10 answers
Xavier
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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2. How did you get into the field of IT/computer science (I'm not sure which one I really want to do)?
I'm really looking for more general information about the path that you took to get to where you are today.
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10 answers
Jared Barnard
Program Manager / (former Regional Support Manager)
9
Answers
Spain
Updated
Jared’s Answer
My path is probably a hybrid. I've always been "handy" with tech and figuring things out, but never had the focus to sit and learn a programming language. But I always LOVED helping people! So I got into "IT" as I found that I could solve problems and help people at the same time. Technology is VERY frustrating to a lot of people, so to be able to take something that I loved and make it understandable to people who were intimidated by it was a win-win.
So really, the first thing you should do is figure out what you really love, and at first I don't mean skills that you love but VALUES that resonate with and define you. What things make you smile, make you "tick" and inspire you to wake up every day? Do you like to work alone, or do you prefer to work in groups? Do you like to help people? Here's a great site that can help you through this exercise (https://www.mindtools.com/a5eygum/what-are-your-values), but you can also Google "How to define my values" and find one that resonates with you. (I liked the one I linked because there is a nice list of values to consider.)
THEN look into the specific skills that you enjoy and how you might apply your values to those skills. Do you love learning new programming languages? Do you want to use those tools to solve problems? Would you prefer to go off on your own and consult with businesses about how to implement technology in their businesses, or maybe do custom programming?
Whatever you choose to do, make sure that that work aligns with making you happy and you'll go places you never imagined possible.
So really, the first thing you should do is figure out what you really love, and at first I don't mean skills that you love but VALUES that resonate with and define you. What things make you smile, make you "tick" and inspire you to wake up every day? Do you like to work alone, or do you prefer to work in groups? Do you like to help people? Here's a great site that can help you through this exercise (https://www.mindtools.com/a5eygum/what-are-your-values), but you can also Google "How to define my values" and find one that resonates with you. (I liked the one I linked because there is a nice list of values to consider.)
THEN look into the specific skills that you enjoy and how you might apply your values to those skills. Do you love learning new programming languages? Do you want to use those tools to solve problems? Would you prefer to go off on your own and consult with businesses about how to implement technology in their businesses, or maybe do custom programming?
Whatever you choose to do, make sure that that work aligns with making you happy and you'll go places you never imagined possible.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Xavier
Tasha Frazier
Software Sales
29
Answers
Aurora, Colorado
Updated
Tasha’s Answer
Hi, Xavier. The first thing I'd share is that the world changes and so do opportunities, so stay flexible. You may start in one direction and end up somewhere totally different than you expected, like I did.
My personal experience is that I studied chemical engineering, earning both undergrad and graduate degrees. My first job was engineering, but not really chemical engineering -- more like ceramic engineering. I did that for a few years and was able to interact with different employees and clients, at which point I realized sales was probably a better fit for me than engineering. I moved into semiconductor sales, then software sales, and now I work writing and negotiating large enterprise software agreements. I didn't even know this was a job when I started 20+ years ago.
In addition to the aforementioned flexible mind, there are three things to assess when a person is attempting to choose a career path: (1) aptitude, (2) passion/interest, and (3) value.
1. What things are you good at? You don't have to pursue a career in an area where you excel, but it will probably end up being frustrating if you choose a career where you struggle at a critical skill. For example, what would it look like if a surgeon was squeamish around blood?
2. What things do you like? Many people spend 40 years working in a chosen career, so you want it to be interesting for you. You may be really good at something but you don't like it, so that could lead to frustration or boredom. Consider what you like, what interests you, and even your passions.
3. What will people pay for? The reality is that you'll need to make a living, so your chosen career path should enable you to meet your needs. Figure out where your skills and interests can bring value to others.
If you can consider the answers to those questions, it can help you figure out what types of roles in IT and technology might be a better fit for you. There is no right answer, but I hope these ideas will get you thinking about some paths that could work for you. Good luck!
My personal experience is that I studied chemical engineering, earning both undergrad and graduate degrees. My first job was engineering, but not really chemical engineering -- more like ceramic engineering. I did that for a few years and was able to interact with different employees and clients, at which point I realized sales was probably a better fit for me than engineering. I moved into semiconductor sales, then software sales, and now I work writing and negotiating large enterprise software agreements. I didn't even know this was a job when I started 20+ years ago.
In addition to the aforementioned flexible mind, there are three things to assess when a person is attempting to choose a career path: (1) aptitude, (2) passion/interest, and (3) value.
1. What things are you good at? You don't have to pursue a career in an area where you excel, but it will probably end up being frustrating if you choose a career where you struggle at a critical skill. For example, what would it look like if a surgeon was squeamish around blood?
2. What things do you like? Many people spend 40 years working in a chosen career, so you want it to be interesting for you. You may be really good at something but you don't like it, so that could lead to frustration or boredom. Consider what you like, what interests you, and even your passions.
3. What will people pay for? The reality is that you'll need to make a living, so your chosen career path should enable you to meet your needs. Figure out where your skills and interests can bring value to others.
If you can consider the answers to those questions, it can help you figure out what types of roles in IT and technology might be a better fit for you. There is no right answer, but I hope these ideas will get you thinking about some paths that could work for you. Good luck!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Xavier
Anne Stone
Data Center Technician
3
Answers
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Updated
Anne’s Answer
I would recommend trying to narrow down a little bit what your interests may be in the field, by trying out different aspects of IT and computer science. The website FreeCodeCamp is great to try out some software engineering or programming. If you find AI or video games interesting or prefer to work at a desk being creative and using primarily your mind, you might want to check out computer science. If you prefer solving problems or working with your hands, such as helping an elderly neighbor set up their TV, or building a PC for a friend, you may enjoy IT more.
There's quite a bit of overlap in the field itself, and if you're looking to select a degree then Computer Science will apply to a wide array of jobs in the tech field.
I personally was interested in Computer Science but got very burnt out from school, and couldn't get through a traditional university. I chose to join the national guard and go to community college for IT, and now I'm a Data Center technician for Microsoft. Which is a form of IT where I get to work with my hands fixing servers and hardware, rather than interacting directly with customers or sitting in an office staring at a screen all day. I enjoy my work a lot, and it's a career where it's easy to leave work at work, and forget all about my day when I get home.
Try FreeCodeCamp.com for software engineering
Check out A+ from Comptia to learn about hardware and operating systems for IT.
Check out other certifications from Comptia. There's lots of different tech certs, and lots of study material is available for free on Youtube.
There's quite a bit of overlap in the field itself, and if you're looking to select a degree then Computer Science will apply to a wide array of jobs in the tech field.
I personally was interested in Computer Science but got very burnt out from school, and couldn't get through a traditional university. I chose to join the national guard and go to community college for IT, and now I'm a Data Center technician for Microsoft. Which is a form of IT where I get to work with my hands fixing servers and hardware, rather than interacting directly with customers or sitting in an office staring at a screen all day. I enjoy my work a lot, and it's a career where it's easy to leave work at work, and forget all about my day when I get home.
Anne recommends the following next steps:
Stephen Lowery
Project Manager
10
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Hi Xavier,
What a great question. As others have stated, your career path will meander and take you multiple places. I initially went to college for a marketing degree and after graduation I had a few jobs that wasn't getting me where I wanted to be and ended up going back to school for a management of information systems degree. I honestly picked this major because I was interested in technology but didn't want to do coding. I also picked it because it was in the college of business and I already had a lot of the pre-requisite courses complete so it wouldn't take me a long time to graduate. While the primary focus of my degree was databases and the ecosystem around them I am now a project manager.
The great thing is you can pivot at ANY point in your career if you find yourself getting bored or burned out. I myself, love diversity and that's why project management is fun for me. If you take anything away from my post, expose yourself to multiple disciplines and technology that will expand your horizons now and in the future.
What a great question. As others have stated, your career path will meander and take you multiple places. I initially went to college for a marketing degree and after graduation I had a few jobs that wasn't getting me where I wanted to be and ended up going back to school for a management of information systems degree. I honestly picked this major because I was interested in technology but didn't want to do coding. I also picked it because it was in the college of business and I already had a lot of the pre-requisite courses complete so it wouldn't take me a long time to graduate. While the primary focus of my degree was databases and the ecosystem around them I am now a project manager.
The great thing is you can pivot at ANY point in your career if you find yourself getting bored or burned out. I myself, love diversity and that's why project management is fun for me. If you take anything away from my post, expose yourself to multiple disciplines and technology that will expand your horizons now and in the future.
Stephen, thank you!
Xavier
Jared Barnard
Program Manager / (former Regional Support Manager)
9
Answers
Spain
Updated
Jared’s Answer
My path has been somewhat of a hybrid. I’ve always had a knack for tech and solving problems, but sitting down to master programming languages? Not really my thing. However, I absolutely love helping people. That’s how I found myself in IT—I could troubleshoot issues and make a difference simultaneously. Technology can be really frustrating for many, so I found it rewarding to demystify it for those who felt daunted.
The first step in finding your path is to figure out what you genuinely love. Start with identifying your core values, not just the skills you enjoy. Ask yourself what makes you happy, what inspires you, and what you look forward to every day. Do you prefer working alone, or do you thrive in a team setting? Are you drawn to helping others? Here's a helpful site that can guide you through this process (https://www.mindtools.com/a5eygum/what-are-your-values). You can also search for "How to define my values" to find resources that resonate with you. (I really like the list of values provided in the linked article -- it gives you a list of values you may have never considered.)
After that, explore the specific skills you enjoy and consider how they align with your values. Are you excited about learning new programming languages? Do you want to use those skills to solve problems? Would you rather consult with businesses on how to implement technology, or engage in custom programming? Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with what makes you happy. Pursuing a career that brings you joy will take you to places you never imagined.
The first step in finding your path is to figure out what you genuinely love. Start with identifying your core values, not just the skills you enjoy. Ask yourself what makes you happy, what inspires you, and what you look forward to every day. Do you prefer working alone, or do you thrive in a team setting? Are you drawn to helping others? Here's a helpful site that can guide you through this process (https://www.mindtools.com/a5eygum/what-are-your-values). You can also search for "How to define my values" to find resources that resonate with you. (I really like the list of values provided in the linked article -- it gives you a list of values you may have never considered.)
After that, explore the specific skills you enjoy and consider how they align with your values. Are you excited about learning new programming languages? Do you want to use those skills to solve problems? Would you rather consult with businesses on how to implement technology, or engage in custom programming? Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with what makes you happy. Pursuing a career that brings you joy will take you to places you never imagined.
Thank you so much!
Xavier
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
116
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
I was an Econ major! I got involved in IT through starting in consulting (because that is what you do when you have no idea what you really want to do) and have been here ever since.
I used to (and sometimes still) have impostor syndrome when I work with skilled technical folks day in and day out while being the non-technical person in the room, but you will find that having an interest in the solution, curiosity to learn and involvement with your team to achieve success together will get you a long way to where you want to go.
I work as an Engagement Director in the Project Management Office now, and focusing on honing my business analysis and project management skillset has allowed me to be effective working in IT as a former Econ major "fish out of water" that can bring outside perspectives to the otherwise technical work my team and our clients do.
I used to (and sometimes still) have impostor syndrome when I work with skilled technical folks day in and day out while being the non-technical person in the room, but you will find that having an interest in the solution, curiosity to learn and involvement with your team to achieve success together will get you a long way to where you want to go.
I work as an Engagement Director in the Project Management Office now, and focusing on honing my business analysis and project management skillset has allowed me to be effective working in IT as a former Econ major "fish out of water" that can bring outside perspectives to the otherwise technical work my team and our clients do.
Thanks for the help.
Xavier
Courtney Edwards
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
I discovered my knack for self-learning, especially in the field of technology. I took the initiative to enroll in school and diligently researched which tech careers would be beneficial for me, both in the immediate and long-term future.
Hi Xavier, IT/computer science are immense (who likes to programming, testing, analyst, project manager, release management). The best way is to attend school (community college) in technology. You will get general idea and you will be able to select . While you are attending you must get internship jobs.
Luci Speir
Shoshana Jamieson
Partner, SAP Practice
4
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Shoshana’s Answer
Hi Xavier,
I went to university in the mid-1990s and computers and Y2K were being discussed everywhere. I decided to complete a business degree - bachelor of commerce with a concentration in MIS from McGill University in Montreal so that I could blend business and computers. When I graduated, my skills were in high demand and I was approached by a company who was focusing in SAP (little known back then :) ). I have spent the last 28 years within the SAP world rising from a hands on consultant, to team lead, project manager and program manager and today am a Partner at IBM in the SAP Practice.
I hope my story helps you see that following your instinct and interests helps open doors to opportunities you may not have considered when you started.
Best of luck!
Shoshana
I went to university in the mid-1990s and computers and Y2K were being discussed everywhere. I decided to complete a business degree - bachelor of commerce with a concentration in MIS from McGill University in Montreal so that I could blend business and computers. When I graduated, my skills were in high demand and I was approached by a company who was focusing in SAP (little known back then :) ). I have spent the last 28 years within the SAP world rising from a hands on consultant, to team lead, project manager and program manager and today am a Partner at IBM in the SAP Practice.
I hope my story helps you see that following your instinct and interests helps open doors to opportunities you may not have considered when you started.
Best of luck!
Shoshana
Susan Andrews-Esposito
Business Analyst
4
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Xavier, People take various paths to land in IT. There are so many areas in the IT field, and some will fit your interests than others. There are a few common features to the many careers in IT: you must like overcoming challenges (you may have to solve problems no one ever faced before, so you can't often ask "How do I do this?") ; you must be flexible (your job will change over time); and you need to love learning new things (IT is evolving at a very fast rate). I was a Chemistry major in college. That's a highly analytical field, so it's really not far off from computer programming. I was required to take (4) high-level Math courses and (1) computer programming course. (It was recommended to take a second programming course, which I did.) I enjoyed the Math courses and took 1 beyond the required... at that point, I declared a double-major. I enjoyed the (2) computer programming courses, and I wanted to take more. Some were offered by the Math department, so they qualified as electives for my Math major. By my Senior year, I knew I wanted to go into IT rather than Chemistry. I enrolled in grad school, where I earned a MS in Computer Science. Before graduation, I applied to MANY companies, but competition for IT jobs was fierce, and all jobs wanted "experience". I approached the Chairman of Comp-Scie department, knowing he had industry contacts; he offered me a job as an Adjunct Professor for a year... unexpected twist, but it actually worked in my favor. I applied for many IT jobs that year, and the following May, I started working for IBM. While this wasn't a direct route into IT, I've heard many co-workers describe their equally "twisted" paths.
Michele Lofchie
Senior Solution Consultant
6
Answers
Rockford, Illinois
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Remember, your educational journey is not a final destination but a springboard into your professional life. I began my journey as an accounting major, drawn by my proficiency in math. However, I soon realized that the rigid rules of accounting weren't for me. That's when I shifted to Computer Information Systems (CIS).
CIS falls under the broader IT umbrella, but it's more focused on the application side, while IT encompasses networks and databases. I found my analytical skills were a perfect match for CIS, which operates on an "if this, then that" basis. CIS also calls for creativity, as there are multiple solutions to a problem and you need to find the most effective one.
CIS has a strong business focus, requiring collaboration with business professionals to automate their processes. If you enjoy this interaction, IT might be a better fit for you than Computer Science. However, if you prefer working behind the scenes, don't rule out IT. There are plenty of backend roles that are just as crucial and fulfilling.
My career started with two roles as an applications programmer. I then transitioned into a Sales Support Representative role, where I conducted software demos, answered technical queries, and trained end users. Now, I work as a Business Analyst/Solution Consultant, helping to understand business needs and develop systems to meet them.
So, your career path may evolve over time. It might branch off from your foundational skills or take an entirely new direction. Reflect on your strengths and what activities make your day fly by - these are likely areas you naturally excel in and enjoy.
CIS falls under the broader IT umbrella, but it's more focused on the application side, while IT encompasses networks and databases. I found my analytical skills were a perfect match for CIS, which operates on an "if this, then that" basis. CIS also calls for creativity, as there are multiple solutions to a problem and you need to find the most effective one.
CIS has a strong business focus, requiring collaboration with business professionals to automate their processes. If you enjoy this interaction, IT might be a better fit for you than Computer Science. However, if you prefer working behind the scenes, don't rule out IT. There are plenty of backend roles that are just as crucial and fulfilling.
My career started with two roles as an applications programmer. I then transitioned into a Sales Support Representative role, where I conducted software demos, answered technical queries, and trained end users. Now, I work as a Business Analyst/Solution Consultant, helping to understand business needs and develop systems to meet them.
So, your career path may evolve over time. It might branch off from your foundational skills or take an entirely new direction. Reflect on your strengths and what activities make your day fly by - these are likely areas you naturally excel in and enjoy.