High School Student's FAQ

We receive a lot of visits from high school students that are interested in pursuing a career in computer technology. Choosing a path after high school is one of the most important decisions of your life and we encourage you to fully explore all your options as you embark upon this next stage in your life. Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we've received.

Why would I want to pursue a career in computer technology?

The computer industry has consistently been one of the fastest growing industries for over 20 years. Computers have become part of our every day life and have become ubiquitous in business. In addition, the pace of growth of the computer industry has consistently out paced the growth in the number of qualified people to fill the job openings available. This lack of qualified candidates for high-tech positions has driven the average salary level for computer jobs higher faster than average.

What should I study in High School if I’m interested in a computer career?

Those interested in computers tend to do well in the mathematics and often sciences too. Computer schools typically don’t have any specific requirements for course work beyond a basic high school education. If you intend to pursue a degree in computer technology you will need to complete the course work necessary to enter the school you are interested in attending (you should check with the specific school(s) to find out if there are pre-requisites). Many colleges also require scores from the SAT tests as a pre-requisite for admissions.

Should I get a college degree?

This is a very hard question and really depends on your individual situation. Many employers do prefer to hire employees that have a college degree, particularly for higher level jobs. That said, Bill Gates, the world’s richest man and founder of Microsoft dropped out of college. Because of the large discrepancy between the number of high tech jobs available and candidates to fill them, the computer industry perhaps offers one of the best opportunities for capable candidates without a college education to find employment.

Should I consider a technical school/college or a community college?

Technical schools and community colleges typically offer programs ranging in length from 9 months to two years that often lead to an Associate Degree. These programs tend to focus more on practical experience with current technologies along with a good dose of computer theory. For many people that have decided a full 4 year degree is not for them these schools offer an attractive alternative.

I’ve heard people say that they learned more in their first 6 months of working a computer job than they did in 4 years earning a degree. Could this be true?

Computer education in American colleges and universities has traditionally focuses on the more theoretical underpinnings of computer technology as opposed to practical experience with technologies used by businesses. It is designed to teach you how to think about computer technology rather than how to use specific technologies. Many employers prefer to higher candidates with this background in theory and then train entry level candidates to use the specific technologies they use (the computer technology field is so broad there is no way anyone could learn everything, even in 4 years).

Technical schools, community colleges, and a growing number of colleges and universities are now offering programs that offer more practical experience in technologies found in the business world. Many programs prepare students for certifications while they are earning their degree and provide a lot of hands on experience with the technologies.

What about the Military?

The military can provide great opportunities to get paid to learn computer technologies, go to school, save money for schooling after your service, all while serving your country. You should check with your local recruiting office if the idea of entering the military is appealing to you.