Suggestions on IT career

[DragonBreath]

I am going to be starting classes at my local college for computers. I was wondering if anyone could give me suggestions as to which field is a good field to get into. I enjoy working on my pc wich is my first build and came out pretty good. I also do some troubleshooting on the network I work with at work. I enjoy problem solving. I thought about maby in the future starting a mom and pop computer shop. All that i do know for sure is that I enjoy working with computers, Just not sure what field to go into. I do promise though once I do get this career started i will do my best to help out in the forum as much as I can. This forum has become a wealth of knowledge for me that I cannot imagine being without.
Again any suggestions are greatly appreciated

[DDeRek]

Hey Dragon Breath, I am in the process of doing the exact same thing right now. I just finished my first semester of basic computer classes. Next semester I am focusing on networking and then I will go in depth into diagnosing and troubleshooting digital electronics and programming. My initial intent was to get an associaties degree in computer servicing, but I've found that I really enjoy everything about computers and I am learning the basics quite quickly and easily. Also that there are very few extra courses required for multiple degrees in the field, so now I have decided to expand the scope of my studies to include everything from general electronic hardware to computer programming. I guess what I'm saying is don't pigeonhole yourself at this point in the game. Keep your options open and your career opportunities will fall into place for you. There's no shortage of work in the IT field.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Hi there,

Well, I can't help but think of my life: I've always loved computer games, they taught me to love computers and to try to understand them. But I'm no good with math, so I didn't go to the IT school. Instead I opted for medicine. I'm a vet right now... a renegade vet. I'm not working nor living as a vet, I make my living assembling computers and selling them. So many people laugh at me and bashes me for "wasting" 5 years of my life at the university studying a career that is of no use to me now.

So the moral of the story is: do what you love the most. But I warn thee: discovering what you love the most might take some time.

And, in other words, pardon my ignorance but, what is "a mom and pop computer shop"?

[DragonBreath]

Sorry, just meant a local, run by my wife and me, computer shop.

[christo418]

Good job in taking that step to go to your local college for some training! It might be a little intimidating at first, but after the first week, you'll start meeting people and exchanging ideas, tips, and tricks. Also, "mom and pop" businesses don't have to be brick and mortar, you can run the business out of a van if necessary, or even from your own home (via Web consultation - put that on your business card Speaking of business cards, you should shoot for A+ certification. This is an industry-wide standard that shows the consumer (or a potential employer) that you know what you're doing.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Also, "mom and pop" businesses don't have to be brick and mortar, you can run the business out of a van if necessary, or even from your own home

Yes indeed. Mine is a home based biz.