I'm 17 and from the UK, studying for my a-levels (stupid english quslifications), i personally think im pretty good at computing, i.c.t etc, but i have read alot of threads on this site and some of you seem to be some kind of prodical sons of computing so i was just wondering what do you think i should go onto study computing wise??
I also studied under the British system many, many years ago so I'm familiar with 'A'-levels. I did Math, Phys and Chem. General Paper was compulsory but was not counted as a subject. As for your question, I'm not sure if you're asking 'where to go' for further studies in computing as your thread title suggests meaning what institution or place you could go to for further reading/studies having made the decision to pursue this field as a career or a place where you can obtain resource material to help you to decide whether or not you want this field as a career option. [bold]Quote: so i was just wondering what do you think i should go onto study computing wise??[/bold] This could mean that you're asking what aspect of computing should you pursue as opposed to where to go for further studies. Unless by saying 'where to go' you mean what aspect/direction of the computing field should you pursue further studies in. This is assuming that you have decided that this is what you want to do and now are seeking advice as to how to proceed. Correct me if I'm wrong but I get the impression that you are still deciding on this and need some advice as to whether or not you should pursue this career path. I would be more than happy to help you(as best as I can) but please clarify your question for me.
Programming, i love it, it interests me loads, and i love to build up a program and actually see it work! So what do u think is the best path to follow?
There is a place called Kalamazoo, pretty good, they pay damn good aswell, but i need better qualification 1st i would think
Ok, now we're on track. You have an inclination towards programming so that's a good start. At your age your career interest is often times influenced by your parents, peers, what appears fun & easy, what makes loads of money and a host of other things. That's not a bad thing but you now have a very life altering decision to make about your career path and seeking appropriate advice is crucial. Not that you can't change your career later on. Do you have a "Career Day" at your school where professionals come to your school and sensitize students about their field of expertise. If you have that and can make contact either via this route or applying for a summer trainee course/temp job/apprenticeship or something similar in a tech company that fosters your interest, this would be a step in the right direction. Not only will you gain technical expertise but you will get your feet wet in the ways of the corporate world. Take the opportunity to learn how marketable you are with advanced qualification in this field and if there is scope for further studies/employment where you want to work or if you to relocate for either of these. If given this opportunity take the time to learn about hardware,etc as you never know what you may end up doing and the more knowledgeable you are the more empowered you are to make an educated decision. Have a chat with your school Guidance Councillor or person of a similar portfolio as they often posses knowledge about or have assisted others in a similar position as you. Have a one to one with your Computer Studies teacher and get a better insight of what the training entails an he/she may even know someone in the corporate arena and can get you that apprenticeship. You could also e-mail some colleges for brochures about their campus and the computer programming courses that they offer. Having said all of that aim for all A's in your A' levels so that you have several options at your disposal. You can infact have your cake and eat it. Best of luck.
TBH i'm not gonna get A's in my a-levels because the ONLY thing i'm good at is computing, and i'm gonna try and get as much experience and training as possible, and even though my A-levels grades wont be great hopefully i will have enough training a different qualification in computing that i will have a good chance at getting a good start in the computing and programming career path...i'm going to have to work damn hard on other qualification and training once i have done my a-levels because i'm going to get D's in my a-levels, (Politics, Law, ICT) i hate politics and law, so im just going to get through it, i'm not going to go to university, and i'm just going to as many training schemes and qualification as i can, and then go find a proper placement somewhere with advance training... so yeah that what i think ill do lol, and by the way its weird but starting this thread has actually made me decide once and for all what i am going to do! thanks guys
Ahhhh.....hmmmmmm.......well thanks!, but I can't help but have a sinking feeling in my stomach. You have obviously made a decision and I'm sure the reasons are crystal clear to you at this time, but might I suggest that you disabuse youself of the self defeating notions that you possess. Even if your decision is based on parameters that you can't control try to manipulate the variables that you can in your favour. By that I mean you have control of the outcome of your A'levels even if going to university at this time is not an option. Don't make the foregone conclusion that you are going to get only D's for your A'levels. Not because you have been getting D's on your continuous assessments means you'll automatically get a 'D' on the final. Work through past papers as many as you can, even if it's a last minute dash for the finish line. You might just get lucky. I'm not going to pretend that at your age I didn't find them difficult. Infact it was often a daunting prospect but you can and will prevail. Try to put your all into it and give it a good, if not your best shot. No one can ask more than that of you. Think of it this way. This may determine whether you drive a Mercedes or a Yugo(if they still make them). I hate to sound materialistic and life is so much more than that, but it often helps to put things in perspective. I can only encourage you to be optimistic and try to do your best despite lifes challenges. Rest assured that you're not alone but I must warn you that decisions like this about your career only get more complex as you get older because there are so many new variables that you presently may not be faced with. So I implore you to give it thought and make an informed and hopefully wise decision. I do wish you the very best. My parting words to you are.....Luck favours the prepared. Cheers.
@Jamzbond: Bravo! As a professional career courselor (within a social sevices framework) I am indeed impressed. @Nicktl: you're getting some damned good advice here!
Yeah, thanks for the advice, I had my politics exam today and tbh i think i did really well, looks like im not as thick as i thought, i'l let u know what grade i get
Now that's the spirit. Whew!, and to think I was just about to start taking medication for stress induced Hypertension 1 down, 2 to go champ. Best of luck.
thanks mate, i got Law and I.C.T on friday, hopefully they will go aswell as today, doesnt look as bad as i thought, i was getting really down about it, i feel more upbeat about it now though
@jamzbond I've finished doing my exams now, and i think i did ok! thanks for all the advice it really helped loads
I don't know how it is in the UK (im in the US), but I would do everything possible to get an internship while your in school. I've got a BS in computer science, but I made the mistake of not doing an internship (had to work and goto school during the summer), and I have no chance of getting a programming job.
