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What kind of degree do I need to go and help people with computer needs?

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Hassan’s Answer

Depending on the employer, you many not need a degree. Look for jobs in your area that peek your interest and see what skills they require.

However, I assume that many such jobs require hands on experience from prior jobs or training classes. Also, there are lots of training and certification programs for Computer Repair and Maintenance.

Thank you comment icon Thank you very much Richie
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Jackson A.’s Answer

I reviewed the answers and advices from other respondents and they all are correct.

To answer your question - It really depends what interest you the most. If you are interest is just to support computer users in the company (we call them end users) then you want to work in the help desk department. This kind of job may not require a four years computer degree but you need to be someone who can troubleshoot and resolve computer problems whether those are software or hardware based issues. You can learn this skill on the job or by doing certifications. If you want to be a network engineer for instance, you can also learn on the job or you can have a degree in either Computer Science or Information Systems.

Getting a degree in your area of interest helps in setting you apart from the competition. So, I will encourage you to go to college and get either an associate degree (for starter)or a bachelor degree in Computer Science or Information Systems. Good luck on your pursuit
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Bhumip’s Answer

It all depends on what you mean by "helping" others in terms of their "computer needs."

Often people need help in setting up their computers with appropriate hardware and software configurations in order to make their job simpler and/or smoother.
If that is the case, you can either focus on hardware or software (Applications and services) or both based on your passion.

A simple two year or so based degree in the area of Computer Technician would help you get started.
Always remember, it is the experience that counts a lot in terms of helping others with Computer needs.

A degree and books can only cover and/or teach only a handful of situations/solutions.

If you like to know more about theory and future practices, a graduate and/or post-graduate degree may be helpful. You will help others imagine better, in term of what can or will be possible by using Computers.

So, please find the topics -- in terms of computer help needs -- that you are most passionate about.
Focus on those topics, and go out there to help others; you will learn a lot by doing and helping others.

All my Best.
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Francesca’s Answer

Depending on what specific roles you are interested you may not necessarily need a degree at all. Similar to some of the suggestions above I would recommend looking up some job descriptions of roles you are interested in and then you can get a better idea looking at the role requirements of what you can be working towards.
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Robert’s Answer

If you want to work with people and computers I would look into a Management Information Systems or Computer Information Systems programs.

If you want to work with just computers I would look into a Computer Science program.
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Tim’s Answer

Hello, the answers before mine were all very relevant and good advice. I would just add that when you think about computers and have that interest think about software. I'm from a small town in South Dakota ( I see you are from Iowa) and I was able to take me interest in computers and then go into software development.

If interested in Software Development, you can start learning very simple languages like python and then go from there.

Good Luck.
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Rebecca’s Answer

It depends on what the needs of the computer needs you are referring to. If you are referring to the computer needs itself, you may not require a particular degree or an associate degree/diploma is sufficient. However, if you are referring to the needs in corporates, banks, etc., it may require Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree.
In business world, the users may have requirement on either software (e.g. apps, web pages, application systems, etc.) and hardwares. It depends on which aspect you are interested on and hence you can take the relevant subjects as you major. Suggest you can explore more online or opportunities to be an intern.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Eletha’s Answer

I would recommend a few computer certifications or at a minimum; a 2 year Associates Degree in a field that you are interested. To help people with computers can offer a ton of different opportunities and not all jobs will require a degree; but will require prior experience. There is computer science, computer repair and lots of other programs. Start researching what job you are interested in, the job requirements and if you decide to enroll in college; be sure to seek out a advisor to help you map out the best course of action to reach your goal.
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much Richie
Thank you comment icon You're very welcome. A final thought is research top tech companies where you live and see if any of them offer internships or programs for continuing education. Good Luck! Eletha Beckford Smith
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Sierra’s Answer

Hi there! I just wanted to add something to the wonderful answers above. If you are looking to help individuals with disabilities access and/or adapt computers and other technology there is something called an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification. To get the certification you must take an exam the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North American (RESNA) . To qualify to sit for the exam you must have at least 300 hours working with assistive technology as well as a bachelors in rehab science or special education. Alternatively, you can qualify to sit for the exam if you an associate degree but will need to show more work hours/experience. More details about the certification are provided on Resna.org. Best of luck!
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Julian’s Answer

It honestly depends on what type of field you’re looking to go into. There’s different categories/positions in the computer/ technology. I would do some research and see what peaks your interests. In college there’s different degrees certain companies require. There is computer science, computer repair and lots of other programs. But with research of what peaks your interests will help you best.
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