I need career advice badly! I cant find any pc career forums!

[KingZim]

I just completed my first semester of 6 at CityTech for acquiring an A.A.S. degree in electro/mechanical engineering technology. This will basically get me a job as a technician in pc's and electronic equipment.

My interests (listed by numerical order):

1) GAMING! Any console, any game, I always enjoy it.

2) PC hardware. I love buying new hardware and testing the gaming power of it.

But almost everyone enjoys these hobbies!


So I first chose to become a computer software engineer. Then I was informed of the outsourcing of asian and indian people for software related occupations. Then I decided to become a computer technician because it is hardware related, and because it shouldnt be able to be outsourced. Right?

The courses I took so far aren't boring but it isn't something that Im so excited for. Everyone advises you to choose something that you really love. I have no idea what I really love that could be an occupation.

Now I'm thinking about changing my major to become a Dental Hygienist. This is because I enjoy helping others and that it pays well. Ive even thought about becoming a nurse, my sister is a nurse and she enjoys it (although there are those bad times when dealing with dead babies and cleaning senile people).

So I enjoy helping others, like playing videogames, and like messing with pc hardware. Can you guys give me some advice of what occupation you think I should try out? Im not asking for you to choose my life long job, but to only give some examples of jobs i might like. So far I beleive I need to be exploring many options. Sorry for the essay, but I need advice pretty bad.

 

[gistech1978]

video game therapist technician. i didnt just make that up either.

 

[slinetz]

If you want to be a software engineer. You can find a job in india after you graduate. But then you don't want to do the job because you are more concerned about money.

 

[Juno]

Go back to school and earn Bachelors.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: KingZim
I just completed my first semester of 6 at CityTech for acquiring an A.A.S. degree in electro/mechanical engineering technology. This will basically get me a job as a technician in pc's and electronic equipment.

My interests (listed by numerical order):

1) GAMING! Any console, any game, I always enjoy it.

2) PC hardware. I love buying new hardware and testing the gaming power of it.

But almost everyone enjoys these hobbies!


So I first chose to become a computer software engineer. Then I was informed of the outsourcing of asian and indian people for software related occupations. Then I decided to become a computer technician because it is hardware related, and because it shouldnt be able to be outsourced. Right?

The courses I took so far aren't boring but it isn't something that Im so excited for. Everyone advises you to choose something that you really love. I have no idea what I really love that could be an occupation.

Now I'm thinking about changing my major to become a Dental Hygienist. This is because I enjoy helping others and that it pays well. Ive even thought about becoming a nurse, my sister is a nurse and she enjoys it (although there are those bad times when dealing with dead babies and cleaning senile people).

So I enjoy helping others, like playing videogames, and like messing with pc hardware. Can you guys give me some advice of what occupation you think I should try out? Im not asking for you to choose my life long job, but to only give some examples of jobs i might like. So far I beleive I need to be exploring many options. Sorry for the essay, but I need advice pretty bad.

Neither playing games nor putting together PCs to play games on are marketable skills.

Software engineering has absolutely no relation to playing games. I've seen a TON of people in your position ("I like to play games and overclock PCs, therefore I'll go into software development!") start taking computer science or computer engineering classes and switch majors after a year because they realize that programming has absolutely nothing to do with playing video games.

Is outsourcing a problem? For some jobs - the kind of jobs that a person who "isn't excited by software" would get. Yes, mundane and repetitive jobs are being outsourced. There are plenty of jobs for highly skilled, creative, enthusiatic people still in the US, but you, like most people who go into software because they like video games, don't seem to be one of those people.

Playing video games does not translate into a career. It is something fun to do, like visiting amusement parks or canoeing. If you try to turn these things into careers, you will fail. For a career to suceed, it must result in a product or service that someone else (not yourself) is willing to pay for.

 

[ponyo]

Dental Hygenist is pretty good occupation. It only requires 2 yr associates degree and you'll be 99.99% guaranteed a job when you graduate. Hours are 40 hours or less a week and you'll start out at around $30/hour plus bonuses and commission. Lot less work IMO than nurses and pay is higher too. If you're a female, I highly recommend looking into Dental Hygenine field.

Keep computers and games as a hobby. Having a job dealing with either can ruin your enjoyment of both.

 

[slinetz]

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: KingZim
I just completed my first semester of 6 at CityTech for acquiring an A.A.S. degree in electro/mechanical engineering technology. This will basically get me a job as a technician in pc's and electronic equipment.

My interests (listed by numerical order):

1) GAMING! Any console, any game, I always enjoy it.

2) PC hardware. I love buying new hardware and testing the gaming power of it.

But almost everyone enjoys these hobbies!


So I first chose to become a computer software engineer. Then I was informed of the outsourcing of asian and indian people for software related occupations. Then I decided to become a computer technician because it is hardware related, and because it shouldnt be able to be outsourced. Right?

The courses I took so far aren't boring but it isn't something that Im so excited for. Everyone advises you to choose something that you really love. I have no idea what I really love that could be an occupation.

Now I'm thinking about changing my major to become a Dental Hygienist. This is because I enjoy helping others and that it pays well. Ive even thought about becoming a nurse, my sister is a nurse and she enjoys it (although there are those bad times when dealing with dead babies and cleaning senile people).

So I enjoy helping others, like playing videogames, and like messing with pc hardware. Can you guys give me some advice of what occupation you think I should try out? Im not asking for you to choose my life long job, but to only give some examples of jobs i might like. So far I beleive I need to be exploring many options. Sorry for the essay, but I need advice pretty bad.

Neither playing games nor putting together PCs to play games on are marketable skills.

Software engineering has absolutely no relation to playing games. I've seen a TON of people in your position ("I like to play games and overclock PCs, therefore I'll go into software development!") start taking computer science or computer engineering classes and switch majors after a year because they realize that programming has absolutely nothing to do with playing video games.

Is outsourcing a problem? For some jobs - the kind of jobs that a person who "isn't excited by software" would get. Yes, mundane and repetitive jobs are being outsourced. There are plenty of jobs for highly skilled, creative, enthusiatic people still in the US, but you, like most people who go into software because they like video games, don't seem to be one of those people.

Playing video games does not translate into a career. It is something fun to do, like visiting amusement parks or canoeing. If you try to turn these things into careers, you will fail. For a career to suceed, it must result in a product or service that someone else (not yourself) is willing to pay for.

Don't be discouraged by this guy. He probably doesn't like to play video game and see lots of his friends did that. But that's just his personal experience. You make your own decision, sometimes even if it is against the odds. Things always turn around ..

 

[olds]

You've come to the right place for bad career advice.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Interesting username KingZim!

 

[KingZim]

haha yeah. It's actually part of my nickname, zima ( little sis made that one up about 10 years ago and it kinda stuck).

I'm 18 and a male. A dental hygienist would be better off a female am I correct? since they appear more friendly and such. Maybe I should choose a nurse, but thats also kinda girly. Ive also only seen female students applying for nurses and dental hygienists. Maybe there is a reason for that?

A medical occupation is seems like a good option. Since there will only be more people every day, more demand for medical occupations. And I do like helping others out. Hmmmmmm.

O and I do have a open mind. It's hard for me to find any job boring. I guess as long as I am doing something that has results it entertains me enough. That may explain why my sister always says that the only reason I do good in school is because I enjoy it. I always have to say @#$% off man I dont like it, but it aint boring. Doing nothing, now thats boring.

 

[ghostman]

Okay, here is my input on this. It's more of me just rambling though:

notfred was very frank with his comment, but he's right for a large part. Don't go into to a computer field like Computer Science or Computer Engineering based solely on gaming. Computer Science is math and I'm guessing Computer Engineering is physics (no clue about CE, I'm CS). See if you enjoy either of these fields first.

To be honest, I was really put off by your immaturity in your last post. You'd actually reject the idea of profession you might actually enjoy because it's considered a "woman's" profession? They accept males and often have a shortage of male applicants because of the stigma. I have high respect for anyone in the medical field - moreso than workers in my own field.

I'm currently working with computers in a major financial corporation. Honestly, I don't enjoy it all that much. Perhaps if I were in a true software industry, but I can't stand the buzzwords that float around the financial world. I've lately thought seriously about dropping everything and starting fresh in the medical field - partially because of the constant worry of outsourcing and partially because of my failing interest. And people who say "Only the helpdesk guys get outsourced" are really only trying to calm themselves down. I know, because I do it. But I've met foreign developers and there is nothing that would make me think that they can't handle more hardcore computer positions. Of course, the change for skilled computer professionals would be slow.

And is there a reason why you aim at dental hygienist and nurse and not dentist and doctor? You're 18 - there should be nothing limiting you.

 

[slinetz]

US is going to import nurse as well. American needs to stand up and compete. No more just try to find easiest job and get lots of money mind set.

 

[KingZim]

Ive taken physics and calculus in high school. Math is actually my best subject. I find it to be alot easier then other classes. I'm going to look up on doctors and dentists. The only reason I have not considered these professions as an occupation I would choose is because of the advice I have been given about doctors and dentists. Everyone says that to become a doctors requires to much time and effort, and that it almost takes you of your life. I guess a lot of people believe that you will become a "workaholic", but just how bad or good is that.

Also the amount of years required and the huge expense is for education towards becoming a doctor or dentist is the deciding factor. Anyone can achieve this with focus and effort, but without money you can't really do anything. I'm not exactly rich, I'm actually close to dirt poor. Parents don't have money saved up and I go to college through financial aid.

I'm probably gonna choose between a dentist or a nurse like my sister currently is. Thanks for the help all.

 

[Mo0o]

What exactly is CityTech? Is that like ITTECH where anybody can get in as long as they filled out the application and checkbook?

 

[KingZim]

O no, it's New York City College of Technology. Definately not a prestige school. It has the same basic requirements of all New York CUNY colleges. You take an entry exam, fill out applications, and then the checkbook. I have had only 1 good professor out of 5, in which the other 4 were senile jerks getting paid to talk jibberish to themselves. I seriously don't know why people over 55 are allowed to teach. Anyone can tell they are legally insane.

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: KingZim
O no, it's New York City College of Technology. Definately not a prestige school. It has the same basic requirements of all New York CUNY colleges. You take an entry exam, fill out applications, and then the checkbook. I have had only 1 good professor out of 5, in which the other 4 were senile jerks getting paid to talk jibberish to themselves. I seriously don't know why people over 55 are allowed to teach. Anyone can tell they are legally insane.

Well depending on how good the school is and how strong your MCATs are, it might be hard to get into the medical school right out of college (assuming you're thinking of the MD route). You would probably have to go do some graduate level research and reply after you've built your credentials. But overall it sounds like you need to decide which path you want to date. Software Engineering and Nursing are completely different...

 

[KingZim]

haha. I made a mistake on my previous post and didn't see it. I meant I would go for either a dental hygienist or an RN. Not a dentist, heh.

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: KingZim
haha. I made a mistake on my previous post and didn't see it. I meant I would go for either a dental hygienist or an RN. Not a dentist, heh.

I would suggest Nursing. There's a shortage of nurses and if you get into ICU nursing you can make pretty good money.

 

[KingZim]

At www.bls.gov ( Bureau of Labor Statistics), it is listed as dental hygienists with the higher average pay per hour. But an RN definately has the higher amount of work hours, making up for the difference.