Starting a Career in the Computer Field

C.J.

I am looking to start a career in the computer field, as a programmer, IT, or business application designer. I’m not really sure what I want to do, or even how to begin looking to see which one I would prefer, or if there was another option that I don't even know of. I am currently taking classes to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, but I need to know where to focus my classes? Please help!!!!!!

Jeremy

---

Jeremy,

The computer industry has always been very dynamic with many changes in what technologies are hot or not. If you specialize in only one area early in your college career, know that any specific hard skills you learn, e.g. computer languages, will likely change or be different by the time you graduate. So, if you go this route of being a computer specialist, there is some risk involved in making an accurate guess at what will be hot when you graduate and whether there is demand for the area you picked. Also, my sense is that the areas that you are looking at are pretty different in terms of skill sets, interaction with others, work pace, and personality required.

If you are early in your studies, then I would suggest getting a good well-rounded generalized curriculum including all of the areas you mentioned. Your only goal would be to get a sense of what you like doing and gaining clarity on what brings you joy. What could you do for 12 hours every day and lose track of time because you are so into it? Do you enjoy helping people, tinkering with the computer and hardware, creating or designing software, or managing a group of people getting work done? Another consideration is thinking about what you enjoy learning about. Most folks in the technology area are lifelong learners of new technologies and their potential applications.

Initially, I would also suggest that you talk to programmers who work in the areas you are considering and get a sense of what basic skills are needed in general. There are likely transferable skills such as project management, design, testing, and customer service that may be helpful to know irrespective of your path. As you gain more clarity with what you like doing, then I would specialize later in your studies.

Any other folks in development or computer programming, please chime in.

Find more Career Advice from Career Coach, C.J. Liu: