6 answers
maya
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
4
Questions
Updated
2533 views
What is going to college for computer service like?
I am currently enrolled in Job Corps and in the process of getting a trade in a computer service. I also am going to college once I finish the program I just need advice about what college is like, especially for people whose majors involve computer service.
Login to comment
6 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Maya,
College for computer service? Oh, get ready for a wild ride of caffeine-fueled nights, an emotional rollercoaster with your laptop, and the occasional realization that turning it off and on again actually works.
You'll meet all kinds of people—some who know everything (or think they do), some who are just as lost as you, and that one person who somehow already built their own AI but still forgets their password daily.
Professors? Some will inspire you. Others will speak in binary and expect you to understand. Either way, Google and YouTube will become your best friends.
Tips? Stay curious. Break things (digitally, of course). Ask questions. Take breaks before your brain crashes harder than a corrupted hard drive.
And most importantly—have fun. College is where you learn, grow, and, yes, occasionally panic. But you’ll come out of it with knowledge, skills, and probably a collection of random USB cables you don’t remember buying.
Good luck and stay curious and keep asking because you got this!
College for computer service? Oh, get ready for a wild ride of caffeine-fueled nights, an emotional rollercoaster with your laptop, and the occasional realization that turning it off and on again actually works.
You'll meet all kinds of people—some who know everything (or think they do), some who are just as lost as you, and that one person who somehow already built their own AI but still forgets their password daily.
Professors? Some will inspire you. Others will speak in binary and expect you to understand. Either way, Google and YouTube will become your best friends.
Tips? Stay curious. Break things (digitally, of course). Ask questions. Take breaks before your brain crashes harder than a corrupted hard drive.
And most importantly—have fun. College is where you learn, grow, and, yes, occasionally panic. But you’ll come out of it with knowledge, skills, and probably a collection of random USB cables you don’t remember buying.
Good luck and stay curious and keep asking because you got this!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
914
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Maya!
Good question! Going to college for computer service can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some things to expect and some advice to help you make the most of your time:
1. Hands-On Learning: Computer service programs often involve a lot of practical, hands-on learning. You'll get to work with hardware and software, troubleshooting issues, performing repairs, and learning about various operating systems and networks.
2. Class Structure: Classes might be a mix of lectures, labs, and projects. Theoretical knowledge will be paired with practical skills. It's important to stay engaged in both aspects to get a well-rounded understanding.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: You'll develop strong problem-solving skills as you learn to diagnose and fix technical issues. This is a core part of the field, and the more you practice, the better you'll become.
4. Certifications: Many computer service programs offer the opportunity to earn industry certifications (like CompTIA A+, Network+, etc.). These certifications can be valuable when you enter the job market, so take advantage of any prep courses or resources offered.
5. Networking: Building a network of classmates, professors, and industry professionals can be incredibly valuable. Participate in class discussions, join tech clubs or organizations, and attend events or workshops related to computer service.
6. Internships and Work Experience: Gaining real-world experience through internships or part-time jobs can be a huge advantage. Look for opportunities to apply your skills in a professional setting, as this will help you build your resume and gain practical knowledge.
7. Staying Current: The tech field is always evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Read tech blogs, follow industry news, and take advantage of any additional training or learning opportunities.
8. Time Management: Balancing coursework, hands-on projects, and other responsibilities can be challenging. Develop good time management skills to ensure you're staying on top of your studies while also taking care of yourself.
College is a time of growth and discovery. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, and don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out resources when you need them. With your background in Job Corps and your determination to succeed, you're already on a great path.
Best of luck on your journey, Maya! You're going to do great things.
Good question! Going to college for computer service can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some things to expect and some advice to help you make the most of your time:
1. Hands-On Learning: Computer service programs often involve a lot of practical, hands-on learning. You'll get to work with hardware and software, troubleshooting issues, performing repairs, and learning about various operating systems and networks.
2. Class Structure: Classes might be a mix of lectures, labs, and projects. Theoretical knowledge will be paired with practical skills. It's important to stay engaged in both aspects to get a well-rounded understanding.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: You'll develop strong problem-solving skills as you learn to diagnose and fix technical issues. This is a core part of the field, and the more you practice, the better you'll become.
4. Certifications: Many computer service programs offer the opportunity to earn industry certifications (like CompTIA A+, Network+, etc.). These certifications can be valuable when you enter the job market, so take advantage of any prep courses or resources offered.
5. Networking: Building a network of classmates, professors, and industry professionals can be incredibly valuable. Participate in class discussions, join tech clubs or organizations, and attend events or workshops related to computer service.
6. Internships and Work Experience: Gaining real-world experience through internships or part-time jobs can be a huge advantage. Look for opportunities to apply your skills in a professional setting, as this will help you build your resume and gain practical knowledge.
7. Staying Current: The tech field is always evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Read tech blogs, follow industry news, and take advantage of any additional training or learning opportunities.
8. Time Management: Balancing coursework, hands-on projects, and other responsibilities can be challenging. Develop good time management skills to ensure you're staying on top of your studies while also taking care of yourself.
College is a time of growth and discovery. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, and don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out resources when you need them. With your background in Job Corps and your determination to succeed, you're already on a great path.
Best of luck on your journey, Maya! You're going to do great things.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
maya
Chinyere, this is such solid advice! You've laid out the roadmap to success like a pro. Hands-on learning, problem-solving, and networking—all the fun stuff that makes tech feel like a treasure hunt! And the idea of staying current? Definitely essential, because tech waits for no one. Maya’s going to crush it with these tips! Good luck too.
Dr H
You're welcome Maya!
Chinyere Okafor
Dr. H, thank you for your validation.
Chinyere Okafor
You're welcome, Chinyere! Wishing you all the best! 🌟
Dr H
Rosalind Radcliffe
Software Architect
19
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Rosalind’s Answer
College can be a time unlike any other where you have the opportunity to network across a broad range of people and you get to focus on learning. Use your time at College to become a continuous learner, don't just take your computer science courses, make sure you are getting an overall education. College is the time to become a well rounded individual. I would also recommend taking just enough business courses as they will help you as move up in your career. This includes an understanding of general economics and accounting to help you better understand what's going on around you.
College gives you an opportunity to make life long friends who are interested in similar areas and who will make up parts of your network as you go into industry. Your time in college will give you an opportunity to learn various different aspects the IT field, take it all in. Try to get exposure to as many different areas as possible, and learn to be open to new ideas.
While in college focus on getting internships with companies to see what really excites you, and to start to get your network growing in the industry. These internships will help you as you work to start your career after college. Start applying as early as possible, some internships take students earlier in their college career.
When looking at colleges or universities to attend check on their graduation rates within 4 or 5 years. What percentage of students make it through the program to move on. Those with lower percentage of graduates may be schools that have more classes focused on weeding students out of programs than on helping them learn. Also look at the number of students in each class this can also give you an idea how the amount of individual focus. Visit the college or university and really see what it is like, not just through a tour but see if you can sit in on a class or two and talk to students as you are waking through the campus. Make sure you have a good fit with the over all school as you will be spending a lot of time there for a number of years.
As for the particular classes you will take, it very much depends on the program, but take as many different languages as possible, learn the fundamentals of the underlying infrastructure, learn the fundamentals of data design, and Security by design. Security will be a key aspect of everyone's job in IT going forward, so learning early on to focus on security aspects will only help you.
College is important to get your foundational knowledge and get into your first job. Make sure you do focus on learning and doing well, it can be very difficult at times, try to balance your courses such that you always have something you really enjoy along with all the required courses.
Above all enjoy the learning opportunities, best of luck on your journey.
College gives you an opportunity to make life long friends who are interested in similar areas and who will make up parts of your network as you go into industry. Your time in college will give you an opportunity to learn various different aspects the IT field, take it all in. Try to get exposure to as many different areas as possible, and learn to be open to new ideas.
While in college focus on getting internships with companies to see what really excites you, and to start to get your network growing in the industry. These internships will help you as you work to start your career after college. Start applying as early as possible, some internships take students earlier in their college career.
When looking at colleges or universities to attend check on their graduation rates within 4 or 5 years. What percentage of students make it through the program to move on. Those with lower percentage of graduates may be schools that have more classes focused on weeding students out of programs than on helping them learn. Also look at the number of students in each class this can also give you an idea how the amount of individual focus. Visit the college or university and really see what it is like, not just through a tour but see if you can sit in on a class or two and talk to students as you are waking through the campus. Make sure you have a good fit with the over all school as you will be spending a lot of time there for a number of years.
As for the particular classes you will take, it very much depends on the program, but take as many different languages as possible, learn the fundamentals of the underlying infrastructure, learn the fundamentals of data design, and Security by design. Security will be a key aspect of everyone's job in IT going forward, so learning early on to focus on security aspects will only help you.
College is important to get your foundational knowledge and get into your first job. Make sure you do focus on learning and doing well, it can be very difficult at times, try to balance your courses such that you always have something you really enjoy along with all the required courses.
Above all enjoy the learning opportunities, best of luck on your journey.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
maya
Vijay Karani
Software Engineer
5
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Vijay’s Answer
College for Computer Science majors involve a structured system of teaching the foundations of Computer Science, and follow-up after that a specialization of computer science is introduced.
Let me give you an example of that system:
Year 1, you will learn Math and its importance to Computer Science, and may get a chance to learn a programming language like Java or Python which will help you understand how are computers trained in terms of how you think.
Year 2, the data structures and possibly how an operating system works like Windows or Mac, and the advanced concepts of building a software program like software life cycle.
Year 3, you may get a chance to work in team projects to build an end-to-end system which can be deployed. Additionally, you may get familiar with Mobile software engineering, versus Cloud based systems or Backend systems.
Year 4 or some form you may get into building data science, machine learning and the AI models of software.
Again, the intent here is to show you how baby steps are taken to shape an individual to a well structured computer science person. Rule is learning in the computer science industry never stops, the industry comes up with new things. The skills learnt in college will become your building blocks to grow and evolve in real world or advance to achieve higher education in the field.
Note: I have tried to give a very high level perspective since a lot of learning will depend on your ability to balance school load and the demand of the college requirements. The college year may not map your journey, but the flow of learning with pre-requisites will guide you to advanced learning in computer science.
Let me give you an example of that system:
Year 1, you will learn Math and its importance to Computer Science, and may get a chance to learn a programming language like Java or Python which will help you understand how are computers trained in terms of how you think.
Year 2, the data structures and possibly how an operating system works like Windows or Mac, and the advanced concepts of building a software program like software life cycle.
Year 3, you may get a chance to work in team projects to build an end-to-end system which can be deployed. Additionally, you may get familiar with Mobile software engineering, versus Cloud based systems or Backend systems.
Year 4 or some form you may get into building data science, machine learning and the AI models of software.
Again, the intent here is to show you how baby steps are taken to shape an individual to a well structured computer science person. Rule is learning in the computer science industry never stops, the industry comes up with new things. The skills learnt in college will become your building blocks to grow and evolve in real world or advance to achieve higher education in the field.
Note: I have tried to give a very high level perspective since a lot of learning will depend on your ability to balance school load and the demand of the college requirements. The college year may not map your journey, but the flow of learning with pre-requisites will guide you to advanced learning in computer science.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
maya
Jennifer Mulford
1
Answer
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
I love that you are taking advantage of Job Corps it is a great program! You are on the right track!
It looks like you have gotten a wealth of answers regarding college but let me just add a little advice and encouragement to the mix. I was able to take a fast track in my career by doing these things.
- Find a tech job after job corps in a company that you can grow and work while in school.
- Utilize work for credit programs at your college so you can keep full time status without being overloaded. This is where you can get units for working in the industry and usually a mentor will work with your company to get you projects that help build your skillset. I did this and I was promoted within 6 months because of the projects I worked on.
- You can succeed with a junior college. Don't get in bad debt with high cost student loans for university. Go to a junior college first if you need to, I learned plenty there.
- Eat, sleep, and breath tech for a while. Ensure that you are looking at the job descriptions for roles you would want to work in some day and learning the tools they don't teach in school. It takes years to get something into college curriculum and tech moves fast. OpenSource tools that are popular in the industry may not be taught in school. This will give you an advantage over other graduates.
- Don't give up! You can do this! Find a good mentor to be your cheerleader and help guide your path.
- Look for scholarships to conventions and attend all that you can to network and learn more.
I wish you the best of luck and success!!
It looks like you have gotten a wealth of answers regarding college but let me just add a little advice and encouragement to the mix. I was able to take a fast track in my career by doing these things.
- Find a tech job after job corps in a company that you can grow and work while in school.
- Utilize work for credit programs at your college so you can keep full time status without being overloaded. This is where you can get units for working in the industry and usually a mentor will work with your company to get you projects that help build your skillset. I did this and I was promoted within 6 months because of the projects I worked on.
- You can succeed with a junior college. Don't get in bad debt with high cost student loans for university. Go to a junior college first if you need to, I learned plenty there.
- Eat, sleep, and breath tech for a while. Ensure that you are looking at the job descriptions for roles you would want to work in some day and learning the tools they don't teach in school. It takes years to get something into college curriculum and tech moves fast. OpenSource tools that are popular in the industry may not be taught in school. This will give you an advantage over other graduates.
- Don't give up! You can do this! Find a good mentor to be your cheerleader and help guide your path.
- Look for scholarships to conventions and attend all that you can to network and learn more.
I wish you the best of luck and success!!
This was super helpful, thank you!
maya
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
941
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Maya, sorry for the long winded response. But here it is. Going to college for computer service can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s also a big step. Since you’re already in Job Corps working on your trade in computer service, you’ll have a head start when you begin college. Here's what you can expect:
1. In college, your classes will go deeper into technical skills like hardware, networking, cybersecurity, and software troubleshooting. Depending on your program, you might also study programming languages or IT management. You'll learn both theory and hands-on skills that are more advanced than what you're doing now in Job Corps.
2. Many computer service programs include lab work where you’ll apply what you’re learning in real-world scenarios. You might work on repairing computers, setting up networks, or solving technical issues. Colleges often have up-to-date equipment, and some offer virtual labs as well.
3. Colleges may help you prepare for industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, or Cisco’s CCNA. These certifications are valuable when looking for jobs in IT, as they show employers you have the skills they need. Some colleges even have partnerships with certification organizations, so you may be able to take exams at a reduced cost or on campus.
4. Depending on the college, you could have a mix of lectures, labs, and online learning. You’ll need to manage your time well, especially since technical courses can be challenging. But many colleges have support services like tutoring and career counseling to help you succeed.
5. A big part of college is getting real-world experience. Many programs will help you find internships with local companies or IT departments, which can be a great way to gain experience and build connections in the field. Some colleges also offer job placement services to help you find work after graduation.
6. Aside from academics, college can also be a social experience. You might want to get involved with IT clubs or student organizations. These groups often provide networking opportunities and additional learning experiences, like guest speakers or workshops.
Some helpful websites to explore:
- CollegeBoard - https://www.collegeboard.org: Offers information on different colleges, majors, and what to expect.
- CompTIA - https://www.comptia.org: Learn more about certifications you might pursue while studying computer service.
- Indeed Career Guide - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice: Articles on what careers in computer service are like and what skills you need.
Maya, I hope this gives you a clear idea of what to expect when you go to college for computer service. It’s a great field with lots of opportunities.
1. In college, your classes will go deeper into technical skills like hardware, networking, cybersecurity, and software troubleshooting. Depending on your program, you might also study programming languages or IT management. You'll learn both theory and hands-on skills that are more advanced than what you're doing now in Job Corps.
2. Many computer service programs include lab work where you’ll apply what you’re learning in real-world scenarios. You might work on repairing computers, setting up networks, or solving technical issues. Colleges often have up-to-date equipment, and some offer virtual labs as well.
3. Colleges may help you prepare for industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, or Cisco’s CCNA. These certifications are valuable when looking for jobs in IT, as they show employers you have the skills they need. Some colleges even have partnerships with certification organizations, so you may be able to take exams at a reduced cost or on campus.
4. Depending on the college, you could have a mix of lectures, labs, and online learning. You’ll need to manage your time well, especially since technical courses can be challenging. But many colleges have support services like tutoring and career counseling to help you succeed.
5. A big part of college is getting real-world experience. Many programs will help you find internships with local companies or IT departments, which can be a great way to gain experience and build connections in the field. Some colleges also offer job placement services to help you find work after graduation.
6. Aside from academics, college can also be a social experience. You might want to get involved with IT clubs or student organizations. These groups often provide networking opportunities and additional learning experiences, like guest speakers or workshops.
Some helpful websites to explore:
- CollegeBoard - https://www.collegeboard.org: Offers information on different colleges, majors, and what to expect.
- CompTIA - https://www.comptia.org: Learn more about certifications you might pursue while studying computer service.
- Indeed Career Guide - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice: Articles on what careers in computer service are like and what skills you need.
Maya, I hope this gives you a clear idea of what to expect when you go to college for computer service. It’s a great field with lots of opportunities.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
maya