Good Tech Job To Start With?

[VitrasSlade]

I'm 20 years old and a little over a year ago I started to really get into computer tech. Built my own system, did some tinkering installing Linux and in the process of setting up my own NAS. I graduated High school with honors, though have not done any secondary education due to uncertainty in what I wanted to do (until now). I currently work at a gas station and am getting sick of the meaningless labor that doesn't lead up to anything and the gossip/drama pastimes. I live in a small town located in Northern Minnesota (10 miles South of Canada, that's how far North), but am expecting/wanting to move for a new job.

So with the context filled in, I basically need help to find a suitable job. I would prefer no salesman positions, at least not on a sales floor, if that makes sense. Also, online may not be a good idea as I get distracted easily and do better in an environment that isn't home. My (day)dream job currently is being a custom system builder. I'd even be good with apprentice modder, if there is such a thing. I am really clueless on where/how to look.

I'm starting to feel really desperate to find a new job, as with my anxiety I am having attacks too easily, while on my meds. I honestly consider this forum as one of the most reliable things to find advice for anything tech related, so here I am ready to beg for help.

Much thanks!

 

[smorizio]

there are a few jobs to start to look at on monster.com and online. one is from local schools that have entry level pc tech. some collages and biz now have entry level internship for in house tech support. if you can get into the state collages you be set. another joke to look at is any state loto pc field service. fix and install loto machines. there also the same jobs in most states that have casino. another type of job to look at is debug and field return parts, where most comp looking for people that can debug parts down to a chip and then warn or flag the comp that there getting a high failure rate. also look into comp make power sypplys and or aother parts. learn how to soilder and or burn ion testing. problem now is most tv reapir people are gone there are only few reapir depo in the us that sears and other people like best buys use.

 

[smorizio]

with computers start with books that deal with basic ac/dc theories. have to know diffrent parts on a board. how to follow a flow chat and voltage and or signal tracing. min some people also look at you have aplus pc test under your belt. another good cirt is microsoft mse. there also work for people that know network and servers. with your pc look up service repair guilds for printer and monitor and other parts. lots of vendors have there repair guilds in pdf online. look at them and see how to look at and truble shoot errors also look at service parts there names and how to remove the parts. with some parts like monitors and laptops the hardest part not snapping plastic bezels. when you can start making a pc repair kit. start with a good dc volt meter and good set of probes. do what a lot of people do known..get on ssdi for bi-polar. get free money and training from us gov. then get a good high paying job

 

[Ralston18]

No disagreement with Smorizio.

Remember this "conversation"....

Alice: Oh, no, no. I was just wondering if you could help me find my way.
Cheshire Cat: Well that depends on where you want to get to.
Alice: Oh, it really doesn't matter, as long as...
Cheshire Cat: Then it really doesn't matter which way you go.

The good news is you have some sense of where you want to go...

Here is what I noted:

" I graduated High school with honors, though have not done any secondary education due to uncertainty in what I wanted to do (until now)."

You are not and will not be the first person to go into secondary education without knowing what you want to do. Most Community Colleges are very adept at helping students at all levels start working things out and deciding on possible career paths. And, no matter what, those paths can and will change. Many folks here (including myself) have had multiple careers along the way.

Start taking classes as best you can with respect to finances and time. Work towards a good, general education AA degree and include a few IT classes toward the applicable minor degree. But ramp up your writing, communication, mathematics, and science skills. Do hands on things as best you can per Smorizio.

Commit to the degree, do it, and then you will be in a stronger position with more options for the next step(s) in your life.

The not really so bad news at this point is simply that you must now get started and go forward.

 

[smorizio]

also look into a few coding classes too.

 

[VitrasSlade]

I suppose schooling would probably be the best next step. Any particular classes I should look for to start off with? Or maybe some good colleges to look at for consideration?

 

[Ralston18]

To answer your questions in reverse order:

Good college is relative but you do want an accredited institution. Avoid technical schools that mostly put you into debt without any meaningful training or end skills. Even if they do "guarantee" passing some certification or even a job.

Not sure about your finances or willingness to relocate. In-state community colleges are a good starting point. Many have counselors that can help. Your high school may even have someone - albeit overworked etc. who can still help you.

As for classes I am very much a proponent for getting a good basic education including writing, math, communications, sciences, etc.. If the college has an "IT" program there may be various paths available you. Coding (per Smorizio) if you like software. Hands on classes for networking if you like hardware. Either way there should be some probably required intro classes. E.g., Introduction to Computer Science 101.... Then a 102 perhaps and then electives into the 200's. If you have the time you may be able to, with permission, take an extra class or two or even skip a pre-requisite class if the instructor feels that you can do so.

Go online, check some local colleges - especially those of interest. Look at the degrees offered, the curriculum, the electives, etc.

Make appointments and visit. Meet with a counselor, faculty, students, tour the facilities, look at the school overall. You will know when you find the right college. But "right" may change and you could transfer somewhere else later on. One of those "career change" things....

 

[VitrasSlade]

Thanks, that was pretty helpful actually. I know I'm gonna have to relocate, as all of the local colleges are pretty lacking. And I'll be going for cheaper, smaller places in hopes of getting a better experience (smaller classes so professors can actually care). I know a couple of people who should be able to point me to some colleges with the degrees I'm looking for.

Thanks for the help guys.