Funny Question About IT Career

[RainDowg]

Hey folks....Having a quarterlife crisis, wondering what to do with my life. I've been a cook for the past 8 years of my life, and I'm tired of it. Although I still love to cook, I am tired of restaurant work. I am seriously considering going back to school for a career somwhere in the computer field. I have always been very interested in computers and have learned a lot on my own, but would like to know more. But here's the thing. I've always been terrible at mathematics. So how far can I get in the pc realm? I have above average intelligence...I'm no dummy. I've just always been very bad at when it comes to math. I've always leaned toward more artistic involvements. Or do you think it's possible that I've just never experienced math as an application with something I am very interested in? What I mean is, maybe I was always bored with it, because I could never really relate to, or with it, in any part of my life that motivated me. Like all the stuff you "learn" in elementary, middle, or highschool. Make sense? So let's say, for instance, I want to learn to create video games (which I would love to do). I know that there's probably a lot of math involvement there. But what about hardware repair? I love to do that too. Anyway, you get my point, I think. I'm probably going to go back to school anyway, but I would love to hear feedback from everyone. And thanks to those who've even read this far. Hehe.

 

[MithShrike]

Hi, I'm 17 years old and have recently gained my A+ Certification. Now, what that means is that I can repair computers for people like BestBuy, Fry's Electronics, and Circuit City. The certification I got is through an organization that is called CompTIA. Now, my education for the certification costed me about $100 through a program provided by a vocational school/high school; however, to get the certification through something like Hi-Tech Institute it's like $2,000 per certification. Next year I plan on doing a culinary class at my vocational school, and my main question is, does it help with the ladies? Heh. Alright hope it goes well for you. There are a lot of certifications you can get. For instance, MCSA, MCSE, CCNA, Net+, iNet+, and many many more. Hope to be of some enlightenment for you. Oh, and I do not know how to write paragraphs.

 

[RainDowg]

Thanks for your reply Mith. Good advice, and another avenue that I've considered taking.

Geez, I thought I could get a greater amount of thought provoking replies from this one, from others. Maybe I should ask the question in the title.

 

[acidvoodoo]

i expect people will tell you that the IT industry is to dangerous to venjure into right now, though i'm no expert

 

[RainDowg]

You know, that's the chance I'll take. I thought somone might say that. But it's what I want to do. Plus, I'm not going to be looking for a job tomorrow. It wouldn't be for a little while. I gotta get some learnin' first. But what about the math. Maybe this seems like a stupid topic/question, but I'm curious. How far can I go with weak math skills?

 

[newbiepcuser]

Originally posted by: RainDowg
You know, that's the chance I'll take. I thought somone might say that. But it's what I want to do. Plus, I'm not going to be looking for a job tomorrow. It wouldn't be for a little while. I gotta get some learnin' first. But what about the math. Maybe this seems like a stupid topic/question, but I'm curious. How far can I go with weak math skills?

If you can do basic math, then you should be fine. Its your logic, troubleshooting and communications skills that will help you more in the IT field.

If you want to create video games, then thats a different path for you to take.

 

[Phuz]

Originally posted by: RainDowg
You know, that's the chance I'll take. I thought somone might say that. But it's what I want to do. Plus, I'm not going to be looking for a job tomorrow. It wouldn't be for a little while. I gotta get some learnin' first. But what about the math. Maybe this seems like a stupid topic/question, but I'm curious. How far can I go with weak math skills?

I have poor math skills, and it has never been a problem. There isn't much math in hardware/tech work. Not much...

 

[RainDowg]

Hey, that's what I'm talking about. Thank you for that input. I feel I perform those other skills quite well. Above average, I'd say. So that makes me feel better. But you're saying video game design necessitates greater math skills? Thanks again.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: Phuz

Originally posted by: RainDowg
You know, that's the chance I'll take. I thought somone might say that. But it's what I want to do. Plus, I'm not going to be looking for a job tomorrow. It wouldn't be for a little while. I gotta get some learnin' first. But what about the math. Maybe this seems like a stupid topic/question, but I'm curious. How far can I go with weak math skills?

I have poor math skills, and it has never been a problem. There isn't much math in hardware/tech work. Not much...

Hate math? WARNING: Stay out of the analysis angles of IT. So much math you'd like to blow your brains out :|

 

[busmaster11]

Originally posted by: acidvoodoo
i expect people will tell you that the IT industry is to dangerous to venjure into right now, though i'm no expert

Generally speaking I would totally agree. With a couple years net analyst/lan manager experience, an MCP and an A+, I'm having the darnest time finding even helpdesk in the Chicago area. I've been trying fairly hard for the last seven months though I'm currently employed elsewhere. I've submitted between 100-150 resumes and letters and have so far gotten about a half dozen interviews, and these days, an interview really only means you have a 1 in 10-30 shot at landing the job.

I'd say presently, new jobs open up at a *reasonably* good pace considering the times, most require multiple certs, times of qualifications and probably some database skills - its definitely an employer's market. Especially with all the layed off IT folks running around with decades of experience.

However, no matter how bad the market is, know that if you went out and studied and got skills people need, such as .NET or Oracle or SQL or Cisco or SECURITY, it shouldn't be *that* difficult for you to find something good in a matter of months.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I started in the IT field when I was 17. (1997) I started working for a small computer shop and I was soon their lead tech. I did simple system builds on Pentium-class systems and fixed many old packard bells. (still have scars on my fingers from the cheap metal that cut me every day I had to take those apart)

I went to college and was soon recognized by the Network Services department because I had installed network cards for many of my college dorm buddies...word of mouth spread and I got a job offer from the head of the whole outfit. Pay was crap, but I stayed there 2 years. In that time, I used my University experience to work for the State Dept of Labor in a non-profit org that did job training. I was able to work there at the age of 18 and taught classes and setup computer labs/servers making $15/hour. I went back to the University and ended up deciding that I wanted more money...so I left and got a job for a national portrait company that paid around $10/hour doing help desk and database work. I did that for 2 years, they paid me to take my A+ and got a job offer at the University again soon after. I was able to land a job as a server admin and I then got my CNA for Novell Administration. I've been there for over a year now doing Novell administration and getting the rest of my college education for free. I'm 22. If you meet the right people and network, you can get breaks. I suggest you start somewhere small and work up. You'd be surprised how easy it is as long as you take every project in stride and pick everything apart in a logical manner.