Career options....comments/suggestions appreciated

[AutoJunkie]

Here's my story. I'm 17 fresh out of highschool working at Mountain Mikes for minimum wage. I've been looking into colleges for about 6 months now, but I wanted to wait until 18 before I really start getting serious. My 18th B-Day is right around the corner and I want to get serious :icon_mrgr

I'm looking into a few Auto Schools as well as some Computer Schools. I've had a huge interest in both of them since I was 9, and thats all I did. Mess around with cars and/or computers. For Auto, I'm looking into WyoTech and UTI. Both are very interesting schools. I would love to be around cars for the next 40 years of my life. I think my only problem with going for something auto is, one, the industry itself. I mean who knows when were running out of gas or when people will start riding bikes when gas hits $10/Gallon. lol With all this electric mumbo jumbo talk are mechanics going to be needed? I would hate to drop $30K on one of these schools to not go anywhere with it.

Now for the computers schools, I'm looking into Full Sail,UAT, and Devry. I'm not to sure what programs I would like to be taking. I was looking into Digital Art/Design and NetWork Security.I also don't see computers going anywhere anytime soon. My only drawback here is that I'm not a math wiz.

While I would love to live in the moment, I'm also looking into the future. I'm looking at retirement,benefits....etc. etc. It also doesn't help that my parents don't agree. My dad wants me in a computer program. He keeps telling me without a degree nowadays I will get no where. My mom on the other hand is like, I'll support whatever you want to do. It seems like there are a quite a few people in here that are Car/PC Gurus. I was hoping to get a few opinions/suggestions. Anything right now is appreciated.

 

[moneypit]

Get a degree, you DO NOT WANT TO SPIN WRENCHES for the next 30 years , or get a degree and open you own shop

 

[Stalker]

define the term computer school.

 

[AutoJunkie]

Like a trade schools that focuses on computers. Digital Media,Programmers,Game Designers,Networks

 

[Stalker]

ok. Just making sure. You need to figure what area of expertise you want to go into in the computer field before jumping in. I personally don't do the programing thing. I do do networking, security, and hardware. I have no degree, no certificates, and no formal training in computers. I just got a job paying me 50k a year, 5 weeks vacation, and full benefits. A job can be had without the degree, but it definitely is harder. If you're going programming, I honestly have no advice. I just know for a fact that a degree is not necessary.

 

[ReallyRedCobra]

Well I don't have a degree and I have a nice computer job here at Compuware. This is not the norm.

However, having a degree will greatly help, but my advice to you is try to get as much work experience as possible while working toward a degree. Alot of companies will hire based more on experience than someone fresh out of college with no experience.

 

[lethalss]

Like a trade schools that focuses on computers. Digital Media,Programmers,Game Designers,Networks

To be honest, most of those "degree's" from trade schools are not held in high regards as compared to a regular university degree when you get into the business world. Like it or not, people are biased. Sure, you may be a whiz and know more than the next guy, but, they DO look where a degree comes from. Any reason why a regular university degree is out of the question here?

If you get an engineering degree, you can design cars / parts, however, that requires strong math like calculus and beyond.

If you get a CS degree, you really only need basic algebra for the math side of things, unless you are game programming or some other obscure field. Most of CS is understanding OO programming and a syntax of a language. Now if you take your knowledge of cars, and apply it with your programming degree, you can go work for one of the larger car companies and design computer systems on those cars.

If you like to work with computers but NOT program them, look into network security, network administration, or even helpdesk.

 

[lethalss]

ok. Just making sure. You need to figure what area of expertise you want to go into in the computer field before jumping in. I personally don't do the programing thing. I do do networking, security, and hardware. I have no degree, no certificates, and no formal training in computers. I just got a job paying me 50k a year, 5 weeks vacation, and full benefits. A job can be had without the degree, but it definitely is harder. If you're going programming, I honestly have no advice. I just know for a fact that a degree is not necessary.

I agree with stalker 100%. Find out what you like and focus on it. If you learn to like database administration, look into Oracle, a good oracle DBA with 3-4yrs exp can make 120k+ easily.

Just for reference, I have a degree, I'm a programmer, and I make 70k+/yr, all the benefits etc. I have about 7yrs exp.

To have no degree and get into computers here in MI is really hard being that there is so much competition out there when looking for a job. Hell, really anywhere its hard w/o a degree. But once you're in and you get some exp, you can really take off and make some money.

 

[AutoJunkie]

To be honest, most of those "degree's" from trade schools are not held in high regards as compared to a regular university degree when you get into the business world. Like it or not, people are biased. Sure, you may be a whiz and know more than the next guy, but, they DO look where a degree comes from. Any reason why a regular university degree is out of the question here?

If you get an engineering degree, you can design cars / parts, however, that requires strong math like calculus and beyond.

If you get a CS degree, you really only need basic algebra for the math side of things, unless you are game programming or some other obscure field. Most of CS is understanding OO programming and a syntax of a language. Now if you take your knowledge of cars, and apply it with your programming degree, you can go work for one of the larger car companies and design computer systems on those cars.

If you like to work with computers but NOT program them, look into network security, network administration, or even helpdesk.

Ok, this is what I was also told by my aunt friend. Look into these fields. Atleast I'm kinda on the right track. I don't want anything to do with programming. Also does anyone know much about Digital Art and Design? I talked to one of the students at UAT and he said he was majoring in this. He said it left him alot of options career wise. He can get into Games,Media,Movies,Advertisement. I would also like ot atleast ook into the Game Design Program as well, see what it offers and if it suits me.

 

[4 cam tbird]

So there is a lot of talk of computers, and maybe that's what you are going to do, but you did express a desire to work on cars. If you work on cars, what do you want to do? If you want to be a normal mechanic in the average shop, places like UTI and Wyotech are a lot of expense that isn't going to get you anything over the tech degree from the local community college. My dad has been a mechanic for a long time and says that he's seen kids that knew way more come from community college than the kids that went to Wyotech knew.

Now if you want to get a job in a big time custom shop or something, some place like Wyotech might help you do that. So like computers, get a decent idea of what direction you want to go before you go into it.

You talk about graphic design and things like that with computers. Maybe that is the direction you should go, you could get your degree in that and go work for a car company designing cars! You get it all that way.

 

[FlyLike]

I'm here at Columbia College Chicago for Game 3D / Animation. I haven't chosen a minor yet but I'd like it to be programming or networking.

This field is EXTREMELY hard if you are not the top of the class and are able to get professional references. I am coming to the end of my sophomore year and just finishing up doing gen eds. By the end of next year I need to have an internship.

If you don't get an internship in this field you are basically f*cked. Most jobs require a year or two of experience before even thinking about applying.

You better DAMN WELL have the finances to back up your education. If you are going to be too busy working to focus on school and an internship you are going to be screwed.

I would try to stay away from loans as much as possible if I were you, I know too many people that get screwed over. I have a FAFSA loan and that is it, I have a scholarship helping me here and I work during school, my parents pay for the rest.

You talk about graphic design and things like that with computers. Maybe that is the direction you should go, you could get your degree in that and go work for a car company designing cars! You get it all that way.

The probability of that happening is slim to none. I'm sorry to be slaming hopes and dreams but that is just the reality. You have to be the best of the best to be doing that.

 

[lethalss]

... I don't want anything to do with programming. ... I would also like ot atleast ook into the Game Design Program as well, see what it offers and if it suits me.

The fact that you dont want to program, just stay away from game design unless you just want to use 3d programs like 3dsmax and do 3d modeling.

If you want to get into network admin, look into an MCSE and CCNA certs. They cost a lot, but you can home-school yourself and take the very expensive tests to try to reduce some of the overhead.

 

[Detroit Style Dragger]

Do not goto UTI. Its the laughing stock of all shops. I learned nothing while I was there other than how to sleep really well. Goto WYOtech or Northen Ohio Tech for auto. They are much better in every way than UTI.

 

[1BadLSC]

Don't go to any auto school, none of the techs at my work did and they work in a dealer, most of them only havs state certs, and some ASE. You pay 30k to go to a school that gives you a piece of paper that means nothing, it's not even a degree. You just need to have a brain to work on cars, too bad most people these days don't.

 

[fakessturbo]

If you pick either automotive or computer school, start working on your wrist strength. Both have a boy / girl ratio like 10 to 1.

 

[86CamaroZ28]

Northen Ohio Tech for auto.

do you mean U of NW ohio? i graduated from there this past june with an associate degree in hi-po motor sports. its a great program if you go there willing to learn. NOT TEACH! :lol: (gotta love ignorance)

from the impression that i get when i go on interviews, having the degree really helps out a ton. i get great reactions when the talk about my degree, BUT work experience is a must. lack of work experience has been the major reason i haven't been so successful with interviews.

and i should add that northwester also has a bachelors degree in automotive management that you can shoot for. My dad was against going to northwestern until the associate degree was brought up. with the high performance degree you can go work for the big 3, be a tech at a dealership or race shop, or even get in with a race team. theres all kinds of endless possibilities. while the OEM job market looks to be dieing right now. the high performance market WILL NOT GO AWAY. as long as theres OEM's still producing cars. there will still be people wanting them to go faster.

if you also go through northwesterns diesel and alt. fuels program you'll be prepared for a career in any automotive field. especially with the rise of the diesel performance market lately.

 

[86CamaroZ28]

Don't go to any auto school, none of the techs at my work did and they work in a dealer, most of them only havs state certs, and some ASE. You pay 30k to go to a school that gives you a piece of paper that means nothing, it's not even a degree. You just need to have a brain to work on cars, too bad most people these days don't.

you learn a hell of alot more if you go to school or training. it will give you the "one up" on the other guy. and you learn a hell of alot. if you get an automotive degree you arn't limited to being a tech doing bitch work all your life, listening to some service writer tell you how to do your job.

 

[1BADAIR]

whats wrong with UTI? The only downside is the closest one to us(glendale) doesn't give you a degree.
Most of the big three and others won't even look at you without an associtates

 

[AutoJunkie]

I think I'll end up in some sort of Computer Program right now. I went to the docs. yesterday for my arm and got some shitty ass news. He wants to take the 3 plates and 14 screws out of my elbow, then he wants to redo it with a differen't type of plate and a few more screws. He also thinks the chances of the nerve coming back 100% in my hand are slim to none. So it was a depressing day yesterday. So far from the many responses that I got...I should look into Network Security/Administration. I still would like to look into the Digital Art and Design program.

To blade: There is no way in hell I'm going to have enough to pay for this. I'm going to have to have a loan.

 

[86CamaroZ28]

I'm going to have to have a loan.

don't worry, most college graduates have large student loans. small price to pay for not having to break your back the rest of your life.