For the people that have degrees..........

[Monkeyspank111]

How did you decide on what career path you wanted to do and that you enjoyed doing?

I ask this question because I'm on the fence right now on what I want to do with my life. I currently am going to school for Computer degree. A bachelor degree. I am just worried that when I graduate I will have to relearn new things in the computer industry. Because of the constant change in technology.

Don't get me wrong I enjoy computers. Always been the guy to call for family and friends when they needed computer help. But my idea of taking night classes while away from my wife and kids is not what I have in mind. I know a lot of companies will pay for my education but I'm thinking I will miss important stuff that happens with my family.

So I am asking for some help. Did some of you have career counselor help, read a few books on what best job fit your personality or websites for that matter?

I am asking before I make a costly mistake and don't want to pay for the student loans for that mistake for twenty years or however long it takes to pay off those student loans.

[Colin-uk Veteran]

I imagine a computer science degree would teach you core concepts that dont change much so even though technology changes you will still be aware of that.

plus I think quite a few computer science concepts are easy to learn, if you need to learn new ones after your degree I dont think it would be oo difficult, uni helps to develop your research skills too :p

[Thunderbuck]

I am just worried that when I graduate I will have to relearn new things in the computer industry. Because of the constant change in technology...

Tech is going to require constant re-learning, whether you have a degree or not. At times it's a pain, but I'd honestly say it keeps things fresh more than anything else.

One thing I'm willing to bet you DON'T know yet is how valuable it is to know legacy OSes/apps/systems. There are few employers out there who just built fresh last week; almost everyone has some old system that must somehow be taught to speak with a new one.

If you're looking for advice, here it is: finish your BSc. And then, start indulging whatever passion you have that has absolutely NOTHING to do with computers, whether it's movies, graphic arts, ballet, or whatever. And if you're really, REALLY lucky, you'll get some flash of insight that will allow you to find a way to connect the two.

[Nick H. Supervisor]

I am just worried that when I graduate I will have to relearn new things in the computer industry. Because of the constant change in technology.

Sadly, that is the way of IT. It's one of the few areas where you will always be learning. A university degree will only prove that you understood computers at the time of the degree. Of course, this does mean that you understand computers generally, but you'll always be working towards your next qualification. Despite having done university 2 or 3 years ago, I'm now working towards another qualification, just to have a piece of paper that says, "I'm up to date with current technology."

As for your career path...well, I can't help you there. I'm not a career-oriented person. I got in to tech support because it seemed like a good starting place, and now that I'm thinking about my next job I'm thinking that I want to stay in tech support. I enjoy it. At the same time it's not for everyone. Your best bet is to go in to one area, and if you don't like it then move to another area. Of course, that kind of advice applies to pretty much any job. "Don't like what you're doing? Change your job."

[Olive Game Studio]

How did you decide on what career path you wanted to do and that you enjoyed doing?

I ask this question because I'm on the fence right now on what I want to do with my life. I currently am going to school for Computer degree. A bachelor degree. I am just worried that when I graduate I will have to relearn new things in the computer industry. Because of the constant change in technology.

Don't get me wrong I enjoy computers. Always been the guy to call for family and friends when they needed computer help. But my idea of taking night classes while away from my wife and kids is not what I have in mind. I know a lot of companies will pay for my education but I'm thinking I will miss important stuff that happens with my family.

So I am asking for some help. Did some of you have career counselor help, read a few books on what best job fit your personality or websites for that matter?

I am asking before I make a costly mistake and don't want to pay for the student loans for that mistake for twenty years or however long it takes to pay off those student loans.

I was nervous to do a computer degree and i was glad that i did. TBH best thing I did for my career and personally. It shows that you're capable and have understanding of tech. The fundamentals never (or little) change. E.g. databases, HTML, AI, programming. The methods, software and techniques improve and change, but with some time you can adapt and learn depending on which career path you choose. I think having a degree can help to learn quicker but it is the same situation as not having one.

Like someone has already said, there are a lot of companies that use older tech. Even working in the games industry, we dont use the latest tech for everything. It's too expensive to keep up to date and the maintenance/changes required. It's not beneficial.

The good thing with degree courses is that they can show different aspects of computing and gives you an opportunity to experience each bit. You don't have to make a choice so early on. When I completed my first year, I decided to upgrade to a four year one and I had a better understanding of what direction I wanted to take. It's down to you, what you enjoy doing and how you do.

[Monkeyspank111]

My question still is unanswered. How did you pick your major? For the people that don't have degrees, how did you know what you wanted to do for the rest of your life? Did you take a career test based on your personality?

[a1ien]

It sounds like you have a family... so you're not exactly picking a major at the same time as most people - for you the equation is more complicated. Since it's such a complicated question, I'd say more info is needed for a useful response.

You need to figure out what makes sense economically.

I was a physics and math major mostly for ego. The education really helped me get over that. I don't think this information helps you.

[zhangm Supervisor]

My question still is unanswered. How did you pick your major?

I was told that a particular major was challenging, so I picked it.

[Vlad]

How did you decide on what career path you wanted to do and that you enjoyed doing?

I discovered my major, Electrical Engineering, after taking a physics course in electromagnetics at my community college. Prior to that, I was thinking Computer Science or Chemistry.

I ask this question because I'm on the fence right now on what I want to do with my life.

Dude, if you're not sure what, if anything, you want to major in, I HIGHLY suggest you consider going to a community college. Just be smart about what you take; talk to a guidance counselor about possible transfer programs to Universities, what classes are transferable, etc. Take a breadth of courses to see what you like (you'll need them anyways if you want to transfer to a University).

I currently am going to school for Computer degree. A bachelor degree.

OK, so are you already enrolled at a university and compounding massive debt or what? Is your degree a BS or a BA? Is the place you're going accredited?

I am just worried that when I graduate I will have to relearn new things in the computer industry. Because of the constant change in technology.

This is true of ANY major. Employers expect and typically pay for you to learn new things. I've been out of school for 5 years now and have taken at least one course or training certificate every year after graduation.

Don't get me wrong I enjoy computers. Always been the guy to call for family and friends when they needed computer help. But my idea of taking night classes while away from my wife and kids is not what I have in mind. I know a lot of companies will pay for my education but I'm thinking I will miss important stuff that happens with my family.

If you pursue any technical degree at an accredited University, prepare to pay for that degree in time with your family. You will miss important stuff.

So I am asking for some help. Did some of you have career counselor help, read a few books on what best job fit your personality or websites for that matter?

I was lucky enough to have great teachers in high school who encouraged me to pursue computer science. What do you do in your free time? If you like to tinker with computers, then this might be something you want to do.

I am asking before I make a costly mistake and don't want to pay for the student loans for that mistake for twenty years or however long it takes to pay off those student loans.

It can take a long time. If you're smart, it wont take nearly that long. In 5 years, I've paid off about 50% of my debt and still had enough to purchase my first home. The plus about student loans is, they're a great credit booster and you can deduct the interest from your taxes. If you spend the first two years at a community college (hella cheap!) and apply for every grant/scholarship you can, there's a good chance you will need little or no student loans (depends on your situation of course).

[Daedroth]

I suppose the question is, do you need a major? What aspect of computing are you interested in? Programming, repair, networking, etc? I only ask, because I did a Foundation Degree, which is about half a degree in a local college in Applied Computing. I didn't carry it on, and now I'm working as an IT Technician, gaining more knowledge and experience than I'd have ever learnt in college/Uni. Plus I have the option to take Microsoft or alternative courses to enhance my knowledge.

[Arceles]

Electronics engineer and mechatronics master (German) here.

Honestly just chose something that is engineering related (that you more or less like) and from there go forward, flow will guide you to many parts in the world.