6 answers
garett
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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what are some high school courses I should do during high school that may help for IT ?
I am a 10th grader in high school and I asking what high school tech I should do.
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6 answers
Ryan Curry
Techreative | Vetrepreneur | Culturategist
84
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hey Garett,
As a 10th grader in high school, it's great to see that you're already thinking about how to prepare for a career in IT. There are several courses and activities you can consider during high school that will help lay a strong foundation for your future in the technology industry.
Firstly, try to take as many math and science courses as you can, especially those that focus on computer science, physics, and calculus. These subjects will help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in the world of IT.
If your school offers specific computer science classes, be sure to enroll in those. These courses usually cover topics like programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and software development. Learning to code in languages like Python, Java, or C++ will give you a head start when pursuing higher education or job opportunities in the tech field.
In addition to formal classes, consider joining extracurricular activities like robotics clubs, coding clubs, or other technology-related groups. These clubs can provide hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate with peers who share your interests. They can also help you build a network of like-minded individuals, which can be invaluable as you progress in your education and career.
Finally, don't hesitate to explore online resources, such as tutorials, coding platforms, and open-source projects. These resources can help you develop new skills and gain practical experience, even if your school doesn't offer a wide range of technology-focused courses.
As a 10th grader in high school, it's great to see that you're already thinking about how to prepare for a career in IT. There are several courses and activities you can consider during high school that will help lay a strong foundation for your future in the technology industry.
Firstly, try to take as many math and science courses as you can, especially those that focus on computer science, physics, and calculus. These subjects will help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in the world of IT.
If your school offers specific computer science classes, be sure to enroll in those. These courses usually cover topics like programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and software development. Learning to code in languages like Python, Java, or C++ will give you a head start when pursuing higher education or job opportunities in the tech field.
In addition to formal classes, consider joining extracurricular activities like robotics clubs, coding clubs, or other technology-related groups. These clubs can provide hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate with peers who share your interests. They can also help you build a network of like-minded individuals, which can be invaluable as you progress in your education and career.
Finally, don't hesitate to explore online resources, such as tutorials, coding platforms, and open-source projects. These resources can help you develop new skills and gain practical experience, even if your school doesn't offer a wide range of technology-focused courses.
Sikawayi Williams
Counselor
227
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Garett, thank you for your question. there aren't any classes in high school you can take other than your regular computer classes. But there are other things you can do to help yourself for example, you can start by going to your guidance counselor at school and ask about what classes you would be taking your first year of college, just let him/her know that you want to know a little more about what you're walking into. Your next step would be to find the classes online. Lastly make sure you don't let your other studies fall behind. Best of luck
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
462
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
I slightly disagree. Math is useful. Not because you will use a lot of calculus or algebra when programming, but because taking math helps you learn to think clearly and logically. Take as much math as you can. Science is also a good idea for the same reason. Logical and critical thinking are so important in this job.
Taking writing classes will help you. A lot of the job of a programmer is to communicate ideas to other programmers, IT people, and managers - all of whom have different knowledge levels. You wouldn't explain something to your CEO the same way you'd explain it to another programmer. Being able to write things down in complete sentences, in a well organized document is vital.
If user interfaces interest you, take some art classes. You want to learn about what can attract the eye, what is ugly, what is pleasing...etc. Learning to view things with a critical eye for design really helps here.
Typing. They may call it keyboarding now, but learn to touch-type. It pains me when I see professional developers hunt-n-peck on the keyboard. Yes, I still on occasion have to look and see where some symbols are (like &, %, $...etc). But being able to touch-type makes you vastly faster at being a coder. It's worth every hour you spend practicing.
Take something you just enjoy. Nobody I know likes to code all day and night. Develop other interest to help keep your mind fresh. Then, spend time doing them. Some of my best solutions to programming problems come when I'm taking a walk, or reading a fantasy novel, or watching TV. The more experiences you have, the more connections your brain can make. You never know when something from one unrelated discipline with spark an idea that lets you fix a problem in your code.
Taking writing classes will help you. A lot of the job of a programmer is to communicate ideas to other programmers, IT people, and managers - all of whom have different knowledge levels. You wouldn't explain something to your CEO the same way you'd explain it to another programmer. Being able to write things down in complete sentences, in a well organized document is vital.
If user interfaces interest you, take some art classes. You want to learn about what can attract the eye, what is ugly, what is pleasing...etc. Learning to view things with a critical eye for design really helps here.
Typing. They may call it keyboarding now, but learn to touch-type. It pains me when I see professional developers hunt-n-peck on the keyboard. Yes, I still on occasion have to look and see where some symbols are (like &, %, $...etc). But being able to touch-type makes you vastly faster at being a coder. It's worth every hour you spend practicing.
Take something you just enjoy. Nobody I know likes to code all day and night. Develop other interest to help keep your mind fresh. Then, spend time doing them. Some of my best solutions to programming problems come when I'm taking a walk, or reading a fantasy novel, or watching TV. The more experiences you have, the more connections your brain can make. You never know when something from one unrelated discipline with spark an idea that lets you fix a problem in your code.
Howard Jones
Consultant
1
Answer
Hartford, Connecticut
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Hi - it is important to keep in mind that the reason IT exists as a career is to ultimately create, install, and support solutions for businesses or consumers. Careers in IT range from the expected engineering and programming jobs to project managers, designers, technical writing, customer support, sales, solution architecting, trainers, change management specialists, financial managers and many more. I work at Microsoft and we employ over 220,000 people. The range of different careers is mind blowing.
So - to directly answer your question... take classes that appear interesting to you and align with your passions. You will likely get better grades in the classes you like the best... which will help your GPA and qualify you for better college programs and perhaps scholarships. Be open to any and all learning opportunities for the things that you are curious about. If there are any opportunities for work/study or "sampling" classes where you get to learn about different careers, definitely take advantage of those. So many kids block out potential career opportunities because of incorrect perceptions. Don't rule anything out until you actually try it. My freshman year in college I thought I might want to be a doctor... a surgeon in particular. My dad arranged for me to attend a surgery with a doctor friend of his. I literally passed out in the operating room. The blood and the smell of cauterized flesh was a bit too much for me. So, I moved on to engineering and technology and have enjoyed a 40 year consulting career. To wrap this up, is there any particular aspect of IT that you think you are interested in? If so, post more specific questions about that area of IT and see what comes back. Also, hopefully you have a good guidance counselor at your school that can help direct you to good local resources. There are summer programs sponsored by the National Science Foundation that offer a variety of subjects for students to get a more immersive experience in the subjects they are interested in. Most of these programs have scholarship funding for those who need it.
So - to directly answer your question... take classes that appear interesting to you and align with your passions. You will likely get better grades in the classes you like the best... which will help your GPA and qualify you for better college programs and perhaps scholarships. Be open to any and all learning opportunities for the things that you are curious about. If there are any opportunities for work/study or "sampling" classes where you get to learn about different careers, definitely take advantage of those. So many kids block out potential career opportunities because of incorrect perceptions. Don't rule anything out until you actually try it. My freshman year in college I thought I might want to be a doctor... a surgeon in particular. My dad arranged for me to attend a surgery with a doctor friend of his. I literally passed out in the operating room. The blood and the smell of cauterized flesh was a bit too much for me. So, I moved on to engineering and technology and have enjoyed a 40 year consulting career. To wrap this up, is there any particular aspect of IT that you think you are interested in? If so, post more specific questions about that area of IT and see what comes back. Also, hopefully you have a good guidance counselor at your school that can help direct you to good local resources. There are summer programs sponsored by the National Science Foundation that offer a variety of subjects for students to get a more immersive experience in the subjects they are interested in. Most of these programs have scholarship funding for those who need it.
Kyle Feigenwinter
Network Security Engineer
3
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
I don't think there is one "correct" answer to this to help you today. IT touches multiple fields and you can apply many skills to it. If you were to focus on one element of your schooling it would be your mathematics. This helps you think analytically to solve a problem in different ways. In today's world, there is rarely ever one way to solve something. An underrated skill in IT is being able to talk about your work in a way that is effective. I know public speaking isn't a focus in some classes, but when you do have the opportunity to do it: take advantage of it!
Steve Nikolovski
Business Intelligence Tools Manager
10
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I wouldn't worry too much abut specific classes in high school for a job in tech. If you are going to college, your first few years you will be taking many course that have nothing to do with IT - which is actually a good thing! However, I would think being strong in math will never hurt and will improve your analysis and problem solving skills which are so important in IT. I have met several math majors in IT that were excellent in the IT world. Just make sure you keep an open mind with all of your classes because you never know what may peak your interest being in the 10th grade. Successful people in IT are usually the ones with good communication skills either verbally or written. You have alot of time to make career decisions so keep your grades up and best of luck!