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where do I start?

I'm interested in computer technology but i dont know where to start from. #information-technology #technology

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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Letzly M. Thanks so much for your question. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.

It can be hard to figure out where to start as you decide what type of work or career you want to have. And given how quickly technology can change, that can make it even hard to follow your path even if you have a plan already laid out.

For me, deciding on where to start, started with understanding what I like to do and what I was good at. I think that in order for anyone to be successful, determining these two things, as early as possible, is a good foundation for know what path to build for yourself.

Even the phrase "computer technology" is pretty broad, which is a good thing. It is important to to box yourself in too much. On where or maybe even "how" to start...get comfortable with doing research. Sometimes taking a few minutes to read some articles in technical magazines (which can easily be found in any online search tool), can at least give you a window into computer technology trends and buzz words. One good trait to possess and retain in the computer technology field is curiosity. Your level of curiosity will likely guide you to ask more questions about what you are reading/seeing, which likely will lead you to do more research.

I see that your home location Washington. Though I was born and raised on the east coast, I am no stranger to the powerhouse that the west coast is in the area of computer technology. You likely have many physical resources like technical and formal schools (both big and small), where you can research more about what slice of computer technology interests you. You may also have access to people who work in this field...a person who has some sort of job in anything from gaming to more traditional computer or software engineering. If you don't know of a person nearby, you can probably find one in one of the many articles you will read when/as you do your research. Local colleges and universities are famous for their community outreach. It may help to pay a visit to a nearby school to see what programs they may offer, either online or in person, during summer months, that allow students to engage on learning more about computer technology.

I think one of the best things about this field that you are trying to learn about, is it's inclusivity. My experience has been there are always members of the field who seek ways to expose the awesomeness of this field to others. Happy researching and best of luck!
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Andrew’s Answer

I would suggest that you try out a few technologies and see how you like them. You will learn more by doing than listening in tech and you might find something that you think is worth feeling passionate about. My suggestions:
1. Buy a Raspberry Pi and experiment with sensors and programming
2. Learn to write an app for Android or Apple. Doesn't matter what it does or if it is good enough to sell.
3. Download Python, watch some videos on how to program in Python and experiment with writing a program to do something with data

Internet of Things (IoT) is a growth sector in Tech and option 1 will tell you if you might enjoy it (or Robotics or embedded systems or something like that).

I don't personally think there's much money to be made writing the next big app for the app store, but most companies now need someone to write and maintain an app for their customers. If you find option 2 interesting, maybe this is something you could work towards.

Data Science is big and getting bigger. Companies have tonnes of data and want to gain insight from it. If you enjoy option 3 maybe this is for you.
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Lamar’s Answer

I agree with a previously submitted answer. Look into local community colleges and what IT programs they offer. In today's market employers are looking for people with demonstrable skills. It use to be that any Bachelor's degree granted entry into the field, but with the competition for employees, businesses can't afford to "train" someone only to have them leave for better paying positions. They want someone who can contribute immediately. The way you demonstrate that you can contribute is to have a "Certification". The way you gain a "Certification" is by passing a certification exam and the way you prepare for that exam is through education. However, it doesn't take four years, thus the Community College route.

Good luck to you. I entered the field a LONG time ago (I was self trained), but there are so many avenues open today.
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Wendy’s Answer

I recommend looking into community colleges and their IT program options first.
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Todd’s Answer

Consider what about technology interests you. Is it using a device? Is it knowing how the device works? Is it making the device work? Is it helping people figure out technology? Community College is a good resource, but I would recommend getting lower then the 10,000 foot view of the landscape. ("Interested in computer technology"), Maybe 1000, or less. "I am interested in creating technology to improve peoples lives". (100 foot view)
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