get an internship. Although some of us need more money than that, so you can always consider part time "real" work.

Experience helps you get into jobs and gets you higher pay faster, but education will take you farther up in your career (especially management) than any cert or internship ever will.

 

Thanks for all the information Audio18.

 

At least goto school. My wife stopped at high school and she is averageing 10,000-20,000 less than someone with the degree doing the same job.

 

... and probably does the job better then most of the people she works with.

 

In my experience, getting your foot in the door is 80% of the equation. Then once you do that, you have to proove yourself everyday. That is what I am going through now. I switched career paths this year. I am currently going to school full time for Computer Networking Technology. My lucky break came 3 months ago when I was hired for a technician job in a large data center. It has been the best decision for me so far.

Just to give you a benchmark, starting salaries for new Network Administrators is about $42,000/annual and usually cap out around $90,000 or so. So the potential for big $ is there, you just have to get into the right place and make good decisions along the way.

My advice
- get into school (it helps get your foot in the door)
- look for entry level jobs, no matter what they pay or what shift you have to work.
- be willing to move if needed.

It isn't exactly the easiest industry to break into, but if you are determined and willing to pay dues, it is very possible.

Ox

p.s. if you want the really big bucks, become a DBA or Information Systems Security specialist.

 

45,000 dollars is pretty good money a year. Thanks Blue Ox.

 

First off - let me say that money isn't a very good reason to pursue a career IMO. Whats the good of making $50K/yr if you are miserable doing it? Secondly, don't believe the hype you hear on the radio and TV about "Get certified and write your own paycheck" - it just isn't true. However, if you still think IT is the place to be, there has been some good advice in this thread. Learn as much as you can about the basics - do volunteer work on your church's computer systems, get an internship, whatever it takes to get hands-on experience. If you feel like certification is a must (and unfortunately, some hiring managers do) start with the basics (just like in your learning process) and work on the A+. Once you feel confident in your basic hardware/operating systems knowledge, go to your Best Buy (or other local computer shop) and see if they need a service tech. Whatever you do, I would NOT continue to pursue certifications without getting some experience to back it up.

Right now, the IT market is down. With the huge number of people turned out of the certification mills in recent years, and then the economic downturn, competition for any position is very intense.

If you want more information - let me know. I know a great website frequented by a lot of IT professionals and IT authors who deal with this kind of question all the time.

FWIW - I have been in IT since 1985, and have my A+ and MCSE.

 

Saying you want to go into computers is like saying you want to be an Engineer. There are numerous facets of computer science that require different skills. By going to school you will be exposed to some of the choices available to you; however understand that sooner or later you will most likely have to choose a specialty. The two major paths are Hardware vs Software.

If you go hardware you will spend your days either building, upgrading, maintaining or fixing devices.

If you go into software you will have to choose within the field to specialize in MS,Novell,Linux,RedHat etc. These skills pay even better if you pop for the extras: CCNA, CCNE, A+, etc.

To make a long story short (Too Late!! ), there is money to be made, but you run a risk of betting on the wrong horse, IE: Choosing a specialty that is the IS equivilent of buying a BETAMAX.

If I had it to do over I would become a HydroGeologist.