Careers in Computers/Computer Hardware?

[CorporalCupcake]

So after diving into the world of computers, building my own computer, and learning a ton about the industry, I've taken interest in computers or computer hardware as a career choice. Fortunate for me, I live in California, and even more specifically the Bay Area i.e. Silicon Valley, so I'm surrounded by all these great companies, but really have no idea where to start, or even how to find what my exact interest would be computer wise.

So my question to you guys is this: Do you work in the computer industry? If so, how did you get there, or did you have to work your way up in a company? And did your academic accomplishments play a roll in landing you a job?

Any input would be great, just need to know where to start, what to study, or even just some encouragement that its a great industry to be apart of. Thanks guys!

[REDNINJA2012]

I looking into the Career of a Computer Hardware Engineer. It's somebody that designs computer hardware. It sounds very interesting and I would suggest taking a look at it. It's what I want to do for a career.

yeah i was thinking of that to because when you go to your local computer store you can say hey i designed that graphics card and put a smile on ur face

[Salmiakbal]

Don't do Computer Science because you'll end up as either a code monkey or a sys admin (or something related), neither of which have to do a lot with designing hardware.(math math math..)

Maybe Electrical Engineering? Don't know a whole lot of other courses. I do Mechanical Engineering myself.

[UberFefa]

I think that Generally engineering is the way to go if you want to work with hardware, though I've heard that you can get Computer Engineering jobs with a CompSci degree. Low level ones though.

I am also looking into Computer Engineering, it would be nice to hear if anyone on the forum has experience with that profession.

[CorporalCupcake]

Engineering seems like the way to go from what I've seen so far. Don't want to be coding or dealing with creating software as much, definitely hardware. Or I'd even be open to marketing for a computer company, but I'd much more rather be involved with the development of hardware than just selling it. Hopefully someone on the forum has some involvement.

[Oisin Maguire]

Don't do Computer Science because you'll end up as either a code monkey or a sys admin (or something related), neither of which have to do a lot with designing hardware.(math math math..)

Maybe Electrical Engineering? Don't know a whole lot of other courses. I do Mechanical Engineering myself.

try physics as then you can do nearly anything :-)

[Kilmer02]

I too have been thinking the same thing. My life revolves around computers and the technology involved in making them. I am going to be asking the it guys in my school what I should do because I know I can make a career out of my love for computers because computers are a part of everyone's life nowadays. I hope I don't end up as a code monkey because that is not my thing!

[ericlee30]

That is a very good question sir. Yes it is possible to get what you want if you push your self to do it.

Here is my story:

Back in 2001 my Parents got a divorce and had a computer that nether one of them wanted so I took it home and it stayed in my closet for 3 months. I came home from work one day bored and decided I wanted to play solitaire so I pulled it out and stared at the back of the pc tell my GF at the time got home and told her I didn't have any Idea how to plug it in LOL so she showed me. I started liking it so I asked her uncle if he would teach me how PC's worked. He owns his own Computer company in Kansas city, Kansas. He taught me the basics around windows and how to run DOS about six months later I went back to him and showed him what I had learned my self. He looked at me in surprise and I said what. He told me I just crammed 5 years of knowledge in 6 months. I said really. He told me I should go to school for it. So I went home and bought every book I could get my hands on that was about computers, I studied for one year before I went to collage. In collage my teacher told me I was really advanced and taught me more stuff then the class knew, I went to school every day and hung out with my teacher all day,.I did the hole schools networking with him, Helped him build firewalls for the school and helped him fix any PC's at the school. about a year into school they replaced all the computers at my school and I asked my teacher what they do to the old ones. He said throw them away so I asked him if I could have them all he said yes I had over 230 PC's and 15 servers. I was the fastest person to ever graduate from my school I did 8 years of school in 4 and a half years and the only one to get a 4.0 average all 4 and half years I was there. I got my associates degree in Computer programing, a Masters degree in computer Networking and a Masters Degree in Computer science.

While I was in school I started my own PC repair company in my local area. That's how I got my self through school.The job I have now is not exactly what i want to do in life but it is a start, I don't plan on doing PHP my hole life. I work for a Boyscout Uniform Company and I had to prove alot to my CEO before I got the job I wanted. I had to Write a PHP script from scratch that revolved around my work and I had a dead line of 1 week to do it. I got very little sleep that week but I did it. I went from Pressing Boyscout Uniforms for $8.50 an hour to having my own office an very nice one I might add and now I make $25.00 an hour.I also still do PC repair in my local town for the extra money. It does take a long time to get some were unless you know people but if you push your self hard enough you can become what you want in the end, If you like computers and it a passion for you keep pushing your dream, you will not fail at it if you don't give up

Like my wife for an example she started off working at Kmart and was going to school while doing so. She graduated at the top of her class for physical therapy and now she makes $83,000 a year in what she does. She also is a computer nerd as well :)

[Jozi]

I'm electrical engineer and I wish I had studied something computer related even though there is no jobs for it where I live T_T. Well can't get job as electrical engineer without years of experience so maybe I should start to study something again...

[MdX MaxX]

I'm working on a Computer Engineering degree right now; I'm halfway through my second year. Loving it so far.

It's truly amazing how many different areas of Electrical and Computer Engineering one can focus in. If you do choose to pursue such a career there will be many ways to get your feet wet, so to speak.

[deafboy]

Internships like no other.... especially down there where you're at. Study up and apply.

[Emkryan]

Im getting into Computer engineering and have some classes on networking and Operating systems, am I on the right track?

[Bob]

This thread really helped me with gaining a better understating about the different degrees.

[MystiqThunder]

I looking into the Career of a Computer Hardware Engineer. It's somebody that designs computer hardware. It sounds very interesting and I would suggest taking a look at it. It's what I want to do for a career.

That must be a very sick job! I would love to get into this field.

[CorporalCupcake]

This is really helping me too. I have friends who's parents work at Nvidia and Intel (as well as many other computer based companies) which are soooo close by to where I live, and I'd love an opportunity to work at either, but idk how I'd even start, if there are any entry level positions, or even getting an internship. Most of their internships require very high levels of college education that I haven't quite achieved yet=/

[Ohmycaptain]

I'm a high-school drop out with no former education in Computers, or computer Science. I currently work for a small company building Servers and Rackmounted computers, basically I build computers all day and do some hardware tech support. It just takes hard work and you need to learn all you can and apply yourself. I started out as an EasyTech at a local Staples, and after proving my knowledge to my managers, when a vacancy opened up for the Computer Technician job, I immediately applied and got talking to my managers. I worked as a computer technician for around 4 months before finding my current job.

Your best bet is to start somewhere small, like Best Buy or Staples, get just enough experience to start looking for the next step. Never slow down until you're in a position you're happy with. I'm currently loving my job but it's nowhere near where I look to be in the future, but for somebody with no formal education I've gone far just by applying myself and soaking up as much knowledge as I can.

A great place to look for jobs at smaller-medium sized businesses where you can get better references and more solid experience is Monster or Craigslist. I really recommend trying to work at a small business who deals with computer hardware and software (tech support, building computers, etc) if you can, it's very good experience, you'll learn A LOT in a short period, and it looks great on a resume when you don't rely on some sort of retail situation like Staples.

Take small steps, but take them fast. The biggest mistake I see is people who hold onto a job they're not content with for years. You need experience, but the longer you stay at a job the more solidified you are in that job. Always be looking, applying, and gaining experience at the same time.

[CorporalCupcake]

Updating on my journey towards a career in computers.

So I've decided to work on my Certificate of Proficiency in Computer Hardware, just to dip my toes in the water and see how it feels as making a career out of it. The certificate is very short, should take only 2 semesters, than I'll have to decide either to scrap the whole idea, or pursue an even higher degree, but things are looking up, thanks everyone for you're replies so far!

[Glaith]

Thank you for your input guys. Gona look into this computer Engineering, being a recycler since I was 12, Ive always wanted to be the guy in a AMD shirt behind the counter.

I WANT THAT SHIRT :P

[Konn]

Currently aiming for Software Engineering for University since I am currently in high school, really like engineering but really disliked physics. Will do some game development and will create random things like mini electric go kart with big flaps as breaks, attempt building mini airship and other random things as hobby.

[Fordox]

Don't do Computer Science because you'll end up as either a code monkey or a sys admin (or something related), neither of which have to do a lot with designing hardware.(math math math..)

Maybe Electrical Engineering? Don't know a whole lot of other courses. I do Mechanical Engineering myself.

that isn't really specific. you learn a bunch of stuff that won't be computer related.

i also study electrical engineering, and i like it a lot. but you don't have anything to do with computers.