Things to major in, jobs to consider(senior in HS), PC related??

[TraceDaBoss]

Hi tomshardware. I'm currently a senior in high school, and I'm looking to major in something that I'll actually enjoy doing. I LOVE computer hardware related things, I love building PCs, I love playing me some good ol' counterstrike, or any of the other games in my steam library of course. I am interested in anything from coding or software development to game development as well. Any suggestions for what kind of jobs I'd be good for? I honestly could care less about how much a salary is (I'm US btw), all I care is that I can live comfortably(50k+?) and be happy with my job. I am not looking to go to a super nice college, just something cheap that I can get my bachelors in. What kind of things should I major in, or jobs should I consider with my current interests? Thanks, -T

 

[COLGeek]

Have you taken your ACT or SAT yet? If so, how were your math scores?

 

[Mankar Kameran]

You could get away with a Bachelor's in Computer Game Design. That's what I did and I landed a job in IT straight out of college. I build computers and fix anything that has to do with tech. Unless you want to have that college experience, you could do it all through online classes. Some classes were really fun and we would get to make and play games all the time. Plus, that degree lets you explore graphic design, 3d modeling, and all sorts of things if you decide you want to change routes.

 

[USAFRet]

Also, "live comfortably" with 50k+ means different things in different places.

NYC, Wash, DC, California...you'd be hurting.
Omaha, Cleveland, Rochester...no problem.

Coding - have you built anything so far? Even just playing around?

 

[Kurdain1]

I think anything S.T.E.M. based and you will have demand for years.
But as you said, you want to have a job where your happy, which is 100% up to you because only you know what you like to do and what you are good at.
Test scores are a helpful indication but you might not like what you are good at.

I am very good at a large number of high tech maintenance tasks, from large manufacturing equipment, PLC's, electronics, robots and all the related items, but I do not find it particularly exciting after 20 years. 😛

I would say that whatever you decide to do, take a minor in some management or business courses because those skills apply to any and every industry, even if you start your own business.

Also whatever you decide, prepare to go to school or training most of your life (varies a bit depending on job/career) because to stay ahead of the curve you need to develop and sharpen skills continuously.

USAFRet also has a point, what is comfortable to you and where? How large of a family (you're too young to think of this yet but just wait!)

 

[Vetsku]

Computer Science and Computer Engineering are very good paid and respectful things to major in. Those require quite alot of math and they are going to be challenging. Also the computer game design and all of the IT majors are interesting to me aswell.